Every driver in California must carry liability insurance, and for policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025 the minimum is 30/60/15 (Vehicle Code 16056). Whether to also buy collision and comprehensive on an older car is a value question.
If the car is totaled, California regulations require the insurer to pay the cost of a comparable vehicle, plus taxes and license fees, less your deductible (10 CCR 2695.8). You also have 35 days after the offer to reopen the claim if you cannot find a comparable car for that amount. Many people with older cars drop physical damage coverage; the deductible and the car’s replacement cost decide whether that makes sense for yours. Figures current as of 2026.
Related FAQs
An SR-22 is a certificate a court or the DMV may require to confirm you carry the state minimum. Ask us if you have been told you need one. ...
As of January 1, 2025, the minimums are 30/60/15: 30,000 dollars per injured person, 60,000 dollars per accident, and 15,000 dollars for property damage. Higher limits are often worth ...
It is not mandatory, but many California drivers add it because it may protect you when an at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
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