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Having the right auto insurance coverage in California isn’t just a legal requirement set forth by state law. It’s also your lifeline to financial relief after a serious accident. At Levinson Law Group, attorneys have seen firsthand how the quality of your insurance can make or break your recovery. Too often, crash victims find out too late that the cheap policy they bought online leaves them with little or no protection when they need it most.
Our tips on recommended car insurance coverage in California aren’t a sales pitch, as we do not partner with insurance companies or sell insurance ourselves. These are honest, experience-based recommendations for motor vehicle insurance and the types of coverage that are actually worth paying for in California. Suppose you want to protect yourself, your passengers, and your finances in the event of a serious accident anywhere in California. In that case, we hope this information on our recommended auto insurance coverage in California will help you understand what’s honestly recommended, not just what’s required.
Recommended Auto Insurance Coverage in California (Minimum Requirements for 2025)
As of January 1, 2025, California has raised its minimum liability insurance limits for the first time in decades. According to the California DMV, all drivers must now carry at least:
- $30,000 for injury or death to one person
- $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage
Previously, the limits were just $15,000 / $30,000 / $5,000, which would barely cover the cost of a single emergency room visit or a damaged vehicle in today’s economy. You can learn more about how these limits work and why they often fall short on our page explaining California’s minimum auto insurance coverage requirements.
The Problem With Only Having the Minimum Insurance Requirements or Buying Cheap Insurance
Many California drivers choose only to carry the minimum insurance required by state law or opt for the cheapest policy they can find. They do this because they assume it’s enough to stay protected in the event of a car accident. Unfortunately, when a serious accident happens, those cheap policies often leave victims unprotected and facing devastating financial losses.
In many cases, these gaps in coverage lead to disputes with insurers over what is actually covered under a policy. Our attorneys frequently see this issue when evaluating claims involving liability insurance coverage in California.
Client Story Highlights the Importance of Having Proper Auto Insurance
One of our attorneys recently handled a heartbreaking case where our client lost their leg in a motorcycle crash. The other driver was uninsured, and the client’s own “budget” insurance policy only offered financial assistance up to the state minimums. Due to the at-fault motorist being uninsured, and our client only carrying the state-required minimums at the time, the total recovery for this client was just $15,000.
For a life-altering injury, this compensation was barely enough to cover a few weeks of hospital bills. Unfortunately, this is not uncommon. When insurance companies refuse to fully honor claims, injured victims may need to explore legal options, including suing an insurance company after a car accident.
Recommended Car Insurance Coverage in California
Here’s what our car accident attorneys and staff actually recommend that drivers purchase for auto insurance. We base our recommendations on years of handling serious car and motorcycle accident cases. Below are the various types of coverage that consistently make the difference between being made whole and being financially devastated after a car accident in California.
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM)
If you only buy one additional type of insurance, make sure it is UM/UIM coverage. About 20% of California drivers are uninsured, while many others carry only the state’s minimum coverage limits. This leaves thousands of motorists dangerously underprotected in the event of a crash.
Our team at Levinson Law Group has represented countless California auto accident victims whose recovery depended on this coverage. In cases where insurers deny or undervalue these claims, our California insurance lawyers who sue insurance companies
often step in to hold carriers accountable.
Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)
Medical Payments insurance, often referred to as Med Pay coverage, helps pay your medical bills regardless of who caused the accident. Even modest Med Pay limits can prevent severe financial strain and allow accident victims to seek treatment immediately.
Rental Reimbursement Coverage
Rental reimbursement coverage pays for the cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered accident. This inexpensive coverage can be invaluable when your car is out of service.
Collision and Comprehensive Coverage
Collision coverage pays for damage to your car from a crash, regardless of fault. Comprehensive coverage pays for non-crash losses such as theft, vandalism, or damage from wildfires and floods, which are an increasing risk in California.
Gap Insurance
If you financed or leased your vehicle, gap insurance covers the difference between what your car is worth and what you still owe if the vehicle is totaled.
Need Help Figuring Out If Your Insurance Is Enough?
Auto insurance is your financial safety net when an accident occurs. Unfortunately, insurance companies do not always act in good faith when paying claims. If you believe your insurer is unfairly delaying, denying, or underpaying benefits, our California bad faith insurance attorneys
can help evaluate your situation.
If you’ve been injured in an accident and are unsure whether your insurance coverage is enough, our team is available to review your case and help you determine what compensation may be available.