Driving Without Auto Insurance in California

What Does California Require?

California law requires every vehicle owner and driver to be financially responsible, and nearly everyone does that with an auto insurance policy. Since January 1, 2025, the minimum liability limits are:

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person
• $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $15,000 for damage to someone else’s property

These limits, written as 30/60/15, replaced the old 15/30/5 minimums. Instead of a policy, a small number of drivers use another approved form of financial responsibility, such as a cash deposit or surety bond on file with the DMV. You need proof of coverage to register your vehicle, and you must show it if you’re pulled over or involved in an accident.

What Happens if You Drive Without Insurance in California?

• Fines: a first offense carries a base fine of $100 to $200, and a second offense $200 to $500. Court penalty assessments can make the real cost several times higher.
• Impound: police can impound your vehicle, and you’ll pay towing and storage fees to get it back.
• License suspension: if you’re in an accident that must be reported to the DMV (injury, death, or more than $1,000 in property damage) and you don’t have insurance, your license can be suspended for up to four years. Reinstatement usually requires an SR-22 filing.
• Personal liability: without coverage, you’re responsible for the other driver’s medical bills and repairs, and under Proposition 213 an uninsured driver generally can’t recover pain and suffering damages, even when the other driver was at fault.

Not having auto insurance almost always costs more than having it. Drivers with a good record and limited income may qualify for the California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program.

Review Your Coverage as Life Changes

New drivers, a new job, a move, or a new vehicle can all change what you need. You don’t have to wait for your policy to renew to review it. Contact us for a free quote and a side-by-side comparison with your current coverage.