Is California a no-fault state?
No. California is an at-fault state. The driver who caused the crash is responsible, and their liability insurance pays for injuries and damage they cause.
Last checked November 9, 2026 · Official sources (4)
How does California car insurance work?
“Liability Coverage is for accidents that are your fault. Bodily injury liability pays for bodily injury you cause someone else. Property damage liability pays for property damage you cause someone else.”
California Department of Insurance
What is California's minimum car insurance?
| Coverage | What California requires |
|---|---|
| Injury to one person | $30,000 |
| Injuries in one crash | $60,000 |
| Damage to property | $15,000 |
| Uninsured motorist | Insurers must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. You can turn it down, but you must sign a waiver. |
Other at-fault states
Questions
How much insurance does California require?
$30,000 for one person hurt or killed, $60,000 for more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage.
What if you were partly at fault in California?
If you were partly at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you are not shut out.
Hurt in a crash in California? Find out if you are owed money.
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See if I’m owed moneySources (4)
- California Department of Insurance, checked 2026-11-09. “Liability Coverage is for accidents that are your fault. Bodily injury liability pays for bodily injury you cause someone else. Property damage liability pays for property damage you cause someone else.”
- California Department of Motor Vehicles (California Driver's Handbook), checked 2026-11-09. “Your insurance must cover at least: $30,000 for a single death or injury. $60,000 for death or injury to more than one person. $15,000 for property damage.”
- California Department of Insurance, checked 2026-11-09. “The insurance company must offer you this coverage. If you choose not to buy it, you must sign a form, called a waiver.”
- Judicial Council of California, Civil Jury Instructions (CACI No. 405), checked 2026-11-09. “If [name of defendant] proves the above, [name of plaintiff]'s damages are reduced by your determination of the percentage of [name of plaintiff]'s responsibility.”