California at a glance
| Bodily injury liability (per person) | $30,000 |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $60,000 |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 |
| Personal injury protection (PIP) | Not required (may be optional) |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Not required (usually offered) |
| USDOT number for intrastate commercial vehicles | Generally required (thresholds vary) |
| Interstate for-hire trucking | Federal minimums apply: $750,000+ for general freight in trucks 10,001+ lbs |
California raised its minimums to 30/60/15 in 2025. Most for-hire and many commercial vehicles also need a Motor Carrier Permit (MCP) from the DMV and a CA number from the CHP, with their own insurance filing rules.
State minimums vs. what businesses actually carry
California's minimum limits (30/60/15)are a legal floor for every registered vehicle. A single serious accident involving a work truck can exceed them many times over, and the business — not just the driver — can be sued for the difference. That's why contractors, delivery companies and trucking operations in California typically carry a $1,000,000 combined single limit, and why most commercial contracts require it.
Trucking in California
- Crossing state lines for hire? You need USDOT registration, MC operating authority, and a federal insurance filing (BMC-91X) — see the FMCSA requirement finder.
- Staying inside California? California generally requires intrastate commercial vehicles above certain weight or use thresholds to have a USDOT number, and may have its own authority and insurance filing rules. Check with the state's motor carrier office before you haul.
- Already have authority? Verify your filing with the DOT/MC insurance lookup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in California?
California requires at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $15,000 in property damage liability.
Do commercial vehicles in California need more than the state minimum?
Often, yes. Heavier trucks, for-hire carriers and passenger vehicles commonly face higher state or federal requirements, and most clients, brokers and lenders require $1,000,000 in liability regardless.
How much is commercial auto insurance in California?
It depends heavily on vehicle type and use — from roughly $1,500 a year for a business pickup to well over $10,000 for a for-hire truck. Try our cost estimator for a planning range, or request quotes for real numbers.
State requirements summarized October 2026 for general information. Laws and thresholds change; confirm with the California DMV or insurance department and a licensed agent.
Nearby in the list: Arkansas · Colorado · All states