Many drivers ask, what does basic car insurance cover in California? In this state, “basic” insurance refers to the minimum liability coverage required by law. As of January 1, 2025, the legal minimum is written as 30/60/15. These numbers mean that your insurance will pay up to $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 total for injuries or deaths of multiple people in the same accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. This liability protection is designed to pay for the harm you cause to others, not for your own losses.
Basic car insurance in California meets the state’s legal requirements but only protects other people when you are at fault. It does not pay for your injuries, your vehicle, or additional costs such as rental cars and towing. For most drivers, expanding coverage beyond the minimum is the safest way to avoid being left with large out-of-pocket expenses after an accident.
What Does Basic Car Insurance Cover in California?
Bodily Injury and Property Damage Liability
Liability coverage has two main parts. First, bodily injury liability pays for another person’s medical bills, rehabilitation costs, or lost income if they are hurt in a crash that you cause. It can also apply to long-term impacts, such as ongoing therapy or disability. Second, property damage liability covers the cost of repairing or replacing another person’s property, such as their car, a fence, or other structures damaged in the collision.
Optional Coverages That Provide More Protection
To better protect yourself, you can add optional coverages to your policy. Examples include collision insurance, which pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident you cause, and comprehensive insurance, which covers theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters. You may also consider Medical Payments (MedPay) or Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which help cover your medical bills regardless of fault, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which provides protection if you are hit by someone without sufficient insurance.
These add-ons close the gaps left by basic liability insurance.
Why Minimum Coverage May Not Be Enough
Although California law requires drivers to carry 30/60/15 coverage, in many situations these limits are not enough to pay for all damages. A single hospital stay can exceed $30,000, and property damage to a high-value vehicle may go far beyond $15,000. If the costs are higher than your policy limits, you are personally responsible for paying the difference. This is why many drivers choose higher liability limits or full coverage policies for greater financial security.
What Basic Insurance Does Not Cover
California’s minimum insurance only covers other people. It does not pay for your own medical expenses if you are injured, nor does it repair or replace your car. Personal belongings inside the car are not protected under liability coverage, and neither are expenses like towing or renting a car after an accident. This means that while you meet the legal requirements with basic coverage, you may still face significant financial risks if you rely on it alone.
FAQs About What Car Insurance Covers
Does insurance cover a rental car after an accident?
A common question drivers ask is, does insurance cover a rental car after an accident? In California, basic liability insurance does not automatically include rental car reimbursement. If another driver is at fault, their liability coverage may pay for your rental while your vehicle is repaired or until a settlement is issued. If you are at fault, rental costs are only covered if your policy includes optional rental reimbursement coverage. Without it, you will likely need to pay out-of-pocket.
Even when coverage applies, there are limits. Insurance companies often cap the daily amount (around $30 per day) and the number of days covered, usually one to two weeks. Rental benefits typically apply only to vehicles similar to your own, and disputes over fault can delay approval. In such cases, you may have to pay upfront and later request reimbursement once liability is resolved, so keeping receipts and detailed records is essential.
Because insurers frequently delay or deny rental approvals, legal help can make a big difference. At Megeredchian Law, our car accident lawyers in California work directly with insurance companies to secure rental cars for clients while their vehicles are being repaired or replaced. With the right representation, you can avoid unnecessary delays and ensure you have reliable transportation while your accident claim is handled.
Does car insurance cover personal belongings damaged in a car accident?
In California, standard auto insurance policies are designed to cover damage to vehicles, not personal items inside them. This means that belongings such as laptops, mobile phones, jewelry, prescription glasses, or even groceries are generally not covered under your car insurance policy if they are damaged in a collision. Instead, these losses may fall under your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which often extends protection to personal property damaged away from the home.
If another driver is at fault for the accident, you may include your damaged belongings as part of a property damage claim against their insurance policy. In this case, you can request reimbursement for items lost in the crash, such as clothing, electronics, or wearable medical devices like hearing aids and dentures. Dashcams, which are now common in vehicles, can also be included if they were destroyed in the collision, but coverage depends on how the insurer categorizes the device—some treat it as part of the vehicle, while others classify it as personal property.
If your own insurance policy does not cover these belongings and the other driver’s coverage is insufficient, you may still have options. You could pursue compensation through your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, or, if the loss is significant and the insurer denies fair payment, you may need to file a lawsuit for property damage. High-value items such as professional equipment, designer accessories, or expensive electronics often exceed policy limits, making legal action the most effective way to recover their full replacement value.
Does car insurance cover towing after an accident?
That depends on both fault and the type of coverage you carry. Basic liability insurance does not pay for towing costs. If another driver caused the accident, their liability coverage may reimburse you for towing, but only after fault is confirmed and a claim is accepted. If you are found at fault, you are responsible for the towing bill unless your policy includes additional protections.
Towing expenses are usually covered under two types of policies. The first is collision coverage, which often pays for towing after an accident regardless of who was responsible. The second is roadside assistance or towing coverage, an optional add-on that also covers situations such as breakdowns, flat tires, or dead batteries. Coverage limits apply, and some insurers require you to pay the towing company upfront and then file for reimbursement.
If the at-fault driver is uninsured or if liability is disputed, you may need to pay the towing and storage fees initially to avoid rising costs at the tow yard. In these cases, keep all receipts so you can include them in a reimbursement claim. Because disputes with insurers are common, working with an accident attorney can help ensure that towing and storage costs are properly included in your settlement.
Does car insurance cover an accident if someone else is driving?
In most cases, car insurance in California follows the vehicle rather than the driver. This means that if you give someone permission to use your car and they cause an accident, your liability insurance generally applies to cover injuries or property damage. However, there are restrictions. Coverage may not apply if the driver is specifically excluded from your policy, if the vehicle is being used for commercial purposes, or if the driver does not have a valid license.
Because these situations can become complex, it is important to understand the limits of your policy before lending your car. For a detailed explanation of how this works, see our full guide:
What Happens if Someone Else is Driving my Car and Gets in an Accident?
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, Megeredchian Law is here to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Our experienced attorneys handle every aspect of your claim—from securing medical care and rental cars to negotiating with insurance companies—so you can focus on recovery. Call us today for a free consultation at (866) 359-0807 or contact us online to get started.