Effective January 1, 2025 – What Drivers Need to Know About Vehicle Code §16056

California's roads are about to get safer—not because of new traffic lights or better enforcement, but because of stronger insurance laws. Thanks to Senate Bill 1107, the state is updating its decades-old auto insurance minimums. If you're a driver in California, these changes directly affect your financial protection in the event of a crash.

Let's break it down.

What Is SB 1107?

SB 1107, signed into law in 2022, updates the minimum liability insurance coverage required to operate a vehicle in California. The law specifically amends Vehicle Code §16056, which governs the minimum limits of coverage a driver must carry to cover injuries or damages caused to others in an accident.

The last time California raised these limits was over 50 years ago—in 1967. Since then, the cost of medical care, vehicle repairs, and legal claims has skyrocketed. This update is long overdue.

 What Does Vehicle Code §16056 Say Now?

Prior (Pre-2025) Minimum Liability Limits:

• $15,000 for injury or death to one person
• $30,000 for injury or death to more than one person
• $5,000 for property damage

Current (Effective January 1, 2025) Minimum Liability Limits:

• $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

Under the revised Vehicle Code §16056, these amounts will apply to any vehicle liability policy issued or renewed in California starting January 1, 2025.

Why This Matters for You

If you're injured in a car accident caused by someone else, the minimum amount their insurance company has to pay you is going up. This is great news for injury victims, because the current limits often don't cover the full cost of emergency room visits, surgery, lost wages, or ongoing rehabilitation.

As a personal injury law firm, we often see clients whose damages far exceed the at-fault driver's coverage—especially under the old 15/30/5 policy limits. These low limits left injured victims struggling to recover full compensation. SB 1107 changes that.

What Should Drivers Do Now?

If you carry only the minimum required coverage, expect your insurance premiums to increase slightly when you renew your policy. However, this is an opportunity to reassess your coverage and ensure you're protected—not just for the sake of legal compliance, but for your own financial security.

We recommend:

• Reviewing your liability limits now
• Considering uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM)
• Talking with your insurer about how the new law affects your policy

Injured in a Car Accident? Know Your Rights

At Kohn Law Office, we help injury victims understand how California's changing laws affect their claims. Whether you're dealing with a recent crash or just want to know how SB 1107 impacts your situation, we're here to guide you.

Don't let outdated coverage limit your recovery. If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, call us today for a free consultation. 760-721-8182