Making sure your family is safe isn’t just about car seats and seat belts—it also means having the right car insurance in California, especially if you’re driving around California. With recent changes in coverage rules, knowing what’s required (and what’s smart to have) can help keep both your loved ones and your bank account protected.

California’s Car Insurance Requirements—What’s New?

If you’re driving in California, you’re legally required to carry liability insurance. And starting January 1, 2025, the minimum coverage amounts are going up to better protect drivers and accident victims. Here’s what’s changing:

  • Bodily Injury or Death Per Person: Increasing from $15,000 to $30,000
  • Bodily Injury or Death Per Accident: Increasing from $30,000 to $60,000
  • Property Damage Per Accident: Increasing from $5,000 to $15,000

These increases are meant to ensure that if an accident happens, there’s enough coverage to help with medical bills and repairs—not just for you, but for anyone involved.

What Affects Your Insurance Costs?

Car insurance prices don’t just appear out of nowhere—companies look at several factors before setting your rates:

  • Your Driving History: A clean record means better rates, while accidents and tickets can push costs up.
  • Your Car: Some cars cost more to insure than others, depending on safety ratings, repair costs, and theft risk.
  • Where You Live: If you’re in a busy city with lots of traffic, your premiums might be higher than in quieter areas.
  • Your Credit Score: Some states don’t allow insurers to factor in credit scores, but where it’s legal, a higher score usually leads to lower premiums.

Ways Moms Can Save on Car Insurance

Between groceries, school expenses, and everything else, keeping car insurance affordable is key. Here are some ways to cut costs without sacrificing coverage:

  • Compare Prices: Rates can be wildly different between companies, so it pays to shop around.
  • Bundle Policies: If you have homeowners or renters insurance, bundling it with your car insurance could bring discounts.
  • Drive Safely: Avoiding accidents and tickets helps keep your rates low over time.
  • Ask About Discounts: Many insurers offer lower rates for safe drivers, students with good grades, or cars with advanced safety features.
  • Adjust Your Coverage: Raising your deductible can lower your monthly premium—but make sure you have savings set aside in case you ever need to pay it.
  • Look into Usage-Based Insurance: Some companies offer plans that track your driving habits and reward careful driving with lower rates.

Extra Tips for Single Moms

If you’re managing everything on your own, cutting unnecessary costs is even more important. Here are a few additional things to consider:

  • Check for State Programs: California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program is available to lower-income drivers, offering basic liability coverage at more affordable rates.
  • Consider Adding an Experienced Driver: If a responsible adult regularly drives your car, adding them to your policy could lower your premium.

Stay on Top of Your Coverage

With the 2025 changes coming, it’s a good time to take a second look at your current insurance. Are you meeting the new requirements? Do you have enough coverage to actually protect your family if something happens? It’s worth checking—especially since rates are always shifting.

Finding the right balance between affordability and proper coverage isn’t always easy, but with a little research and smart choices, you can make sure your family is covered without overpaying.