For over 50 years, California drivers were stuck in a legal time capsule. Since 1967, the state required a measly $15,000 in liability coverage for car accidents. In 1967, that might have bought you a house. In 2026, it barely covers a single night in the ER.
Everything changed with SB 1107. This landmark legislation, often called the "Protect California Drivers Act," officially kicked the old, outdated limits to the curb. If you are reading this in 2026, you are living in a new era of insurance protection. Whether you were just hit by a negligent driver or you’re trying to understand your own policy, you need to know exactly how these new 30/60/15 limits impact your bank account and your recovery.
We see the devastating reality of accidents every single day at Fairmont Law Firm. We know that the legal system can feel like it’s rigged against you. That’s why we’re here to break this law down in plain English. No jargon. No fluff. Just the facts you need to protect yourself and your family.
The Old Way vs. The New Way: A Quick Breakdown
Before we dive into the details, let's look at the numbers. For decades, California’s minimum requirements were the joke of the legal industry. SB 1107 has finally brought the state into the 21st century.
Here is what the numbers look like now:
- Bodily Injury (Per Person): Increased from $15,000 to $30,000.
- Bodily Injury (Per Accident): Increased from $30,000 to $60,000.
- Property Damage: Increased from $5,000 to $15,000.
If you were hit by a driver with "minimum coverage" in the past, you were essentially left holding the bag for any serious injury. Now, there is finally a more realistic floor for your recovery.
What Does 30/60/15 Actually Mean for Your Claim?
When you hear a personal injury lawyer california talk about "30/60/15," they are referring to the three main pillars of a standard liability policy. Here is how each one works in a real-world 2026 accident scenario.
$30,000 Per Person: The Medical Bill Safety Net
If someone crashes into you and it’s their fault, their insurance company is now on the hook for at least $30,000 for your injuries. This covers your medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages from missed work, and your pain and suffering. While $30,000 still won't cover a catastrophic spine injury, it is a massive improvement over the old $15,000 limit that left thousands of victims in debt.
$60,000 Per Accident: Sharing the Protection
This is the "cap" for the entire crash. If you were driving with two friends and all three of you were injured, the insurance company will pay out a maximum of $60,000 across all three claims. This prevents a single accident from completely bankrupting multiple victims, though it still requires a skilled car accident lawyer near me to ensure that money is split fairly among the injured parties.
$15,000 Property Damage: Fixing Your Ride
The old $5,000 limit for property damage was absurd. In 2026, you can’t even replace a bumper on a modern SUV for $5,000. By tripling this to $15,000, the law ensures that more people can actually get their cars repaired or replaced without dipping into their own savings or filing a collision claim on their own insurance.
Why This Change Was Desperately Needed
At Fairmont Law Firm, we’ve handled thousands of cases where the victim did everything right, but the at-fault driver only had the old $15,000 minimum. We’ve seen people with broken bones and permanent scars walk away with almost nothing after medical liens were paid.
The 15/30/5 limits were a relic of a different time. They didn't account for modern medical costs or the price of today’s technology-heavy vehicles. SB 1107 is about accountability. It forces drivers to carry enough insurance to actually cover the damage they cause. It’s about making sure that when your life is turned upside down, there is a fighting chance at a full financial recovery.
The UIM Trap: What You Still Need to Watch Out For
While the new limits are a win for victims, there is a catch you need to understand. Many people believe that California moved to an "additive" system for Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage. That is not the case.
California remains an "offset" state. This means your own UIM coverage is reduced by whatever you collect from the at-fault driver.
Example:
- You have a $100,000 UIM policy.
- The driver who hit you has the new $30,000 minimum.
- You collect $30,000 from them.
- Your insurance company only owes you a maximum of $70,000 ($100k limit minus the $30k you already got).
Even with the higher limits of SB 1107, you are not "stacking" these coverages. This is why we always tell our clients: Buy the highest UM/UIM limits you can afford. In a state like California, where so many people still drive without insurance or with the bare minimum, your own policy is your strongest shield.
What to Do After an Accident in 2026: Your Action Checklist
If you’ve been involved in a crash, the minutes and hours following the impact are critical. Don't let the insurance companies take advantage of your confusion. Follow this checklist to protect your rights:
☑ Check for Injuries: Your health is the priority. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
☑ Call the Police: Always get a formal report. In 2026, insurance companies are more aggressive than ever in denying claims without a police record.
☑ Document the Scene: Take photos of all vehicles, the road conditions, and any visible injuries.
☑ Exchange Info: Get the driver's name, phone number, and a photo of their insurance card. Check if their policy has been updated to the 30/60/15 minimums.
☑ Don't Admit Fault: Even a simple "I'm sorry" can be used against you later. Stick to the facts.
☑ Seek Medical Attention: Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, don't show up right away. See a doctor within 24 hours.
☑ Contact Fairmont Law Firm: Before you speak to any insurance adjuster, call us. We offer a Free Case Evaluation and are available 24/7.
How to Navigate Your Recovery Options
When you are injured, you have several paths to getting the money you deserve. The new SB 1107 limits give us more leverage, but you still have choices to make.
Option 1: File a Liability Claim
We go directly after the at-fault driver’s insurance. With the new $30,000 limit, we have a better starting point for negotiations. We fight to get the maximum possible settlement for your medical bills and trauma.
Option 2: File an Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Claim
If the other driver has no insurance or if your injuries are worth more than their $30,000 limit, we turn to your own insurance provider. We hold them to the promises they made in your policy.
Option 3: Pursue Personal Assets
In rare cases where the driver has significant assets but low insurance limits, we can explore filing a lawsuit against them personally. This is complex, but as aggressive trial lawyers, we don't back down when your future is at stake.
Why Fairmont Law Firm is Your Best Ally in 2026
The insurance landscape in California has changed, but the insurance companies’ goal remains the same: to pay you as little as possible. They have billion-dollar legal teams working to protect their profits. You need a team that is just as fast and aggressive.
At Fairmont Law Firm, we focus exclusively on injury cases. Whether it’s a car, truck, motorcycle, or pedestrian accident, we know the playbook. We’ve recovered millions for our clients across all 58 California counties.
We operate on a ZERO Fee Until We Win basis. This means you don't pay us a single cent out of pocket. We take on all the risk so you can focus on healing. If we don't get you a settlement or a verdict, you owe us nothing. It’s that simple.
Frequently Asked Questions About SB 1107
Does this law apply to my accident if it happened in 2024?
No. SB 1107 applies to policies issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2025. If your accident happened before your policy (or the at-fault driver's policy) renewed in 2025, the old 15/30/5 limits likely still apply.
Will my insurance premiums go up because of this?
Because insurance companies are now required to provide more coverage, many drivers saw a slight increase in their premiums starting in 2025. However, the added protection is worth far more than the few extra dollars a month.
What happens if my medical bills are higher than $30,000?
This is where having an experienced personal injury lawyer california is vital. We look for "excess" coverage, umbrella policies, or secondary liable parties (like a vehicle manufacturer or a government entity responsible for road safety). We leave no stone unturned.
Do I really need a lawyer if the limits are higher now?
Yes: perhaps even more so. With more money on the table, insurance companies are fighting harder to deny liability. They will try to trick you into recorded statements or lowball settlements before you even know the full extent of your injuries. We stop them in their tracks.
Your Recovery Starts With a Single Phone Call
Don't let a reckless driver's mistake ruin your financial future. The law has changed to give you more protection, but you have to be proactive to claim it. At Fairmont Law Firm, we are here to be your shield and your sword.
We offer:
- 24/7 Availability: We are ready when you are.
- Fast & Aggressive Representation: We don't wait around for the insurance company to call us.
- Bilingual Support: Se Habla Español.
- California-Wide Coverage: No matter where you are in the Golden State, we can help.
Step 1: Call us at our office or contact us online.
Step 2: Get your Free Case Evaluation with an expert attorney.
Step 3: Let us handle the insurance adjusters while you focus on getting better.
The road to recovery can be long, but you don't have to walk it alone. With the new 30/60/15 limits and the Fairmont team by your side, you can move forward with confidence.
Contact us today. Remember: Zero Fee Until We Win.