Like most states, California has insurance minimums for drivers to protect victims of car accidents who suffer physical, emotional, and financial damages. However, these minimums have not changed since 1967, so these minimums typically do not cover today’s costs of medical bills, property damage, and pain and suffering. This 57-year-old law is changing with the Protect California Drivers Act, which increases insurance minimums and goes into effect on January 1st, 2025.
At Younglove Law Group, we understand California laws and changes can be confusing, so we take the time to communicate openly and honestly with you about the Protect California Drivers Act and how it might affect car accident claims in the future. With over 20 years of combined experience and commitment to excellence, you can trust us to give you the information you need to better understand state laws and make the best decisions for your future.
What Are the Key Provisions of the Protect California Drivers Act?
Currently, California law requires drivers to carry a minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for injury per person, $30,000 for injury per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. With the Protect California Drivers Act, these minimums increase to the following:
- $30,000 for injury per person
- $60,000 for injury per accident
- $15,000 for property damage
These limits will increase again in 2035 to $50,000 for injury per person, $100,000 for injury per accident, and $25,000 for property damage. Because California is an at-fault state, the liable party’s insurance is responsible for paying damages to the victim, so these increased minimums are more likely to cover the victim’s losses, leaving them with less stress of covering the difference.
How Does the Protect California Drivers Act Protect Drivers?
While the increased minimums the Protect California Drivers Act mandates make owning and driving a vehicle more expensive, it provides better protections for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists involved in accidents through no fault of their own. These protections include the following:
Modernized System
With the Protect California Drivers Act, a law that has been the same for over 50 years is finally changing, so the system more accurately reflects modern costs and damage value. The new law also implements further changes in 2035 to ensure its terms stay up to date.
Better Compensation
Before the Protect California Drivers Act increased insurance minimums for 2025 and beyond, they typically did not cover the full scope of victims’ injuries. With the new system, victims have a better chance of recovering their claim’s full value.
Penalties
The Protect California Drivers Act plans to enforce the increased insurance minimums with penalties for those who do not carry them, which include a $100-500 fine plus additional taxes and fees, seizure of the vehicle upon several tickets within three years of the first infraction, license revocation, and storage and towing fees.
How to Ensure Compliance With the Protect California Drivers Act
With the Protect California Drivers Act officially going into effect soon, it is crucial to understand its terms and requirements so you can comply with them to avoid penalties and suffering financially in the event of an accident. Taking the following steps can help ensure compliance with the new law:
- Speak With a Trusted Lawyer: Our seasoned lawyers at Younglove Law Group understand that the language used in laws like the Protect California Drivers Act can be complex. We can help you understand your new responsibilities under these new rules and the steps to follow them.
- Stay Informed: Keeping up with updates on this law can help you stay informed about any changes made to the Act in the future.
- Review Coverage: If an officer requests to see your insurance information, you get into an accident, or need to get your vehicle inspected, you must present proof of insurance. With the changing laws, it is crucial to review your current coverage and ensure you meet the new requirements.
With the rising costs of medical bills motor vehicle accident victims face, the Protect California Drivers Act will bridge the gap created by a 57-year-old law that has gone unchanged. Our dedicated lawyers at Younglove Law Group are here to help you better understand this Act, ensure you comply with it, and help determine if someone who caused them harm in a collision failed to carry the proper liability insurance minimums.
Seek Guidance from the Reputable Lawyers at Younglove Law Group Today
Navigating changes in California’s laws can be challenging, but at Younglove Law Group, we are here to help. With over 20 years of combined experience, our dedicated attorneys are well-versed in new laws like the Protect California Drivers Act and can guide you through its implications. We ensure you understand how these changes affect your car accident claims and the steps you must take to comply with the new insurance minimums.
Our commitment to excellence means we provide clear, personalized advice tailored to your situation. We help you review your insurance coverage, understand your new responsibilities, and protect your rights. Contact us at (949) 691-3660 or through our contact form to discuss how we can assist you with the Protect California Drivers Act and any other legal needs.
