Will California’s New Auto Insurance Law Help You Get a Bigger Settlement?

By Yosi Yahoudai Founder and Managing Partner

May 16, 2025

Car AccidentsNews & Updates

As of 2025, California drivers are officially rolling with more insurance coverage – whether they realize it or not. 

Senate Bill 1107 just kicked in, and it’s a game changer: 

• Bodily injury limits have doubled from $15,000 to $30,000 per person. 

• Coverage per accident has increased from $30,000 to $60,000. 

• Property damage coverage tripled, from $5,000 to $15,000. 

Sounds like good news, right? But what does this actually mean for someone injured in a crash? 

Let’s break it down – and answer the key questions drivers and victims should be asking right now. 

How Do These Higher Limits Help Me If I’m Injured? 

In simple terms: there’s more money on the table. 

For years, injury victims were stuck with a broken system where the minimum policy barely covered an ambulance ride. Now, there’s more room to negotiate fair settlements — especially in serious injury cases. 

“This change gives injured people a fighting chance,” says Jason Javaheri, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of J&Y Law. “Too often, our clients were hit with hospital bills that far exceeded the at-fault driver’s insurance. Now, we can push for compensation that actually reflects what they lost.” 

What’s a Declarations Page – and Why Do I Need One? 

If you’re injured in a car crash, one of the most important documents you can request is the other driver’s declarations page (aka “dec page”). 

It’s a summary of their auto policy – showing exactly what coverages and limits they carry. Think of it as the cheat sheet for your injury claim. 

Why it matters: 

• Tells you how much money is potentially available 

• Confirms whether they carry additional coverage types 

• Helps your attorney strategize your demand 

• Can reveal if a lawsuit may be necessary 

If an insurance adjuster avoids giving it to you? Call a lawyer immediately. 

Should I Settle Quickly Under the New Law? 

In most cases, no. 

Just because there’s more coverage doesn’t mean you should grab the first offer. In fact, insurance adjusters might use the higher minimums to make lowball offers seem more generous. 

“We’re already seeing adjusters test the waters with fast offers – $15K, $20K, hoping clients don’t know the law changed,” Jason warns. “But we always tell our clients: don’t rush. The real costs of an injury often show up weeks or months later.” 

When Should I Talk to a Lawyer? 

Here’s a good rule: if the other driver is at fault and you’re injured – talk to an attorney before you talk to their insurance company. 

That’s especially true now, with new limits in play and insurance carriers recalibrating how they evaluate claims. 

The right lawyer will: 

• Pull the dec page 

• Build a strong medical and financial picture of your injuries 

• Negotiate from a position of strength, not desperation 

And if you’re worried about cost? Don’t be. At J&Y Law, consultations are free – and we only get paid if you win. 

Could There Still Be Not Enough Coverage? 

Unfortunately, yes. 

Even with these new limits, $30K may not be enough for major injuries. That’s why we always recommend carrying underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage on your own policy. 

It’s the back-up plan you’ll wish you had when the other driver’s insurance runs dry. 

Ask your insurance agent today: “Do I have UIM, and how much?” 

Have Questions About SB 1107 and Your Case? 

You’re not expected to know all the answers – that’s our job. 

If you were injured in a car accident and want to know how the new law affects your options, call us at (877) 735-7035. 

We’ll walk you through your rights, review the policy limits, and make sure you don’t leave money on the table.