What Does ‘Full Coverage’ Car Insurance Really Mean in California?

When people talk about “full coverage” car insurance, they often assume it means they’re protected from every possible situation on the road. But the reality is a bit more complicated. If you’re wondering what full coverage actually includes (and what it doesn’t) — especially in California — you’re not alone.

What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?

“Full coverage” isn’t a specific type of insurance policy. Instead, it’s a general term used to describe a combination of coverages that provide range of protection. Typically, what companies sell as “full coverage” only includes what satisfies California’s Minimum Insurance Requirements, which is:

• Liability Insurance: Covers damage you cause to others (bodily injury and property damage). In California, as of January 1, 2025, all drivers are required to carry at least the following minimum liability insurance:
  • $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

This is often referred to as 30/60/15 coverage. While this is now the legal minimum, it often is not enough to cover all damages in a serious accident. That’s why many drivers choose to carry higher limits or opt for additional types of coverage.

Depending on the insurer, “full coverage” MAY include:

• Collision Coverage which pays for damage to your own vehicle if you’re in an accident, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive Coverage which covers non-collision-related damage (like theft, vandalism, natural disasters, or hitting an animal).

What Full Coverage Does Not Include

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (highly recommended in California due to the number of uninsured drivers and low coverage limits that people carry)
• Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
• Roadside Assistance
• Rental Reimbursement
• Gap Insurance (especially if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle)

The bottom line is that “Full Coverage” doesn’t really exist. It comes down to your specific insurance policy and coverages listed regardless of what an insurance salesman may have told you. If you think you’ve purchased full coverage, we urge you to look at your Declarations Page to truly understand what coverages you carry.

Have you been injured in a car crash and don’t know if you have full coverage? Contact our office today at (619) 431-1187 to speak with Attorney Ray Padilla directly.