If you have automobile insurance in California, one of the most important documents you own is your policy declarations page—often called the “dec page.” Yet many drivers never review it until after a collision.

That can be a costly mistake.

Your declarations page summarizes the insurance coverages you purchased, the limits available, your deductible amounts, the vehicles insured, and the drivers listed on the policy. Understanding this page can help you make better decisions before an accident happens and avoid unpleasant surprises afterward.

At CHH LAW, P.C., we regularly speak with injured drivers who only discover their policy limitations after a crash. This guide explains how to read your California auto insurance declarations page and what each type of coverage usually means.

California’s Current Minimum Liability Limits

California law now requires higher minimum liability insurance limits than the old 15/30 limits many drivers still remember.

As of January 1, 2025, the state minimum automobile liability limits are:

· $30,000 for bodily injury or death to one person 

· $60,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in one accident

· $15,000 for property damage

This means a basic minimum policy is often written as:

30/60/15

However, these are only the legal minimums. In many serious accidents, damages can greatly exceed those amounts, which is why many drivers choose higher limits.

What Is a Declarations Page?

Your declarations page is a summary sheet issued by your insurance company. It typically includes:

· Policy number

· Effective dates of coverage

· Named insured(s)

· Covered vehicles

· Listed drivers

· Premium amounts

· Coverage types

· Policy limits

· Deductibles

Think of it as the quick-reference page for your insurance policy.

Common Auto Insurance Coverages in California

Below are the most common coverages found on a California declarations page.

1. Liability Coverage

Liability insurance helps pay for injuries or property damage you cause to others if you are at fault in an accident.

This coverage is often broken into two parts:

Bodily Injury Liability (BI)

Pays for injuries to other people.

Common examples:

· 30/60 = $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident (California minimum) 

· 50/100 

· 100/300 

· Higher limits available

Property Damage Liability (PD)

Pays for damage you cause to another person’s vehicle or property.

Examples:

· $15,000 (California minimum) 

· $25,000

· $50,000

· $100,000+

Why It Matters

If damages exceed your policy limits, you may be personally responsible for the difference.

2. Collision Coverage

Collision coverage helps pay to repair or replace your own vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault (subject to policy terms and deductible).

Typical examples:

· You hit another car

· You strike a pole

· Your vehicle rolls over

· Another driver hits you and liability is disputed

Deductible

You usually pay a deductible first, such as:

· $500

· $1,000

· $2,500

If repairs cost $6,000 and your deductible is $1,000, insurance may pay the remaining covered amount.

3. Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage applies to non-collision losses, such as:

· Theft

· Vandalism

· Fire

· Flood

· Falling objects

· Animal strikes

· Glass damage (depending on policy)

Usually subject to a deductible.

4. Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage

UM coverage protects you if the at-fault driver has no insurance.

This can help cover injuries suffered by you or your passengers, depending on policy terms.

5. Underinsured Motorist (UIM) Coverage

UIM coverage may apply when the at-fault driver has insurance—but not enough to fully compensate you.

Example:

· Your injuries are worth $100,000

· Other driver has $30,000 limits

· Your UIM coverage may provide additional protection, depending on your own limits and policy terms

6. Medical Payments Coverage (Med Pay)

Medical Payments coverage can help pay medical expenses after an accident regardless of fault.

This may include:

· Ambulance

· ER treatment

· Doctor visits

· Follow-up care

Common limits:

· $1,000

· $5,000

· $10,000+

7. Rental Reimbursement

If your car is in the repair shop after a covered claim, this coverage may help pay for a rental car.

Examples:

· $30/day up to $900

· $50/day up to $1,500

8. Roadside Assistance / Towing

Optional coverage that may help with:

· Towing

· Flat tire service

· Jump starts

· Lockouts

· Fuel delivery

How to Read the Numbers on Your Declarations Page

Example policy:

This could mean:

· $100,000 bodily injury per person

· $300,000 bodily injury per accident

· $50,000 property damage

· $500 collision deductible

· $250 comprehensive deductible

What Many Drivers Overlook

Many people buy the lowest-cost policy and assume they are fully protected. Later, they discover they do not have:

· Collision coverage

· Rental reimbursement

· UM/UIM protection

· Enough liability limits

· Adequate Med Pay

· Affordable deductibles

Why Minimum Coverage May Not Be Enough

Even though California requires at least 30/60/15, consider how quickly losses can grow:

· Emergency medical care

· Ongoing treatment

· Lost income

· Pain and suffering claims

· Multiple injured occupants

· Vehicle replacement costs

A serious collision can exceed minimum limits very quickly.

How CHH LAW, P.C. Can Help

If you were injured in a California auto accident, insurance coverage may determine how much compensation is available. Our office helps clients:

· Review insurance declarations pages

· Identify all available coverage

· Pursue injury claims

· Handle UM/UIM claims

· Negotiate with carriers

· Maximize recovery

Contact CHH LAW, P.C. Today

If you have questions about your auto insurance policy or were injured in a collision, contact our office for a consultation. We proudly represent clients throughout California in personal injury and auto accident matters.