If you're driving in Burlingame, you're navigating one of the Bay Area's busiest corridors. Sandwiched between San Francisco and Silicon Valley along the US-101, this Peninsula city of about 31,000 residents sees its share of commuter traffic, especially during rush hour. And here's what that means for your wallet: your auto insurance rates reflect not just your driving record, but also where you're driving. Burlingame's proximity to SFO, its position on a major commute route, and California's at-fault insurance system all play into what you'll pay for coverage.
And if you haven't checked your policy lately, you might be in for a surprise. California just made its first change to minimum insurance requirements in over 50 years. Let's break down what that means for you and how to make sure you're properly covered without overpaying.
California's New Minimum Coverage Requirements for 2025
For over five decades, California drivers could get by with 15/30/5 coverage. That changed on January 1, 2025. The new minimums are 30/60/15, which translates to $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 total per accident for bodily injury to multiple people, and $15,000 for property damage per accident. That's double the coverage on every front.
Why the change? Medical costs and vehicle values have skyrocketed since 1967. A fender-bender that might have cost $2,000 to fix back then can easily run $10,000 today when you factor in modern safety sensors, cameras, and technology. And if someone's injured? Even a basic emergency room visit can blow through the old $15,000 limit faster than you'd think.
Here's the catch: the new requirements don't kick in for everyone on the same day. They take effect when your policy renews. So if your renewal date is in June 2025, that's when you'll see the higher minimums and the corresponding price increase. Speaking of price, expect minimum coverage costs to jump from around $670 annually to over $1,000—that's roughly a 54% increase. And in 2035, the minimums will increase again to 50/100/25.
What Driving in Burlingame Means for Your Rates
Your zip code matters—a lot. Burlingame sits right on US-101, the major artery connecting San Jose to San Francisco. If you're one of the thousands of people commuting through this corridor daily, you're dealing with congestion that makes accidents more likely. The good news? Recent improvements have helped. The San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Project added 22 miles of express lanes in each direction, completing in 2022, and morning commute times from San Jose to San Francisco dropped from 65 minutes in 2019 to 52 minutes in 2024.
But here's what insurance companies see: high traffic volume equals higher risk. Burlingame is also just two miles from San Francisco International Airport. That means rental car traffic, rideshare vehicles picking up and dropping off passengers, and unfamiliar drivers navigating local roads. All of this factors into your premium calculations.
California as a whole is expensive for auto insurance—ranking 41st for minimum coverage and 46th for full coverage affordability nationwide. Average full coverage runs between $2,102 and $3,010 annually depending on the source, and the state saw a 25.5% rate hike in 2023 alone. Car theft is another factor: California led the nation with 208,668 vehicles stolen in 2023, and insurers bake that risk into everyone's rates.
Understanding California's At-Fault System
California operates under an at-fault system, which means whoever causes the accident is financially responsible for the damages. This is different from no-fault states where everyone files claims with their own insurance regardless of who's to blame. In Burlingame and throughout San Mateo County, if you cause a collision, your liability insurance pays for the other person's medical bills, car repairs, and other losses.
Here's why this matters: if someone hits you and they only carry the state minimum 30/60/15 coverage, but your medical bills and car damage total $100,000, you're facing a $40,000 shortfall. Their insurance maxes out at $60,000 for your accident. You could sue them personally for the rest, but if they're barely affording minimum coverage, chances are they don't have assets to go after. This is exactly why uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is so important.
California doesn't require you to buy uninsured motorist coverage, but insurance companies must offer it to you. Given that the state has a high rate of uninsured drivers—and experts predict that number will climb as premiums increase—declining this coverage is risky. Most insurance professionals recommend at least $100,000/$300,000 in uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, though $250,000/$500,000 is better if your budget allows it.
How to Save Money Without Cutting Coverage
Auto insurance in California is expensive, but you're not helpless. Start by shopping around. Rates vary wildly between companies for the same driver profile, so getting quotes from at least three insurers is essential. Don't just look at the premium—compare the actual coverage limits, deductibles, and what's included.
Ask about discounts. Many insurers offer breaks for bundling your auto and home or renters policies, installing anti-theft devices, maintaining a clean driving record, completing defensive driving courses, or being a good student. If you work from home or drive fewer miles since the pandemic, make sure your insurer knows—lower annual mileage usually means lower rates.
Consider your deductible carefully. Raising it from $500 to $1,000 can significantly cut your premium, but only do this if you have enough savings to cover that higher out-of-pocket cost after an accident. And here's something people often miss: California prohibits insurers from using your credit score or gender in rate calculations. That levels the playing field somewhat compared to other states.
Getting the Right Coverage for Your Situation
The new 30/60/15 minimums are exactly that—minimums. They're rarely enough to fully protect you. If you own a home, have significant savings, or could be sued for more than $60,000, you need higher liability limits. Many experts recommend at least 100/300/100 coverage, and if you have substantial assets, an umbrella policy that adds an extra million or more in liability coverage is worth considering.
Think about what you're protecting. If you're driving a newer car worth $30,000 or more, collision and comprehensive coverage make sense—they'll pay to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, theft, or damage from things like hail or vandalism. But if you're driving a 15-year-old sedan worth $2,000, paying $1,200 a year for full coverage doesn't add up. You might be better off with liability-only coverage and setting aside money each month for eventual car replacement.
Review your policy annually. Your needs change, rates shift, and better deals emerge. That policy that was competitive two years ago might be overpriced now. Set a calendar reminder each year before your renewal to get fresh quotes and reassess your coverage. And if you've had tickets or accidents fall off your record—they typically affect rates for three years—make sure your insurer knows so you can get that discount.
Auto insurance in Burlingame doesn't have to be a mystery or a budget-buster. Understanding what you're required to carry, what additional coverage makes sense for your situation, and how to shop effectively puts you in control. With California's new minimum requirements now in effect, there's no better time to review your policy and make sure you're properly protected at a price that works for your budget.
