Living in Corona puts you in one of Southern California's most dynamic communities—nestled in the Inland Empire with easy access to jobs, recreation, and urban amenities. But along with the perks of Corona living comes the responsibility of protecting yourself and your property with the right insurance coverage. Whether you're driving the 91 freeway to work, owning a home in the historic South Main Street district, or renting an apartment near Dos Lagos, understanding California's insurance landscape is essential.
This guide breaks down everything Corona residents need to know about insurance in 2024 and 2025—from the new auto insurance requirements taking effect to navigating wildfire zones and earthquake coverage. We'll help you understand what's required, what's recommended, and how to get the best coverage without overpaying.
Auto Insurance Requirements: What's Changing in 2025
If you drive in Corona, here's what you need to know: California is raising its minimum auto insurance requirements for the first time since 1967. Through December 31, 2024, the state requires 15/30/5 coverage—that's $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Starting January 1, 2025, those minimums jump to 30/60/15.
What does this mean for your wallet? Expect your premiums to increase by 15-25% when your policy renews after January 1, 2025. The exact increase depends on your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, and your coverage choices. If you already carry higher limits—which we strongly recommend—you may see a smaller bump.
Here's the reality: even the new 30/60/15 minimums are pretty low. A single car accident with injuries can easily exceed $30,000 in medical bills, especially with California's high healthcare costs. If you cause an accident and the damages exceed your coverage limits, you're personally responsible for the difference. That's why most insurance experts recommend carrying at least 100/300/100 coverage, plus uninsured motorist protection. Given how many drivers on the 91 and I-15 are underinsured or driving without coverage, protecting yourself from uninsured motorists isn't optional—it's essential.
Homeowners Insurance in Corona: Wildfire Zones and the FAIR Plan
Corona sits in Riverside County, and while much of the city is developed, parts of the area—especially near the Cleveland National Forest to the south—fall within designated fire hazard severity zones. If you own a home in or near these zones, you may have discovered that finding affordable homeowners insurance isn't as easy as it used to be.
California's insurance market has tightened considerably in recent years. Major insurers have reduced coverage in wildfire-prone areas, leaving many homeowners scrambling. If you're struggling to find coverage, the California FAIR Plan exists as your safety net. Established in 1968, the FAIR Plan (Fair Access to Insurance Requirements) is the state's insurer of last resort for property owners who can't secure coverage in the traditional market.
Here's what you need to know about the FAIR Plan: It covers fire, lightning, internal explosion, and smoke damage. For an additional premium, you can add extended coverage for windstorm, hail, riot, vandalism, and other perils. The FAIR Plan now offers coverage limits up to $3 million for residential properties. However, it doesn't cover everything your traditional homeowners policy would—things like liability, theft, or water damage require separate policies.
Earthquake Insurance: Understanding the CEA
Corona lies within range of several major fault lines, including the Elsinore and San Jacinto faults. While earthquake insurance isn't legally required in California, it's worth serious consideration—especially if you own your home. Standard homeowners policies don't cover earthquake damage, which means you're on the hook for repairs if the ground starts shaking.
Most earthquake coverage in California comes through the California Earthquake Authority (CEA). You can't buy directly from the CEA—instead, you purchase through participating insurance companies. The policy covers your dwelling, personal property (up to $25,000 as of 2024), and additional living expenses if you need to relocate while your home is repaired. However, it doesn't cover landscaping, pools, fences, or detached structures.
The catch with earthquake insurance is the deductible. CEA policies typically carry deductibles of 10% to 15% of your dwelling coverage limit—sometimes even 25% for older homes. That means if your home is insured for $500,000 and you have a 15% deductible, you'll pay the first $75,000 of repair costs out of pocket. This high deductible makes earthquake insurance a true catastrophic coverage: it's there for the big one, not for minor damage. Still, if a major quake destroys your home, you'll be glad you have it. And if your home was built before 1980 and you've had it seismically retrofitted, you may qualify for discounts up to 25%.
Shopping Smart: How to Save on Insurance in Corona
The Inland Empire has a competitive insurance market, which works in your favor as a consumer. Don't settle for the first quote you receive—shop around and compare at least three insurers. The difference between the highest and lowest quotes can easily be $500 or more annually, especially for home insurance.
Bundling your auto and home insurance with the same carrier is one of the easiest ways to save. Most insurers offer multi-policy discounts of 15-25%, which adds up quickly. You can also reduce your premiums by increasing your deductibles—just make sure you have enough in savings to cover the higher out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim. Other discount opportunities include good student discounts for young drivers, safety feature discounts for homes with security systems or fire alarms, and good driver discounts if you maintain a clean driving record.
Don't forget to review your coverage annually. Your insurance needs change as your life changes—maybe you paid off your car and can drop comprehensive coverage, or you renovated your kitchen and need to increase your dwelling coverage. Set a reminder each year when your policy renews to reassess what you're paying and what you're getting in return.
Getting Started: Your Next Steps
If you're new to Corona or simply reviewing your existing coverage, here's your action plan. First, make sure your auto insurance meets or exceeds the new 30/60/15 minimums effective January 1, 2025—and seriously consider bumping those limits higher for better protection. Second, if you own a home, verify that your homeowners policy adequately covers your dwelling and personal property at today's replacement costs, not what you paid for the house years ago. Third, check whether your property falls within a fire hazard severity zone and assess whether you need FAIR Plan coverage. Fourth, decide whether earthquake insurance makes sense for your situation and budget.
Insurance isn't the most exciting topic, but it's one of the most important financial decisions you'll make as a Corona resident. The right coverage protects everything you've worked for—your car, your home, your savings, and your peace of mind. Take the time to understand your options, compare quotes, and build a coverage strategy that fits your needs and budget. Your future self will thank you.
