If you're driving in Ontario, California, you've picked one of the busiest spots in the Inland Empire. Situated right at the junction of I-10 and I-15, with Ontario International Airport bringing constant traffic, this city sees more than its share of fender-benders and serious accidents. And here's what you need to know right now: California just changed its auto insurance requirements for the first time since 1967. Whether you're a longtime Ontario resident or just moved to San Bernardino County, understanding these new rules could save you thousands.
California's New Minimum Coverage Requirements
As of January 1, 2025, California raised its minimum liability coverage to 30/60/15. That's $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 total per accident for all injuries, and $15,000 for property damage. The old minimums—15/30/5—had been in place for over five decades, and frankly, they hadn't kept pace with medical costs or vehicle repair prices.
Here's why this matters in Ontario specifically. When a semi-truck hits an overpass beam on the I-10 and sends debris onto your car—which actually happened in January 2026—medical bills add up fast. The old $15,000 per person limit wouldn't even cover a moderate injury requiring surgery. With the new minimums, you have twice the coverage, though many insurance experts still recommend going higher if you can afford it.
These 2025 limits will stay in effect until 2035, when they'll bump up again to 50/100/25. Your policy will automatically update to meet the new minimums when it renews, though you should double-check your declarations page to confirm. And yes, your premium probably went up a bit—San Bernardino County drivers already pay around $161 per month on average, which is above the national average of $137.
Why Ontario Drivers Face Higher Risk (and Higher Rates)
Let's talk geography. Ontario sits at one of Southern California's most critical freeway intersections. The I-10 runs east-west, connecting Los Angeles to Phoenix. The I-15 heads north toward Las Vegas and south toward San Diego. Add Ontario International Airport to the mix, and you've got a perfect storm of commuter traffic, commercial trucks, and travelers unfamiliar with local roads.
The data backs this up. In October 2025, two semi-trucks collided at the I-10/I-15 interchange, causing a fire and shutting down westbound lanes for hours. In January 2026, an excavator being hauled on a flatbed struck the I-15 overpass, sending a steel beam crashing onto a car below and killing the driver. These aren't isolated incidents—they're symptoms of heavy traffic volume combined with complex interchanges.
Insurance companies know this. They calculate rates based on accident frequency and severity in your ZIP code, and Ontario's numbers aren't pretty. That's one reason you're paying more than someone in, say, a quieter Central Valley town. The good news? You have options to manage these costs. Bundling your auto and home insurance, maintaining a clean driving record, and shopping around annually can all bring your premium down.
What At-Fault Insurance Means for You
California uses an at-fault system, also called a tort system. This means whoever causes the accident is financially responsible for the damage. If you rear-end someone on Euclid Avenue during rush hour, your liability insurance pays for their injuries and vehicle repairs. If someone runs a red light and T-bones you at Haven Avenue, their insurance should cover your damages.
But here's where it gets tricky. What if the other driver only has that minimum 30/60/15 coverage, and your medical bills hit $50,000? Their insurance pays the first $30,000, and you're stuck with the rest—unless you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. This optional coverage fills the gap when the at-fault driver doesn't have enough insurance (or any insurance at all, which happens more often than you'd think).
Another smart addition? Collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision pays to fix your car after an accident regardless of fault, so you're not waiting months for the other driver's insurance to investigate. Comprehensive covers non-accident damage like theft, vandalism, hail, or hitting a deer—and yes, we have deer in the foothills east of Ontario. These coverages aren't legally required, but if you're financing your vehicle, your lender probably requires them.
Finding Affordable Coverage in San Bernardino County
Let's get real about pricing. Ontario drivers face higher premiums than the state average, but there's significant variation between companies. According to 2025 data, the cheapest insurers in San Bernardino include USAA (if you're military-affiliated) at around $86 per month, followed by Wawanesa and GEICO. On the other end, you might see quotes over $220 per month for full coverage.
Here's what actually works to lower your rate. First, increase your deductible. Going from a $500 to a $1,000 deductible on collision and comprehensive can save you 15-20% on those coverages. Just make sure you have that $1,000 in savings for emergencies. Second, ask about discounts. Good student discounts, multi-vehicle discounts, defensive driving course discounts—they add up. Third, check your credit. California allows insurers to use credit-based insurance scores, and improving your credit can reduce your premium.
Most importantly, shop around every year or two. Insurance companies change their rates constantly, and the company that gave you the best deal three years ago might now be overcharging. Getting three to five quotes takes an hour and could save you hundreds annually. Just make sure you're comparing apples to apples—same coverage limits, same deductibles.
How to Get Started
Getting the right auto insurance in Ontario doesn't have to be complicated. Start by reviewing your current policy. Does it meet the new 30/60/15 minimums? Do you have uninsured motorist coverage? If you're only carrying state minimums, consider bumping up your liability limits to at least 100/300/100—especially if you own a home or have significant assets to protect.
Next, get quotes from at least three companies. Have your current policy handy so you can match coverage levels, then compare both price and reviews. Check how each company handles claims—a cheap policy isn't a bargain if they drag their feet after an accident. Finally, don't forget about your insurance as soon as you buy it. Set a calendar reminder to review your coverage annually, especially if you've had major life changes like buying a house, getting married, or adding a teen driver.
The roads around Ontario aren't getting any less crowded, and accidents at the I-10/I-15 interchange aren't slowing down. But with the right coverage at a price you can afford, you can drive with confidence knowing you're protected. Take an hour this week to review your policy—your future self will thank you.
