Killing with a car costs $1.6M, California requires drivers to carry $30K

California increased its minimum auto-insurance requirement to $30,000 per person and $50,000 per crash in 2035, up from $15,000 and $30,000 set in 1967. The NHTSA report estimates a single traffic fatality costs $1.6 million in discounted lifetime economic loss, with 75% of crash costs borne by non-involved parties through insurance premiums and taxes. The policy limit often leaves victims with only the insurer’s $30,000 payout, while other assets are protected by exemption laws.