Finding the best California auto insurance can be tricky but with some thorough research and the right data you can discover some fantastic comprehensive plans at affordable prices. Below is some information which you will find useful when looking for auto insurance in the Golden State:
The Basics:
- California has “financial responsibility” or “at-fault” insurance meaning that in each accident one person is found liable for all costs associated with injury and damages. Drivers only need to carry auto insurance to cover injuries and damages to the property of others and Californian residents are not required to maintain coverage for their own injuries or property.
- California auto insurance law states that all motorists are required to carry insurance which covers the minimum liability limits of $15,000 for bodily injury to one person, $30,000 for bodily injury for two or more people and $5,000 for property/vehicle damage.
- Motorists are additionally required to notify the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) whenever they purchase or cancel a policy.
- California has relatively very low auto insurance premiums. In 2010 the average California auto insurance premium was $1,285. The national average was $1,538.
- The penalty for driving without a license in California is quite severe with fines of up to $1000 plus additional court fees. For multiple offences time in county jail may be imposed.
How Much California Auto Insurance Do I Need?
The amount of coverage which every person or family should buy will depend on their own individual circumstances. Because the minimum level of insurance requirements are so low in California it is important to consider greater coverage or you could be leaving yourself vulnerable to catastrophic payments if you do get into an accident. For example, the $5,000 property coverage requirement will not come close to covering the costs of repair in even some relatively minor accidents. Here are a few common add-ons which you should give some thought to:
Payments and Personal Injury Protection (PIP): the minimum Californian requirements will not cover the costs of injuries to you or the passengers in your vehicle. PIP pays for the reasonable medical and funeral expenses of you and your passengers which result from an automobile accident as well as 80% of your related lost income due to injury.
Comprehensive and Collision: covers the costs of your vehicle, less any deductibles, regardless of who caused the accident.
Uninsured Coverage: in 2007 it was estimated that 18% of Californians were driving without a license. In a collision with one of these motorists they will be held personally liable for accidents that they cause however they may not have the funds to pay in full. To avoid being burned by this, uninsured coverage will pay for damages caused by a driver without insurance or in a hit-and-run.
How to Find the Best California Auto Insurance online
In order to locate the best auto insurance package you need to try to get as many quotes from as many companies as possible. Rates can vary by as much as 300% so it is absolutely essential that you do your homework before you select a policy. The internet now makes this easier than ever as you can find an almost endless supply of valuable information to facilitate your comparison shopping.
The different auto insurance rates you will find are based on a wide range of factors so it is impossible to know exactly how much you should pay until you have a good look at different quotes for motorists in your circumstances. However here are some tips which will help you to find the best California auto insurance online rates:
- Always look for discounts, not just general rates. Discounts are often offered to specific groups that the insurance companies are trying to attract such as those with a perfect driving record or college students.
- Always supply the insurance companies or online databases with as many relevant details as possible to ensure that you are not given an inaccurate quote.
- Higher deductibles will result in lower insurance premiums however make sure not to sacrifice your financial security for short terms savings.
- You can reduce your insurance premiums significantly by keeping your mileage as low as possible.
- Anti-theft devices will reduce your insurance premiums and are often worth the price of installation.
- The sex of the driver and type of vehicle being driven is often an important consideration in determining what your auto insurance premiums will be. Because of this families can save a lot of money by being intelligent in who they insure as each vehicles primary driver. For example women often pay less money than males for driving trucks and teenagers and new drivers will pay a much smaller premium as the primary driver of the family mini-van then a sports car.
To find the best California auto insurance have a look online and compare what the different insurance companies have to offer. It is possible to find affordable auto insurance with comprehensive coverage through a little bit of meticulous online research and careful comparison shopping.