California is one of the most progressive states when it comes to insurance. The Golden State has a variety of laws and government programs that can help consumers find cheap car insurance in California (CA). No matter whether you live in a big city like Los Angeles, or in a smaller town like Davis, we can help you find a great policy at an affordable rate.
California requires all motorists who drive in the state to carry at least $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per occurrence with a limit of $30,000. This coverage protects you in the event of an accident that causes injures yourself or others. Drivers must also keep coverage of at least $5,000 for property damage liability. This covers you if you cause damage to someone’s property with your vehicle.
With these requirements you might think it was difficult to find cheap car insurance in California, but that is not the case. If you are on a low income and have a good driving record, the California Department of Insurance administers a program known as the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) that you may qualify for. In addition to the income and driving requirements, you must also own a vehicle that is valued at less than $20,000, must be at least 19 years old, and have been licensed for at least three years. If you meet all these requirements, this program can be an excellent way to obtain cheap car insurance in California.
If you do not qualify for CLCA, there are still ways to get a good rate on your auto insurance policy. California drivers pay just slightly below the national rate average. Nationwide, the average premium stands at $1,780, whereas California residents pay an average of $1,694 per year. That being said, rate in the Golden State are going up, with 2009’s average rate 9% higher than in 2008.
If you live in a rural part of the state you will find it much easier to get cheap car insurance in California. Those who live in urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Jose, and San Diego will find their rates are higher than their country cousins. Insurers prices policies in part on how likely it is you will get into an accident and how much your claim is likely to be. Those living in densely populated urban areas are more prone to crash into other cars, so their rates tend to be higher.
Tips to Finding Cheap Car Insurance in California
No matter where you live in the state, there are a few steps you can take to reduce your insurance costs and still get a quality policy. First, be sure to shop around among multiple carriers. There are dozens of insurers doing business in California and they all want you business, so make sure you make them compete against each other to get you the best rate possible. You can do this easily through this website by typing in your zip code above.
You should also think carefully about what level of coverage you need. In comparison to other states, California’s minimum coverage requirements are fairly low. The lower your liability coverage, the easier it is to get cheap car insurance in California. Also think about your deductible level. The higher you can go with your out-of-pocket expenses, the lower your rate will be.
Finally, be sure to ask your carrier about all the discounts they may have available. Good driver discounts, low mileage discounts, and senior citizen discounts are just three of many discount programs that can help you get cheap car insurance in California. Not all insurers will volunteer this information, so be sure to ask about what programs you may qualify for.
Now it is time to start saving on your car insurance. Enter your zip up top to take the first step. There is no risk and no obligation when using our free rate comparison service, so get started now.