California Minimum Car Insurance

Thousands of west coast drivers are searching for the cheapest car insurance available. This means getting basic California minimum car insurance for the lowest rates possible.

Insuring your automobile can be expensive just about anywhere, but Californians have some of the country’s highest rates. Full coverage insurance can average about $2,000 per year for most newer cars, even for good drivers. For some residents, the high cost of auto insurance just doesn’t fit into their budget.

There are options available. Getting the state minimum coverage can bring rates down by 35% or more. It is considered “bare bones” coverage, which might come back to hurt you in the event you get into a wreck. If you have an older vehicle and don’t drive a lot, having basic California liability insurance might be worth the risk. Take advantage of direct pricing and compare up to 10 liability-only quotes in less than 5 minutes. You can even use your smartphone or any device connected to the internet. Get started by entering your zip code.

California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

California motorists need to maintain a minimum amount of auto insurance coverage to be a legal driver. There is no comparison with some other states; California has lower liability limits. Most drivers will need higher protection limits that cover the high cost of accidents, including medical care. Both collision and comprehensive insurance, while more expensive, are recommended for drivers whose vehicle is valued at more than $8,000. These are the minimum state requirements:

• Liability Coverage for Bodily Injuries: Minimum limits of $15,000 for each person and $30,000 per Accident 
• Liability Coverage for Property Damage: Minimum limits of $5,000
• Bodily Injury Coverage for Uninsured Drivers: Minimum – $15,000 for each person and $30,000 per Accident
• Property Damage Coverage for Uninsured Drivers: Minimum – $3,500

If you buy collision and comprehensive insurance, you don’t need to get additional uninsured drivers’ property damage protection.

California Is a “Fault” Car Accident State

California uses a “fault” system for liability auto insurance. This type of system determines who is at fault for an accident. The person that caused the accident or who is “at fault” will then be held financially responsible for damages, as well as injuries. Consequently, California minimum auto insurance is often not enough protection if a driver causes a serious crash that results in significant injuries. 

The person injured by the “at fault” driver can take action and get compensation for medical care costs, pain and suffering, lost income, and property damage. In a severe accident that causes long-term injuries, judgments can exceed $1,000,000 in some cases. If serious injuries are involved, many people get an attorney and file a personal injury lawsuit. 

Most attorneys work on a commission structure and won’t require any payment until they win the case. Compare California liability quotes in under five minutes. To get started, just enter your zip code.  

Cheapest Auto Insurance Companies in California

Most drivers are in constant search of what company has the cheapest California car insurance. Direct auto insurers have some of the best rates. More and more California drivers are using the internet to compare rates and buy their car insurance policies. 

Several companies like Geico, 21st Century, and Progressive all have great, low rates. Progressive Insurance is an excellent choice for drivers looking to get very cheap car insurance with a low deposit. Progressive can get qualified drivers covered with the first installment payment covered as the down payment. It is a good deal for motorists that need car insurance coverage right away but who are low on funds. 

For California seniors over 55, insurers like Travelers and AAA have great deals that can save drivers 10% or more. Most providers in the Golden State also have discounts for bundling auto and home insurance together.      

The average car insurance rates in California are about $1,700 per year. With direct pricing from companies like Geico, well-qualified drivers can save $600 or more.

Your specific rates may lower or higher, depending on numerous factors, like your driving record, accident history, vehicle type, zip code, and even credit. To determine which carrier has the cheapest rates, it’s wise to compare as many quotes as possible.

Where you Live Plays a Big Role in California Minumum Car Insurance Costs

Most people know that the vehicle they own, along with their driving record, all play a large role in the cost of coverage. Another significant factor is where a person lives. Carriers have pricing models based on each zip code in every state. Data, such as accidents per person and stolen vehicles, is analyzed and used to determine premiums in every zip code. Vehicular deaths per area are also used to determine rates. Accidents that result in fatalities are costly to insurers, and zip codes with higher incidents result in increased premiums.

A friend that lives 5 miles away, is about the same age, with a similar driving record could pay much less than you just because they have a different zip code. There are some areas where premiums rise by as much as 30%, compared to others. Therefore, it is essential to consider auto insurance costs when moving to a new area. In general, rural areas have fewer accidents; thus, auto insurance premiums will be lower than in more urban cities. Also, there is more vehicle theft in urban areas, which pushes premiums higher.   

Pay as You Drive Plans are Becoming More Popular in California

One option for motorists that drive fewer than 7,500 miles annually is Metromile. This upstart technology firm is gaining popularity in California cities by offering “pay as you drive coverage.” The less you drive, the more you save. It’s that simple.

In recent years, insurers like Progressive have rolled out telematics programs that monitor how many miles a person drives, in addition to their driving behavior. Motorists who drive safely and under 800 miles a month can save 25% or more with Progressive.   

Farmers and State Farm have some of the best rates available in the Golden State for those looking to bundle both auto and home. For active or retired military members, USAA has some of the cheapest rates.

California Insurance Agents

There are numerous professional auto insurance agents throughout California. State Farm, Allstate, and Farmers both have extensive networks of well-qualified agents. They can assist you in creating a detailed insurance plan for both your automobile and home, as well as insure businesses, including liability and commercial automobile coverage. 

Almost every California insurer provides online quotes, but not all companies will let you buy a policy online. Geico and Progressive allow consumers to buy a policy directly online. Most agent-based carriers will require you to speak with an agent before purchasing a policy. Your best bet is to compare both direct quotes and rates from agents to make sure you are getting the best deal.

Best Insurers in California

The best car insurance in California depends on numerous factors. Price is always at the top of most people’s list. Another must-have is customer service and rapid claim processing. In today’s digital age, more people are looking to get quotes online and buy and manage their insurance policies online.

Many young people under 25 think the best way to shop for car insurance is without speaking to an agent. Millennials want to compare prices over the web and buy a policy they feel comfortable with online. The best car insurance rates in California vary by each individual. Thus, it’s so important to get as many quotes as possible. You should compare at least ten rate quotes before settling on a company. You also want to check A.M. Best for an insurer’s financial standing.   

The Most Popular Cars in California

1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Toyota Prius
5. Acura MDX
6. Hyundai Elantra
7. Ford Fusion
8. Nissan Altima
9. Nissan Sentra
10. Toyota Corolla

Get Cheap California Minimum Car Insurance Online

If you only need California minimum car insurance, then you can usually find the cheapest rates online. Direct providers like goodtogoinsurance can save you 40% or more. You can compare up to ten quotes in five minutes or less. Get started now by entering your zip code on your laptop, smartphone, or any device connected to the web. Get insured faster, with better coverage for less.