You’ve been driving for a while now and have yet to think about your car insurance much. Your parents had a policy when you started driving, and then you just took over payments and continued with it. But now you’re an adult, thinking about shopping around for a new policy.
Or maybe you’re relocating and need to learn about the minimum car insurance requirements here or how to find affordable car insurance in California. Either way, we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn more about California’s minimum car insurance requirements and where you can find the best rates.
California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements
The state of California requires all drivers to have liability insurance in the following amounts:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for damage to property
You are required by law to carry proof of insurance in your vehicle at all times. You could face fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment if caught driving without insurance. These liability minimums are set to accommodate the costs of covering damages and injury if you hit another person.
Types of Insurance Coverage
If you’re looking for a higher level of coverage that can cover your damages and injuries in addition to the minimums decided by state regulation, you can opt for the more comprehensive levels of insurance. These include:
Liability
Most drivers in California choose to purchase liability coverage. This type of coverage will protect you financially if you are involved in an accident and are found to be at fault. It will cover the damages to the other driver, their vehicle, and any injuries that may have occurred. Liability coverage is affordable and can be found through most car insurance providers.
Collision
Collision coverage is an excellent option if you’re looking for a higher level of coverage. This type of insurance pays for damages to your car in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can be helpful if you’re not at fault in an accident but end up with damages to your car that need to be repaired.
Comprehensive
If you’re looking for a higher level of protection that can cover your damages and injuries in addition to the minimums decided by state regulation, you can opt for the more comprehensive levels of insurance. Comprehensive coverage pays for damages to your car unrelated to a collision, such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. This can be helpful if you live in an area prone to natural disasters or thieves often target your car.
Combined Comp&Collission
If you want to be fully protected in an accident, we recommend opting for both collision and comprehensive coverage. You can find affordable rates for comprehensive and collision coverage through our free quote comparison tool.
Uninsured Motorist
Uninsured motorist body injury and property damage liability cover damages and injuries to you or your passengers if an uninsured driver hits you or your passengers.
Personal Injury Protection
Medical payments or Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers medical bills for you and your passengers in the event of an accident.
Where to Find Affordable Car Insurance in California
California residents should compare quotes online when shopping for affordable car insurance. You can use free comparison tools like ours to find the best rates from various providers quickly. Review your policy and ensure you’re getting the coverage you need.
Now that you know more about California minimum car insurance requirements and where to find affordable rates, it’s time to start shopping around for a policy! We hope this guide finds the best coverage for your needs.
Where to Find the Best Rates
Now that you know the minimum requirements for car insurance, you might wonder where to find the best rates. The answer is that it depends on a few factors, including your driving history, vehicle type, and any discounts available.
For example, if you have a clean driving record, you will likely qualify for a discount. And if you drive a safe car, like a sedan with four-wheel drive, you may also be eligible for a lower rate. Even something as simple as being a good student can sometimes help you get a cheaper policy. So it pays to shop around and compare rates from different insurers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Some insurers will offer lower rates for good drivers or those who have taken a defensive driving course. You might also get a discount if you have a newer vehicle with certain safety features or agree to have a monitoring device installed in your car.
Be Mindful of Your Decision and Enjoy the Drive
The best way to find affordable car insurance in California is to shop around and compare rates from different companies. Be sure to take advantage of any discounts available to you to get the best possible rate. And remember, always carry proof of insurance with you when you are behind the wheel!
