Cheap California Auto Insurance
From LoveToKnow Insurance
Many people who live in California quickly discover that it can be somewhat difficult to find cheap California auto insurance.
Finding Cheap California Auto Insurance
If you're looking for cheap California auto insurance, you'll discover that a web search turns up a whole lot of useless content related to national auto insurance online quote websites that aren't specifically tailored for California residents. When you're looking for the cheapest auto insurance in California the obvious place to start is the California Department of Insurance.
Finding the Lowest Rates
State Sponsored Auto Insurance - If you live in California, don't earn a significant income, and you are a good driver with a clean record, you may qualify for the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA). This program offers low income residents with the most affordable "liability only" coverage auto insurance so that low income residents can afford to drive back and forth to work every day without worrying about whether or not they can afford insurance for the car. Eligibility requirements change depending on current laws, but the typical four person household income limit is well below the average state income. Other qualifications for the program include age, driving record and the value of the car.
California Organized Investment Network (COIN) - Another way Californians can recognize a socially responsible insurance company is based on the list of insurers within California that invest into the COIN program. COIN is a voluntary program established in 1996 that allows corporate investors to voluntarily help "underserved urban and rural communities" through financial investments that provide "economic and social benefits" to those communities. A few recognizable insurer names who invest into this California state cause include the following companies.
- Allstate Insurance Company
- AIG
- Conseco Insurance
- Continental Insurance
- Farmer's Insurance
- Hartford
- Progressive
- Prudential
- State Farm
- UNUM
- United American
You can also find insurers who haven't invested in this California social cause from the California Department of Insurance.
Getting the Best Value
If you earn too much to qualify for the State insurance program, there are still plenty of affordable auto insurance solutions for California residents. California law requires that every driver must carry at least a minimum amount for the death or injury of anyone in an accident where you're either completely or partially at fault. The law also requires a minimum liability coverage for any property damage you cause. This means that the cheapest insurance policy that you purchase in California will be a liability-only policy that meets these legal liability requirements.
Keep in mind that the law doesn't require you to purchase insurance from a company. If you have the balance of that liability in the bank (currently around $35,000), you can deposit a check with the DMV for that amount and you'd never have to write an insurance premium check again. However, if you don't have a lump sum that you can deposit with the DMV, or if you'd like to purchase slightly more than just liability insurance in order to protect your own car, there are other ways you can find the most affordable car insurance.
- AAA is a respected organization both within the auto industry and for drivers. Using this online form, you can obtain a quote from AAA] for inexpensive insurance in the state of California.
- California Auto Insurance is one company that tailors its quotes for Californians, even offering discounts for certain California degreed professionals.
- CarInsurance.com is a national insurance quotes site, but has information available specific to California.
Getting Auto Insurance Discounts in California
When you talk to an insurance agent, one of the best ways to get the lowest quotes is through discounts. Don't ask for discounts first. Initially, ask the agent for the lowest possible quote without discounts, and then ask how much you can save off that quote through additional discounts. The following list should serve as a guide for items that you can ask for.
- Multiple product discount (like buying homeowners and auto insurance from the same company)
- Professional discount
- Safe driver
- Corporate discounts
- Multiple vehicles
- Drive low miles every day
- Student discount
- Safety devices like anti-lock brakes and anti-theft devices
- Safe vehicle (high safety rating)
- Excellent credit rating
- Driver's course
- State certified educator discount
Final Words
In California, as in many states, there are many ways to save money on auto insurance. Keep all of your options in mind when you search for an insurance company, and always remember to only purchase the amount of insurance that you actually need for the value of vehicle or vehicles that you drive. In the end, cheap insurance should not only save you money but it should also keep you safe.
Learn More
This page has been accessed 492 times. This page was last modified 02:07, 1 March 2009.
© 2006-2009 LoveToKnow Corp.
Print this page
Follow ltk on twitter
Visit us on facebook