Auto Insurance in California (CA)
In the large and highly populated state of California, the car is king. The state’s many miles of highways, traffic jams, and densely populated cities help drive up auto insurance rates. It also has one of the highest rates of auto theft in the nation. According to a National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) study, six of the top ten urban areas for vehicle theft in 2005 were located in California. Unlike many other areas of the country, California law requires insurers to base rates primarily on driving records, experience, and the number of miles driven rather than geographical location.
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How much auto insurance do I need in California (CA)?
Like most states, California law requires drivers to carry liability insurance on each vehicle they own. The minimum requirements for California residents are:
- $15,000 per person for bodily injury liability and $30,000 per accident
- $5,000 of property damage coverage
However, these are the minimal amounts, and most insurers recommend buying more liability coverage as well as other types of coverage to make sure your family’s financial assets will be protected in the event of large losses or lawsuits. You don't want to have to pay a large amount out-of-pocket for what you could have had covered by auto insurance. The newer your car and the more expensive your car, the more insurance you will want to purchase.
California drivers are required to carry proof of insurance or evidence of financial responsibility in their vehicle at all times. Residents of other states are subject to the same laws.
Can I get a discount on Auto Insurance in California (CA)?
In California there is a “good driver law” that entitles drivers who have gone for three years or more without an accident or a traffic ticket and have resided in the state for at least 18 months to a discount on their car insurance rates. You may also be eligible for a discount if you are a graduate student, a professional federal employee, or a member of certain professional groups.
Insurance companies authorized to offer car insurance in California include AAA, AIG, AIS, Allstate, Amica, Chubb, Comparison Market, Eastwood Insurance, Electric Insurance, Esurance, Farmers, GMAC Insurance Online, Horace Mann, Insurance.com, Mercury, MetLife Auto, Nationwide, Permanent General, Prudential, State Farm, The General, Travelers Insurance, and Unitrin.
Get More Information on Auto Insurance in CA
For more information on California's auto insurance requirements, or for other specific inquiries, please contact the state's DMN office at:
Vehicle Registration Operations
Department of Motor Vehicles
P. O. Box 942869 Mail Station E 254
Sacramento, CA 94269-0001
www.dmv.ca.gov
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*Auto Insurance Options is a free information resource that provides content on auto insurance products and policies for informational purposes only, but is not an agency or insurer. Products and policies may not be available in all states.
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