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California Auto Insurance Quotes

If you have been looking for auto insurance companies and quotes from some of the reputed carriers in the State of California, you are at the right place. There are over a dozen auto insurance providers that you can connect to right now. Here, you will be able to shop for auto insurance with some of the multiple state-approved California auto insurance companies and receive quotes instantly. You can compare quotes instantly and make a decision depending on one that fits your individual needs. In order to avail some of the best quotes and avail maximum benefits, just fill in the application and you will hear from all the top carriers. When you shop for insurance through us you can be assured of getting a comprehensive coverage that will easily fit into your budget.

Here's What You Should Do with California Auto Insurance

To most motorists, navigating the Car Insurance Industry "maze" is akin to driving on a bumpy, pot-holed road. However, the good news for car owners in California is the presence of professional companies, fully equipped to do the navigation and dirty work for you, and 'shock-absorb' your ride.

So, if you are searching for the best california car insurance deals, start searching for a company that has good connections with top-drawer names in car insurance and the wherewithal to get you the best car insurance deals in the industry. Now, don't hit that pedal just yet. Despite their hackneyed, "we're the best" claim, all car insurance companies aren't the same.

Why Opt for Carriers with Credentials?

Car insurance is big business, and this is the main reason why there are such a large number of companies out there. Although deciding on a company best suited to your budget and needs can be rather confusing, a smart way to start is to look for a CA 'state-approved' company, rather than one that isn't.

State-approved car insurance companies, termed "admitted carriers", have convincing credentials, as they possess the necessary licenses and approvals issued by The California Department of Insurance to sell car insurance policies in the state. On the other hand, car insurance companies who do not have such licenses and approvals are referred to as "non-admitted carriers"

What Benefits Do "Admitted Carriers" Offer?

There are several benefits in purchasing a car insurance policy from reputable, CA state-approved "Admitted carriers", as opposed to purchasing one from lesser known, "Non-admitted carriers".

  • Admitted carriers offer a higher level of protection in the event an insurer is unable to pay out claims, and/or if the particular insurer resorts to unethical business practices.

    Non-admitted carriers are a risky proposition as they neither offer nor guarantee such protection For example, your insured claim will most likely remain unpaid, in the event of bankruptcy or insolvency, as such carriers are not protected by 'The California State Guarantee Fund'.

  • Admitted carriers are not permitted to alter mutually agreed coverage/rates specified in the policies sold by them, unless applications to do so are filed / approved with/by the regulatory body concerned.

    Non-admitted carriers are not governed by state regulations, and therefore have the liberty to change premiums and rates at any time, and often do so.

  • Admitted carriers offer a more comprehensive range of online benefits and services, e.g. excellent business tie-ups with top insurance companies; instant submission of multiple quote options; simplified system to purchase policies online; instant submission of insurance proof; non-obligatory purchase terms; useful information and answers to FAQ's ; and a lot more.

    Non-admitted carriers offer far fewer benefits and services. They generally deal with lesser known car insurance companies; claim to offer the cheapest rates and premiums but can surprise you with hidden costs; and seldom respond with useful information or answers to FAQ's.

Which Type of Car Insurance Does California Require?

As applicable in all other US States, it is mandatory for individual California car drivers, transporters, car rental companies and car dealerships to possess car insurance ('Liability' insurance in particular), for the vehicles owned or operated by them.

Liability coverage

An integral part of the car insurance equation is 'Liability' coverage which is mandatory in most US States, except New Hampshire, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin. By CA law, it is incumbent upon each car owner to have the minimum liability coverage amounts in his/her car insurance policy.

In the event of an accident, these amounts will cover the cost of damages caused by you (or other persons included in your policy), and/or by your vehicle. Irrespective of a policy holder's income status, the minimum liability coverage amounts specified for every car owner in California is based on a 10/20/5 policy, described as under:

  • $10,000 for physical injury per person
  • $20,000 for physical injury per accident
  • $5000 for property damage

How is Financial Responsibility Established and Why?

Proof of financial responsibility, covered to a larger extent by liability insurance, is a mandatory requirement if one is to be considered a 'legal driver' on California roads. Proof of responsibility usually means a driver's ability to take 'financial responsibility' (cover cost of damages) in the event of an accident. However, documentary proof for the following items is what's required to establish financial responsibility in California:

  • Possession of a Liability insurance policy, preferably purchased/ obtained via an admitted (state-approved) carrier
  • A $35,000 'Deposit' in cash with CA-DMV - The California Department of Motor Vehicles - P.O. Box 942884 Sacramento CA, 94284-0884
  • A 'Self-insurance Certificate' issued by the CA-DMV
  • A 'Surety bond' of $35,000 issued by a company authorized/licensed to do so in California (information/details on 'surety bonds' can be obtained online from The California Department of Insurance, or via phone on (800) 927-4357

Are There Other Types of Coverage?

Indeed there are. Although some of these additional types of coverage are not mandatory in some states, it still makes sense to have additional protection as this would be in your interest. Very often the minimum coverage that is prescribed by the state is not good enough and the optional coverage becomes necessary. Some of the other standard types of (optional) coverage that you may consider for added financial protection include:

  • Collision coverage

    Although this type of insurance coverage is optional, it makes sense to include it in your car insurance plan. However, there is a clear distinction between collision coverage and liability coverage. Whereas a collision policy covers damage to your own vehicle, liability covers the cost of damage caused by you to a person, his/her vehicle, or property. Note, a car insurance company will not apply the minimum liability coverage for 'property damage' ($5000) for repairing your car, it is applied solely for repairs of the other person's car instead. Therefore, collision coverage makes sound financial sense to have your vehicle covered in the event of an accident.

    Collision coverage typically covers the damage to your vehicle if it hits or is hit by another object or vehicle. This type of coverage will help in fixing your vehicle minus the deductible that you would have chosen. This is an optional coverage that will pay for the damage to your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident. Collision cover also has various deductible options that you can choose from.

  • Comprehensive coverage

    This is another good option, as it offers coverage irrespective of WHOM or WHAT natural factors cause damage to your vehicle, for example - arson; earthquakes; fires; floods; hurricanes; mudslides; tornadoes, and vandalism. As California is prone to some of these natural occurrences, comprehensive coverage is an option you may, if not must, consider.

    Comprehensive coverage is also referred to as coverage 'other than collision' as it covers damages that are caused to your vehicle by other natural calamities or occurrences other than collision. For instance, comprehensive coverage will offer protection in case your vehicle is damaged due to natural causes or if it has been hit by an animal. This coverage will fix your vehicle minus the deductible that you may have chosen.

So, while collision cover will pay for damages that are caused due to a collision with another vehicle or object, comprehensive cover will pay for damages caused to your automobile due to other causes that may be natural or due to vandalism, theft etc. There are some companies that do not sell comprehensive cover without collision cover. Added to this, some of the carriers will want you to keep the deductible the same for both types of coverage.

Hence, it makes sense to purchase collision and comprehensive as you can be assured of total protection and minimize your losses to the maximum extent possible.

Factors That Affect Auto Insurance Rates

There are a number of factors that affect auto insurance rates across the nation. While some are universal, there are some that are more specific in nature. Hence, it is important that the motorists in California get familiar with these factors as this will help in better decision making while purchasing auto insurance and also while shopping around for better rates.

The first and foremost thing is to determine how the insurer determines the value of a car when it gets totalled and when an agent has signed it off as totalled. Normally, the Blue Book is used as this is a ready reckoner of sorts and is based on quotes from automobile vendors, market research, etc. This will normally help in getting a reasonable rate for your vehicle. However, in case the exact replacement cannot be found in any outlet nearby, then there would be a problem. If the part cannot be found easily, they might have to travel a longer distance to get it for you and that will cost you more money.

You could use the credit history in the State of California and evaluate your auto insurance premiums. If your credit history is not very good, then you can work on it and try improving it.

Finally, if you wish to deal with a reputable car insurance company that can cut through the maze in the car insurance industry, get you the best deals, and make your life easier. You can always get in touch with us. Let's hear from you. Welcome again!