Car insurance in California: A general overview
In California, drivers and vehicle owners are required to maintain liability insurance for injury, death, or property damage to others in a car accident. California automobile insurance must contain the following types/minimum levels of liability insurance:
- Bodily Injury: $15,000 for one person/$30,000 for two or more people
- Property Damage: $5,000
The dollar amounts indicate the maximum amount of money your car insurance company will pay for injury, death, or property damage to others during a car accident involving you or your vehicle. Given that many car accidents result in lawsuits and higher medical/auto repair costs, you may be required to pay much more than that, so it’s a good idea to purchase liability insurance with higher limits.
It’s also a good idea to purchase other types of car insurance, like collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, or medical. These types of car insurance pay for your medical and car repair costs in the event of an accident.
Which insurance company is best?
You see their commercials on TV — Allstate, Farmers, State Farm — there are so many different car insurance companies out there. How can you tell which one has the best coverage or rates? California’s premium rating law allows insurance companies to calculate their own auto insurance rates based on past loss experience and expenses. Since each company’s experience varies, so will their rates — even within the same geographic area.
Auto insurance companies are like any other business — they develop policies for target markets, and create their own rules for managing financial risk. Some specialize in policies for seniors, while others make it easier for new drivers to get coverage. The specific car you drive, your daily commute, and your driving history are just a few of the factors that determine your policy options and rates.
No auto insurance company is the “best” company. But Daniel Fraisse can use his expertise to negotiate the best customized car insurance policy for you from among dozens of insurance companies.
You’ve got options. We can help.
Daniel Fraisse is an independent insurance broker. He doesn’t work for insurance companies — he works for you. Daniel uses his expertise to determine the best auto policy options and coverage limits for you. He analyzes the products of dozens of insurance companies, and negotiates a customized car insurance policy that meets your needs at the lowest possible rate.
Call us today at (818) 541-9975 to get your free auto insurance quote. For fastest results, please have the following information ready when you call:
1. Please provide the following basic information on all drivers in your household:
- Drivers’ names, ages, gender, and marital status
- Driving records
- Annual mileage for each driver
2. Please provide the following information on all vehicles in your household:
- Full vehicle identification number (VIN)
- Year of vehicle
- Vehicle cost
- Vehicle mileage
- Special equipment (anti-lock brakes, air bags, etc.)
3. What type of automobile insurance are you looking for, in terms of:
- Coverages
- Liability limits
- Deductibles