Posts Tagged ‘California auto insurance’

California Auto Insurance Basics

Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

Whether you’re driving down the breathtaking Highway 1 or “getting your kicks” on Route 66, driving in California is a wonderful privilege. Yet, each state carries its own unique set of auto insurance requirements, rules and guidelines. Here is everything you need to know about California auto insurance.

Minimum Requirements

According to the California Department of Insurance, you must meet the following minimum auto insurance levels:

  • $15,000 per person for Bodily Injury Liability
  • $30,000 per accident for Bodily Injury Liability
  • $5,000 per accident for Property Damage Liability

If you do not want to pay California auto insurance premiums to buy this much coverage, you have two other options:

1. Visit your local California DMV and leave a cash deposit of $35,000.

2. Visit a California insurance company and obtain a $35,000 insurance company bond.

Teen Drivers

California has a graduated driver’s license program for teen drivers meaning that:

  • A teens may apply for an instructional permit at age 15.5, which says he or she may drive if at least one licensed driver over age 25 is present.
  • Six months later, the teen may apply for a provisional license, which allows driving between the hours of 11 pm and 5 am and transporting passengers only when a parent or guardian is present.
  • By age 18, the teen can then receive a full license without restrictions.

California DUIs

There are stiff penalties for drinking and driving in California.

  • The legal B.A.C. level for California motorists is 0.08 percent (or 0.01 for drivers under age 21).
  • Penalties may include: jail time of 96 hours – 6 months and fines from $1,000 – $1,600.
  • One’s license is typically suspended for 6 months and one must carry an SR-22 license for 3 years.
  • Drivers are required to attend a DUI program and may be ordered to install an ignition interlock device.
  • Second offenses can result in a 2-year license revocation.

 For more information on California auto insurance, you can visit the California Department of Insurance website.

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To get the lowest rate, search our database of California auto insurance quotes.

 

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Posted in California, General Auto Insurance, USA |

Competition Drives Down Price Of California Auto Insurance

Tuesday, April 10th, 2012

Competition is good for consumers of California auto insurance. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners reported that the cost of auto insurance has gone down every year from 2005-2009, due to increased competition from various providers. According to their research, the ratio of car insurance cost to family income dipped from 1.25 to 1.05 percent, which is an encouraging sign.

How To Get Low Cost Auto Insurance In California

  • Find a company that lets you pay per mile.
  • Opt for lower medical care coverage.
  • Drive in a state that has cheaper auto repair costs and instances of insurance fraud.
  • Have an impeccable driving record.
  • Improve your credit score.
  • Drive a type of car that is highly rated for safety and low-rated for theft.
  • Drive fewer miles.
  • Do not let your insurance lapse.
  • Avoid getting ticketed or causing accidents.

Other Factors That Matter

California auto insurance companies also give people lower rates if they are females over the age of 25. Retirees in their fifties or sixties often see their rates drop slightly as well. Insurance providers are constantly trying to limit the risk in their investment pools by charging riskier drivers more money (or dropping them altogether) and by signing up more paying customers who won’t need their policies for claims at all. With auto body repair and medical costs skyrocketing, it’s incredible that the free market has blessed us with lower auto insurance prices.

Need a Quote on California Auto Insurance?

Peruse our site to get a quick, free quote on auto insurance in California.

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Posted in California, Cheap Auto Insurance |

California Auto Insurance Companies Offer Savings For Low Mileage Drivers

Tuesday, April 3rd, 2012

california auto insurance

Did you know that you could be eligible for a discount of up to 45 percent if you drive less than 2,000 miles per year? Last year, two California auto insurance companies — State Farm and Auto Club of Southern California rolled out new incentives for people who drive less.

How Do People Get Started?

State Farm auto insurance clients can visit a licensed dealer to have their odometers read or they may submit their mileage electronically if they have the OnStar system. The Auto Club  of Southern California offers their clients the option of installing an automatic mileage transmission device.

How Does The Program Work?

For the State Farm program, drivers will receive a discount for driving 2,000 miles or less, with gradual price increases for every 500 miles driven. Consumer advocates say this CA auto insurance incentive saves drivers a substantial amount of money if they can decrease the amount they drive by just 500 miles. The Auto Club uses four price brackets for 2,500 miles up to 10,000 and seven steps of 5,000 miles after that, which they say “will not penalize drivers who occasionally run up their mileage with long vacation trips.”

How Much Can You Save On California Auto Insurance?

State Farm drivers may save up to 45 percent off their regular rates per year. Auto Club drivers could save 1 – 10.5 percent, which translates to about $68 per vehicle, per year.

What Is The Significance Of This Program?

Environmentalists love the idea of a low mileage auto insurance incentive because they feel that will encourage more carpoolers, train riders or people who will think twice about making unnecessary trips by car. According to State Farm, about 25 percent of their 3.3 million policyholders in California will be eligible for the program.

New programs are coming out all the time, which is why it’s a good idea to periodically surf auto insurance quotes for the best deals.

 

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Posted in Auto Insurance News, Auto Insurance Rates, California, USA |

How Long Does A DUI Affect My Auto Insurance Rates?

Monday, April 2nd, 2012
auto insurance after dui

The best Santa can do is plea bargain & shop around for lower auto insurance rates.

Driving under the influence of alcohol is a serious offense, no matter what state you live in. Unfortunately, auto insurance rates tend to skyrocket once this offense goes onto your record. Anything that can be leveled against you probably will be, as you have now proven yourself to be a risky driver.

How Long Will A DUI Affect Insurance Rates?

The length of time a DUI stays on your record will depend upon your state’s laws. For instance, California requires a DUI to stay on one’s record for 7 years. New York auto insurance companies keep track of this conviction for 10 years. In Alaska, a DUI stays on a driving record forever. Generally, the car insurance premium rate hike takes place at your next renewal period.

Each Auto Insurance Company Is Different.

Some will increase your rate for just 3 years, while others will hold the offense against you for the full 7-10 years. According to Carole Walker of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Information Association, ”If you get a DUI conviction, it will likely affect your insurance rates for (at least) the next three to five years.” Even after that, she says you can expect at least five years of perfect driving before reaching preferred status with auto insurance providers again.

The best thing to do after a DUI is to search for a new auto insurance provider to access the most competitive rates.

 

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Posted in General Auto Insurance, USA |

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