Find the best car insurance rates in California:
State of California Minimum Auto Insurance Levels
| Individual Bodily Injury Liability: | $15,000 |
| Total Bodily Injury Liability: | $30,000 |
| Property Damage Liability: | $15,000 |
| Average Cost for Car Insurance: | $846/year |
| National Average: | $817/year |
Learn About Auto Insurance in California
Why Use QuotesForCalifornia
If you're shopping for auto insurance in California, QuotesForQuotes For California is the best place to find cheap car insurance quotes. After you fill out our simple form, four local California insurance agents will contact you with their best rates. You can compare the policies and pick one that's right for you.
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California Insurance Overview
The Golden State is the 16th most expensive state for Auto Insurance, which is why it's important to use Quotes For California to find a rate that's closer to the national average.
A study from the California Department of Insurance found that 14.5% of motorists in California are uninsured. If you own a car in California, it's important to purchase uninsured motorist coverage to protect yourself from these irresponsible drivers.
California's Minimum Insurance Levels
Every state's minimum insurance levels are slightly different, but all of them include these three basics components:
- Individual Bodily Injury Liability (BIL):
- This is the maximum amount that your insurance company will pay for an individual person injured in a car accident. National minimums range from $10,000 to $50,000. California's is $15,000.
- Total Bodily Injury Liability:
- This is the maximum amount that your insurance company will pay in total for every person injured in a car accident. National minimums range from $20,000 to $100,000. In California, you are legally required to purchase $30,000 worth of coverage.
- Property Damage Liability (PIL):
- This is the maximum amount that your insurance company will pay for property damage caused by a car accident. This includes all physical damage such as vehicle damage, damage to road signs and telephone poles, and any other non-medical expenses caused by a car accident. National minimums range from $5,000 to $25,000. California's is $15,000.
Because California's minimum insurance levels are low compared to the national average, it's important to consider purchasing more than the bare minimum. California drivers are only required to carry $5,000 in Property Damage Liability, but with so cars worth well over that, a large percentage of car accidents cause far more than $15,000 worth of property damage. The same goes for California's relatively low Bodily Injury Liability requirements. It's definitely worth paying a few dollars more for higher coverage levels instead of risking finding out after and accident that you weren't carrying enough insurance.
While it may sound like a lot, insurance companies recommend around 100/300/100 for most drivers (that's $100,000 and $300,000 for BIL and $100,000 for PIL). In today's hyper-litigious culture, paying a little extra for significantly more protection is a prudent decision that could save you a huge headache (and cash!) down the road.
Graduated Drivers License Program
Because motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death for 15- to 20-year-olds, most states have instituted graduated license programs (GDL) for new, teenage drivers. Learners permit periods have been lengthened, provisional licenses have been created, and special restrictions have been placed on new, young drivers.
%brand.motto$ first passed GDL laws in 1997, one of the first states to do so. Drivers can apply for a learners permit at age 15 1/2. This permit must be held for 6 months before a license will be granted. New drivers must also show six hours Drivers Education and 50 practice hours with a licensed adult. During the 12 month provisional license period, teens are prohibited from driving 11 pm to 5 am. Persons under age 20 (excepting family members and emergencies) may not accompany drivers during their provisional period.
Top Ten Stolen Cars in California
(According to the California Highway Patrol)- 1991 Honda Accord
- 1990 Honda Accord
- 1989 Toyota Camry
- 1992 Honda Accord
- 1990 Toyota Camry
- 1994 Honda Accord
- 1993 Honda Civic
- 1988 Toyota Camry
- 1991 Toyota Camry
- 1995 Honda Civic
Top Ten Auto Insurance Companies in California
(According to the Insurance Information Institute, 2006 Report)| Company | Premium Dollars (millions) |
| 1. State Farm | $2,516 |
| 2. Zurich Insurance | $1,924 |
| 3. Mercury General | $1,923 |
| 4. Auto Club Enterprises Insurance | $1,865 |
| 5. Allstate Insurance | $1,843 |
| 6. California State Auto | $1,651 |
| 7. American International | $1,549 |
| 8. Progressive | $810 |
| 9. United Services Automobile Assoc. | $660 |
| 10. Berkshire Hathaway | $645 |
California Compulsory Smog and Emissions Tests
California—always a leader when it comes to environmental standards—requires that almost all vehicles driven in the state be smog tested every two years. Exceptions include cars made before 1975, hybrids, diesels, natural gas vehicles, electric cars, and motorcycles. Cars that are six years old or newer don't have to be tested, but a smog abatement fee is still charged. While an expense and a hassle, the law is designed to help curtail the smoggy halo around California's metropolitan areas.
In another California original, auto repair shops (including smog testing stations) are required to check the tire pressure of every car that they service starting in July, 2010. While a bit draconian in nature, tire pressure can have a significant effect on a car's mile per gallon (MPG). Engines have to work harder, use more gas, and produce more emissions to power a car with underinflated tires (think of a bike with a flat tire—hard to pedal!).
Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program
California is unique in that it has a Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA). The CLCA is available to drivers in California that are considered low income (making less than $26,000 a year for individuals, $35,000 for a couples). Drivers must be older than 19 with a clean driving record and a car worth less that $20,000 to be eligible. Drivers than qualify receive insurance for around $400 a year. If you think you might be eligible, check out the California Department of Insurance for more information.
California Insurance Facts and Statistics
(From the Insurance Information Institute and California Highway Patrol)- Average Insurance Expenditure: $846
- Minimum insurance levels: 15/30/5
- Total Traffic Accidents (2007): 501,908
- Accident Fatalities (2007): 3,967
- Mileage Death Rate (per 100 million vehicle miles traveled): 1.18 (National average: 1.54)
Helpful Links
Looking for more information about car insurance in California? The following links will help you in your search for the right policy: