The best way to obtain affordable car insurance rates in California is to compare quotes online from multiple California car insurance companies. That way, drivers can get side-by-side comparisons of coverage, deductibles, and premium costs. As car insurance rates rise and our budgets tighten, CA car insurance companies are making it easier than ever for the savvy shopper to save money. Before shoppers start comparing quotes online however, they should become familiar with the laws and regulations specific to California auto insurance companies.
California Car Insurance Companies Coverage
California is a “tort” state, which means that when an accident occurs, the person at fault, and the insurer of that person are held liable for any damage or injuries. In order to drive legally in the state, California requires a minimum amount of California car insurance or some other form of financial responsibility.
The types of coverage required in California include Personal Liability and Property Damage. The minimum required coverage for each accident in California includes: $15,000 for any person injured, $30,000 for all injured persons, and $5,000 for any damage to property.
For careful drivers in California who drive few miles, or drivers just trying to save money, obtaining a policy with the minimum required amounts of coverage might sound like a wise decision. No matter how careful people believe they drive, California drivers in general have one of the highest rates of collisions due to impaired or distracted driving in the US. A recent survey reported the startling fact that California roads are used by over 300,000 drivers carrying three or more DUI convictions. Coincidentally, California also nears the top of the list in car repair and health care costs.
No matter how lucky a driver feels, obtaining more than the minimum required California car insurance not only gives him a bit more peace of mind, but can also prevent him from paying large sums of money out of pocket in the event of an accident.
In addition to Personal Liability and Property Damage coverage, California car insurance companies also offer Comprehensive coverage for protection in the event of theft, vandalism, flood, fire, and other “acts of God.” Approximately one-third of all California drivers are either uninsured or inadequately insured. Statistically, they also drive the most unsafe and poorly maintained vehicles and are the poorest drivers. To defend against these rolling time bombs, having uninsured/underinsured coverage is one more hedge against the odds.
CA Auto Insurance Companies Financial Strength Ratings
In addition to a better appreciation of the aptitude of drivers around you on the freeway, and the best types and amounts of CA car insurance coverage for your vehicle use, it also makes sense to go with a company which will be able to deliver on its financial responsibilities if you ever need to file a claim. Obtaining the lowest rate quote is meaningless if the California car insurance company you choose goes belly-up after the next El Nino.
After witnessing the demise of financial giants all over the world, California drivers might wonder if their car insurance companies are fit enough to pay off on some future accident claim. It turns out that the California Insurance Guarantee Association maintains a fund that can be used to pay out on claims in the event that an insurer is unable to honor its financial responsibility.
To those who are not reassured by this, they can always consult the Standard & Poor’s Insurer Financial Strength Rating to assist them in choosing a California car insurance company that has a strong financial base. The Financial Strength Rating of “AAA” is the highest rating given by S&P and indicates an insurer with “Extremely Strong financial security characteristics.” GEICO currently possesses a “AAA” rating. Because Standard & Poor’s Financial Strength Ratings offer only a snapshot in time of a company’s financial strength, there is no guarantee that the rating will be maintained in the future.
It still pays to go with a stronger insurer who is more likely to offer car insurance discounts and be more active in the community.
California Car Insurance Companies Rate Quotes
Now better equipped to compare car insurance rate quotes in California, a car insurance shopper can take advantage of one of the most popular and useful consumer tools on the Internet, the car insurance web site. Most are equipped with an easy to use form to enter your insurance info and quickly receive free rate quotes. By entering the zip code and information about the vehicle, number of drivers, and other pertinent facts, the shopper can choose from a range of rates depending on the choice of deductible.
Depending on the web site, a car insurance shopper can get a rate quote within seconds or receive an email or phone call in a matter of hours. Regardless of the duration of time, the informed shopper will be able to compare all of the important points before making a decision. Many women find that shopping for an affordable rate from a California car insurance company is easy and hassle-free. They can obtain all the information they need while not enduring the competitive behavior of the “good ole boys” in the brick and mortar insurance office laying on the sales pressure.
Obtaining affordable rate quotes from California car insurance companies has become quick, easy and hassle-free due to the information and technology available on most car insurance web sites. Why not enter your zip code into the free tool above and get started comparing quotes from top CA auto insurance companies online today!