car insurance california
How to Save Money on Car Insurance in California
You need car insurance in California if you drive. The minimum required coverage is in California is $30,000, but many drivers choose to purchase more coverage. While minimum coverage requirements are intended to protect you financially, the costs of a car accident are often out of your own pocket, so you should always make sure your policy is high enough. There are several ways to save money on car insurance in California by comparing quotes from different companies. new jersey auto insurance quotes
One way to lower your premium is to drive safely. Injuries, tickets, and other traffic mishaps can raise your rates. However, many insurers offer safe driving discounts. For instance, Farmer’s offers a reduced rate for drivers with less than two points in the last three years. In California, you cannot take advantage of Allstate Drivewise or Progressive Snapshot, but you can look for similar discounts.
While the law requires drivers to carry auto insurance, you can save money by choosing only liability coverage. California requires that you carry proof of insurance at all times while driving, even if you aren’t driving. Failure to carry car insurance can result in severe penalties. The laws governing insurance in California have been called among the most consumer-friendly in the country. In the late 1980s, Proposition 103 forced insurers to reduce their rates by 20% to keep their customers happy.
Another factor affecting the cost of car insurance in California is the high density of the population. While parts of the state may have plenty of elbow room between neighbors, most drivers in California reside in busy cities. Because of the high volume of traffic, there is an increased risk of accidents. The higher the risk, the higher the insurance premium. Therefore, a driver’s credit score will also affect their premium. If you’re interested in getting the best rate, it’s a good idea to speak with a licensed broker.
Another factor affecting the cost of car insurance in California is whether or not you’ve been in an accident recently. The minimum car insurance requirement is $2,437 a year. Full coverage insurance, on the other hand, can cost $3,257 a year. This is a very reasonable amount compared to the cost of a crash. And if you’ve been involved in an accident in the past, you’ll likely have a higher rate than a driver who has had several traffic violations.
In addition to these factors, California has strict DUI laws. A DUI conviction stays on your record for 13 years. In addition to the high rates, California has many laws to protect drivers from distraction while driving. You cannot text or talk on the phone while driving, and a conviction will reflect negatively on your driving record. If you violate these laws, your insurance will be significantly higher than the rate of a driver with no history of alcohol or drug-related accidents.
Mercury is another excellent company that offers affordable automobile insurance. Mercury began in California and has since expanded to other states. It offers a standard policy as well as add-ons such as roadside assistance and other discounts. Mercury claims to save drivers up to $769 a year compared to other auto insurance providers. Mercury recommends contacting Mercury directly to get a quote. Just be aware that California’s car insurance laws are state-specific, so you should check them before deciding on a company.