What are some of the California auto insurance laws that CA residents need to know? California is a tort law state for auto insurance, which basically means you can sue the other party if you are injured in a car accident. There are several other car insurance laws that consumers in the Golden State should be aware of before looking for car insurance.
In California, the law requires you to carry at least liability coverage in the limits of 15/30/5, which means:
$15,000 bodily injury coverage per person hurt in a car accident
$30,000 bodily injury coverage per accident in total
$5,000 coverage for property damage liability
This coverage is to protect others in case of an accident where you are deemed to be at fault. However, the minimum limits are very low and are unlikely to be sufficient to cover the expenses of a serious car accident. In this case you could be personally sued for the excess. For this reason it makes sense to carry higher limits of liability coverage.
There is a California which law requires insurers to give the lowest price to the consumer that he or she is eligible for. All companies operating in the state must have a toll-free number and/or a web site with quote capabilities available to consumers in order to meet the requirements of this law.
CA car insurance laws state that when you purchase liability coverage the insurer must offer you uninsured motorist coverage. If you decide against it, you must actually sign a form stating that you have declined this coverage.
Now that you are fully aware of the California auto insurance laws that you need to know, you are ready to start shopping for California car insurance. You can get started quickly and easily by using an online quote tool. In no time, you’ll be comparing a variety of quotes from top CA insurers.
By: James J. Robinson
Posts Tagged ‘Insurer’
California Auto Insurance Laws – CA Car Insurance Laws That You Need to Know
January 24th, 2010Auto Insurance Cost In Florida
January 23rd, 2010
As gas prices approach four dollars a gallon, many personal auto insurance policyholders find themselves in a particularly painful kind of trap: most states require citizens to maintain auto insurance. For example, Florida requires drivers to carry at least $10,000 of Florida auto insurance simply to maintain their license. As gas prices eat into family budgets, it can seem impossible to keep gas in your vehicles and auto insurance on your vehicles.
And it’s not just personal auto insurance customers; commercial auto insurance policyholders feel the same crunch. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, firms with fewer than twenty employees can spend up to 45% more per employee to meet federal and state regulations. Some of those regulations, of course, set the minimal required amount of commercial auto insurance. In light of this information, what can personal and commercial auto insurance customers do to soften the blow?
First, drive safely-and let your insurance company know it. If you’ve been free of moving violations and accidents for the last three years, check to see if your auto insurance policy carries a safe driver discount.
Once you’re focused on driving safely, consider raising the deductible on your auto insurance policies. Although this means you’ll have to pay more in the event of an accident, doubling the deductible on your policy can save you 10% or more on your monthly premiums.
Next, check into moving your auto and homeowner’s insurance to the same provider. Many insurers offer discounts up to 10% for policyholders with multiple policies.
Finally, many auto insurance consumers aren’t aware that insurance companies have begun using credit scores as one factor in setting premiums; if your credit situation is better now than it was when you first acquired your auto insurance policy, make sure your insurer is aware of that fact, or shop your policy around for competitive rates.
By: Cory Waldron
Updating Auto Insurance Policy is a No-Brainer
January 9th, 2010
While an auto insurance policy is the most important possession a driver occupies, it’s astonishing how many forget to renew their policy annually. In fact, many drivers wait years before they finally decide to update the coverage on their vehicle. Don’t fall into that category – call your auto insurance agent today and discuss any amendments you want made on your auto insurance policy.
Rejuvenate Your Auto Insurance
If you’re not convinced that updating you insurance policy is in your best interest, here are some reasons to convince you otherwise:
1. Coverage gaps. Your policy might be full of coverage loopholes, gaps in your policy that seem to show themselves at the worst times. By talking to your agent, you can avoid being a victim of gaps.
2. Old coverage. Everything changes over time. Your auto insurance policy is no exception. Annually reviewing your terms, limits and coverage may result in you saving money on your premium. If you own an older car, chances are you don’t need as much comprehensive coverage as you currently have. Why not look into updating your coverage and possibly saving you hundreds of dollars a year?
3. Changes in economy. In the midst of a failing economy, more and more drivers are opting to drop their car insurance altogether. Not a good idea – uninsured drivers are 10 times more likely to get into an accident. If you get uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage added to your auto insurance policy, you can be protected against the uninsured.
4. Wrong fit. When reviewing your policy, you may realize that your current insurer is costing you too much. It may be time to consider another insurance company. Shop around for car insurance quotes by going on-line. After filling out a short form, your inbox will be flooded with a wide array of quotes from multiple insurance agents.
5. Change in driving. Just because you bought your auto insurance policy five years ago doesn’t mean you are the same driver now. You might not even drive as much anymore. It’s in your best interest to update your insurance policy to reflect this significant change. Many insurers offer a considerable discount for low-mileage drivers.
6. Better discounts. If your insurance company is offering new deals or discounts, don’t hesitate to ask about them. You may be able to get additional coverage on your auto insurance policy for a lower rate, depending on what kind of discount is being offered.
7. Riders. Although adding riders to a policy can add up, they are necessary if you want to protect something in your car, such as a new stereo system. If this is the case, you should consider purchasing a rider, which is an amendment to your auto insurance policy that either adds or deletes coverage. Check with your agent about getting an car insurance quote so you have an idea about what effect a rider will have on your premium.
Stop wasting time and update your policy today! You can be confident that you’re getting the most convenient coverage at an affordable price.
By: Tom Lustina