california car insurance

Consumer Guide to Buying Car Insurance in California, USA

Contents: Free car insurance quote, choosing the best companies, premiums and rates.

How Does Your California Insurance Company Compare?

In the USA, car policies and premiums vary from one insurance company to another. But in terms of rates and premiums, there is not much difference among the top car insurance companies in California.

What is different among companies, and more important than price alone, is the financial strength and service philosophy. Try to find out the following:

Financial Strength - Can your California car insurance company pay claims?

Collision Claims Procedure - Find out how easy (or difficult) the claims procedure is. Some companies make claims hassle free, while others might take the slow route.

Customer Support - Find out if the California car insurance company has a call center or customer support hotline. Try calling these numbers before getting insurance. If your call is 99% answered, then they have good customer support.

Road Side Assistance - Find out if you can get additional benefits such as 24x7 road side assistance to give you peace of mind when driving. 

The Right California Car Insurance Coverage

California Minimum
This is the minimum required by law, and does not cover your property damage or your personal injuries.

California Basic Coverage
Bodily injury to each person is $50,000. Property damage per accident is $50,000. Deductible is around $200.

California Common Comprehensive Coverage
Bodily injury to each person is $100,000. Property damage per accident is $100,000. Deductible is around $500.

California Best Coverage
Bodily injury to each person is $250,000. Property damage per accident is $100,000. Deductible is around $1,000.

Tip: Get as much third party bodily and property damage coverage as you can afford. This will help protect your assets against lawsuits.

Tip: Deductible is the amount of your liability. Example, with a deductible of $1,000, and you get into an accident costing $3,000 in property damages, you will pay the first $1,000 and the insurance company will cover the rest ($2,000).

Average Rates For Car Insurance in California

Here is an estimate of the average car insurance premium cost and rates in California:

* Los Angeles - $2,140
* San Diego - $3,645
* Santa Ana - $2,737
* San Francisco - $2,587
* Sacramento - $3,103

Source: 21st.com

The most popular car insurance companies in California are 21st, AAA, Allstate, CSAA, Farmers, GEICO, Mercury, Progressive, State Farm, and USAA.

Benefits:

• Compare quotes instantly online
• Find right coverage at competitive rates
• Buy online and print proof of insurance within minutes

Related Resources

This section features companies where you can get California car insurance.

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