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How do I choose a company? |
- Financial stability of an insurer.
- Fair and efficient service.
- Price of the policy.
- A comfortable feeling about contacting the agent or company to answer your questions or to obtain help in filing a claim.
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Where can I buy auto insurance? |
- Through an insurance agency.
- From a local agent or an insurance company.
- Purchase can be done in person, by phone, by mail, or over the internet
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What are some ways to save money? |
- Compare insurance costs before buying a car.
- Increase your deductibles, especially for collision and comprehensive.
- Consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage on older cars.
- Buy auto coverage, life, and homeowners insurance from the same insurer.
- Take advantage of safe driver discounts, group insurance, low mileage driving and carpools.
- Inquire about other discount programs.
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What kinds of coverage do I need? |
- You are required by California law to have a minimum of 15/30/5 liability coverage (unless qualified for 10/20/3 in Los Angeles and San Francisco).
- Limits of 100/300 bodily injury liability are recommended.
- You should also consider collision and comprehensive coverage.
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How is the cost of my policy determined? |
- Your driving record, number of miles driven annually, where you live, your age, the type car you drive, and your amount of coverage are all factors considered to determine the cost of your policy.
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What information do I need to get a policy? |
- Your personal driving record.
- The make and model of cars you own, the number of miles you drive each year, and where you live.
- The identification of people who will drive the cars you want insured.
- The kind of coverage you want.
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What is required to insure my teenager? |
- Notify your insurance agent when your teenagers start to drive so they can be added on your own policy.
- Tell your insurer if the teenager goes to school at least 100 miles away from home.
- Encourage the child to get good grades and to take a driver education course.
- Talk to your child about the dangers of alcohol use, lack of proper rest, and distractions while driving. Be a good role model.
- Shop around for coverage and price. Pick a safe car.
- Institute a personal graduated licensing program and plan a variety of driving situations to emphasize safety under various conditions.
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Do I need an umbrella insurance policy? |
- Obtaining an umbrella policy is a personal decision based on your individual situation and desires. Discuss your needs with your insurance agent.
- An umbrella policy provides extra protection that applies after reaching limits from the underlying coverage in homeowners, renters, condo, or auto policy.
- It provides additional coverage, such as for libel and slander.
- Many insurers want certain minimum limits to be met by other liability policies before selling the additional coverage.
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Does my policy cover an accident in a rental car? |
- Rental reimbursement coverage is available with almost every auto insurance policy for a minimal charge, but it is not automatic.
- Frequently, those shopping only for the lowest premium bypass it.
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What if I can't find coverage? |
- You may be able to get a policy from an insurance company that specializes in “high risk” drivers,
- From a company that specializes in “non-standard” policies.
- Through the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan.
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