Whether you plan to move from a different state and need to find auto insurance in California or perhaps just want to change auto insurance providers, you should be aware of some great deals. All it takes is some research and creativity, and you will be making the most of California auto insurance available to you in no time.

Stretching your dollar is easy when considering car insurance in California. The following are a few tips to help get you there:

1. Find all discounts available to you from California auto insurance agents.

2. Obtain California car insurance even if you have made past driving mistakes.

3. Buy uninsured motorist coverage for very little extra money.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Take advantage of discounts from car insurance companies in California

Most California auto insurance providers offer several types of discounts. The hardest part about obtaining these discounts is figuring out which ones you may qualify for. The discounts offered depend on the insurance company, but you can often save money on your premium when you insure at least two vehicles or some property with the same company, have no accidents for the last few years, take a defensive driving course, install an anti-theft device, or have a car with safety products, such as anti-lock brakes.

I recommend: Both GMAC Insurance and Allstate offer discounts when you furnish proof of safety devices, driving courses, multiple car policies and good driving records.

Get coverage from California car insurance companies without presenting a perfect record

If your driving record is marred by past accidents or moving violations, do not despair. You can still get car insurance at a good rate. Many providers of California car insurance offer a second chance to drivers with a few past mistakes years ago.

I recommend: Drivers with no accidents for five years qualify for the accident forgiveness program at both The Hartford and GEICO.

Purchase uninsured motorist coverage cheaply from California car insurance providers

If you are hit by a driver who does not have insurance, you will typically have to pay for any damage with your own wallet. Avoid this kind of nightmare by spending a few extra dollars each month on uninsured motorist coverage. Doing so is usually worth the extra peace of mind.

I recommend: Nationwide offers uninsured motorist coverage, as does Esurance.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Make sure to keep your insurance card on you at all times when driving. If you do not have proof of car insurance in California and you get pulled over, you will likely be fined at least $500, and possibly need to go to court. Save yourself the money and the trouble and keep an insurance card in both your wallet and your car glove compartment.

Car insurance in California, like gas or rent, is expensive yet necessary. It doesn't just protect your car from dents; it protects you and other drivers from both bodily harm and financial ruin. For that reason, California car insurance coverage isn't just something that drivers in the "Golden State" should have; it's something they must have.

California auto insurance coverage doesn’t have to break the bank. You may be able to save by shopping around, declining unnecessary coverage and trading high deductibles for lower premiums. Indeed, you can cut costs, but you can't cut corners. If you drive in California, you need auto insurance in California. Here's what kind and how much, according to California state law:

1. When buying auto insurance in California, drivers must purchase bodily injury liability (BIL) and property damage liability (PDL) coverage; collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP), uninsured motorist bodily injury (UM) and uninsured property damage coverage are recommended, but not required.
2. Auto insurance in California must include BIL coverage of at least $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for costs associated with the injury or death of others in a wreck.
3. Auto insurance in California must include PDL coverage of at least $5,000 for damage to another person's property in an accident.

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Browse California auto insurance rates online

If you need California auto insurance, online quotes are a good starting point. Available from all major auto insurance companies in California, they offer a fast and convenient way to research and compare premiums.

I recommend: Get comprehensive online quotes from California car insurance providers at websites like InsWeb, Insurance.com, InsuranceUSA and InsuranceFinder, or from companies like Progressive and Esurance, which quote both their own and competitors' rates.

Solicit California car insurance quotes from national providers

Most major car insurance carriers offer auto insurance in California and all provide competitive California auto insurance rates.

I recommend: Among the largest and most popular car insurance companies in California are AIG, Allstate, Chubb, Farmers, GEICO, The Hartford, Liberty Mutual and State Farm. National associations like AAA -- in Southern California and Northern California -- and AARP are also good sources for affordable auto insurance in California.

Get car insurance in California from local and regional companies

In California, auto insurance rates can vary dramatically; for some of the most affordable, consider locally based providers.

I recommend: For automotive insurance in California, try California-based companies like Fireman's Fund Insurance Company, Mercury Insurance Group, Wawanesa Insurance and Danielson Indemnity Company. Also consider local programs, such as the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan, which exists for drivers who can't easily find auto insurance in California, and the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, which provides low-income drivers with affordable California auto insurance.

Use an independent agent to find California car insurance bargains

Buying car insurance in California via an independent insurance agent can expose you to new resources, practical advice and special rates.

I recommend: To find an independent agent who can sell you car insurance in California, use the “find a broker” feature at the Insurance Brokers & Agents of the West website.

Choose California auto insurance companies that you can trust

Before doing business with California car insurance providers, review their records with consumers to make sure they are reliable, reputable and responsible.

I recommend: If you subscribe to Consumer Reports, you can check up on car insurance companies in California. Another good resource is the California Department of Insurance, which licenses auto insurance companies in California and compiles statistics on complaints against them.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider buying more coverage than is required by state law; minimum California car insurance might not be enough to cover car repairs or medical bills after an accident.
• •  Penalties for drivers who don't have California car insurance include driver's license suspension, cash fines and vehicle impoundment.
• •  If you're leasing or financing your car, dealerships might require you to have more and better California auto insurance than is required by state law.
• •  Higher deductibles typically mean lower premiums and more monthly savings on auto insurance in California.
• •  Drivers can save up to 5 percent on auto insurance in California if they drive a factory-built hybrid vehicle or a car that runs on alternative fuel.
• •  In lieu of auto insurance in California, drivers can opt to make a cash deposit of $35,000 with the DMV or obtain a surety bond for the same amount from a licensed California car insurance company.

If you are in need of auto insurance in California, you have several companies to choose from. Whether your plan is to insure an entire fleet of business vehicles for employees or just your personal car, it is important to determine which company offers the best plan for your needs. Prior to beginning your search for car insurance, it is helpful to know the California auto insurance basics, such as the state's minimum requirements.

Myriad factors can affect the California car insurance you need and how much it will cost you. For this reason, it is important to keep the following in mind:

1. Find out how much coverage you will need to get from California auto insurance providers.

2. Know which type of information you will need to obtain an accurate quote.

3. Compare California auto insurance quotes online.

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Make sure you obtain enough car insurance in California

Before you find a new insurance plan, you should know how much coverage the state requires. After performing some research, you will find that California's minimums are 15/30/05, which means that you are covered up to $15,000 for each individual injury that occurs in an accident, with $30,000 allowed per accident, while the total that insurance would pay for property damage is $5,000. Obtaining the minimum amount is the only legal way to go, although purchasing more coverage is certainly recommended.

I recommend: CarInsurance.com offers coverage information, as does OnlineAutoInsurance.com.

Have the required information ready to go in order to receive a California auto insurance quote

Prior to searching for quotes online, you will need to have some information on hand. Most providers of California auto insurance will ask for your vehicle make, model and year before supplying you with a quote, so make sure you have this information available. Your zip code will also affect your premium.

I recommend: GEICO only offers quotes to those who type in their zip code. Mercury Insurance Group asks for vehicle information and driver history before providing a quote.

Compare California car insurance rates on the Internet

Most car insurance companies in California offer quotes through email. You just need to fill out basic information pertaining to your insurance needs, and you will usually receive your quote the next business day. This allows you to easily and quickly compare quotes from California car insurance companies and make a decision without leaving your home or office.

I recommend: Both Progressive and Allstate offer quotes after site visitors simply fill out some information.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  California uses the Tort system, which means that someone has to be found at fault in every accident. The person who is found guilty of causing the accident, or their insurance company, will be forced to pay for all damages. To avoid paying any accident expenses out of pocket, it is wise to obtain as much coverage from California car insurance providers as you can afford.

If you drive or own a motor vehicle in California, you're required by state law to purchase auto insurance. Not only individual residents but California businesses that employ drivers profit when they get the most insurance coverage at the lowest rates. Purchasing auto insurance in any state can be a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with essential facts, such as state insurance requirements. Learning key terms related to California auto insurance can help you make the right purchase.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law

According to the state's Compulsory Financial Responsibility Law, all drivers in California must purchase auto insurance that covers liability.

I recommend: Go to CNIC Net to find out the statutory limits for bodily injury and property damage liability insurance you'll need if you drive or own a motor vehicle in California.

Standard auto policy

Most states that require auto insurance offer consumers the choice between a basic and a standard auto policy.

I recommend: Tegner Miller identifies the main components of a standard auto policy in California. It also explains what is covered by the bodily injury and property damage provisions of the policy.

Comprehensive coverage

As in most states, comprehensive coverage on your California auto insurance policy is optional.

I recommend: Check out Esurance's discussion of comprehensive coverage in California so that you'll know the five main items this type of insurance covers and also whether comprehensive coverage is right for you.

Tort system

Under California's tort system, in order to recover monetary and non monetary damages resulting from an auto accident, you must prove that the other party is at fault.

I recommend: Find out what kinds of coverage is available in California's tort system and how this system differs from the no-fault system available in other states on the Allchoice Insurance website.

Uninsured motorist protection

California residents may purchase uninsured motorist protection so that their insurance company will cover their costs resulting from an accident with a driver who does not own insurance.

I recommend: California attorney Reuben J. Donig discusses the importance of uninsured motorist protection to California residents. Find out how this coverage protects you and which members of your household are covered.

Consumer rights

Since 1988, purchasers of California drivers have benefited from mandatory consumer protections when they buy and own automobile insurance in that state.

I recommend: The California Car Insurance Guide spells out the consumer right and protections built into the system. Scroll down on this page to learn about the Good Driver Provision and the Cancellation/Nonrenewal Provisions that prohibit insurers from denying coverage to good drivers and require insurers to notify you in advance if they decide to cancel your policy.