California Auto Insurance Basics

Know the basics before seeking auto insurance in California

By Autumn Rivers, Lead Copywriter Webflo Studios
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.

 

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

 

  • 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.

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