Car Insurance In California

From beaches to mountains to deserts and hilly plains, California has a wide range of terrain and also a wide range of weather conditions, including mudslides, flooding, snow, and earthquakes. These factors contribute to many challenges for drivers in the state, but even so, annual insurance premiums in California are at average $1,299 in 2010, still lower than the current national average of $1,545.

California is the third largest state and one of the most populated states in America. Almost 87 percent of its population drives to work, and it has one of the highest fatality rates for automobile accidents. California is definitely a state in which having the best coverage you can afford is very smart.

Requirements:

• Bodily injury liability minimum: $15,000/person, $30,000/accident
• Property damage liability minimum: $5,000

What you need to know about California

California follows a Tort system when it comes to insurance liability concerning a car accident. This means the driver determined to be at fault for an accident is liable for the damage and injuries of both parties. Because the required property damage coverage minimum in California is only $5,000 it can be tempting to only buy the bare minimum coverage, but it is important to remember that even though this is the minimum requirement, it is still wise to purchase a higher coverage since property damage in an accident can result in costs much higher than $5,000, especially if you’re paying for someone else’s property.

What you may not already know

To avoid having uninsured drivers, California has instated the Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program for drivers unable to afford the standard insurance requirements under the market system. This program provides significantly lower cost automobile insurance for drivers with financial need and a good driving record. To apply for this coverage call 1-866-602-8861.