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
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:
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.
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