Auto Insurance Common Questions:

What optional coverages should I consider?
While liability pays for damage to others, it does not fix your vehicle or pay for your own medical bills. Popular additions include:

• Collision Coverage: Covers repairs if you hit another vehical or object.

• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers theft, fire, or weather damage.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you if you are hit by a driver who lacks sufficient insurance

Why are my car insurance premiums so high right now?
The California insurance market has experienced a tightening supply due to increased accident repair costs, expensive medical bills, and historic delays in premium rate approvals. Many insurers have restricted new business or increased rates to keep pace with these inflated costs.
 

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in California?
By law, all drivers must carry liability insurance. The current minimum limits are:

• $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person.

• $60,000 for bodily injury or death per accident involving multiple people.

• $15,000 for property damage per accident.
  Proof of insurance must be provided when registering your vehicle or upon request by the DMV.
   

What if I cause an accident that costs more than my liability limit?

You will be responsible for any damage you cause beyond the limits purchased.

Should I get higher limits than the law requires?

You may want higher liability limits than the law requires. In general, the more assets you have, the more you could lose in a lawsuit. You should discuss your situation with us and we can help guide you to limits that make the most sense for you at your current life stage. 

 

Uninsured Motorist Coverage (UM) /Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UIM)

This covers you if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have any liability insurance, or is underinsured. The insurance company must offer you this coverage. If you choose not to buy it, you must sign a form, called a waiver. The form says you were offered the coverage and turned it down.

• Uninsured motorist bodily injury (UMBI): This pays for injuries to you and any person in your car when there is an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. The limits can be the same or lower than your liability coverage limits.

• Underinsured motorist (UIM): This covers limited costs for bodily injury if you are in an accident with a driver who does not have enough insurance to pay for damages.

• Uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD): This pays for the damage to your car from an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault. If you do not have collision coverage. The limit is $3,500. This only pays if the uninsured driver is identified.
 

Endorsements

• You can buy insurance for extra equipment, such as custom wheels, navigation systems, and custom equipment that is permanently installed.

• You can buy insurance for towing and road service.

• You can buy rental reimbursement insurance for renting a car when your car is being repaired after a covered accident.

• You can purchase insurance to cover business use of the vehicle including when driving for a Transportation Network Company.