Car insurance rates in California cities and across drivers vary considerably due to multiple rating factors taken into account by insurers; some of the key ones being age, motor vehicle record history, driver profile information and coverage levels. Additionally, factors like type of vehicle you drive and ZIP code can have an effect on premiums as well.
MoneyGeek has developed a free tool to assist drivers in California in estimating car insurance premiums, using average rates reported by major national car insurers and submitted to regulators. While its results aren’t binding, they provide an ideal starting point when comparing quotes. MoneyGeek takes into account age, driving history and profile of standard 35-year old driver as well as average miles driven annually when estimating quotes; it even calculates both full coverage as well as state minimum liability policies!
Attaining Adequate Coverage
California may have higher minimum liability limits than most states, yet their minimums remain relatively low. Therefore, it may be wise to go beyond this minimum by purchasing additional protection such as collision and comprehensive policies; but remember that more coverage you purchase, the higher your premium will become.
Age plays an integral part in California car insurance rates, with younger drivers typically paying more. A 20-year-old may pay 2.1 times more for coverage than someone 40 years old. Furthermore, insurers consider certain models more risky.
Your driving record has an impactful influence on the cost of car insurance premiums, since insurers view reliable drivers more favorably. If your driving record contains multiple accidents or violations that were your responsibility, insurance rates may increase accordingly.
Other rating factors that play into car insurance prices include your credit score, claims history and occupation. Although you cannot change some of these aspects directly, you may still have some control over lowering your rate; for instance if you’re considered a high risk driver and have poor credit ratings try improving them as much as possible before shopping for coverage.
Dropping coverages that you no longer require can reduce your premium rate, such as roadside assistance and trip interruption coverage which aren’t mandatory under California law and can be eliminated to achieve lower premium costs.
While the pandemic has made auto insurance more challenging for California drivers, there are still ways to save. By carefully considering your individual needs and using MoneyGeek’s calculator to find your optimal rate, MoneyGeek makes finding coverage affordable for any individual easy. When searching for quotes make sure to compare several before settling on one – compare quotes before buying coverage but if struggling afford car insurance it might be worthwhile exploring options such as CAARP plans or similar programs for seniors that provide lower premiums than others.