california car insurance

Did you know that car insurance companies can't use your credit score to determine your premium in California? Keep reading for more on California car insurance rules and regulations.

California car insurance

California car insurance requirements

California drivers are legally required to carry liability insurance with at least the following limits:

$15,000 bodily injury coverage per person
$30,000 bodily injury coverage per incident
$5,000 of property damage coverage per incident

You'll typically see these minimums expressed as 15/30/5. Other coverages, like comprehensive and collision, are legally optional but may be required by a leasing or financing company.

California regulations on car insurance companies

California car insurance companies can't use your credit score to determine your premium, and your ZIP Code can only be used as a secondary rating factor.

The "good driver" law

California has regulations in place that ensure good drivers are rewarded with lower car insurance rates. Proposition 103 requires car insurance companies (Esurance included) to make your driving history a primary factor when determining your premium.

The state-mandated good driver discount

Proposition 103 also guarantees a discount to drivers who:

Have been licensed for at least 3 years
Have no more than one point on their driving records in the past 3 years
Haven't been found at fault in a fatal car accident or a car accident that caused at least $1,000 of property damage in the last 3 years

The discount is 20 percent off what the insurer would regularly charge for the same policy.

No proof of insurance law

Carrying your proof of insurance at all times is legally required. If you're caught driving without proof of car insurance in California, you may be fined $100 to $200 for a first offense. Fines of $200 to $500 may be applied for a second offense occurring within 3 years of the first violation.

Documents verifying proof of insurance

You can use your insurance ID card or your electronic insurance ID card to prove that you carry the mandatory minimums.

Uninsured drivers in California

According to the Insurance Research Council (IRC), 15 percent of California drivers were uninsured in 2009. Though it's not required coverage, uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage can come in handy after an accident with an uninsured driver.

Alternative car insurance options

Drivers who can't afford a typical car insurance policy can apply for a state-sponsored policy.

The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program for low-income drivers: This program is restricted to California residents with good driving records who meet the program's income restrictions.
The California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP) for high-risk drivers: If you're having difficulty getting insurance from non-standard insurance companies, this program may be an option. CAARP is specifically designed for high-risk drivers who have been convicted of DUIs or multiple traffic violations.

You can find more info on either type of policy on the California Department of Insurance's site.

Claims mediation

The state offers a mediation service to help drivers resolve accident claims with their insurers. A qualified mediator can help you and your insurer resolve any disputes over the specifics of a claim. If you're interested in state-sponsored mediation,
visit the California Insurance Claims Mediation Program online.

Esurance in California

We first offered car insurance to California drivers in 2002. Esurance offers the following coverages and perks to Esurance customers in California.

Optional car insurance coverages in California

Comprehensive coverage
Collision coverage
Medical and funeral services coverage
Uninsured motorist property damage coverage
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage
Rental car coverage
Customized parts and equipment coverage
Loan/lease (gap) coverage
Towing and labor coverage

Esurance discounts offered in California

When you buy a policy in California, you may qualify for these discounts:

Multi-Car discount
Anti-Theft discount
Mature Driver discount

Discounts may vary. If you're a current California policyholder and have questions about your Esurance discounts, call us at 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262).

The Drive Less, Save More™ program

If you drive less, there's a lower risk of getting into a car accident. So it makes sense that we reward drivers who keep their mileage down. Ask about this money-saving program when you get your quote.

Car repair shops in California

Esurance customers (or drivers involved in a claim with Esurance) who take their cars to an Esurance-approved body shop can take advantage of RepairView^®, which allows them to monitor repairs online, and enjoy guaranteed repairs for as long as they own their cars.

Find a repair shop near you.

california car insurance