With more than 23.5 million licensed motorists sharing California’s roads, the potential that someone will be involved in an accident is pretty high. Luckily, all vehicle owners in the Golden State are required to purchase a minimum amount of automobile insurance to legally drive.

Maintaining the bodily injury and property damage liability that is mandated in CA can be costly depending on the motorist and the coverage provider. However, drivers can also get cheap insurance in California by taking advantage of online resources and doing a small amount of research. Vehicle owners have many different insurers to choose from, and each company offers unique rates. Residents can take advantage of these price differences by comparing as many quotes as possible before making a purchase.

To compare coverage estimates, CA motorists have the option of contacting several insurers directly or shopping online. While calling around can be an effective way to evaluate prices, it can become a time-consuming process for someone wanting to compare a large number of premiums. By shopping on the Internet, however, drivers can see several sample rates at once from one convenient website.

Cheaper California car insurance Options

While it’s important for many motorists to get the cheapest coverage available, having an inadequate amount of insurance may end up costing residents money after an accident. The minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability only covers damage that the policyholder is responsible for, and only up to relatively low policy limits. If these limits are exceeded, the at-fault motorist is still financially responsible for the damages.

To avoid being underinsured, people should consider comparing quotes for policies that include increased liability limits and additional coverages. For example, CA residents may want to consider including uninsured motorist protection to safeguard against the estimated 15 percent of drivers who are uninsured in the Golden State. With additional research, many motorists may be able to find an affordable policy that includes sufficient protection.

To help lower-income residents meet state coverage requirements, the 1999 state Legislature established the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA). This system is designed to provide income-eligible motorists with the liability protection needed to legally drive at an affordable rate. The CLCA income eligibility requirements are based on the gross annual earnings of all related persons living in the same household. Participants must have an income that is 250 percent or less of the federal poverty level. For example, a household consisting of three people must have a total income of under $46,325.