Auto Insurance
What do I need to get a quote?
Driver’s license
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
Address
What does car insurance cover?
Auto insurance helps pay for the injuries and damage that can happen when you own and drive a car or other motor vehicle. In the state of California, auto liability insurance is required by law for any vehicle that you own.
Liability (bodily injury and property damage)
If you're found at fault after an accident, bodily injury liability will cover the injuries to the other party and their passengers.
Property damage liability will cover the cost to fix the other party's car/structure.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist liability coverage is designed to protect you, financially, from drivers with minimal or no coverage. It provides coverage if you're not at fault, but the other party doesn't have enough insurance to pay for the damages and injuries. According to the Insurance Research Council, about 15% of drivers are uninsured in California.
Physical damage
Comprehensive–covers 'everything but collision,' such as falling objects, vandalism, glass damage, and theft (if the car is stolen). You pay your deductible and the company will pay the rest.
Collision–if you're hit by, or you hit another car or object, this coverage will pay for the car repairs. You pay your deductible and the company will pay the rest.
Collision deductible waiver (CDW) or uninsured motorist property damage (UMPD)–for CDW, if you're struck by an uninsured driver, a collision deductible waiver can pay your collision deductible. For UMPD, if your car is damaged from an accident with an uninsured driver who is at fault, your policy will cover up to $3,500. This only pays if the uninsured driver is identified. You may not need it if you have collision coverage.
Medical payments
Helps cover the medical care you and your passengers receive after an accident, regardless of who caused the accident. It is an optional addition to your car insurance policy.
Rental car reimbursement
Pays for your rental car fees while your vehicle is being repaired from a covered loss. You need to have comprehensive and collision coverage to add this on. It is an optional addition to your car insurance policy.
Roadside assistance and towing
Covers tire changes, battery jump starts, and towing (up to a certain dollar amount or mile amount). It is an optional addition to your car insurance policy.
Loan/lease gap
Gap coverage pays the difference between what you owe on your car and what it's worth at the time of an accident. It comes into play if the car is a total loss. This is an optional coverage and sometimes added on in your lease agreement with the car company.
