Reader’s Question:

I’m a resident of California. What auto insurance coverage do I need to purchase?

Jeffrey

Los Angeles, CA

California has one of the largest populations in US. With the increasing number drivers, the law in auto insurance in California requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance, where the auto insurance company of the at-fault driver will pay the expenses incurred by the victim from the accident. The minimum amount to be paid where a single occupant is involved is $15,000 while $30,000 for combined expenses of multiple occupants in single event. In case damage in property or properties is/are involved, a minimum amount of $5,000 will be paid by the auto insurance company of the at-fault driver.

If the at-fault driver has also incurred damage in his/her car and needs to be repaired, collision coverage can assist the insured. The coverage offers payments to necessary repair of cars of the driver who is at-fault of the accident including circumstances that is involved with factor beyond the control of the driver like being struck by an animal. Comprehensive coverage covers your vehicle in case flood, fire or vandalism.

Drivers can consider uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as an additional coverage. This is also not required by the state of California. Nonetheless, this coverage can assist drivers, particularly in events like hit and run or insufficient auto insurance coverage of the at-fault driver to assist other medical expenses and costs.

There are different ways to save money from auto insurance premium. Auto insurance companies give discounts or offer cheap auto insurance to drivers with safety features installed in their cars like automatic seatbelts and antitheft alarm. Furthermore, purchase cheap car instead of SUVs and expensive model of cars. Lastly, don’t forget shop.

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Reader’s Question:

Why is SR22 insurance in California being referred as certificate of financial responsibility? In case I’ll be required to get SR22, will my insurance company have this?

Robert

Corona, CA

California SR22 insurance is usually called certificate of financial responsibility or simply high risk insurance. Actually, SR22 is a form that becomes a part of the car insurance of the person required to get it. In general, SR22 would be asked of a driver due to the following reasons: a conviction for Driving Under the Influence (DUI), numerous at-fault road mishaps or other reckless traffic violations, or if a driver does not have car insurance after an at-fault traffic mishap.

California SR22 insurance certifies the policyholder that he/she does have the proper insurance. This is filed by the car insurance company to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the assurance that although the policyholder is a high-risk driver, he/she has at least the minimum required coverage. Also, it is very important that the SR22 insurance doesn’t lapse because if this happens, the DMV will be notified right away. This will prompt the DMV to have the driver’s license re-suspended until he/she gets SR22 insurance.

Not all car insurance companies in California offer SR22 insurance; and if they do, they offer it at a price. So you have to check with your current provider first if they do have it in case you’ll be required to get it in the future.

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