DUI In California

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.

Reader’s Question:

Is having a DUI conviction here in California be a ground for my auto insurance company to nonrenew my policy?

Margie

Burbank, CA

Auto insurance company could nonrenew your policy only when it comes up for renewal, and state laws don’t always spell out the offenses for which an auto insurance company can nonrenew insurance policies. Nonrenewal simply means that your auto insurance company no longer wishes to sell you insurance. This is generally due to having too many claims for at-fault accidents, having a conviction for driving under the influence or DUI or receiving too many traffic citations during the last three to five years.

Because of your DUI conviction there in California, your auto insurance company may nonrenew your auto insurance policy. They may decide to keep you but it’s no doubt that they will raise your insurance premium. If you get a new auto insurance policy from another company, they may also charge you higher premiums. But that doesn’t mean you can’t get a policy for a lesser price. You can try out for yourself and get an online rate quote from this website for your auto insurance.