While we have our traffic challenges here in California, when you are out on the open road on the coastal highway there is nothing better! But are you covered properly in the case of a car accident? Auto insurance rates in California can be pretty high, in fact they are among the most expensive in the US. But be careful not to skimp just to save a few dollars. You should shop around for a reliable company that has a good reputation with its customers as well as reasonable rates. Additionally you will want to be sure you have the right coverage for the state as well as your situation. Remember the more personal assets you have the more you need to protect yourself with coverage so do your research for the best coverage at the best price.

California law requires that car insurance policies have at least bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage at these minimums:

• Bodily Injury: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $5,000 per accident

These numbers represent the minimum. The more you have to lose, such as an expensive home or large savings, the more coverage you should add to protect yourself with liability insurance

Can you save money on car insurance?

Nationwide seems to be cost effective for California with a decent rating and may be worth considering. Ameriprise was the winner of the 2016 J.D. Power study, scoring overall a 5 out of 5 stars, additionally Ameriprise is generally known for offering affordable and competitive rates. Metromile is new to the auto insurance scene in California, and offer coverage based on a rate per mile driven. If you work remotely and put less than 7K miles on your car, Metromile is definitely worth considering. Look for more information about saving money on your auto insurance at https://www.insurance.com/auto-insurance/saving-money/10-tips-to-help-you-save-on-car-insurance.aspx

What should I be aware of when buying car insurance in California?

Here are some interesting articles and sites that can help you navigate the waters of buying car insurance.

• California Department of Insurance
• A practical guide for understanding car insurance
• 5 questions to ask when choosing an insurance company
• 6 Tips we learned after filing an auto insurance claim