Should I Raise My Car Insurance Deductibles in California?
Reader’s Question:
Would a higher car insurance deductible be more ideal in California for lowering my car insurance rate?
Eduardo
Santa Ana, CA
I have to be honest about this, Eduardo. I myself am confused about this. The authorities in car insurance say that we must get a car insurance policy that has a higher deductible in order for the insurance plan holders to enjoy much lower car insurance premiums. It sounds like a fantastic idea, doesn’t it? But here is the catch. You do not have to be a genius to realize that it does not necessarily bring down the cost of the car insurance.
Deductibles are like your slice of the cake, your exposure and participation to the cost of the damages. It is that specified amount of money that the driver has to pay before the car insurance company pays for the remainder of the cost of damages. So, if you get a car insurance premium that has a $2,000 deductible, then that means that in the event an accident happens, you will have to shell out $2,000.
Personally, I do not see it as an advantage because I think that the bottom line would still be the same. Here you are paying for a less expensive car insurance premium that has a high deductible. Come accident time, there you go handing out precious bucks that the car insurance company should have been paying for had you decided on a lower deductible. Then again, this is only my opinion, and it is still best that you ask the expert advice of car insurance agents in California.
Get Full Coverage on Auto Insurance in California
Reader’s Question:
I’m a single mom here in San Jose, California. I’m too busy with work to worry about auto insurance. Is there like a full and complete coverage out there for my car? I try to replace my vehicle with a new one every two years to stay away from headaches.
Rochelle
San Jose, CA
Hey there, Rochelle. I am glad you asked about full coverage auto insurance coverage for your car. Well, I’m pretty sure, since you asked about it, that you probably drive a relatively expensively priced vehicle, and thus are prepared to pay for a good insurance package. But let me just state it again–ultimate coverage doesn’t come cheap, honey. This is not like ordering a burger with everything on it.
I’m guessing you got the state minimums down pat. But just to be sure, let me squeeze in the basics. As a San Jose, California busy single mom, you’re supposed to get at least a 15/30/5 minimum coverage for liabilities. That’s $15,000 for each person injured in an accident of your own doing, with a limit of $30,000 per accident. For property liability, that’s $5,000 damage coverage only. Though California does not require you to get Underinsured Motorist coverage and Personal Injury coverage, you can think about those. Some other types of coverage you can think of adding on for your next vehicle purchase are Collision and Comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage protects you from those smash ups regardless of who caused the accident. Comprehensive coverage, as the name suggests, protects you from everything else like falling trees, animals hitting your car, earthquakes, fires, theft and vandalism. Be sure to ask not only insurance agents but your friends and family, as well. I hope you get the vehicle insurance package that best suits your needs.
How Long Will DUI Charge Stay on my Record?
Reader’s Question:
Last 2005 I got a DUI in New Jersey but I now live in California. How long will it stay on my record and will it affects my record in my new state?
Harold
Good question Harold.
Your DUI conviction will stay as part of your permanent New Jersey driving record. Since you have moved already to California you should check with the CA Department of Motor Vehicles to check if they have placed this DUI conviction or any other moving violations that were previously on your New Jersey driving record on your California driver’s history.
California legislation extends the reporting period for DUI offenses from 7 to 10 years for all public requests, and that includes insurers.
The new law states that you may not be able to qualify for a good driver discount until 10 years from the date of your violation. Up until 2007 a DUI may have been considered by an insurance carrier for premium surcharges for a period of 7 years but now it can be considered for ten years in California.
Since your DUI happened out of state you may contact the California Department of Insurance, to get information on how long an insurance company in California can rate you on this NJ DUI from 2005. You may speak to your insurance agents if you have any more concerns regarding your insurance premiums.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
How To File An Auto Insurance Claim In California?
Driving can be very risky in California highways. Theres always a chance that you may get involved in a traffic accident. Knowing what to do in this situation can help you save money whether its just a small fender bender or a major damage. Here are some of the tips you can do after an accident an how to file a claim from your insurance company for your convenience.
1. Make sure that you have carefully read the policy.
2. Ask any agent of contact your insurance company if there is part of the policy that you dont understand.
3. If you get involve in an accident, call the police immediately. Call the paramedics if there are people injured.
4. Get all the information you need that you can give to your insurance company.
5. Immediately notify your insurance company about the accident.
6. Ask you insurance agents regarding on how to file a claim if you dont know the procedure.
After you file a claim to your insurance company, they will contact you for any additional information such as the detailed accounts of what happened. Other witnesses will also be contacted as part of the investigation. You must also file documentation of your injuries, medical expenses etc.
The damage will be evaluated by the adjuster and will inspect the damage. The repair shop will contact the insurance company if additional damages were found during the repair process.
Become familiar with your insurance policy. Make sure you read carefully what your coverage is and that is not covered.
Goodluck!
MariCAR
California Car Insurance Company – Any Recommendations?
You may be thinking, hey, she says it’s easy, but it really doesn’t sound like it. How can I get my policy from the best CA car insurance company out there and not have to put myself out so much. Well, you can do it. I don’t advise it, but a lot of people do. Still, before you go this route, at least try to do it on your own. It’s cheaper, faster, and at least you know the results through your own work and you can trust them more.
However, if you just can’t or don’t want to, get a CA car insurance company agent.
A lot of companies don’t use agents anymore. People often buy their car insurance policies directly from the CA car insurance company, without the use of the middle man. Even so, agents are still working in full force, even in these days. There are two kinds:
- Captive car insurance agent.
This type of agent might not be the best in helping you find your perfect CA car insurance company, because they swear by only one car insurance company. If you already know where you want to go, then you can absolutely go through one of these agents.
- Independent car insurance agent.
These agents are more up your alley. They count more than one CA car insurance company as clients, and as such they can give you a more frank look at which car insurance company will work the best for you. This is the kind of agent you’re probably looking for, at least with regards to picking your CA car insurance company.
The best part about having an agent looking for a CA car insurance company for you is that the agent is going to know YOU, personally and specifically. They know exactly what your needs are and what details about you can work in favor of a cheap car insurance premium, a few things that might be hard to fit into a google search.
Remember that when you get your car insurance agent, who also go by the title of broker, you should make sure that you have decided on the fee before you sign anything. They may offer you something straight out, but most of the time it can be negotiated.
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