If you live in California and own a car, then you have a legal responsibility to have car insurance. If you have questions about auto insurance, you are not alone. Keep reading to get answers to some of the most frequently asked questions and then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation if you have been injured in a car accident in California.
What Factors Determine How Much Car Insurance Costs?
There are many factors that determine how much it costs to insure your car in California – and different companies weigh them differently. This is why you could apply for insurance with five different companies and get five very different quotes. Some of the factors they are likely to consider include:
- Age
- Gender
- Credit score
- How far your daily commute is
- The type of vehicle you are insuring
- Your collision history
Generally speaking, younger drivers are more expensive to insure than older drivers and you should expect to pay more if you have been involved in many accidents than you would if you had not been involved in any accidents. Of course, the cost will go up with more drivers or vehicles on a policy.
Is There Anything I Can Do to Lower Your Car Insurance Premium?
In the long-term, the best way to keep your car insurance premiums as low as possible is to drive safely and avoid having accidents on your driving record. You might also be eligible for various discounts offered, such as good driver discounts or student discounts. Some companies will offer lower premiums if you install a device in your vehicle that gives them information on your driving habits. Note that this info can be used against you if you are involved in an accident.
Should I Shop Around to Get the Best Car Insurance Rate?
Not only should you do it when you first get coverage, you should shop around every time your policy renews. Why? Because as you become a less risky driver to insure, the company that offers you the best rates might not be the same. Conversely, if you are involved in an accident while insured under one company, you could find that another company offers better rates to people with less than perfect driving records.
Should I Call My Auto Insurance Company if I Am Involved in a Car Accident
Yes, you should report the accident to them. However, if there were any injuries involved, we recommend that you talk to a personal injury attorney before making any recorded statements. You can call Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 now to request a free legal consultation.
