In California, state-sponsored insurance costs vary from county to county.
The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program is a state-sponsored program that provides automobile liability insurance to good drivers who can demonstrate a financial need. To qualify, applicants have to have a good driving record, and the value of the vehicle to be insured can't exceed $20,000. Under the program, the liability limits are: $10,000 bodily injury or death per person; $20,000 bodily injury for each accident; and $3,000 property damage per accident.
Instructions
1. Check the online applicant income eligibility chart on the California Department of Insurance website to see if you qualify for the low-cost auto insurance program. According to the chart, a one-person household has an income ceiling of $27,075 annually for example, while a two-person household cannot have an income exceeding $36,425 a year.
2. Check the online list of insurance rates. Rates for the state program vary from county to county, so before committing to setting up a policy, you'll need to find out exactly how much you'll be paying. The website of national non-profit AIPSO has a document that breaks down the amount of the annual premium per vehicle. The rates vary from $161 per year in Imperial County to $368 annually in Los Angeles County.
3. Take the 11-question test on the Department of Insurance site to see if you're eligible. The questionnaire determines if you meet the program's eligibility guidelines. Questions include whether you're a California resident, the value of your vehicle, your vehicular accident history and whether your vehicle is used for business or commercial purposes.
4. Find an insurance agent in your area to set up a policy. If you complete the online questionnaire and are deemed eligible, you will be prompted to enter your zip code. After you do so, you will be presented with page that has a list of insurance agents in your area. The list will include the agents' name, business address and work phone number. You'll have to contact a certified agent on the list in order to apply for the automobile liability insurance policy. She will help you complete an insurance application, and collect the required deposit and documents needed for this program to get you started.
