Auto Insurance Orange County Residents Need
With the many options in auto insurance Orange County residents can choose from
, one may become a bit overwhelmed at the prospects. However, a good place to start is with a policy that covers the state mandated minimum. California requires car owners to carry $15,000 of insurance to cover injury or death to one person, $30,000 for injury or death to two or more people and $5,000 for property damage. Some people opt for more coverage, but since these extras can add up, it may be useful to see how one can lower premiums and deductibles while still getting quality coverage.For example, policies depend on a number of factors including where one lives. Drivers who live in high crime areas are surely more susceptible to higher rates than those living in areas with relatively low incidences of crime. This is also true of those who drive cars that are most likely to be stolen. If one has not already bought a car, he or she should check with the Forbes list of least and most attractive cars to thieves. Choosing a car from the least likely to be stolen list will help save money on a policy.
Those needing to insure a teenager will find that this task is a bit more difficult than insuring a more experienced driver. However, some teenagers can receive lower rates for being good students. Insurance companies know that students with good grades are less likely to drive drunk or get into accidents and less likely to drive. Good students usually spend more time studying than they do at parties. Senior drivers may also find other options for auto insurance Orange County companies may offer with participation in seminars and classes for senior driving.
Having a clean driving record can also help one reduce rates. Sometimes a company will give a driver a discount if he or she has not been in an accident or has not had any type of moving violation within a specified amount of time. Many also offer defensive driving classes. Drivers successfully completing these classes may also get lower rates on insurance. Affiliations with trade associations may also be useful connections since many insurance companies offer discounts to members.
Taking precautions with driving as well as with the vehicle may also benefit one looking to get a lower rate on auto insurance. Cars that have safety features such as such as air bags, anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights may merit a lower rate than cars without such features. Furthermore, cars that have anti-theft devices such as car alarms and steering wheel locks are also easier to insure. Discounts are available when one knows how to look for them.
by: Fern Baptiste