Car Insurance in Irvine, CA

Anyone can find themselves in a motor vehicle accident. That is why vehicle owners in Irvine need to have car insurance. Whether you are involved in a multi-car collision on I-5 or a fender bender on Irvine Boulevard, a solid auto insurance policy can prevent you from facing substantial financial losses.

Local independent agents can answer your coverage-related questions. These agents can also help you find the coverage you want at the most competitive price. When you’re ready to start comparing a selection of customized car insurance quotes, contact an independent insurance agent near you.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Irvine, CA?

On average, car insurance rates in California are significantly higher than the national average rate. Shopping around for the best rate can potentially save you hundreds of dollars a year.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• California average annual car insurance cost: $1,643

Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next because insurance companies calculate rates on a case-by-case basis. Factors that can influence your rates to include:

• The year, make, model, and trim of the vehicle(s) you are insuring
• Your age, occupation, and driving history
• Details about the other licensed drivers in your household
• The amount of liability insurance you are buying
• Which, if any, coverage options you include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

You can often score significant policy car insurance discounts if you purchase your car insurance from the same insurance company that provides other coverages like your home insurance or renters insurance. This is called bundling.

You may also qualify for other potential discounts if you are:

• In the military
• A safe driver
• A good student
• Insuring multiple cars

No two car insurance companies calculate rates the same way. It pays to compare prices from a few competing providers before selecting a policy. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.

Is Car Insurance Required in Irvine, CA?

California state law mandates that all vehicle owners have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds the state’s minimum coverage requirements. In this state, car insurance policies only need to include liability coverage.

Car liability insurance: This can cover other people’s injuries and property damage if you are at fault for an accident. Your policy must provide at least:

• $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person.
• $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident.
• $5,000 in property damage liability coverage per accident.

Many vehicle owners also need to carry what is known as physical damage coverage. This coverage is not required by law, but it is usually required by lenders if you are financing your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it. It includes:

• Collision coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive coverage: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.

Once you own your vehicle outright, physical damage insurance is optional.

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What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Irvine, CA?

In addition to the liability and physical damage coverage mentioned above, insurance companies typically offer a few coverage options that you may want to consider adding to your car insurance policy. These may include:

• Uninsured motorist insurance: This covers medical treatment for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
• Medical payments: This covers some of the cost of medical treatment if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It is usually ideal for covering things your health insurance may not, like ambulance services and copays.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This covers the cost of assistance if your vehicle breaks down while on the road, such as getting a flat tire or running out of gas.
• Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event, but you still owe more than it is worth. Gap insurance is typically only beneficial during the first year or two of new car ownership.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a vehicle while your own is being repaired following a covered event.

Be sure to review the details and costs of all offered coverage options to decide which choices are a good fit for you and your family.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Irvine, CA?

Driving without insurance in California is illegal. If caught, uninsured drivers can face penalties such as:

• Fines: Fines can range from $100 to $500
• Penalty assessments: These can range from $260 to $1,300
• Vehicle impoundment: The police have the option to impound your vehicle. If so, you will need to pay another fee to get it back.
• Higher car insurance rates

If you cause an accident while uninsured, things can be even worse. In addition to the penalties listed above, you can have your driving privileges suspended for one to four years. You will also need to cover the cost of any property damage and injuries you may have caused to others in the collision.

Despite this, many drivers in this state are operating uninsured vehicles.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of California drivers who are uninsured: 15.2%

If your auto insurance policy includes uninsured motorist insurance, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, your insurance company will cover your medical costs. This saves you from the need to go through lengthy legal channels to collect the money you are owed.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Irvine, CA?

The auto theft rate in California is higher than the national rate. However, in Irvine, the rate is much lower. This does not mean the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report close to 200 auto thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• California auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 3.92
• Irvine auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.56

If your car is stolen, you will only be compensated if your car insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage. This “other-than-collision” insurance covers a wide range of non-collision loss and damage.

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have this coverage already. If not, you may want to ask how much it would cost to add comprehensive coverage to your Irvine car insurance policy to determine whether this coverage is a good value for you.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Irvine, CA?

Qualities that make an insurance company stand out above the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in California in Irvine, California. This lets you be certain that any policies your agent recommends to you are offered by companies you can count on if you ever need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Irvine Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

Independent agents make it easy to find the best auto insurance policy. These agents take the guesswork out of shopping by explaining your various coverage options, answering your insurance-related questions, and helping you compare customized car insurance quotes from a selection of competing providers.

It doesn’t cost anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to get started.