Car Insurance in Santa Monica, CA

Accidents happen every day. A good car insurance policy can shield you from facing significant financial losses, whether you get into a multi-car collision while cruising down the 10 or wind up in a fender-bender on Wilshire Boulevard.

Independent agents in Santa Monica can answer your questions about auto insurance and help you find the coverage you want at the most competitive price. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing a selection of customized car insurance quotes.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Santa Monica, CA?

The average cost of car insurance in California is higher than the national average. Shopping around for the best rate can potentially save you hundreds of dollars a year.

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

The price for coverage can vary significantly from one driver to the next. This is because insurance companies calculate their rates based on several considerations such as:

• Your vehicle’s year, make, model, and value
• Your age, occupation, driving record, and insurance claims history
• Information about other licensed drivers in your household
• The amount of liability insurance you want to buy
• The coverage options (if any) you wish to include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

Comparing rates lets you be sure you are getting your coverage at a competitive price. You may be able to score even lower rates if you qualify for offered policy car insurance discounts. Car insurance companies in Santa Monica may offer the following:

• Bundling discounts 
• Safe driver discounts
• Good student discounts
• Military discounts
• Multi-car policy discounts

Ask about all potential discounts when requesting customized car insurance quotes.

Is Car Insurance Required in Santa Monica, CA?

As a vehicle owner in Santa Monica, you must have a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds California’s minimum coverage requirements. This means that your car insurance policy must include liability coverage.

Auto liability insurance pays for injuries and property damage you may cause to other people if you are at fault for a collision. Your car insurance policy must include liability coverage of at least:

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

If you cause an accident and your liabilities exceed your policy’s coverage limits, you will need to make up the difference out of pocket. Many drivers in Santa Monica instead opt to purchase much more liability coverage than the state requires.

Umbrella insurance provides an affordable solution for those who want to boost their liability coverage even higher than the limits their car insurance can offer.

What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Santa Monica, CA?

In addition to the required liability insurance mentioned above, most insurance companies offer their policyholders several coverage options. These include things like:

• Physical damage coverage: This is typically required by lenders and dealerships if you are financing or leasing your car. It covers repair or replacement costs if your vehicle is lost or damaged. Physical damage coverage includes:
  • Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Uninsured motorist insurance: This covers medical treatments for you and your passengers if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
• Medical payments insurance: This helps pay for medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It is designed to supplement the coverage offered by your health insurance by covering extra expenses like ambulance rides and copays.
• Roadside assistance: This covers the cost of assistance and tow truck services if your vehicle becomes disabled while on the road, like getting a flat tire, blowing a head gasket, or overheating your engine.
• Gap insurance: This can be beneficial in the first year or two of new car ownership when cars depreciate quickly. It can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a car while your vehicle is being repaired for damage sustained in a covered event.

Independent agents can help you review the details and costs of all offered coverage options to make an informed decision about which are a good fit for you and your family.

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

Driving without insurance is illegal in California. If caught, you can face:

• Fines ranging from $100 to $500
• Penalty assessments ranging from $260 to $1,300
• Possible impoundment of your vehicle
• Higher car insurance premiums

If you cause an accident while uninsured, in addition to the penalties listed above, you can have your driving privileges suspended for one to four years. You will also be responsible for paying for any injuries or property damage you may have caused. If the accident is severe, these costs can be overwhelming.

Despite these penalties, a lot of people in this state are driving around in uninsured vehicles.

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

That is why many drivers in Santa Monica opt to include uninsured motorist insurance in their car insurance policies. If you or your passengers are injured in a collision with an uninsured driver, this optional insurance can pay for your medical treatments.

Having uninsured motorist insurance saves you from going through lengthy legal channels to receive the compensation you deserve.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Santa Monica, CA?

The auto theft rate in California is higher than the national average. In Santa Monica, the rate is lower than the state but higher than the national average. Residents of this city report around 240 stolen cars a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• California auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 3.92
• Santa Monica auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.66

Your car insurance company can reimburse you for a stolen vehicle, but only if your policy includes comprehensive coverage. This insurance can cover you against a wide range of non-collision losses or damage, such as if your car is damaged in a windstorm or an earthquake.

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have this optional coverage already. If not, be sure to ask how much it would cost for you to add comprehensive coverage to your auto insurance policy.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Santa Monica, California?

Qualities that make insurance companies superior to the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and competitive rates.

Independent insurance agents in Santa Monica have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in California. Your agent can help you review policies and customized auto insurance quotes from these top-rated providers.

How Can an Independent Agent in Santa Monica, CA Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance?

Independent agents make it easy to find the right car insurance policy. These agents can explain your coverage options and answer your insurance-related questions. Also, because they are not tied to just one insurance company, they can help you obtain and compare policies and rates from multiple providers.

It doesn’t cost anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Arrange an obligation-free meeting with an independent insurance agent in Santa Monica to start comparing customized car insurance quotes.