Each state has its own rules and regs, so what works in one place... And companies target areas within each state where they have had good experience. So ya just have to shop.
Progressive and Geico really don't like CA, and it shows in their rating structures. AAA is an odd duck, a different organization in each state (CA has 2, 1 south, 1 north) that are loosely affiliated for road service. Think of it as more of a 'Best Western' rather than a 'Hilton', no common ownership or management.
Jon, CA does not allow credit score as a parameter in rating car insurance.
Shamelessly copied from our web site
How does an insurance company determine my auto premium?
They track their losses by driver, car, and location. All combine to produce your rate. You are profiled by age, years of driving experience, tickets and accidents, and how much you drive. Cars are by value, cost of repair, and frequency/severity of losses. The most controversial portion of the rating system is by territory. Politicians make press with this, call it redlining, but the fact remains that densly populated areas have more traffic and therefore, more claims.
Hey, that's not fair, I've never had an accident!
Go to the head of the class. That's the flaw in any averaging system (know anyone with 1.7 kids?) But the laws of large numbers take over: a hundred people who are 40, with no tickets, drive Camry's, and live in the country have lower claim costs than the hundred who are 20, have two tickets, drive Corvettes, and live in the city.
Coverages
DO
Buy liability limits at least equal your net worth as in "I'll sue you for every dime," etc.
Medical is inexpensive enough to be worthwhile.
Even with our compulsory insurance laws, uninsured motorist is critical.
DON'T
Insure an asset worth less than your monthly income.
Use your insurance dollars to protect you from a catastrophe, not a nuisance.
Avoid small deductibles.
Collision on an older car.
'Extra' coverages, such as towing and rental.
DO go for the discounts:
Insure all your cars with one company.
The multi car discount can be 25% or more, and you avoid limitations on coverage for non owned and newly acquired cars.
A 3.0 or better average can save teens hundreds per year.
Some companies give a discount for the number of years you have carried continuous insurance (even if with another insuror)
Some offer credits to certain professional groups, such as educators or engineers.
Buy Homeowner's coverage from the same company.
Prepare to shop
With all your facts organized (feel free to use our quote sheet; guilty if you don't send one to us) call around and get quotes in writing.
There are three ways to obtain car insurance:
Direct Writer - You call an 800 number and deal with a company employee (21st Century© or GEICO©)
Captive Agent - An agent who represents only one company: (State Farm©, Farmers©, Allstate©)
Independent Agent/Broker - An agent who represents a number of companies (that's us!).
When to shop:
Remember the formula: rate = driver x car x location. When one or more of these change, get on the phone.
Company 'A' had a great rate for your Minivan, but is out of sight on the new Turbo Belchfire you couldn't resist.
Company 'B' is ok with the Belchfire, but you get a ticket; now they want more than your car payment each month.
Company 'C' now has the best deal, at least until Junior gets his license, so it's back to 'A'.
Then you get that big promotion, but have to move into the City where 'A' has lousy rates........
Just about every company has a good rate for the adult with an older car, clear record, and low coverages. The more your situation differs, the more you can benefit by shopping.
Make one stop: The Howard Agency.
Fax, e-mail, or call.
No charge or obligation, just complete the quote sheet.
Our system currently rates 150+ companies. We'll find the one that offers YOU the best combination of price and coverage.