Insurance For Car in Clovis Otosigna

Introduction

Living in Clovis means you’ll need to get car insurance, as California law requires all drivers to have minimum liability coverage. But what exactly does this mean for you?

About Liability insurance: the bare minimum

Clovis requires at least:

$15,000 bodily injury liability per person

$30,000 bodily injury liability per accident

$5,000 property damage liability

While it meets the legal minimum, liability only protects the other driver. You’ll be on the hook for damage to your own vehicle and any medical bills. For full protection, you’ll want:

Comprehensive and collision coverage: protecting your vehicle

Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your car from theft, vandalism, or natural disasters like floods or earthquakes. Collision coverage pays for damage from accidents. Together, they cover almost any incident and give you peace of mind. If your car is newer or has a loan, your lender will likely require these coverages.

Other useful options

Consider uninsured motorist coverage in case of an accident with a driver who lacks insurance. Medical payments coverage helps pay medical bills for you and your passengers after an accident. Roadside assistance provides help if you break down. And rental reimbursement pays for a rental car while your vehicle is in the shop.

The coverage you choose depends on the value of your vehicle and risks you want to protect against. Talk to an agent to determine the right insurance plan based on your needs and budget. With the proper coverage, you can feel confident driving the roads of Clovis.

Comparing Basic Liability, Comprehensive, and Collision Coverage

Comparing the different coverage options for your vehicle can be confusing. Let’s break it down into the basics so you know exactly what each type provides.

1. Basic Liability Coverage

This is required in Clovis and provides coverage if you’re at fault in an accident and cause damage to someone else’s vehicle or property. It does not cover your own vehicle damages. Liability coverage is cheap, but leaves you unprotected if your car is damaged or totaled.

2. Comprehensive Coverage

This optional coverage protects your vehicle from events out of your control like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Comprehensive claims typically have little impact on your premiums, so for a few extra dollars a month it’s good peace of mind.

3. Collision Coverage

This covers damages to your own vehicle after an accident. Collision coverage is more expensive but essential if you have an auto loan or lease. The higher your deductible, the lower your premiums will be. Compare quotes at different deductible levels to find the right balance of coverage and affordability for you.

Adding Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

When choosing car insurance in Clovis, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is important to consider.

1. What Does It Cover?

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage applies if you’re in an accident with a driver who has no auto insurance or not enough. It covers injury costs for you and your passengers as well as vehicle damage. Without this coverage, you’d have to pay these costs out of pocket.

2. How Much Coverage Should I Buy?

It’s a good idea to match your uninsured/underinsured coverage limits to your liability limits. For example, if you have $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident liability coverage, choose $50,000 per person and $100,000 per accident for uninsured/underinsured as well. Higher limits mean more financial protection.

3. The Cost

The cost of uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage depends on your limits as well as factors like your age, driving record, and vehicle. According to NerdWallet, the national average cost is $328 per year. The peace of mind this coverage provides is well worth the cost for most drivers.

4. Do I really need it?

While uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is optional in some states, it’s a good idea for most drivers. Without it, you have no financial recourse if an underinsured or uninsured driver causes injury or damage. The potential costs—both medical and repair bills—could be staggering. For a relatively small premium, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage gives you protection and security on the road.

For coverage and pricing details specific to you in Clovis, discuss uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage options with your auto insurance agent.

Getting Gap Insurance for Your Car Loan or Lease

Gap insurance helps protect you in case your vehicle is totaled or stolen and you owe more on your loan or lease than the actual cash value of the vehicle. This type of coverage is important for those with a new vehicle that depreciates quickly.

1. What Gap Insurance Covers

Gap insurance covers the difference between what your insurance company says your totaled or stolen vehicle is worth (the actual cash value) and the amount you actually still owe on your loan or lease. For example, if you have a car loan for $30,000 but your insurance company determines your vehicle’s worth is only $25,000 if totaled in an accident, gap insurance would cover the $5,000 difference. This helps ensure you don’t owe money out of pocket after an insurance claim.

2. When You Typically Need Gap Insurance

You typically need gap insurance if you:

Have a new vehicle that depreciates quickly

Owe more on your loan or lease than the vehicle is currently worth

Made a small down payment

Have a long loan or lease term (5 years or more)

Want peace of mind that an insurance claim won’t leave you with an outstanding balance on your loan

Gap insurance can be purchased from your auto insurance company, auto dealer, or lender when you buy or lease a new vehicle. The cost is often a few hundred dollars per year but provides coverage for the entire term of your loan or lease. For most, gap insurance is an affordable way to protect yourself financially after a major loss.

3. Things to Consider

When deciding if gap insurance makes sense for your needs, consider factors like:

The make, model, and value of your vehicle

The down payment you made

The length and terms of your loan or lease

Your risk tolerance if faced with owing money after an insurance claim

The overall cost of gap insurance versus the potential benefit

Finding the Best Car Insurance Rates in Clovis

Here are some tips to help you uncover the most affordable coverage.

1. Compare Quotes From Multiple Insurers

Don’t just go with the first company that gives you a quote. Compare quotes from at least three to five insurers to find the most competitive rate. Some of the major car insurance companies that provide coverage in Clovis include State Farm, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, and Farmers. Compare quotes from a mix of national companies and local Clovis providers.

2. Check Discounts You May Qualify For

Car insurance companies offer a variety of discounts to help lower your premiums. See if you qualify for good driver, safe driver, student, military, homeowner, multi-policy, and anti-theft device discounts. The more discounts you can bundle together, the more you’ll save.

3. Consider Raising Your Deductibles

If you increase your deductibles, your premiums will decrease. Raising your deductibles from $500 to $1,000 can lower your premiums by up to 30%. Just make sure you can afford to pay the higher deductibles if you have a claim.

4. Drop Unnecessary Coverage

Consider dropping coverage you may not need like collision or comprehensive coverage on an older vehicle. Dropping these coverages can lower your premiums. But only do so if you can afford to repair or replace your vehicle if it’s damaged or stolen.

5. Improve Your Credit Score

In Clovis, car insurance companies can consider your credit score when determining your premiums. Improving your score over time may help lower your rates. Check your credit report for any errors and pay down high balances to bump up your score.

Conclusion

Comparing multiple free quotes, bundling applicable discounts, raising deductibles, and improving your credit are all smart ways to uncover the most affordable car insurance in Clovis.