Californians searching for lower auto insurance rates have more options

SACRAMENTO – Finding the lowest auto insurance rates requires some research and the Department of Insurance offers an online comparison tool that gives drivers more options to find the most affordable rates.

"When shopping for insurance it is important for consumers to do their homework and shop around," said California Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. "The auto insurance comparison tool provides an apples-to-apples comparison allowing consumers to find companies offering the lowest rate for their needs."

The easy-to-use online tool is designed to take some of the guesswork out of shopping for insurance by allowing consumers to quickly and easily make comparisons of rates from national and local insurance companies.

Thousands of consumers have used the department's tool since its overhaul last year to compare rates and find the best company for their needs. Now with updated premium estimates from 54 insurers, the auto insurance comparison tool continues to save consumers time and money.

The auto rate comparison tool helps consumers see a range in prices, based on factors similar to their situation. Consumers enter the location, coverage type, years licensed, driving record, annual mileage, and vehicle type that best describes them. Rates are affected by all of these factors, including the driver's record, at-fault accidents, traffic violations, and their experience behind the wheel.

Using this tool, a married couple in Los Angeles (Burbank) shopping for standard insurance might find their average annual premium options range from $2,821 to $9,308 – a price span of $6,437. A single female in San Francisco (Mission District) shopping for standard insurance might find her average premium options range from $2,035 to $8,095 annually, with an average of $5,062.

Auto insurance protects drivers and their vehicles in the event of an accident, but not all insurance is the same. Premiums can vary greatly among insurers. Drivers should compare prices for various insurers along with the coverage features, limits, exclusions, and available credits or discounts, which are all included in the tool.

The tool also has a complaint page where consumers may view complaints about each insurer over the last three years.