Searching for affordable Los Angeles auto insurance that fits your needs? With so many insurance companies and agents to choose from, it can be overwhelming trying to find the right car insurance policy. This article will walk you through how to shop for LA auto insurance, key coverage options, and provide tips to save money, so you can find the best car insurance near you in Los Angeles.
How to Shop for LA Auto Insurance
Follow these steps when getting quotes for LA auto insurance:
1. Decide What Coverage You Need
Think about must-have protections like:
- Liability coverage – bodily injury and property damage liability
- Uninsured/Underinsured motorist coverage
- Comprehensive and collision coverage
- Medical payments or personal injury protection
Also consider any optional add-ons that may be right for you, like rental reimbursement or roadside assistance coverage.
2. Get Quotes from Multiple Insurers
Shop around and compare rates from national insurers like State Farm, Allstate, and GEICO that operate in California. Also get quotes from major regional and local insurers like:
- Mercury Insurance
- AAA Insurance
- California Casualty
- Wawanesa
- Safeco
Independent agents that work with multiple insurers are a great option to compare many quotes at once.
3. Look for Ways to Save
Ask each insurer about discounts you may qualify for to lower your rate, like:
- Good driver discount
- Defensive driver discount
- Good student discount
- Multi-policy discount
- Anti-theft device discount
Bundle your car and home insurance for additional savings in most cases.
4. Compare Quotes and Choose the Best Fit
Select the policy that gives you the coverage you need at a competitive price from a reputable insurer. Make sure to consider the insurer’s financial strength and customer service ratings as well.
Key Auto Insurance Coverages in Los Angeles
As you shop for LA car insurance, these are the main types of coverage to understand:
Liability Insurance
- Covers injury and property damage you cause to others
- Required in California
- Typically split into bodily injury and property damage liability limits
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist
- Covers costs if you’re hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance
- Important protection in LA due to high rate of uninsured drivers
Comprehensive & Collision Insurance
- Comprehensive covers damage from theft, vandalism, weather
- Collision covers damage from accidents with objects or other vehicles
- Generally required if you have an auto loan/lease
Medical Payments (MedPay)
- Covers medical bills for you and passengers from an accident, regardless of fault
- Alternative to Personal Injury Protection (PIP) in some states
Additional Options
- Roadside Assistance
- Rental Car Reimbursement
- Gap Insurance
- Rideshare Insurance (if driving for Uber/Lyft)
Compare quotes with identical coverage limits and deductibles for an apples-to-apples price comparison.
Ways to Save on LA Car Insurance
Use these tips to keep your Los Angeles auto insurance premiums as low as possible:
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Increase deductibles – Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can save up to 15% or more.
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Drop unnecessary coverage – Analyze if collision/comprehensive insurance is needed for an older vehicle.
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Ask about discounts – See list above of common auto insurance discounts to lower your rates.
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Improve your credit – Insurers use credit-based scores as a rating factor, so improving your credit can directly lower premiums.
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Take a defensive driving course – Many insurers offer a discount for completing an approved online or classroom defensive driving course.
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Enroll in usage-based program – Insurers like State Farm and Allstate offer programs to earn a discount by sharing driving habits.
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Bundle insurance policies – Combine your car and home insurance with the same provider for combined policy discounts.
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Maintain a good driving record – Avoid accidents, traffic violations, and claims to earn the maximum safe driver discounts.
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Compare rates annually – Shop for cheaper car insurance every renewal since rates can change.
Getting quotes from local Los Angeles insurance agencies is a great way to find competitive pricing while receiving personalized service.
Top Auto Insurers in Los Angeles
These car insurance companies offer some of the best rates and service in the LA area:
State Farm
- Over 3,400 agents across California
- Competitive pricing, especially for good drivers
- Large discounts for safety features, defensive driving, and bundling
- Rideshare insurance available
Allstate
- Extensive local agent network in Los Angeles
- Usage-based Drivewise program for discount based on driving habits
- New Car Replacement and Accident Forgiveness options
- Rideshare insurance available
Progressive
- Online quotes and policies available
- Snapshot program tracks driving for customized discount
- Name Your Price tool finds coverage options in chosen budget
- Rental car reimbursement and custom parts coverage
Mercury Insurance
- Specializes in California car insurance
- Multi-policy discounts for bundling home and auto
- Usage-based SmartMiles program
- Rideshare insurance available
AAA Insurance
- Excellent service through local AAA branches
- Special pricing for AAA members
- Accident forgiveness and disappearing deductibles
- Roadside assistance membership can be added
Wawanesa
- Low rates with online quote option
- Policy bundle discount to combine auto and home
- New car replacement coverage
- Local agents provide personalized service
Be sure to compare quotes specifically for Los Angeles to find the best rate.
Top-Rated Local LA Insurance Agencies
Trusted independent insurance agencies in LA that can shop multiple carriers include:
- Freeway Insurance
- Mylo Insurance Agency
- evenhundreddollarinsurance.com
- Cali Auto Insurance
- Leisurecal Insurance Agency
These agencies provide free quotes, explain coverage options, and help you save money on quality LA auto insurance tailored to your needs. An independent insurance agent simplifies the quoting process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is car insurance in Los Angeles per month?
Average car insurance in LA costs $166 per month, or about $2,000 per year. Rates vary based on factors like age, driving record, and car.
What is minimum auto insurance coverage in California?
California requires a minimum of 15/30/5 liability coverage. This includes $15,000 bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 total per accident, and $5,000 property damage liability.
Does car insurance cover earthquakes in Los Angeles?
No, a standard auto policy does not cover earthquake damage to vehicles in California. Separate earthquake coverage must be purchased.
What zip codes have the highest car insurance rates in LA?
Auto insurance rates tend to be highest in these LA zip codes: 90044, 90002, 90008, 90006, and 90003.
How much is full coverage insurance in Los Angeles?
Full coverage with 100/300/100 liability limits, $500 deductibles, and uninsured motorist coverage typically costs $220-$300 per month.
So don’t overpay for car insurance in Los Angeles – compare free quotes easily online or through a local agency to find the right LA auto insurance near you.
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