California is one of the most densely populated states in the nation, and is home to nearly 24 million licensed drivers. Throughout the state, and especially in busy cities such as Los Angeles and San Diego, automobile accidents are an unfortunately common occurrence. There are between 450,000 and 500,000 traffic accidents reported annually in California.
The price of automobile insurance is heavily influenced by a policyholder’s driving record, and getting into an accident and filing a claim can quickly lead to higher coverage costs. If CA residents are involved in an accident, they may lose any good-driver discounts and have difficulty finding an inexpensive policy.
According to state law, if a motorist is determined to be 51 percent or more responsible for an accident that results in bodily injuries or over $1,000 worth of property damage, he or she will be assessed a surcharge for 36 months. This is the amount that is applied to a person’s premium as the result of either filing a claim or being convicted of a moving violation.
But in the Golden State, there are many insurers to choose from, and each one weighs claims and accident risk differently. While some companies may raise rates considerably after a claim has been filed, others may be more forgiving. If prices skyrocket after an accident, residents have the option to shop for cheap auto insurance in California online to explore alternatives.
The effect a collision has on motorists’ premiums is also dependent on their overall driving record and whether they were at fault. If someone has a history of filing claims, there is a good chance that another incident will result in a surcharge and higher rates. A first-time offender, however, may not see any changes at all, especially if the accident was minor or if they were not responsible for any damages.
Drivers who have had an accident affect their premiums are not without options. Although most producers prefer to insure people with clean driving records, there are some companies that specifically target motorists who are at a higher risk of filing a claim. If someone has developed a history of claims, however, they may be unable to find a willing insurer on the voluntary market.
Residents that have filed too many claims and are no longer considered viable risks by insurers may have to enroll in the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan that is offered through the CA Department of Insurance. This program provides residents with vehicle coverage by uniting them with a producer. Although policies on the voluntary market are more affordable, taking advantage of these services is a better option than driving while uninsured.
Source: http://www.onlineautoinsurance.com/california/
