subject: Obtain Auto Insurance Orange County Before You Drive Off The Lot [print this page] When you are in the process of purchasing a new vehicle in Orange County, you are legally required to obtain and maintain continuous auto insurance Orange County to satisfy the state of California's financial responsibility laws. While existing auto insurance coverage will extend to a newly acquired vehicle for 10 to 14 days depending on your insurer, those who currently do not own an automobile must contact an insurance agent and bind coverage that will protect their liability and their financial interests in the vehicle. Know what you are legally required to purchase and what optional coverages you should elect to carry to protect yourself against liability claims.
The only motor vehicle insurance coverage that is required in the state of California is Personal Liability. While other states may require drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection, California is not a no-fault state and only offers medical payments coverages to drivers as an optional coverage type. Personal Liability is designed to cover damages and injuries to a third party in the event you are deemed at fault for the accident. This coverage consists of two separate sections, which are defined as Bodily Injury and Property Damage coverage.
Bodily Injury will pay for injuries to the driver and the passengers in the vehicle. The state of California requires drivers to carry a minimum Bodily Injury limit of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. While these limits will satisfy the state, it is reasonable to say that these limits will hardly fix a broken arm with the cost of health care today. Protect your assets and your home by binding higher auto insurance Orange County limits.
Property Damage Liability coverage is designed to repair or replace a third party vehicle or multiple vehicles if you are deemed at fault for the accident. While the state of California only requires $5000 in PD coverage per accident, even a minor fender bender can cause more damage than $5000. While you may be shopping for insurance on a budget, make a wise decision to increase your limits for not much more per month.
Uninsured Motorist, Uninsured Motorist Property Damage, Medical Payments and Comprehensive and Collision coverages are all optional coverage options available through all California insurers. While the state is not concerned with whether or not you are protecting your vehicle from damage, if your vehicle is being financed your lender will require you carry both Comprehensive and Collision cover. It is important to bind physical damage coverage for your vehicle immediately when you sign your contract, as you must have coverage when you drive the car off the lot. Research premiums and walk into the car dealership prepared to make the transaction as smooth as possible.
by: Fern Baptiste
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