Smart protection without the premium price

California requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/15 — $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Minimum limits satisfy the law but are often far below what a serious accident costs, which is why many drivers carry higher limits.

Liability-only pays for damage you cause to others; it never pays to fix your own car. 'Full coverage' adds collision and comprehensive, which cover your vehicle for accidents, theft, vandalism, and weather. Lenders require full coverage on financed vehicles.

Compare multiple carriers, ask about California's Good Driver discount, consider higher deductibles, and bundle with home or renters coverage. Rates for the same driver can vary widely between carriers, so shopping matters more than any single discount. Call (877) 411-5200 for a multi-carrier comparison.

Primarily the car. If you lend your vehicle to a licensed driver with your permission, your policy is generally the one that responds first. That's worth remembering before handing over the keys.