Auto insurance is a necessary expense for most families, especially those with multiple vehicles and drivers of varying ages. As a husband and wife raising children in Fullerton, CA, we understand the importance of finding affordable and reliable auto insurance coverage. With four vehicles in our household and drivers ranging from teenagers to adults, we have had our fair share of experiences with obtaining auto insurance quotes in Fullerton.
Our family consists of myself, John, my wife Sarah, and our three children: Emily, who is 16 and just got her driver’s license, Mike, who is 18 and in college, and Jessica, who is 25 and living on her own. Each of us has our own vehicle, ranging from a compact sedan to a large SUV. Here is a breakdown of the vehicles we own and the different types of coverage and monthly payments we have for each:
1. John’s sedan: John drives a 2018 Honda Accord, which is his daily commuter vehicle. We have full coverage on his car, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Our monthly premium for his vehicle is $150.
2. Sarah’s minivan: Sarah drives a 2016 Toyota Sienna, which she uses to transport the kids to school and activities. We also have full coverage on her vehicle, with a slightly higher premium of $175 per month due to the size and value of the minivan.
3. Emily’s compact car: Emily recently got her driver’s license and is driving a 2010 Toyota Corolla that we passed down to her. We have added her to our policy with the minimum required liability coverage, which has increased our monthly premium by $50.
4. Mike’s college car: Mike drives a 2005 Ford Mustang that he purchased with his own money. Since he is away at college most of the time and only uses the car during breaks, we have added him to our policy as an occasional driver with liability coverage only, which has added $25 to our monthly premium.
In addition to our standard auto insurance coverage, we have also experienced the impact of driving infractions on our insurance rates. Here are five different driving infractions that some of our family members have gotten and how much they raised our auto insurance rates:
1. Speeding ticket: Sarah received a speeding ticket last year while rushing to pick up the kids from school. This violation resulted in a 10% increase in our auto insurance premium for the following year.
2. At-fault accident: Mike was involved in a minor fender bender in a parking lot, which was deemed his fault. This accident caused our insurance rates to go up by 15% for the next three years.
3. DUI: Jessica made a poor decision to drive home after a night out with friends and was arrested for DUI. This serious offense led to a 50% increase in our insurance rates and required us to carry SR-22 insurance for several years.
4. Reckless driving: Emily was caught driving recklessly on the highway and received a citation for endangering other drivers. This violation resulted in a 20% increase in our auto insurance rates for the following year.
5. Parking ticket: John received a parking ticket for parking in a restricted zone while running errands. While this infraction did not directly impact our insurance rates, it served as a reminder to always follow traffic laws to avoid costly tickets and potential rate increases.
As residents of Fullerton, CA, we have encountered various challenges when it comes to understanding and navigating the auto insurance market. Here are 12 common questions about auto insurance in Fullerton, along with the answers:
1. What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in Fullerton, CA?
– In Fullerton, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per accident, and $5,000 in property damage liability coverage.
2. How can I find the best auto insurance quotes in Fullerton?
– To find the best auto insurance quotes in Fullerton, it is recommended to shop around and compare quotes from multiple insurance providers. Additionally, working with a local insurance agent who is familiar with the Fullerton market can help you find the most competitive rates.
3. Are there any discounts available for auto insurance in Fullerton?
– Many insurance providers offer discounts for factors such as safe driving, bundling multiple policies, installing safety features in your vehicle, and maintaining a good credit score. Be sure to ask your insurance agent about any potential discounts you may qualify for.
4. What factors can affect my auto insurance rates in Fullerton?
– Factors that can affect your auto insurance rates in Fullerton include your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, your age and gender, your credit score, and the amount of coverage you choose.
5. Can I add my teenage driver to my auto insurance policy in Fullerton?
– Yes, you can add your teenage driver to your auto insurance policy in Fullerton. However, adding a teenage driver to your policy can significantly increase your rates due to their lack of driving experience and higher risk of accidents.
6. Is it required to carry uninsured motorist coverage in Fullerton?
– While uninsured motorist coverage is not required by law in Fullerton, it is highly recommended to protect yourself in the event of an accident with an uninsured or underinsured driver.
7. What is the average cost of auto insurance in Fullerton?
– The average cost of auto insurance in Fullerton varies depending on factors such as your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, and the amount of coverage you choose. On average, residents of Fullerton pay around $1,500 per year for auto insurance.
8. Can I choose my own auto insurance deductible in Fullerton?
– Yes, you can choose your own auto insurance deductible in Fullerton. A higher deductible typically results in lower monthly premiums, while a lower deductible means you will pay less out of pocket in the event of a claim.
9. Are there any special considerations for auto insurance in Fullerton?
– In Fullerton, it is important to consider factors such as traffic congestion, weather conditions, and the prevalence of auto theft when selecting your auto insurance coverage. Comprehensive coverage may be beneficial to protect against these risks.
10. How can I lower my auto insurance rates in Fullerton?
– To lower your auto insurance rates in Fullerton, consider factors such as bundling multiple policies, maintaining a clean driving record, taking a defensive driving course, and installing safety features in your vehicle. Additionally, working with a local insurance agent can help you find the most competitive rates.
11. What should I do if I am involved in an auto accident in Fullerton?
– If you are involved in an auto accident in Fullerton, it is important to exchange insurance information with the other driver, document the scene of the accident, and notify your insurance provider as soon as possible. Your insurance agent can guide you through the claims process and help you navigate any potential rate increases.
12. How can I find a reputable auto insurance provider in Fullerton?
– To find a reputable auto insurance provider in Fullerton, ask for recommendations from friends and family, read online reviews, and research the financial stability and customer service ratings of potential insurance providers. Working with a local insurance agent who is familiar with the Fullerton market can also help you find a reliable and trustworthy provider.
In conclusion, as a husband and wife raising children of various driving ages in Fullerton, CA, we understand the importance of finding affordable and reliable auto insurance coverage. By carefully selecting the right coverage for each of our vehicles, being mindful of driving infractions that can impact our rates, and staying informed about the auto insurance market in Fullerton, we are able to protect our family and vehicles while staying within our budget. By asking the right questions and working with a knowledgeable insurance agent, we can ensure that we have the best coverage for our unique needs and circumstances.