To add a car to your policy, you can update your policy online or call your insurance company. You usually only need to provide the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and the make and model of the vehicle. You may also be asked about the mileage and condition of the vehicle, depending on the insurer. Keep in mind that some insurers may limit the number of vehicles that can be included in a policy.
California law requires all drivers of vehicles within the state to maintain evidence of financial responsibility. The California Affordable Car Program (CLCA) was established by the Legislature in 1999 and exists pursuant to Section 11629.7 of the California Insurance Code as a program designed to provide individuals who meet income requirements with affordable liability insurance protection as a way to comply with California's financial responsibility laws. Depending on the car insurance company you choose, you can also add optional types of coverage, such as emergency roadside service, emergency insurance, and rental reimbursement in the event of a covered claim. Full coverage insurance includes liability insurance plus comprehensive and collision insurance, which pays for damage to your own vehicle.
The first step in choosing additional coverage for your car is to decide if you need minimum coverage insurance or full coverage insurance. For this reason, it can be useful to look for new insurance when you buy another vehicle to ensure that your current company offers you the best possible rate. To ensure that you get the best possible rate, most insurance professionals recommend that you compare prices and compare quotes after certain life events, such as buying a new car. Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle from collisions, for example, with another vehicle or an object.
This is probably the case if you have more vehicles than the average person, since most companies have a limit on how many cars you can include in a policy. Multi-vehicle discounts are among the most significant discounts that auto insurance companies offer to drivers, but they are usually not enough to cancel the full premium that the insurance company will charge for adding a vehicle to their policy. Bankrate explains how to add a car to your policy so that you can ensure that you are financially protected and, depending on your coverage, that your new vehicle is also covered. Whether your agent adds your car to the policy or you do it yourself, most insurance companies will provide you with proof of insurance shortly after the transaction, usually by sending you an identification card by email.
Because most insurance companies offer significant discounts for multiple vehicles, multi-car insurance policies are often cheaper than insuring multiple vehicles with separate policies. However, too many drivers with eligible income remain uninsured because the costs of standard insurance premiums are out of their financial reach. While you may qualify for a multi-car discount by adding a second vehicle to your policy, your overall auto insurance rate will likely continue to increase. Depending on the state and the insurer, you may also be able to insure someone else's vehicle if you keep it at your residence and the landlord lives with you.
Some insurance companies may not give you a choice when it comes to insuring your vehicles with one policy or with others separately...
