Find Car Insurance in Chico, CA

What You Should Know about Car Insurance in Chico, California

Located in the Sacramento Valley, Chico is known for its access to nature and friendly community. You can spend time outdoors almost all year round, and locals flock to Bidwell Park for hiking, biking, and picnicking along its trails and waterways.
Chico is full of cultural activities, like art galleries, music festivals, and community events featuring local talent. Residents care for the town with numerous civic organizations and volunteer opportunities, creating a tight-knit community and welcoming and relaxed environment that makes it a desirable place to live, work, and explore.
Driving to any of these activities is relatively easy, considering Chico streets are well-maintained. However, you want to stay alert during peak hours, especially around California State University, the Chico campus, and the downtown area.
Roads can become more congested and the chances of an accident increase, so it’s important to have auto protection that keeps you and your vehicle safe. To get the best auto protection in California at competitive rates, expert agents at InsureOne are here to help.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Chico, California?

California car insurance prices vary depending on many factors, although it is generally more expensive to insure your vehicle here than in the rest of the country. The average person in the United States spends $2,314 annually for full auto protection and $644 per year for state minimum liability.

In Chico, the average rate for state-minimum liability insurance coverage is $792 annually and $1,872 for full auto coverage insurance.

What Does Full Coverage vs Minimum Liability Mean?

There are a few important distinctions between minimum liability and full auto coverage. Liability plans are the lowest amount you can carry, as required by law in California. You’ll be covered if you cause an accident, and your insurer will help pay for other parties’ injuries and damages up to the maximum limits outlined in your carrier’s agreement. However, these plans do not cover these expenses for you.

Full auto protection offers all-encompassing benefits with liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage insurance. Suppose an accident, theft, vandalism, natural disaster, or non-collision event impacts you. In these cases, full coverage includes liability, plus additional assistance with paying for repairs or replacement expenses up to your policy’s maximum limits.

Liability-only policies allow you to drive legally, although investing in more than the bare minimum is wiser. With full auto coverage, you can have peace of mind knowing that your insurer will help cover the cost of repairing or replacing your car, regardless of fault.

Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Zip Code in Chico

For a comparison of the average monthly payment for auto coverage across Chico’s zip codes, see the chart below.

Zip Code	Full Coverage	Liability Only
95926	$205	$85
95928	$202	$86
95929	$209	$91
95973	$209	$91
95976	$198	$83

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts are Available in Chico?

Most providers have other ways to save, including discounts. Below are some common discounts that Chico residents enjoy:

• Senior Citizen Auto Insurance Discount
• Student Auto Insurance Discount
• Customer Retention Insurance Discount
• Military Auto Insurance Discount
• Paid In Full Auto Insurance Discount

Notable Car Insurance Laws in Chico

What are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Chico?

Chico follows the same auto requirement regulations as mandated by the state. In California, all minimum liability policies must follow the 15/30/5 rule, or:

• The minimum required bodily injury/death liability coverage is $15,000 for one person and $30,000 for two or more people per accident.
• A minimum of $5,000 for property damage.

What is the Penalty for Driving without Insurance in Chico?

If law enforcement pulls you over and you cannot provide proof of your policy, you could face legal and financial penalties. California requires all motorists to drive with an active auto plan, and all Chico residents must abide by these laws, too.

You’ll pay a one-time fine between $100 and $200 the first time you don’t have proof of coverage, and the consequences get higher if you receive additional tickets. For additional tickets, you’ll pay a one-time fee between $200 and $500, plus additional penalty assessments that can raise your fines to as much as $1,300.

Do Chico-Specific Laws Play a Role in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?

Auto coverage mandates are the same throughout California, so Chico’s legislation alone wouldn’t necessarily affect your rates. However, underwriters examine other personal details that impact your pricing, such as:

• Age
• Profession
• Gender
• The kind of vehicle you drive
• The amount of your deductible

What Happens if I Damage Property?

If you get in an accident that damages someone else’s property, your auto protection can help you pay for the repair costs. Liability coverage helps pay for repairs or replacement of the other party’s property, such as their vehicle or any structures like fences or buildings, up to your policy limits.

Your provider describes your limits in your agreement’s terms and conditions, meaning they will only pay up to a certain amount for damages. If the costs of repairs exceed your plan’s limits, you may be responsible for paying the remaining balance.

As mentioned earlier, it’s a good idea to opt for higher limits to avoid paying for out-of-pocket expenses if you are in a roadside mishap. At InsureOne, our expert agents help you find high-quality policies at competitive prices that best meet your needs.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Chico Per Year?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) annually releases information about accidents nationwide. Between 2015 and 2022, the NHTSA reported 49 fatalities from vehicle accidents in Chico.

Below is a table with the yearly average number of roadside fatalities in Chico and other cities in The Golden State.

City	Annual Average Number of Fatal Car Crashes
Chico	7
San Bernandino	48
Oakland	31
San Diego	138
Fresno	52

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists are in Chico?

The number of motorists who drive with inadequate or no coverage in California has increased over the past decade. California also has some of the highest rates of under- or uninsured vehicles, at 16.6% of the state’s drivers.

Given California’s large population, it’s likely that if you do get in an accident with someone else, they might not have sufficient protection. It’s best to invest in a high-quality policy that protects you and your passengers just in case the unforeseen occurs, and you need to file a claim.