Find Car Insurance in Visalia, California
What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Visalia, CA
Visalia is the county seat of Tulare County, located in the San Joaquin Valley. The city presents an affordable option and more subdued living for people who want to get away from larger cities. A testament to its draw, Visalia has seen double-digit population percentage increases in each of its decennial Census counts since 1910, including 71.8% in 1970, 83.3% in 1980, 52.1% in 1990, and 35.9% in 2010.
In addition to its own amenities, Visalia is a short 45-minute drive from Sequoia National Park on the east and about 100 miles south of Yosemite National Park. You can access the city easily with California’s highway network through the 198, which will take you straight through the center of town, but first, contact an InsureOne expert agent to ensure you have the best auto insurance at the best price in California.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Visalia, California?
If you need car insurance in California, you will likely pay more than in other states. The average full coverage policy in the Golden State costs $2,291, whereas the national average is $2,014 per year. Minimum liability policies in California average $636, which is only slightly more than the national average of $622.
What Does Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability Mean?
Minimum liability is a basic policy that complies with state requirements for California drivers. It provides low levels of coverage, and if you get such a policy, your insurer would only pay for damages you cause to others. It would not pay for damages to your own vehicle when you are at fault for an accident.
On the other hand, full coverage provides you with the highest levels of protection available. For example, if you cause an accident, in addition to the other party’s losses, your insurer would pay for damages to your vehicle. It would also cover theft, uninsured drivers crashing into you, and damages that occur to your vehicle while it is parked or in other situations where no one takes responsibility to pay for your losses.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in California
Each city has different local conditions that might affect the cost of your policy. This table compares rates for Visalia and some of its neighboring towns.
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Visalia | $166 | $46 |
| Bakersfield | $191 | $53 |
| Fresno | $200 | $104 |
| Tulare | $169 | $45 |
| Ridgecrest | $160 | $43 |
How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Visalia
Ask your InsureOne agent if you can get more favorable pricing if you bundle your home and auto coverage. Bundling is when you get more than one policy from the same carrier. Most insurers offer discounts when you get multiple policies with them, and some even reduce both your car and homeowners insurance by as much as 25% when you combine them.
Leave it up to the white-glove services of your InsureOne agent to find carriers that offer significant cost savings when you bundle. You will also gain by not having to sign up with multiple insurers, and you will be able to pay your monthly bill to one company instead of two. Bundling is a win-win for both the insurer and the customer.
What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Visalia?
Taking advantage of discounts your insurer offers is another way to get a lower insurance premium. There are many discounts available in the industry, but not all carriers offer all of them. Ask your agent about these and which others they might be able to get for you:
- Premium up-front discount
- Autopay discount
- Anti-theft discount
- Paperless billing discount
- Usage-based discount
Notable Car Insurance Laws in Visalia
Every state has its own statutes that affect insurance requirements for its municipalities. The following are some of California’s laws pertaining to your auto coverage policy.
What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Visalia?
When an insurer sells you a policy, they must meet certain minimum dollar amounts of coverage to comply with state law. These are the lowest levels California drivers may carry. Anything less, and you may not legally operate a vehicle on any public roads in the state:
- $15,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per person
- $30,000 liability coverage for bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 liability coverage for property damage
What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Visalia?
Driving without coverage is a serious offense and can cause major inconveniences to people. You may not have enough money in your bank to cover damages resulting from a crash you caused, which would mean that the other party would have to wait to get their money from you, even if you have just totaled their car. Some of the penalties and fines you may face for driving uninsured include:
- $100 to $200 fine
- $200 to $500 fine for a second offense
- Possible license suspension
- Possible vehicle impoundment
- Additional penalties or fines
Do Visalia-Specific Laws Play a Role in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?
While many states allow insurers to use gender, credit scores, and a host of other aspects not directly related to the risk and potential cost of insuring a particular driver, California law is a bit firmer. These are some of the factors insurers in the state may consider:
- Driving experience: The more you drive, the better you get, and the more worthy you are of lower rates.
- Vehicle type: A sports car might be a higher risk than family-type vehicles like minivans.
- Location: Claim frequency varies by location due to varying accident and theft rates.
- Deductible amount: Insurers pay less per claim when you have a high deductible and will charge you less.
- Make and model: Similar cars from different companies cost different amounts to repair and replace.
What Happens If I Damage Property?
Getting into an accident can shake you up. But in most cases, help will be on the way shortly after you call 911. Let the operator know immediately if everyone is okay or to send emergency services if someone needs medical attention.
If you cause an accident that results in an injury, California law requires you to file a police report within 24 hours. You also have to report the incident to the DMV within 10 days if you caused more than $1,000 in damages. You will then file a claim with your insurer, who will review the reports and determine if they will cover your and the other party’s losses.
At InsureOne, our expert agents help you find the best auto insurance with customizable options that best meet your needs. The top-tier carriers we connect you with try to make the claims process as smooth as possible should you ever get into an accident.
Typical Driving Conditions in Visalia
A major issue in Visalia and other parts of Tulare County is that it is in a dry valley that gets extremely hot and has very little rain. The heat and, at times, the blinding sun can present an issue for drivers. Temperatures in the summer are regularly in the 90s and 100s. In the winter, due to environmental conditions, the presence of fog and smog is not uncommon. This presents visibility issues and leads to accidents that cause heavy delays, including on the 198. The local streets in this town generally do not get congested with vehicular traffic.
How Many Car Accidents Happen in Visalia Per Year?
The Office of Traffic Safety reports on accidents that lead to death or injuries. Here are their numbers for several California cities in 2021:
| City | Crashes Resulting in Injuries or Fatalities |
|---|---|
| Visalia | 483 |
| Bakersfield | 1,863 |
| Fresno | 1,351 |
| Tulare | 75 |
| Ridgecrest | 106 |
How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Visalia?
When an uninsured/underinsured driver causes a crash, the other party might have a hard time getting reimbursed for their losses. Since 17% of California drivers were uninsured in 2022, it makes sense to ensure you have uninsured/underinsured driver coverage. That way, if you get into an accident with such a driver, your insurer will pay for your damages.
Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in Visalia, California, Today
While it is important to understand how your auto coverage works, you never have to worry about going through the process on your own. At InsureOne, our concierge services include everything from getting you quotes to helping you bundle policies to finding you the best discounts and assisting with the claims process if necessary.
We are a one-stop shop ready to take care of all your insurance needs. You can reach our knowledgeable, expert agents by coming to one of our physical locations, calling us at (800) 836-2240, or visiting our website.