Why California Auto Insurance Can Be Expensive
California consistently ranks among the most expensive states for auto insurance. Dense traffic, high repair costs, frequent accidents, and a large number of uninsured drivers all push premiums up. Add in the fact that California bans the use of credit scores in auto insurance pricing (unlike most states), and rates are largely driven by your driving record, your vehicle, and where you live.
The good news: as an independent agency, Romar Insurance shops 10+ carriers on your behalf — and there are legitimate strategies you can use right now to bring your costs down.
1. Raise Your Deductible
Your deductible is the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in after a claim. Most drivers are set to a $250 or $500 deductible by default — but raising it to $1,000 or even $1,500 can lower your collision and comprehensive premiums by 15–30%.
The trade-off is that you'll pay more if you do file a claim. This strategy works best if you have a strong driving record and some savings to cover the higher deductible in an emergency.
2. Bundle Your Policies
One of the most consistent discounts available across virtually every major carrier is the multi-policy or "bundle" discount. When you purchase your auto and homeowners (or renters) insurance from the same company, you can typically save 5–15% on each policy.
At Romar Insurance, we can quote your auto and home coverage simultaneously across multiple carriers to find the combination that gives you the best total savings — not just on one policy, but on both.
3. Ask About Every Discount You Qualify For
Most drivers don't realize how many discounts are available. Carriers rarely volunteer all of them — you have to ask. Here are common ones many Californians qualify for:
🚘 Low Mileage Discount
Drive fewer than 7,500–10,000 miles per year? Many carriers offer meaningful discounts for low-mileage drivers.
🎓 Good Student Discount
Full-time students under 25 with a B average or better can qualify for discounts of 10–25% on their portion of a family policy.
🏠 Homeowner Discount
Even if you don't bundle, some carriers offer a discount simply for owning a home — regardless of who insures it.
🛡️ Defensive Driving Course
Completing a California-approved defensive driving course can earn you a discount and may help dismiss a minor ticket.
4. Review Your Coverage on Older Vehicles
If you're driving an older vehicle that's paid off, you may be carrying more coverage than makes financial sense. Collision and comprehensive coverage on a car worth $4,000–$6,000 may cost more in premiums over a few years than the car itself is worth.
A simple rule of thumb: if your annual collision and comprehensive premium exceeds 10% of your vehicle's current market value, consider dropping those coverages and pocketing the savings. Just make sure you can afford to replace the vehicle out of pocket if it's totaled.
5. Shop Your Policy Every Year
Loyalty doesn't always pay in insurance. Carriers regularly re-file their rates with the California Department of Insurance, and the company that was cheapest for you three years ago may no longer be competitive today. Meanwhile, other carriers may have lowered their rates for your profile.
This is where working with an independent agency like Romar gives you a significant advantage. We re-shop your coverage at every renewal — comparing 10+ carriers in minutes — so you're always getting the best available rate without having to do the legwork yourself.
💡 Romar Insurance Tip
The single most effective long-term strategy for lower premiums is maintaining a clean driving record. Every year without an accident or ticket helps. Tickets typically affect your rate for 3 years in California, and a DUI can impact your premium for 10 years. Drive carefully — it's the best savings strategy there is.