Insurance Questions, Straight Answers

What car insurance is required in California?

Liability of 30/60/15 — $30K per injured person, $60K per accident, $15K property damage — since January 1, 2025. Full story in our 30/60/15 guide at /p/california-minimum-car-insurance.

How much is car insurance in Los Angeles?

Commonly ~$90/month minimum coverage, $200–300+/month full coverage — LA runs about a quarter above the state average. Cost breakdown: /p/car-insurance-cost-los-angeles.

Does a speeding ticket raise my rate?

Usually yes at renewal, and it can cost you California's mandatory 20% good-driver discount. One ticket is also exactly when re-shopping carriers pays best.

Is uninsured motorist coverage worth it?

Strongly yes in LA — roughly one in six California drivers is uninsured, and UM/UIM coverage is cheap for what it protects.

My homeowners policy was non-renewed. What do I do?

Don't panic and don't lapse: re-shop admitted carriers first, then surplus lines, then FAIR Plan + DIC. The playbook: /p/home-insurance-non-renewal-california.

What is the California FAIR Plan?

The state's shared-market 'insurer of last resort' for basic fire coverage when no regular carrier will write your property. Full guide: /p/california-fair-plan.

Does homeowners insurance cover earthquakes?

No — quake is excluded from every standard California policy. Separate CEA or private coverage fills the gap: /p/earthquake-insurance-california.

How much is renters insurance in Santa Monica?

Typically $15–$30/month, and most local landlords now require it. Guide: /p/renters-insurance-santa-monica.

Do I need workers' comp for one employee?

Yes — California requires it from the first employee, and skipping it is a misdemeanor. Requirements and costs: /p/california-workers-comp-requirements.

How much is the California contractor license bond?

The CSLB requires a $25,000 bond; most contractors pay roughly $100–$500/year for it depending on credit. Guide: /p/california-contractor-license-bond.

What insurance does my commercial lease require?

Almost always general liability (often $1M/$2M) with the landlord as additional insured, plus workers' comp if you have staff. Send us the lease clause before signing: /p/small-business-insurance-california.

What's a certificate of insurance and how fast can I get one?

The one-page proof of coverage that landlords and clients demand — brokers issue them same-day, free.

When can I sign up for Covered California?

Open enrollment is November 1 – January 31; qualifying life events open 60-day windows the rest of the year. Details: /p/covered-california-open-enrollment.

How much umbrella insurance do I need?

At least your net worth, rounded up to the next million — $1M typically costs $150–$400/year. Guide: /p/umbrella-insurance-guide.

Is term or whole life insurance better?

For most families, level-term sized to income and mortgage years wins on value; permanent policies fit specific estate and business needs. We'll run both honestly — start at /p/life-and-health-insurance.