Find Cheap Car Insurance in Chico, CA

Chico, nestled in the heart of Butte County, California, is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. This city is brimming with character and offers a unique natural beauty and urban allure. From the downtown district with its shops and cozy cafes to the sprawling Bidwell Park, which boasts miles of trails and picnic spots, Chico has something for everyone.

But, if you’re living or driving in Chico, it’s important to have auto insurance as required by state law. Acceptance offers affordable car insurance in California, even if you don’t have a perfect driving record. It understand that everyone makes mistakes on the road and provide coverage tailored to your needs. Keep reading to discover all about car insurance in the region and the best discounts available to save you money.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Chico, California?

In Chico, drivers usually pay approximately $45 per month for the basic liability auto insurance. This rate is $7 lower than the national average of $52 and $8 below California’s average of $53.

If you’re seeking more extensive coverage, full auto insurance typically amounts to about $156 per month. This price is $34 lower than California’s average monthly car insurance cost of $190 and $12 below the national average of $168 per month.

What Does it Mean if California Is an At-Fault State?

In a state that operates under an at-fault system, the driver at fault for an accident is legally obligated to cover all the resulting losses and damages. This includes the costs of medical treatment for injured individuals, funeral expenses in the event of a fatality, and property damage related to the crash.

However, the state of California has specific nuances within these laws. The legal system in California takes into account the specifics and details of each incident to determine liability and responsibility for damages. To ensure protection in the event of injury or causing harm to another party, drivers in California must have at least liability insurance coverage.

To discover how car insurance rates compare across the largest cities in California, check out the breakdown below.

Compare Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code in Chico

There are several factors that affect your auto insurance rates, and your location plays a big role. If you live in a bustling area, you’re more likely to encounter heavy traffic and accidents. Since driving in these high-risk conditions carries more potential for claims, you’ll end up paying higher premiums compared to drivers in quieter rural or suburban areas.

See the average monthly car insurance rates for Chico zip codes below:

Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Chico

Your age is a key factor in calculating your car insurance premiums. Certain age groups, such as teens, tend to have more accidents due to their limited driving experience. This increased risk means that auto insurance for teens in Chico is generally more expensive.

Look at the breakdown below to see the average monthly car insurance rates by age in the city:

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen Per Year in Chico, California?

According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, a total of 296 fatal and injury accidents were recorded in Chico in 2019, with 56 of them related to alcohol. In 2020, there were 217 people killed and injured, with 36 incidents related to alcohol influence. In 2021, there were 304 victims killed and injured, with 53 involving alcohol.

These numbers demonstrate that alcohol is the worst co-pilot for a driver and can lead to devastating outcomes. Remember, if you drink, never drive. If you feel like you cannot control that “urge”, learn ways to prevent drunk driving.

Are Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Chico well maintained?

Chico’s infrastructure and streets are well-maintained, thanks to various city departments. These departments, like the Building Division, Parking and Transportation Department, Road Maintenance Department, and Traffic Department, have the responsibility of overseeing over 300 miles of streets. They take care of tasks such as filling potholes, repairing sidewalks, grading shoulders, removing graffiti, and maintaining traffic signals and streetlights.

In this city, there are currently two significant projects underway:

1. Guynn Avenue Bridge Replacement Project: This project involves replacing the Guynn Avenue Bridge over Lindo Channel. Located between East Avenue and West Lindo Avenue, this bridge serves as a crucial link between the Cussick Area Neighborhood and The Avenues. The existing bridge is structurally deficient and obsolete, prompting the construction of a new one to improve safety and connectivity in the area.
2. Construction of a big bike bridge over Highway 99: The City is constructing a bike bridge spanning approximately 6.7 miles over Highway 99. This project will create a continuous and safe pathway for cyclists, running parallel to the State Route 99 corridor.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Chico

In Chico, you need to meet the following minimum coverage amounts:

• You must carry at least $15,000 in bodily injury or death liability insurance per person, with a minimum of $30,000 per accident.
• Additionally, you need a minimum of $5,000 in property damage liability insurance.

Fulfilling these requirements will give you peace of mind knowing you have the right level of coverage while driving. If you want more information or are interested in exploring insurance options, contact your local insurance agent.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Chico, California?

In Chico, it’s against the law to drive without auto insurance. So it’s important to have active coverage and carry proof of insurance while driving. If you don’t have insurance or fail to provide proof, you may face penalties and it’s considered a class C misdemeanor.

For a first-time offense, you could be fined between $100 and $200. But if you have multiple offenses within the first three years, the fines can go up to $300 to $500. In addition, if you’re caught driving without insurance or have an accident without insurance, your car registration may be suspended.

To avoid any trouble, make sure to have an insurance plan with the required minimum coverage. Remember, it’s better to be prepared and have the peace of mind that comes from being protected on the road.

When calculating car insurance rates in Chico, insurance companies take into account various elements beyond just your age, location, and driving frequency.

These additional factors considered include:

• Driving record
• Level of education
• Vehicle type
• Coverage amount
• Deductible amount

What Happens if I Damage Property

If you cause damage to property while in an accident, your insurance policy will cover the repair costs for the other vehicles involved. However, it’s important to note that this minimum liability coverage does not extend to covering damages to your own vehicle.

To ensure comprehensive coverage for all costs related to the accident, including damage to your own car and other property, it is recommended to have a full coverage policy.

Top Ways to Save on Car Insurance in Chico, CA

Looking for smart ways to obtain lower auto insurance premiums in Chico? There are some tricks and discounts you can use to obtain better costs. Plus, you can even combine multiple discounts to maximize your savings!

1. First off, being a good driver can really pay off. Many insurance companies offer a special car insurance discount for good drivers. So, make sure to obey those traffic rules and keep your record spotless.
2. If you have more than one car in your household, don’t forget to ask about multi-car insurance discount.
3. Receive an anti-theft car insurance discount for being proactive with the security measures of your vehicle.
4. If you’re a veteran or military personnel, some insurance companies have special discounts just for you. Be sure to inquire about military car insurance discount when shopping for your policy.
5. Get a paid in full auto insurance discount if you pay the entire annual premium upfront. It’s a win-win situation – you save money and don’t have to worry about monthly payments.
6. And finally, for even bigger savings, bundle your policies. Adding renters or homeowners insurance to your car insurance policy can often lead to a significant discount, sometimes up to 25% off!