12 terms every California driver should understand before comparing quotes. Each definition cites its authoritative source.
- SR-22 certificate
- A court or DMV-ordered certificate of financial responsibility filed by the carrier with the DMV. Not a separate insurance policy. Required after DUI, driving without insurance, or excessive points. Filing lasts 3 years from the violation date.
- Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/
- Territory factor
- A carrier-filed multiplier applied to a base premium based on the garaging ZIP code. Territory factors reflect local claim frequency, repair costs, and theft rates. Legal authority: CA Insurance Code 1861.02.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1861.02&lawCode=INS
- Good-driver discount
- A California-mandated discount of at least 20% for drivers with 3+ years licensed and no at-fault accidents, violations, or DUI in the prior 3 years. Source: Insurance Code 1861.025.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1861.025&lawCode=INS
- Comprehensive coverage
- Physical damage coverage for non-collision events: theft, weather, fire, falling objects, animal strikes, vandalism. Subject to a deductible. Not required by California law but required by most lenders.
- Source: https://content.naic.org/consumer/auto-insurance.htm
- Collision coverage
- Physical damage coverage for accidents involving another vehicle or object. Required by lenders on financed vehicles. Subject to a deductible the driver pays before the carrier covers the rest.
- Source: https://content.naic.org/consumer/auto-insurance.htm
- Uninsured motorist (UM/UIM)
- Coverage that pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. California requires carriers to offer UM/UIM but allows drivers to waive it in writing. Strongly recommended given the 16.6% CA uninsured rate.
- Source: https://content.naic.org/consumer/auto-insurance.htm
- Force-placed insurance
- Insurance the lender buys on the driver's behalf when the driver fails to maintain required coverage. Typically 3–5x the voluntary premium. Protects only the lender, not the driver, on own-vehicle damage.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=11580.1&lawCode=INS
- Proof of financial responsibility
- California requires every registered vehicle to be insured. Proof is provided via the insurance ID card, electronic reporting by the carrier, or an SR-22 certificate. Vehicle Code 16020 governs the requirement.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=16020&lawCode=VEH
- TNC (Transportation Network Company)
- Rideshare companies like Uber or Lyft, regulated by CPUC in California. Drivers using the TNC app are subject to separate coverage rules depending on whether they are waiting for a ride request, en route to a pickup, or carrying a passenger.
- Source: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies
- Prop 103 rating factors
- California's Proposition 103 (1988) mandates that carriers file rate changes with the DOI and use approved primary rating factors: driving safety record, miles driven annually, and years of driving experience. Secondary factors follow.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1861.02&lawCode=INS
- CLCA (Low Cost Automobile Insurance)
- California's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program provides liability-only coverage to income-eligible California drivers at subsidized rates. Eligibility is income-based and by county. Available at mylowcostauto.com.
- Source: https://www.mylowcostauto.com/
- Garaging ZIP
- The ZIP code where the insured vehicle is kept overnight most of the time. The garaging ZIP, not the mailing address, determines the territory factor and can significantly affect the premium. Must be accurate on the policy.
- Source: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/