12 terms every California driver should understand before comparing quotes. Each definition cites its authoritative source.
- Territory factor
- A carrier-filed multiplier applied to a base premium based on the garaging ZIP code. ZIP 95035 territory factors reflect Santa Clara County 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. Required by most lenders on financed vehicles. Subject to a deductible.
- 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 — common in Milpitas. Subject to the chosen deductible.
- 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 in writing. Recommended given 16.6% CA uninsured rate.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=11580.2&lawCode=INS
- TNC Period 1
- The window when a rideshare driver has the app open but has not yet accepted a ride request. California TNC rules define this as a coverage gap in most standard personal auto policies. A rideshare endorsement fills it.
- Source: https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/regulatory-services/licensing/transportation-licensing-and-analysis-branch/transportation-network-companies
- 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.
- Source: https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/
- 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. Common risk in Milpitas's financed-vehicle market.
- 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
- CLCA program
- California's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program provides liability-only coverage to income-eligible drivers at subsidized rates. Eligibility is income-based and by county. Available at mylowcostauto.com.
- Source: https://www.mylowcostauto.com/
- Prop 103 rating factors
- California's Proposition 103 (1988) requires carriers to use approved primary rating factors: driving safety record first, miles driven annually second, years of driving experience third. Secondary factors follow. ZIP code is a secondary factor.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1861.02&lawCode=INS
- 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. Must be accurate on the policy to avoid coverage voidance after a claim.
- Source: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/