12 terms every California driver should understand before comparing quotes. Each definition cites its authoritative source.
- CLCA (California Low Cost Automobile Insurance)
- State program providing 10/20/3 liability at $25 to $33/month to income-qualified California drivers. Fresno County eligibility requires household income at or below 250 percent of federal poverty level, valid CA license, and vehicle ACV at or below $25,000.
- Source: https://www.mylowcostauto.com/
- Good-Driver Discount
- CA Insurance Code §1861.025 requires insurers to reduce premiums by at least 20 percent for drivers with no at-fault accidents or major violations in the prior 3 years.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1861.02&lawCode=INS
- Uninsured Motorist (UM/UIM)
- Optional but strongly recommended coverage that pays your bodily injury and property damage when hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. CA Insurance Code §11580.1b establishes the payment framework. NAIC 2024 estimates 16.6 percent of California drivers carry no insurance; Central Valley exposure trends above this.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=11580.1&lawCode=INS
- Territory Factor
- A filed multiplier that varies premium by ZIP. Selma 93662 sits in a Fresno County rural-suburban band that prices 8 to 18 percent lower than Fresno metro 93701 on the same profile.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=1861.02&lawCode=INS
- Continuous Insurance Discount
- A 5 to 15 percent reduction for drivers who maintained prior auto insurance without a 30+ day gap. Lapses inside the prior 12 months typically remove the discount.
- Source: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/
- Telematics (Snapshot, Drive Safe)
- Optional carrier programs that measure hard-braking, late-night driving, and total mileage. Selma low-mileage drivers typically save 12 to 22 percent after 90 to 180 days.
- Source: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/
- Business-Use Class
- A coverage classification required when a vehicle is used for business operations including agricultural delivery, food trucks, or contract work. Personal-use coverage excludes business activity; the rider is required to maintain coverage during work hours.
- Source: https://www.iii.org/article/what-auto-insurance
- SR-22 Filing
- A DMV-required certificate of financial responsibility for drivers convicted of DUI or other qualifying events. Requires 3-year continuous filing; a lapse triggers immediate license re-suspension. Dairyland and The General specialize in SR-22 filings.
- Source: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?sectionNum=16020&lawCode=VEH
- Comprehensive Coverage
- Pays for non-collision damage including theft, fire, hail, falling objects, and animal strikes. Central Valley dust storms and tule-fog comprehensive events make comprehensive deductible choice (typically $250 to $1,000) materially important.
- Source: https://www.iii.org/article/what-auto-insurance
- Collision Coverage
- Pays for vehicle damage from collision regardless of fault, less the deductible. Lender-required on financed and leased vehicles. Optional on paid-off vehicles.
- Source: https://www.iii.org/article/what-auto-insurance
- Good-Student Discount
- A 5 to 10 percent discount for full-time students under 25 with a 3.0+ GPA. Must be requested and verified with transcript or registrar letter; not automatic.
- Source: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/
- Multi-Policy Discount
- A 8 to 15 percent discount for bundling auto with renters or homeowners on the same carrier. Selma renters can stack auto and renters for material savings on both lines.
- Source: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/
