California Car Insurance

California Car Insurance: Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights discusses 5 policy basics  

Los Angeles traffic is a nightmare. But driving without insurance is even scarier.

Like most states, California has minimum requirements for car insurance. As an “at fault” state, drivers must accept financial responsibility for any accidents they may cause. California Insurance Code 11580.1b spells out exactly what this coverage must look like.

Yet you don’t have to be a legal expert to find the right protection. Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights can help. Serving as an independent agent since 1986, she is well versed in the state’s insurance requirements. California is a “15/30/5” state. Below, Ai Ling Lee explains this and other must-haves for any auto insurance policy.

Bodily injury liability

Liability insurance does not apply to the policyholder. It covers other people’s injury or damage. For this reason, California mandates liability protection. Drivers must maintain $15,000 for bodily injury or death for any single person involved in an accident. A total of $30,000 is needed per accident, regardless of the number of people involved. This is commonly referred to as “15/30.”

Property damage liability

Another form of required coverage, property damage liability, protects against any damage or destruction that results from an accident. As Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights points out, this doesn’t just shield another driver’s vehicle. This also extends to buildings or other structures. State law requires $5,000 for any single accident. When combined with bodily injury policies, this makes up the “15/30/5”, which represents the lowest level of protection required by law.

Proof of insurance

Purchasing a policy alone isn’t enough. Under state law, drivers must carry proof of insurance to show during traffic stops or other incidents. This documentation must also be presented when registering a vehicle. Although a digital copy will often be sufficient, Ai Ling Lee can’t stress its importance enough. Failure to show proof of insurance could result in a suspended license.

Alternative options

You do have choices. While car insurance is the most popular amongst drivers, California Insurance Code 11580.1b sets out other mechanisms to comply with the “financial responsibility” law. Rather than buying car insurance, vehicle owners can deposit $35,000 or file a self-insurance certificate with the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles. Obtaining a $35,000 surety bond from a licensed issuer will also work.

Available add-ons

State requirements ensure other drivers are guarded. But you need protection too. Ai Ling Lee of Hacienda Heights and other agents always recommend filling in these gaps in coverage with several available options. Medical payment or personal injury protection (PIP) can reimburse any medical expenses incurred by you or your passengers. Although not required, uninsured motorist coverage can be critical too. This kicks in if you are involved in an accident with someone who has insufficient coverage themselves. General collision and comprehensive coverage are also encouraged.

Ford Tourneo Custom WAV Colour Chart

A Brief Guide to Car Paint Types

If you wish to purchase a car, the first thing you should consider is its colour. Remember that by choosing its appearance, you will present yourself as well. 

At the same time, it will affect the way others think about you while driving. 

Apart from colour, it would be best to think about paint finishes that are available as well.

Of course, everything depends on the amount you are eager to spend and the appearance you wish to ensure. 

It is crucial to understand different options, appearances, benefits, and disadvantages before you make up your mind.

Solid Paint

You should know that a standard for most vehicles across the globe is solid paint. At the same time, manufacturers are using a limited number of hues, including black, blue, red, and white. 

However, by choosing this range, you can find different shades that offer you a completely different appearance. 

Everything depends on whether you wish to stand out from the crowd, disappear from a background, or choose something affordable based on your preferences.

Remember that solid finishes are affordable because they are simple to produce. Generally, they require three layers: primer, paint, and lacquer. 

When it comes to maintenance and repairing, you can do it as simple as possible. Just visit a vehicle spares shop, and you will get a pen that will help you fill the chips and small holes. 

On the other hand, if you wish to handle more significant repairs, you can do it with it as well. The main reason for that is that paint will dry faster than others by using a heat lamp.

If you have suitable equipment, you can do it at home, which is the most affordable option you can choose. Still, it would help if you were careful to prevent the dreaded peel that happens when the layers separate. 

Metallic Finishes

You have probably noticed vehicles featuring paint that reflect light, which is way shinier than other options. Of course, you can choose a wide array of colours, while the finish is not as expensive as most people think.

Remember that shine comes due to a combination of aluminium powder and paint. The metal will reflect and pick up light, which will boost a gloss as a result. You can add extra layers of lacquer and colour, which means it is a more expensive option than solid paint.

They look fantastic under natural light, but they will shine under other conditions as well. However, the main disadvantage of metallic finishes is more visible dirt compared with solids. 

It means you should clean them more often by using washing liquids that feature an abrasive sponge. Check out whether a sponge features dirt beforehand. If you wish to ensure the polishing, you should avoid overdoing it because the paint will feature marks from a brush.

Another important consideration is the repair issues you will get because it is almost impossible to find a perfect match. They need more care, and you will spend more money on maintenance.

However, you can enjoy in the more appealing vehicle than solid paint, which is the main reason people use them in the first place.

Matte Finishes

It is vital to understand that matte finishes can provide you with the most significant appeal without shining features. It is a common choice for black, grey, or silver cars, but it is also the most expensive option that will cost you a fortune.

Of course, we can differentiate numerous methods for achieving this finish. For instance, you can use a primer that features high epoxy content or use paint with high PVC content. Finally, you can get lacquer with a flattening agent as well. It would be best to learn more about the Ford Tourneo Custom colour chart, which will help you determine the best course of action. 

It doesn’t matter which method you decide to use, because the paint will absorb light, which will create a dull sheen, which is highly appealing for black and grey cars.

Remember that you should think about high maintenance with matte finishes. It would help to clean everything regularly by using specific polishes and shampoos. At the same time, bird droppings can affect the finish due to high acid content. 

Finally, they are challenging to repair and expensive compared with other options you can find on the market.

Still, most people prefer it as a form of contemporary perspective, which is why they apply it in the first place.

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