An auto insurance quote is a price for a specific set of coverages, based on the information you give. Two quotes can only be compared if they cover the same things, and that's where most people go wrong. This guide explains what goes into a California quote, what to have ready, and how to compare quotes fairly.
What goes into a quote
Under California's Proposition 103, the three most important rating factors are your driving record, the miles you drive each year, and your years of driving experience. Insurers also consider your vehicle, where it's kept and the coverage you choose.
What to have ready
- The license number and date of birth of everyone in your household who drives, or the foreign license, passport or matrícula consular you have.
- Each vehicle's year, make and model, or its VIN.
- Roughly how many miles each vehicle is driven a year, and where it's parked overnight.
- Tickets, accidents and any DUI in the last several years. Insurers will check, and an accurate quote now beats a surprise later.
- Your current policy's declarations page, if you have one, so the new quote can match or improve your coverage.
Compare like for like
A cheaper quote often just means less coverage. Before comparing prices, line up:
- Liability limits. The California minimum is 30/60/15. Higher limits cost more and protect more.
- Deductibles for collision and comprehensive.
- Uninsured motorist coverage and its limits.
- Extras such as rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.
- Payment terms. Compare the total for the policy term, not just the monthly payment, and ask about any fees.
Why quotes differ so much
Every carrier weighs the same facts differently, and each one's rates are approved separately by the California Department of Insurance. A carrier that's expensive for one driver can be the cheapest for the next. That's the case for comparing several, and the main reason to use an independent broker.
A personalized approach
At Barua Insurance, we start with your situation (your record, your vehicle, how you drive and what you can afford) and compare carriers to find coverage that fits. We'll walk you through each quote line by line, in English or Spanish, so you know exactly what you're buying. A driving record doesn't disqualify you.
Ready to compare? Call (562) 273-3989 or start a free auto insurance quote, with no obligation.
Updated 8 October 2026: this article no longer quotes example prices or past promotions. What you pay depends on your vehicle, driving record, coverage and ZIP code, and a free quote is the only reliable number.