Are you aware of the top ten cars that are stolen in California? Do you have one? You must become aware of the ones that are on the list. It is quite possible that it could affect your insurance rates if you own such a vehicle. Below is a record of the ten most stolen cars. Let’s hope yours is not one of them.

Southern California Car Insurance Data – California’s Ten Most Stolen Cars

  1. Acura Integra (1990)
  2. Chevrolet 1500 Pickup – C/K Full Size (1992)
  3. Ford Mustang (2000)
  4. Honda Accord (1991)
  5. Honda Civic (1995)
  6. Nissan Sentra (1991)
  7. Saturn SL (1993)
  8. Toyota Camry (1989)
  9. Toyota Corolla (1987)
  10. Toyota Pickup (1988)

In just Los Angeles alone with a population consisting of 3,870,487 people, in 2007 there were:

  • 19,629 cases of burglary
  • 58,304 cases of theft
  • 23,524 cars stolen

Something else to keep in mind is that Los Angeles is also known for expensive auto insurance compared to other areas across the state. On an average, the yearly premium is about $ 3,000 while the states averaged slightly under $ 1,800.

Southern California state car insurance – Liability Requirements

As with every state, insurance levels vary depending on location but no matter what, there are three fundamental components of liability coverage.

1. Bodily Injury Liability or BIL

This is what your insurance company pays per person injured in a vehicle accident when you are at fault. Nationally minimums vary anywhere from $ 10,000 – $ 50,000. Note: California’s BIL is $15,000.

2. Total Bodily Injury Liability or Total BIL

This is the total of what will be paid out for all persons injured in the auto accident. National minimums can range between $ 20,000 to $ 100,000. Note: The minimum for California’s total BIL is $30,000.

3. Property Damage Liability or PDL

This insurance covers property damage that was sustained by the car accident. Physical damage includes:

  • Vehicle damage
  • Non-medical expenses
  • Telephone poles
  • Road sign damage, etc.

Minimums vary anywhere from $ 5,000 to $ 25,000 nationwide.  Note: Here the minimum for California’s PDL is $15,000.

There are a lot of automobiles today costing $ 50,000 and up so when an vehicle accident does happen, there is major damage. While Southern California auto insurance only requires a ratio of 15/30/15 do you really think that it is wise to carry the bare minimum? Absolutely not!

Allow me to suggest that you pay a few dollars more to boost your liability coverage up to 100/300/100. Don’t worry it won’t be substantial.

Extra coverage can make a huge difference and eventually save you a lot of money, especially in today’s world where ambulance chasing attorneys file law suits at the drop of a hat. You are urged not to take it lightly.

Tidbit for thought:

Based on the most recent information available – California ranks 7th on the country’s most uninsured drivers list at 18%. Think of it as 1 in 5 drivers. California state liability limits are unfairly severely inadequate, which is sad enough, but it also means you need coverage for uninsured/underinsured motorists.

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