Discount finder
Most "discount lists" mix up two very different things. In California, a couple of discounts are required by law — the company must give them to you if you qualify. Everything else is something the rules allow a company to offer, and whether it does varies by company. Answer a few questions to see which is which for you.
About you
The two discounts the law requires
Good Driver. Licensed three years, no more than one point, no at-fault injury accident in three years and no DUI in ten (Insurance Code 1861.025) — and the policy must be priced at least 20 percent below the otherwise-applicable rate (1861.02(b)).
Mature driver course. Every admitted insurer must provide an appropriate premium reduction for principal operators 55 and older who complete the DMV-approved mature driver improvement course, renewed every three years (Insurance Code 11628.3).
The ones you have to ask for
California's rating regulation lists the optional factors a company may use — good grades, driver training, multiple cars, multiple policies, persistency, non-smoker status and vehicle safety and anti-theft features among them (10 CCR 2632.5). None is required. That is why the same driver sees different discounts at different companies, and why comparing quotes is often worth more than any single discount.
Sources (official)
- California Insurance Code section 1861.02 (the Good Driver discount is at least 20 percent)
- California Insurance Code section 1861.025 (who qualifies as a Good Driver)
- California Insurance Code section 11628.3 (mature driver course discount)
- California Code of Regulations, title 10, section 2632.5 (the discounts companies may offer)
- California Insurance Code section 11629.73 (Low Cost Auto eligibility)
- California Department of Insurance — Class Plan Filing Instructions (good drivers must be accepted)
Required discounts are required by law; everything in the "allowed" group depends on the company's approved rating plan, and whether a company offers it, and how much, varies by company.
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Which car insurance discounts are required by law in California?
Two: the Good Driver discount, priced at least 20 percent below the otherwise-applicable rate for qualifying drivers (Insurance Code sections 1861.02 and 1861.025), and a premium reduction from admitted insurers for drivers 55 and older who complete the DMV-approved mature driver course (Insurance Code section 11628.3).
Can an insurer refuse a good driver in California?
Good drivers must be written regardless of the insurer's underwriting guidelines, according to the Department of Insurance's class plan instructions, which cite Insurance Code section 1861.02(b)(1).
What discounts can California insurers offer?
Only those tied to factors in the rating regulation, such as good grades, driver training, multiple vehicles, multiple policies with the same company, staying with the company, non-smoker status and vehicle safety or anti-theft features (10 CCR 2632.5(d)). Whether a company offers each one varies by company.
How often do I retake the mature driver course?
Every three years to keep the reduction (Insurance Code section 11628.3(b)).