San Francisco Auto Insurance
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Popular Carriers
- Nationwide
- State Farm
- Allstate
San Francisco is the second most densely populated major city in the United States. With 800,000 residents in the city proper, and a total of almost 7.5 million in the surrounding metropolitan area and over 900,000 vehicle registrations in San Mateo and San Francisco Counties, San Francisco, with its famous hills and narrow streets, can make for potentially dangerous driving conditions. Here is a brief look at some auto-related statistics for San Francisco, California:
- 6,440 auto accidents in 2008
- 26,374 vehicle thefts in 2009
- Average commute time of 28.7 minutes
- 18% of drivers are uninsured
San Francisco has a the largest number of vehicle thefts per capita in the nation, so owning and operating a vehicle in the City by the Bay makes comprehensive San Francisco auto insurance a necessity. In order to properly register your automobile in San Francisco, minimum standard auto insurance must be purchased from a California Insurance Department licensed insurer. California Department of Motor Vehicles requires liability insurance in order to register and operate a vehicle. The minimum requirements in order to register an automobile and receive license plates include the following:
- Bodily Injury Liability
- Property Damage Liability
All California registered drivers must have at least minimum liability coverage, with severe penalties for being an uninsured driver. Coverage beyond collision, uninsured motorist, and medical payment insurance are not required. Bodily injury liability coverage provides $15,000 for the death or injury of any one person and $30,000 for all persons involved. Property damage liability provides $5,000 for any one accident. Liability insurance covers the driver's legal liability for bodily injury and property damage.
California drivers who cannot financially meet the minimum requirements for auto insurance have the option of enrolling in the Low Cost Auto Insurance Program. Designed to reduce the high numbers of uninsured drivers, the program provides low income, good drivers with an affordable auto insurance option. For more information, call (866) 602-8861. It is important to remember to shop for low prices as well as quality service. It is the driver's responsibility to determine the amount and types of coverage needed. Always carry proof of insurance in your insured vehicle. San Francisco auto insurance quotes can be found here at SmartAutoInsurance.com.
Principal Department of Motor Vehicles locations are listed here:
- 1377 Fell St., San Francisco 94117
- 1500 Sullivan Ave., Daly City 94015
- 425 N. Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo 94401
- 300 Brewster Ave., Redwood City 94063
- 4287 Central Ave., Fremont 94536
- 150 Jackson St., Hayward 94544
- 501 85th Ave., Oakland 94621
- 5300 Claremont Ave., Oakland 94618
The phone number for the Department of Motor Vehicles is (800) 777-0133