Looking for the best Long Beach car insurance rates? Read on to learn some stats about Long Beach, CA and some information that may just prove crucial to helping you find cheap Long Beach car insurance coverage.

A beachfront city in California, Long Beach is the fifth most compactly populated city in the United States. In addition to its near 500,000 residents, it is flocked with thousands of tourists every year. For tourists driving their own car to Long Beach, their auto insurance usually travels with them.

But for many vacationers, planes and car rentals become their getaway vehicle. Many people choose this option to gain fast entry to their vacation destination without having to deal with driving time and potential breakdowns, but then they often encounter the stress of dealing with the confusion of auto rental policies instead. Vacations should be fun, so by researching some details ahead of time and planning accordingly, you can make your dream travel a success.

Airport Parking and Long Beach Car Insurance

Long Beach Airport flies approximately three million passengers every year through direct flights as well as domestic and international connections. Alaska Airlines (Horizon Air) and Delta Air Lines (Skywest) service the airport along with JetBlue Airways and US Airways. Long Beach Airport was recently reported by the Department of Transportation to have on average the lowest domestic air fares in the United States.

The airport contains four parking lots that all allow long tern parking for those who choose to leave their car parked in the airport while they travel. Short term parking, such as for drop off, is free for the first twenty minutes, but hourly rates of $2 apply after that. The daily rates of the lots vary based on proximity to the terminal. “Lot A” costs $17 per day, “Lot B” costs $15 per day, “Lot C” costs $13 per day, and “Lot D” is only $11 per day. “Lot D” also comes with free shuttle service to the terminal. Handicapped parking is available in all four lots for a flat rate of $11 per day.

Vehicles that are left in the airport parking lot are done so at the car owners own risk. The airport does not assume liability for any damage that may occur to your car while it is parked there. It is important that you check with you auto insurance agent to make sure you have adequate coverage in the case of incidental damage, vandalism, or theft.

An alternative option to leaving your car at the airport is to take Long Beach Yellow Cab or one of two hundred approved ground transportation services that offer limousines, sedans, buses, or vans. If you choose this method, be sure to choose a properly licensed vehicle that meets at least the minimum liability requirements.

Car Rentals and Long Beach Car Insurance

Car rentals are frequently part of a traveler’s itinerary, especially if he has chosen to fly to his destination. While rentals can be expensive, there are many bargains that can make renting a car a viable option for simplifying your trip. However, with all of the various insurance options you are offered at the time of the rental, it can be overwhelming and costly, sometimes adding up to more than the daily rental fee itself.

According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), over 40% of consumers are unsure of how to handle car rental insurance. In order to preempt any stress or unnecessary purchase of double coverage, plan ahead by calling your own auto insurance agent to find out what coverage you have and if any additional policy is needed. Typically, if you are renting a car for pleasure, your personal auto insurance will carry over to the rental. Be sure to confirm with your insurance provider any oddities, such as car rentals overseas, since that may not be covered. If you don’t currently have Long Beach auto insurance or if you would like to compare Long Beach car insurance quotes, thes using a free online rate quote tool like the one above can help.

Another overlooked provider of insurance coverage is your credit card company. Many credit card companies offer car rental protection for no additional charge. If there is a charge for the extra service, it is most likely less expensive than the coverage being offered by the rental company and is worth considering. Call your credit card company in advance to see if they offer rental insurance and find out what is included as well as what is excluded, such as the rental of a sports car or an SUV.

If you are traveling internationally, be sure to ask if the coverage will apply abroad. It is imperative to find out the eligibility requirements prior to the rental, because some companies such as VISA will only cover your rental if you pay for the rental with your VISA and then decline the rental company’s coverage at the time you rent the vehicle. Timely notification is also essential for claims processing or your claim could be denied.

Business travelers are not usually covered by their own personal auto insurance policy but are usually covered by their employer’s company policy. Check with your employer before making any travel arrangements so that you can make appropriate arrangements.

Frequent renters who do not have their own car or auto insurance policy may benefit from purchasing a Non Owner Liability policy from an insurance provider. However, the cost of that policy can be around $400 per year. So it is best to calculate your anticipated trips and rental insurance costs before deciding on what to purchase.
There are four common types of car rental insurance that a car rental agency will offer you.

CDW and LDW stand for Collision Damage Waiver and Loss Damage Waiver and are interchangeable terms that provide coverage for damage in the event of an accident. It also covers theft and vandalism. Prices for this coverage can range from $10 to $20 per rental day.

SLI is an acronym for Supplemental Liability Insurance which provides additional liability coverage for up to one million dollars at an additional cost of up to $14 per rental day.

PAI stands for Personal Accident Insurance and is available for up to approximately $5 per rental day and covers everyone in the car for medical expenses. Before purchasing this option, you should check with your health insurance provider or travel insurance policy to see if you already have this kind of coverage.

Another policy that may be offered to you is the PEC, also known as Personal Effects Coverage, which will cover your personal items that were inside the car at the time that any damage or theft occurred. This benefit can cost up to approximately $5 per day.

Many car rental companies will combine these various offers which can add to the confusion. This is why you need to know exactly what coverage you already have and what additional coverage you may consider purchasing before you agree to rent the car.

Residential Requirements for Long Beach Car Insurance

California law requires its residents who drive to carry a minimum liability auto insurance of $15,000/$30,000 for bodily injury and/or death as well as $5,000 for property damage. California law further mandates that the Department of Motor Vehicles receives auto insurance reports from all California insurance companies to assure that the Vehicle Financial Responsibility Law is upheld.

In order to comply with the law, a driver must have an insurance policy that meets the minimum liability requirements, a $35,000 cash deposit given to the Department of Motor Vehicles, a self-insurance certificate that is issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles, or a $35,000 surety bond from a California licensed company.

Meeting the minimum liability requirements for the state is imperative, but you should also discuss additional coverage with your Long Beach auto insurance agent. When deciding on adding comprehensive, consider your travels as well. Whether leaving your car at an airport or renting a car, having proper Long Beach auto insurance coverage can relieve a big burden from you and allow you to enjoy your journey.

Compare Long Beach Car Insurance Quotes!

To get started with the Long Beach car insurance quote comparison process then enter your zip code into the tool above to get started!