10/02/2026
For those of you who asked me to send my INSURANCE TIPS.......HERE YOU GO!
Insurance Coverage TIPS
By Dale Gribow, Attorney at Law
1. Homeowners Insurance:
Insure your home for the cost to rebuild (materials and labor), not the market value or land.
2. Red Cars:
Red cars don’t cost more to insure, but they attract more attention from law enforcement, which can lead to more tickets and higher premiums.
3. Serious Accidents:
If you cause a serious accident, your insurance won’t cancel immediately. However, it will impact your DMV record and future premiums.
4. Small Cars:
Smaller vehicles are typically cheaper to insure because they have lower repair costs and risk profiles.
5. Comprehensive Auto Insurance:
This does not cover everything—only specific non-collision issues like theft, vandalism, weather, and animal damage.
6. Car Theft:
Thieves often target older cars to sell parts—not new vehicles.
7. Lending Your Car:
If someone crashes your car, your insurance (not theirs) applies. Insurance follows the car, not the driver.
8. Out-of-State Tickets:
Out-of-state speeding tix WILL still count in California and add points to your record.
9. DMV Point System:
• 4 points allowed in 1 year
• 6 points in 2 years
• 8 points in 3 years
• Accidents = 2 points
Traffic School (Level 2) can remove 1 point after trial, but the ticket still appears for insurance purposes.
10. New Liability Limits since 2025:
California’s minimum auto coverage increased to $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident (from $15K/$30K). No one person can receive more than $30K under this policy. Unfortunately, Rideshare (Uber) coverage was reduced from $ 1 million to $60K.
11. Liability When Lending Your Car:
You are personally exposed only up to your policy limits (e.g., $30,000).
12. Damages Over Policy Limits:
If damages exceed the policy limits, the at-fault driver is personally responsible. They may be sued and subject to wage garnishment or asset seizure unless they file for bankruptcy.
13. UM/UIM Coverage:
Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage are essential—especially in areas like the Coachella Valley. It protects you when the at-fault party has no …or insufficient coverage.
14. Umbrella Policies:
Instead of over-insuring your auto policy, find out what limits qualify you for a $1 million umbrella policy. It’s often available for a few hundred dollars more and only kicks in when other coverage is exhausted.
