Insurance Costs - Pickups

Collision Insurance Losses
Model Years 2005 – 2007 Passenger Motor Vehicles

Explanation of these Insurance Costs Charts.

Make Model
Relative Average Loss Payment
Per Insured Vehicle Year

SMALL PICKUPS
Two-Door Models 95
GMC Canyon 74
GMC Canyon 4WD 77
Toyota Tacoma 4WD 88
Toyota Tacoma 91
Chevrolet Colorado 94
Ford Ranger 101
Chevrolet Colorado 4WD 106
LWB = Long Wheelbase, SWB = Short Wheelbase
Ford
Ranger 4WD
112
Mazda B 114
Two-Door Plus Models 99
Dodge Dakota club 4WD 79
GMC Canyon ext. 80
Dodge Dakota club 83
Chevrolet Colorado ext. 4WD 88
Mazda B plus 90
Mitsubishi Raider ext. cab 91
GMC Canyon 4WD ext. 97
Chevrolet Colorado ext. 97
Ford Ranger supercab 99
Toyota Tacoma xtra 4WD 102
Toyota Tacoma xtra 104
Nissan Frontier king 105
Ford Ranger supercab 4WD 112
Nissan Frontier king 4WD 113
Mazda B plus 4WD 130
Four-Door Models 96
Dodge Dakota quad 81
Dodge Dakota quad 4WD 83
Nissan Frontier crew LWB 4WD 87
Nissan Frontier crew LWB 88
Chevrolet Colorado crew 4WD 88
GMC Canyon crew 90
Toyota Tacoma double long bed 4WD 92
GMC Canyon 4WD crew 94
Toyota Tacoma double long bed 96
Chevrolet Colorado crew 97
Toyota Tacoma double 101
Nissan Frontier crew 103
Mitsubishi Raider double cab 103
Toyota Tacoma double 4WD 109
Nissan Frontier crew 4WD 112
Mitsubishi Raider double cab 4WD 115

LARGE PICKUPS
Two-Door Models 83
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD 70
Ford F-150 4WD 76
Ford F-150 77
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 4WD (NEW) 78
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 80
GMC Sierra 1500 4WD 80
GMC Sierra 1500 82
Dodge Ram 1500 90
Dodge Ram 1500 4WD 94
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (NEW) 124
Two-Door Plus Models 84
Ford F-150 supercab 4WD 72
LWB = Long Wheelbase
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ext. 4WD 73
GMC Sierra 1500 ext. 4WD (NEW) 73
GMC Sierra 1500 ext. (NEW) 75
GMC Sierra 1500 ext. 4WD 78
Ford F-150 supercab 82
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ext. 4WD (NEW) 84
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ext. 90
GMC Sierra 1500 ext. 94
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 ext. (NEW) 108
Nissan Titan king 4WD 115
Nissan Titan king 121
Four-Door Models 87
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew 4WD (NEW) 70
Toyota Tundra double 4WD 74
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew 4WD 74
Toyota Tundra crew max 75
Ford F-150 supercrew 4WD 76
GMC Sierra 1500 crew 4WD (NEW) 77
GMC Sierra 1500 crew 4WD 79
Ford F-150 supercrew 81
Lincoln Mark LT crew cab 82
Dodge Ram 1500 mega cab 4WD 82
GMC Sierra 1500 crew 84
Dodge Ram 1500 quad 87
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew (NEW) 89
Dodge Ram 1500 quad 4WD 90
Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew 91
Dodge Ram 1500 mega cab 92
Toyota Tundra double 92
Toyota Tundra crew max 4WD 100
Lincoln Mark LT crew cab 4WD 104
GMC Sierra 1500 crew (NEW) 105
Nissan Titan crew 4WD 109
Nissan Titan crew 117

VERY LARGE PICKUPS
Two-Door Models 82
Ford F-250 60
Ford F-250 4WD 67
GMC Sierra 2500 4WD 68
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 4WD 75
Ford F-350 4WD 86
Dodge Ram 2500 4WD 92
Dodge Ram 2500 93
GMC Sierra 2500 95
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 99
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 4WD 131
Dodge Ram 3500 4WD 131
Two-Door Plus Models 85
GMC Sierra 2500 ext. 4WD 71
Ford F-350 supercab 78
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ext. 79
GMC Sierra 2500 ext. 84
Ford F-250 supercab 4WD 85
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 ext. 4WD 87
GMC Sierra 3500 ext. 4WD 88
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 ext. 4WD 94
Ford F-250 supercab 95
Ford F-350 supercab 4WD 107
Four-Door Models 95
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 crew 79
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 crew 4WD (NEW) 79
Dodge Ram 3500 mega cab 85
Ford F-250 supercrew 88
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 crew 4WD 90
GMC Sierra 2500 crew 4WD 92
Dodge Ram 2500 quad 4WD 92
GMC Sierra 3500 crew 93
Ford F-250 supercrew 4WD 94
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 crew 95
Dodge Ram 2500 quad 95
Dodge Ram 3500 quad 4WD 97
Ford F-350 supercrew 4WD 99
Dodge Ram 2500 mega cab 99
Ford F-350 supercrew 103
GMC Sierra 2500 crew 104
Chevrolet Silverado 3500 crew 4WD 107
Dodge Ram 3500 quad 108
Dodge Ram 2500 mega cab 4WD 111
Dodge Ram 3500 mega cab 4WD 111
GMC Sierra 3500 crew 4WD 114

Note: Every model represents over 1,000 insured vehicle years and at least 100 claims. The
experience for previous or discontinued models from 2005 – 2007 is included in the class averages.

Insurance Costs - Sport Utility Vehicles

Collision Insurance Losses
Model Years 2005 – 2007 Passenger Motor Vehicles

Explanation of these Insurance Costs Charts.

Make Model
Relative Average Loss Payment
Per Insured Vehicle Year

Small Sport Utility Vehicles 80

Jeep Wrangler 2dr 4WD 44
Jeep Patriot 4dr 4WD 48
Ford Escape 4dr 4WD 67
Honda CR-V 4dr 67
Honda CR-V 4dr 4WD 69
Jeep Compass 4dr 4WD 71
Ford Escape 4dr 71
Subaru Forester 4dr 4WD 74
Mercury Mariner 4dr 4WD 74
Saturn Vue 4dr 75
Hyundai Tucson 4dr 4WD 76
Mercury Mariner 4dr 77
Saturn Vue 4dr 4WD 78
Kia Sportage 4dr 4WD 78
Kia Sportage 4dr 79
Jeep Compass 4dr 81
Hyundai Tucson 4dr 81
Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr 82
Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4dr 4WD 83
Honda Element 4dr 4WD 84
Pontiac Torrent 4dr 85
Toyota RAV4 4dr 85
Honda Element 4dr 86
Toyota RAV4 4dr 4WD 87
Ford Escape Hybrid 4dr 4WD 89
Chevrolet Equinox 4dr 4WD 94
Pontiac Torrent 4dr 4WD 94
Chevrolet Equinox 4dr 95
Saturn Vue Hybrid 4dr 96
Mazda CX-7 4dr 98
Mitsubishi Outlander 4dr 98
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr 4WD 108
Suzuki Grand Vitara 4dr 116
Mitsubishi Outlander 4dr 4WD 129

Midsize Sport Utility Vehicles 75

Jeep Wrangler 4dr 33
Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4WD 46
Mercury Mountaineer 4dr 4WD 51
Ford Edge 4dr 51
Ford Edge 4dr 4WD 54
Dodge Nitro 4dr 4WD 55
Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr 4WD 59
Buick Rendezvous 4dr 60
Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4dr 4WD 60
Ford Freestyle 4dr 62
Ford Explorer 4dr 4WD 62
Honda Pilot 4dr 62
Honda Pilot 4dr 4WD 64
Nissan Xterra 4dr 4WD 65
Dodge Nitro 4dr 65
Ford Explorer Sport Trac 4dr 66
Toyota Highlander 4dr 66
Toyota Highlander 4dr 4WD 69
Ford Freestyle 4dr 4WD 70
Ford Explorer 4dr 70
Toyota FJ Cruiser 2dr 4WD 70
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr 4WD 70
Toyota 4Runner 4dr 4WD 71
Hummer H3 4dr 4WD 72
Hyundai Santa Fe 4dr 73
Honda Ridgeline 4dr 4WD 73
Toyota 4Runner 4dr 73
Kia Sorento 4dr 73
Jeep Liberty 4dr 4WD 75
Nissan Pathfinder 4dr 76
Toyota Highlander Hybrid 4dr 76
Nissan Xterra 4dr 77
Nissan Pathfinder 4dr 4WD 79
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4dr 4WD 79
Kia Sorento 4dr 4WD 79
GMC Envoy 4dr 79
GMC Envoy 4dr 4WD 80
Nissan Murano 4dr 81
Jeep Liberty 4dr 82
Jeep Grand Cherokee 4dr 82
Subaru B9 Tribeca 4dr 4WD 83
Chrysler Pacifica 4dr 84
Suzuki XL7 4dr 85
Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4dr 4WD 85
Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4dr 87
Chrysler Pacifica 4dr 4WD 88
Mitsubishi Endeavor 4dr 89
Isuzu Ascender 4dr 4WD 89
Nissan Murano 4dr 4WD 90
Mitsubishi Endeavor 4dr 4WD 92
Toyota FJ Cruiser 2dr 92
Isuzu Ascender 4dr 96

Large Sport Utility Vehicles 77

GMC Acadia 4dr 4WD 30
Saturn Outlook 4dr 33
GMC Acadia 4dr 39
Chrysler Aspen 4dr 55
Ford Expedition 4dr 4WD 57
GMC Yukon 4dr 62
Chevrolet Tahoe 4dr 4WD 67
Chevrolet Tahoe 4dr 69
Toyota Sequoia 4dr 70
Jeep Commander 4dr 70
Toyota Sequoia 4dr 4WD 74
Ford Expedition 4dr 77
Jeep Commander 4dr 4WD 77
Nissan Pathfinder Armada 4dr 78
Chrysler Aspen 4dr 4WD 78
GMC Yukon 4dr 4WD 79
Nissan Pathfinder Armada 4dr 4WD 82
Dodge Durango 4dr 86
Dodge Durango 4dr 4WD 87
Volkswagen Touareg 4dr 4WD 108

Very Large Sport Utility Vehicles 74

Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4dr 54
Chevrolet Suburban 1500 4dr 4WD 57
GMC Yukon XL 1500 4dr 60
GMC Yukon XL 1500 4dr 4WD 71
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr 4WD 80
Hummer H2 4dr 4WD 81
Hummer H2 SUT 4dr 4WD 82
Chevrolet Avalanche 1500 4dr 86
Ford Expedition EL 4dr 4WD 88
Ford Expedition EL 4dr 96

Note: Every model represents over 1,000 insured vehicle years and at least 100 claims. The
experience for previous or discontinued models from 2005 – 2007 is included in the class averages.

Insurance Costs - Luxury Sport Utility Vehicles

Collision Insurance Losses
Model Years 2005 – 2007 Passenger Motor Vehicles

Explanation of these Insurance Costs Charts.

Make Model
Relative Average Loss Payment
Per Insured Vehicle Year

Midsize Luxury Sport Utility Vehicles 92

Lincoln MKX 4dr 4WD 38
Lincoln MKX 4dr 54
Acura MDX 4dr 4WD 63
Volvo XC90 4dr 65
Volvo XC90 4dr 4WD 69
Buick Rainier 4dr 4WD 70
Acura RDX 4dr 4WD 72
Buick Rainier 4dr 78
BMW X5 4dr 4WD 82
Saab 9-7X 4dr 4WD 85
BMW X3 4dr 4WD 94
Mercedes M class 4dr 4WD 98
Lexus RX 350 4dr 4WD 99
Lexus RX 350 4dr 104
Infiniti FX35 4dr 105
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid 4dr 4WD 107
Cadillac SRX 4dr 108
Infiniti FX35 4dr 4WD 114
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid 4dr 130
Infiniti FX45 4dr 4WD 137

Large Luxury Sport Utility Vehicles 94

Land Rover LR3 4dr 4WD 63
Toyota Land Cruiser 4dr 4WD 65
Lexus GX 470 4dr 4WD 78
Lexus LX 470 4dr 4WD 88
Infiniti QX56 4dr 92
Cadillac Escalade 4dr 4WD 95
Cadillac Escalade 4dr 103
Infiniti QX56 4dr 4WD 107
Audi Q7 4dr 4WD 111
Land Rover Range Rover 4dr 4WD 112
Land Rover Range Rover Sport 4dr 4WD 114
Mercedes GL class 4dr 4WD 129
Mercedes R class 4dr 4WD 133
Mercedes G class 4dr 4WD 172

Very Large Luxury Sport Utility Vehicles 106

Lincoln Navigator 4dr 4WD 94
Cadillac Escalade ESV 4dr 4WD 101
Lincoln Navigator 4dr 111
Cadillac Escalade EXT 4dr 4WD 135

Note: Every model represents over 1,000 insured vehicle years and at least 100 claims. The
experience for previous or discontinued models from 2005 – 2007 is included in the class averages.

Insurance Costs - Cargo/Passenger Vans

Collision Insurance Losses
Model Years 2005 – 2007 Passenger Motor Vehicles

Explanation of these Insurance Costs Charts.

Make Model
Relative Average Loss Payment
Per Insured Vehicle Year

All Cargo/Passenger Vans 62
Ford E-150 Econoline Wagon 46
Ford E-350 Econoline Wagon 48
Ford E-250 Econoline 57
Ford E-150 Econoline 58
Ford E-350 Econoline 62
GMC Savana 2500 cargo series 62
Chevrolet Express 1500 cargo series 63
Chevrolet Express 2500 cargo series 63
GMC Savana 3500 cargo series 63
Chevrolet Express 3500 series 66
GMC Savana 1500 cargo 80
Chevrolet Express 3500 cargo series 85
GMC Savana cargo 1500 series 4WD 86
Chevrolet Express 1500 cargo series 4WD 88

Note: Every model represents over 1,000 insured vehicle years and at least 100 claims. The
experience for previous or discontinued models from 2005 – 2007 is included in the class averages.

Insurance Costs

Insurance Costs for Passenger Cars, Station Wagons/Passenger Vans, Pickups, and Utility Vehicles

Comparison of Differences in Insurance Costs for Passenger Cars, Station Wagons/Passenger Vans, Pickups, and Utility Vehicles on the Basis of Damage Susceptibility

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has provided the information in this booklet in compliance with Federal law as an aid to consumers considering the purchase of new vehicles. The booklet compares differences in insurance costs for different makes and models of passenger cars, utility vehicles, light trucks, and vans on the basis of damage susceptibility for the vehicle. However, it does not indicate a vehicle’s relative safety for occupants.

The following table contains the best available information regarding the effect of damage susceptibility on insurance premiums. It was taken from data compiled by the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) in its December 2007 Insurance Collision Report, and reflects the collision loss experience of passenger cars, utility vehicles, light trucks, and vans sold in the United States in terms of the average loss payment per insured vehicle year for model years 2005-2007. NHTSA has not verified the data in this table.

The table presents vehicles’ collision loss experience in relative terms, with 100 representing the average for all passenger vehicles. Thus, a rating of 122 reflects a collision loss experience that is 22 percent higher (worse) than average while a rating of 96 reflects a collision loss experience that is 4 percent lower (better) than average. The table is not relevant for models that have been substantially redesigned for 2008, and it does not include information about models with insufficient claim experience.

Although many insurance companies use the HLDI information to adjust the “base rate” for the collision portion of their insurance premiums, the amount of any such adjustment is usually small. It is unlikely that your total premium will vary more than 10 percent depending upon the collision loss experience of a particular vehicle. If you do not purchase collision coverage or your insurance company does not use the HLDI information, your premium will not vary at all in relation to these rankings.

In setting insurance premiums, insurance companies mainly rely on factors that are not directly related to the vehicle itself (except for its value). They mainly consider driver characteristics (such as age, gender, marital status, and driving record), the geographic area in which the vehicle is driven, how many miles are traveled, and how the vehicle is used. However, some companies adjust their premiums for personal injury protection and medical payment coverage if the insured vehicle has features that are likely to improve its crashworthiness, or ability to protect occupants from injury or death, such as air bags. Different insurance companies often charge different premiums for the same driver and vehicle. Therefore, to obtain complete information about insurance premiums, you should contact insurance companies or their agents directly.

Test data relating to vehicle crashworthiness is available from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). NCAP test results demonstrate relative frontal, side, and rollover crash protection in new vehicles. Information on vehicles that NHTSA has tested in the NCAP program can be obtained on the information label on vehicles at new car dealers, by calling the agency’s toll-free Auto Safety Hotline at 888-327-4236, and through the NHTSA Web page at: http://www.safercar.gov/

Insurance Cost Charts:

Insurance Costs - Mini Cars

Insurance Costs - Small Cars

Insurance Costs - Midsize Cars

Insurance Costs - Large Cars

Insurance Costs - Very Large Cars

Insurance Costs - Pickups

Insurance Costs - Sport Utility Vehicles

Insurance Costs - Luxury Sport Utility Vehicles

Insurance Costs - Cargo/Passenger Vans

Cheap Insurance Rates

IS THE CHEAPEST REALLY THE CHEAPEST?

By Tom Black
Serenity Insurance Group

When we shop for auto insurance, most of us are looking for the best price or payment. Assuming all companies have the same financial rating and coverage forms (the policy), why wouldn’t we go with the cheapest price? Let’s look at how different companies with the same or better rate can actually be more expensive.

Some companies make large profits on fees charged to customers. For example, let’s say you lost your ID card. You request another from your company, and they charge you $10. Or, you may have a new car within the policy period, and add that car to your policy. Some companies charge fees for change endorsements, maybe another $10 or$15. If possible, pay your premium in as few payments as possible. Most companies charge $9 to$15 per payment. This really adds to your total insurance cost.

DID you accidentally let your policy lapse? Well, hang on to your hat! The company may demand a much larger down payment, and additionally charge you a large reinstatement fee.

You can get Cheap Car Insurance Quotes without a lot of excess fees and charges from Serenity Insurance Group’s fast and friendly agents by visiting their website, by live chat with an agent online, by a one click request for an agent to call you or by calling them directly at 1-800-774-0520.

Consejo Counseling and Referral Services

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service is one of the largest behavioral health agencies in Washington State.

Their bilingual and bicultural staff provides culturally-competent services designed to enhance client strengths and address the diverse needs of adults, children, adolescents and families in Latino communities across the State of Washington.

Consejo’s Mission is to provide a continuum of behavioral health, substance abuse and domestic violence services including prevention, treatment and housing to individuals and families across Washington utilizing an interdependent treatment model so clients experience acceptance, emotional security and developmental growth while learning new skills to improve the quality of their lives. Consejo’s service delivery empowers clients to participate in their communities at their highest level of functioning.

Consejo Counseling and Referral Service is the most prominent mental health agency providing a comprehensive array of social services to Latino individuals and families across Washington State. Consejo is very pleased that in June of 2004, our Behavioral Health Services Division and Substance Abuse and Chemical Dependency Division both met the stringent requirements of the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF certifies human service providers who meet their high standards of excellence. For Consejo, the organizational capacity required to meet the rigorous CARF guidelines confirms our agency remains steadfast in its commitment to the Latino community by focusing on client satisfaction and continually enhancing the quality of our services and programs. This perseverance and dedication has resulted in the honor of CARF international accreditation.

Programs include Behavioral Health, Domestic Violence Program, Substance Abuse, Youth, HIV AIDS, and Housing.

Facilities

Villa Esperanza

Owned and operated by Consejo Counseling and Referral Service, Villa Esperanza (Villa of Hope) is a 23 unit newly constructed two- and three-bedroom apartment complex providing transitional housing for homeless Latina survivors of domestic violence and their children.

South Park Youth Service Center

At the behest of Mayor Greg Nickels and the Seattle City Council, Consejo developed Desarrollo Juvenil Latino in Seattle’s South Park. This program specifically addresses the problem of Latino gang violence in the area and formulates a constructive response to the untimely and tragic death of a young Latino who was not involved in gangs but accidentally killed by gang violence.

Kent Service Center

In an effort to increase accessibility and expand our services, Consejo has partnered with The Alliance Center, a coalition of agencies working under one roof to meet the needs of South King County Residents. This strategic location increases the topographic reach of Consejo services to 12 satellite sites in 6 counties. Consejo’s Kent Service Center provides linkage to all Consejo programming including Children and Family Services; Outpatient Mental Health Treatment; Psychiatric Care; individual, group and family therapy; a range of affinity support groups; Domestic Violence Services including Sexual Assault Services and Crime Victim Services; and Effective Parenting Classes. We are proud to have now become a more distinct presence in behavioral health service provision to residents of Kent and areas nearby.

Tri-Cities and Walla Walla

The Domestic Violence Program in Eastern Washington is expanding with two new offices; one in Tri-Cities and a second office in Walla Walla. This is possible thanks to a grant from the Office of Crime Victim Advocates (OCVA). Because our Granger office receives so many calls from all over Eastern Washington, it has been impossible to meet the demand for services. Consejo is extremely pleased we now have three domestic violence service centers in two more cities east of the mountains.

Bellevue Facility

1412 140th PL
NE Bellevue, WA. 98007
425-746-4512

Certifications/Licensing

Certified to provide Community Mental Health Services by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov

Certified to provide Outpatient Mental Health Evaluations and Treatment by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov

Certified to provide Alcohol & Drug Information School, DUI Assessments, Intensive Outpatient and Outpatient Treatment by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services - Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/dasa

Certified to provide Domestic Violence Perpetrator Treatment by the Washington State Department of Social & Health Services – Children’s Administration
http://www1.dshs.wa.gov/ca/general/index.asp

Contact Information:

3808 S. Angeline Street
Seattle, WA 98118
(206) 461-4880

Consejo Counseling and Referral
1412 140th PL
NE Bellevue, WA. 98007
425-746-4512

Website: Consejo Counseling and Referral Services

Insurance Commissioner Poizner Announces Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program Now Available to Entire State of California

Commissioner Poizner celebrates the holidays early with the gift of affordable auto insurance for low-income California drivers

SACRAMENTO - Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today announced that qualified low-income drivers in every California County now have access to affordable automobile insurance. Since he was elected to office in January, Commissioner Poizner has worked tirelessly to expand the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance (CLCA) program to the entire state.

“The expansion of this program to the entire state was one of my top priorities when I became Insurance Commissioner,” said Poizner. “Many drivers simply cannot afford insurance, but driving without insurance is illegal and puts all motorists at risk. The expansion of this program means the eligible drivers throughout California will now have an affordable insurance option. This program will better enable Californians to comply with the law and protect all motorists from potential losses.”

In August, Commissioner Poizner announced his plans to complete the expansion of the CLCA program to the sixteen remaining counties of: Alpine, Colusa, Del Norte, Glenn, Inyo, Lassen, Mariposa, Modoc, Mono, Nevada, Plumas, San Luis Obispo, Sierra, Siskiyou, Tehama, and Trinity. The Commissioner held a series of community town hall meetings in each of the expansion counties to examine the need for the program. Based on community feedback and a determination of need analysis conducted by the California Department of Insurance, the Commissioner determined that the program should be expanded to these counties, to bring the program to every county in the State of California. The Commissioner’s announcement today is made after receiving emergency regulatory approval for rates for each of the sixteen counties.

Motorists driving without insurance can have their vehicle registrations suspended by the Department of Motor Vehicles under SB 1500, effective January 1, 2006, as part of legislation designed to reduce the risk of economic losses sustained as the result of collisions involving uninsured motorists.

The low cost auto insurance program provides eligible low-income good drivers with auto liability coverage, currently for under $400 a year and as little as under $300 a year in many counties. Since its inception, 36,761 policies have been issued. Program policies are issued by California licensed insurers and the program is administered by the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan.

The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program is 100% unsubsidized by taxpayers. The program is self-sustaining. Rates are set in each county so that premiums are sufficient to cover losses and expenses in each county.

The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program was established in 1999 as a pilot program in Los Angeles and San Francisco. A new law, SB 20, passed in 2005, authorized the Commissioner to launch the program throughout the state upon his determination of need in each county. Beginning in April 2006, the department began expanding the program statewide.

To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be a “good driver” - no more than one at-fault property damage only accident, or one point for a moving violation in the past three years; and no at-fault accident involving bodily injury or death in the past three years; and no felony or misdemeanor conviction for a violation of the Vehicle Code.

Additionally, family income cannot exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty level ($25,525 for a single person, $34,225 for two persons and $51,625 for a family of four). The value of an insured vehicle must not exceed $20,000. For more information about the program, call 1-866-60-AUTO-1 (1-866-602-8861).

Insurance Commissioner Poizner Expands Affordable Auto Insurance Option To Twenty Additional California Counties

Through Commissioner Poizner’s Expansion of the Self-Sustaining California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, Eligible Drivers can be Insured for Under $400 per Year

CHICO - Consistent with his commitment to serve California consumers, State Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner visited Butte County on Tuesday to announce his expansion of the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) in 20 additional California counties: Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Kings, Lake, Madera, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Placer, San Benito, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Solano, Sutter, Tuolumne, Yolo and Yuba Counties. As of October 1, the CLCA program is accessible and available to eligible residents in these 20 counties.

“More than 3 million motorists travel California’s roads without auto insurance, and nearly 5,000 motorists are uninsured in Butte County alone,” said Commissioner Poizner. “This is a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, the CLCA program is a fantastic, affordable option for qualified low income drivers.”

In 42 counties throughout California, the CLCA program provides eligible low-income, good drivers with state-required liability coverage for under $400 a year. Since its inception, 34,161 policies have been issued. Program policies are issued by California licensed insurers and the program is administered by the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan.

The California Low Cost Automobile program is 100% unsubsidized by taxpayers. The program is self-sustaining. Rates are set in each county so that premiums are sufficient to cover losses and expenses in each county.

The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program initially began in 1999 as a pilot program in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Senate Bill 20 (Escutia) authorized the Commissioner to launch the program throughout the state upon his determination of need in each county, based on statistical data analysis and local community input.  

Beginning in April 2006, the department began expanding the program statewide. The program has been available in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Alameda, Fresno, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, Contra Costa, Imperial, Kern, Sacramento, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Stanislaus, Merced, Monterey, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, Tulare, and Ventura Counties. After conducting community meetings to analyze the need for the program locally, Commissioner Poizner determined that the program should be made available to Amador, Butte, Calaveras, El Dorado, Humboldt, Placer, San Benito, Shasta, Sutter, Tuolumne, Yuba, Kings, Lake, Madera, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, Santa Cruz, Solano and Yolo Counties. Commissioner Poizner’s announcement today marks the availability of the CLCA program to eligible residents in these 20 additional counties, and brings the Low Cost Automobile Insurance program to a total of 42 California counties.

“I am pleased to announce this great program is available in these twenty additional counties,” continued Commissioner Poizner. “I’m working hard to make this affordable insurance option available to all California counties.” Commissioner Poizner has already begun conducting community meetings to expand the CLCA program to the remaining 16 California counties.

To be eligible for the program, an applicant must be a “good driver” - no more than one at-fault property damage only accident, or one point for a moving violation in the past three years; and no at-fault accident involving bodily injury or death in the past three years; and no felony or misdemeanor conviction for a violation of the Vehicle Code.

Additionally, family income cannot exceed 250 percent of the federal poverty level ($25,525 for a single person, $34,225 for two persons and $51,625 for a family of four). The value of an insured vehicle must not exceed $20,000. For more information about the program: Call 1-866-60-AUTO-1 or 1-866-602-8861

Study Says DUI Checkpoints Ineffective

by Hanna Scott/KTAR

Drunken driving checkpoints are costly and do little to prevent DUI-related traffic deaths, according to new data from the American Beverage Institute.“The states that use roving patrols have an average of 7 percent fewer alcohol-related fatalities than those states that use checkpoints,” said Sarah Longwell of the institute, which compiled the numbers with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.She said some states “really see the value in increasing roving patrols over sobriety checkpoints, while others defend the practice, saying it’s a “deterrent mechanism.”

Mesa Police have used mostly roving patrols in recent years, but checkpoints aren’t out of the picture, said Detective Steve Berry.

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