Graduating from college is a major milestone. Along with starting a new job, moving into your own place, or buying your first car, many graduates face an important financial decision, choosing the right auto insurance.
For many young adults in California, this is the first time they’re responsible for their own car insurance policy. Understanding how auto insurance works, what coverage you need, and how to keep costs manageable can make a big difference in your financial stability.
At Jack Stone Insurance Agency, we help recent graduates in Brentwood, Antioch, and surrounding communities find auto insurance coverage that fits their new lifestyle, without unnecessary stress or overspending.
Once you graduate, you may no longer qualify to stay on your parents’ insurance policy. In California, auto insurance is legally required, and driving without it can lead to fines, license suspension, and serious financial consequences.
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), all drivers must carry minimum liability coverage to legally operate a vehicle
But minimum coverage often isn’t enough, especially when you’re starting your career and building financial independence.
Before choosing a policy, it’s important to understand what California law requires. As of now, drivers must carry minimum liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
However, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) strongly recommends considering higher limits to protect your personal assets
For college graduates with new jobs, student loans, or savings, higher liability limits can help protect what you’re working hard to build.
When shopping for auto insurance, you’ll see several coverage options. Here’s what matters most for recent graduates:
Covers injuries or property damage you cause to others. This is required by law and forms the foundation of any policy.
Pays for damage to your car after an accident, regardless of fault, especially useful if you’ve recently purchased a vehicle.
Protects against non-collision incidents like theft, vandalism, fire, or weather damage.
Provides protection if you’re hit by a driver who doesn’t have sufficient insurance, an important consideration in California.
Auto insurance doesn’t have to be expensive, even for young drivers. Graduates may qualify for several cost-saving options:
The Insurance Information Institute (III) confirms that shopping with an independent agency can help drivers compare multiple carriers and find better pricing.
Also Read : Cash in on Your Degree: Top Car Insurance Discounts for Recent Graduates
Graduation often comes with changes that can directly affect your auto insurance rate, including:
Any of these changes may lower, or increase, your premium. That’s why it’s important to review your policy regularly and update your coverage as your life evolves.
Unlike captive insurance companies that offer only one option, Jack Stone Insurance Agency works with multiple carriers. This allows us to:
As a community-focused agency serving Brentwood and Antioch, we believe in long-term relationships, not one-size-fits-all policies.
College is in the rearview mirror, but your journey to financial independence is just accelerating. The right auto insurance protects not just your car, but your hard-earned income and bright future.
Whether you're securing your first standalone policy or stepping off your parents' plan, Jack Stone Insurance Agency has you covered. Serving Brentwood & Antioch, CA, call us today at (925) 392-8365 for a personalized quote.
Contact us today to start your next chapter with total confidence.
