California auto insurance program lacking popularity

A California auto insurance program aimed at helping lower-income drivers find coverage is reportedly in need of re-tooling in light of low public interest so far.

According to a report in the Ventura County Star, the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program was established in 2007, but a small number of consumers have actually participated. For example, the newspaper notes that of the 1,400 Ventura County residents to inquire about the insurance program, only 92 signed up in 2008 and 63 in 2007.

"I think it would be fair to say that when so many people inquire about the product and so few of them choose it, that they’re voting with their dollars," a spokesman for the state insurance commissioner told the newspaper, adding that the program tends to offer "bare bones" coverage that results in many people looking for better plans elsewhere.

The report also noted that some residents are failing to qualify for the program's "good driver" requirement, and about 18 percent of residents currently fail to carry California auto insurance, apparently because of the tough economy.

For information on how you can save money on auto insurance in tough times, visit InsureMe.com—no matter where you live.