Latino business group supports Insurance Commissioner's effort

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones urges eligible students to take advantage of affordable state automobile insurance program

Insurance Comm. Dave Jones

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones has formally introduced the Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program, administered by the California Department of Insurance (CDI), to students at East Los Angeles Community College with new corporate partner, ASUS Computer International.

In today's economy, all Californians -- especially students -- are looking to save money. The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) provides affordable liability-only auto insurance that meets the state's financial responsibility laws for less than $400 a year.

"The CLCA is a great resource for many Californians, but it can be especially helpful for college students, who often qualify and are looking for ways to stretch their budget," said Commissioner Jones. "For as little as $22 a month, students can get liability insurance through the CLCA program – satisfying California's insurance requirements."

College students, like millions of Californians, are constantly faced with rising costs. From tuition, to campus fees, books and living expenses, most students are always on the lookout for ways to make their dollars go farther. This new partnership between the CLCA program and ASUS Computers International is a reminder that not only can students use their computer to stay connected, but they can also use it to save money as well. Functioning without a car or computer would be difficult in today's world. This collaboration between the CLCA program and ASUS Computer International is an opportunity to engage students online where they can learn if they qualify for the CLCA program in real time, right on campus.

LBA Chair Ruben Guerra

Recognizing the value of CLCA for all Californians, the Latin Business Association and the Asian Business Association joined CDI and ASUS representatives at the event to lend their support. The Asian Business Association was founded in 1976 to proactively help Asian Americans gain access to economic opportunities and advancement. The Latin Business Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the success of Hispanic businesses.

With California's current budget crisis, public-private partnerships are essential to help inform consumers about this valuable state program in order to reach eligible participants. The East Los Angeles Community College event is the first of several "digital days" taking place on community college campuses in the coming months. Upcoming events will look to reach students throughout the state from now until June. The on-campus events will provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and find out if they qualify for the program. Students will also have the opportunity to try out new ASUS products and enter contests for a variety of giveaways.

Automobile liability insurance is always the first step each motorist should take before getting on the road. The CLCA program is an affordable option for eligible drivers. There is no excuse to drive without auto insurance.

CDI reminds motorists that it is easier to qualify for the program than you may think. The eligibility requirements for the program include:

• 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;
• 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;
• Family meets income eligibility limits of $27,075 for a single person, $36,425 for two persons and $55,125 for a family of four;
• The value of an insured vehicle must not exceed $20,000.

"Every day more than a million uninsured drivers hit the roads in California," Commissioner Jones said. "And the bottom line is that driving without insurance is illegal and a risk that can be avoided. I encourage all Californians to find out if they qualify."

To learn more about California's Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program and eligibility requirements, visit www.mylowcostauto.com, or call (866) 60-AUTO-1 (866-602-8861).

The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program was established in 1999 as a pilot program in Los Angeles and San Francisco. 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, and in December, 2007 made the program available in every county of the State.

ASUS, the world's top three consumer notebook vendor and the maker of the world's best selling and most award winning motherboards, is a leading enterprise in the new digital era. ASUS designs and manufactures products that perfectly meet the needs of today's digital home, office and person, with a broad portfolio that includes motherboards, graphics cards, displays, desktop PCs, notebooks, netbooks, servers, multimedia, wireless solutions, networking devices and mobile phones. Driven by innovation and committed to quality, ASUS won 3,398 awards in 2010, and is widely credited with revolutionizing the PC industry with the Eee PC™. With a global staff of more than 10,000 people and a world-class R&D team of 3,000 engineers, the company's revenue for 2010 was around US$10 billion.

Please visit the Department of Insurance Web site at www.insurance.ca.gov. Non-media inquiries should be directed to the Consumer Hotline at 800.927.HELP. Out-of-state callers, please dial 213.897.8921. Telecommunications Devices for the Deaf (TDD), please dial 800.482.4833.