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Personal and commercial auto insurance from local experts
Whether you're commuting to work on the freeway, driving kids to school, or operating a fleet of commercial vehicles, having the right auto insurance protects you financially and keeps you legal on California roads.
At Pinoy General Insurance Services, we help Southern California drivers find comprehensive auto insurance coverage at competitive rates. As an independent agency, we shop your coverage with multiple top-rated carriers to ensure you get the best combination of protection and price.
Get Your Free Auto Insurance Quote Today
📞 Call us at (562) 402 - 1737
📧 Email: info@pinoygeneralinsurance.com
📍 Visit our Cerritos office at 17304 Norwalk Blvd, Cerritos, CA 90703
Serving Southern California drivers since 1993 | Compare rates from multiple A-rated carriers in one easy conversation
Why Choose a Local Agent for Auto Insurance
Why Choose a Local Agent for Auto Insurance
In today's digital world, you have many options for buying auto insurance: online aggregators, 1-800 numbers, mobile apps, or working with a local independent agent. Here's why Cerritos drivers benefit from the local agency experience:
➡️Personal Service You Can Count On
When you call us, you speak with a real person in Cerritos who knows you by name—not a call center on the other side of the country. We build relationships with our clients because we're part of the same community. We see you at local restaurants, shop at the same stores, and understand the driving conditions and risks specific to our area.
➡️Independent Agency Advantage
Unlike captive agents who work for one insurance company and can only offer you that company's products, we're an independent agency representing multiple carriers. This means:
More choices – We shop your coverage with several companies, not just one
Better prices – Competition among carriers works in your favor
Unbiased advice – We recommend what's best for you, not what benefits one insurance company
Flexibility – If your current carrier raises rates, we can easily move you to a better option
One conversation, multiple quotes, best value. That's the independent agency advantage.
➡️Local Knowledge of California Requirements and Risks
California has specific auto insurance requirements and unique driving risks. We understand:
State minimum insurance requirements and why they're inadequate
Uninsured motorist coverage needs (California has many uninsured drivers)
SR-22 and FR-44 filing requirements and process
High traffic areas and accident-prone corridors in our region
How local factors affect your rates and coverage needs
Our local expertise ensures you have appropriate coverage for California driving conditions.
➡️Claims Support When You Need It Most
Nobody wants to deal with an accident, but when it happens, you want someone on your side. We guide you through the claims process:
Advise you on what to do immediately after an accident
Help you file your claim properly with all necessary documentation
Communicate with adjusters on your behalf
Advocate for fair treatment and prompt settlement
Answer questions throughout the process
You're not alone when you have a claim. We're with you every step of the way.
Understanding Your Auto Insurance Coverage Options
Auto insurance policies contain several types of coverage. Understanding what each covers—and what it doesn't—helps you make informed decisions about the protection you need.
Liability Coverage (Required by Law)
Liability insurance is the only auto coverage required by California law. It pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident where you're at fault.
Bodily Injury Liability – Pays medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and legal costs if you injure someone in an accident. California requires minimum limits of $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident, but these minimums are dangerously low.
Property Damage Liability – Pays to repair or replace other people's property you damage in an accident. This includes other vehicles, buildings, fences, utility poles, and more. California requires a minimum of $5,000, which is inadequate for even minor accidents in today's world.
Recommended Liability Limits – We strongly recommend at least $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 coverage, and many clients choose $250,000/$500,000/$100,000 or even $500,000/$1,000,000 limits. The incremental cost of higher limits is modest compared to the financial protection they provide.
For additional protection, consider an umbrella policy that provides $1-5 million in excess liability coverage over your auto and home insurance.
Collision Coverage
Collision coverage pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object, regardless of who's at fault.
When Collision Coverage Pays:
Accidents with other vehicles
Single-car accidents (hitting a tree, guardrail, pole)
Rollover accidents
Hit-and-run accidents where the other driver isn't identified
Collision coverage pays up to your vehicle's actual cash value, minus your deductible. Common deductibles are $500, $1,000, or $2,500. Lower deductibles mean higher premiums; higher deductibles reduce your premium but increase your out-of-pocket cost if you have a claim.
Do You Need Collision? – If you have a car loan or lease, your lender requires collision coverage. If you own your vehicle outright, collision is optional but recommended for newer vehicles or vehicles you couldn't easily afford to replace out-of-pocket.
Comprehensive Coverage
Comprehensive coverage (sometimes called "other than collision") pays to repair or replace your vehicle if it's damaged by something other than a collision.
What Comprehensive Covers:
Theft and vandalism
Fire
Falling objects (tree branches, hail)
Animal strikes (deer, dogs, etc.)
Glass damage (windshield, windows)
Weather damage (hail, wind, flood)
Civil disturbances or riots
Like collision, comprehensive coverage pays up to your vehicle's actual cash value minus your deductible. Comprehensive deductibles are often lower than collision deductibles—many drivers choose $100 or $250 comprehensive deductibles because glass damage claims are common.
Do You Need Comprehensive? – Required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle. Recommended for all vehicles unless the vehicle is worth very little and you could easily afford to replace it.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
California has a high percentage of uninsured drivers—some estimates suggest 15-20% of drivers on our roads have no insurance. Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage protects you when an at-fault driver can't pay for the damage they cause.
Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury (UMBI) – Pays your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering if an uninsured driver injures you. This coverage is crucial because if an uninsured driver hits you, your only option without UM coverage is to sue that driver personally—and uninsured drivers typically don't have assets to pay a judgment.
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage (UMPD) – Pays to repair your vehicle if an uninsured driver damages it. Some policies include a deductible; others don't.
Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Pays when an at-fault driver has insurance, but their limits are insufficient to cover your damages. If someone with minimum $15,000 liability coverage causes an accident that results in $100,000 in medical bills, UIM coverage pays the difference.
California law requires insurers to offer you UM/UIM coverage equal to your liability limits. We strongly recommend accepting this coverage—it's relatively inexpensive and provides critical protection on California roads.
Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay)
Medical Payments coverage pays medical expenses for you and your passengers injured in an auto accident, regardless of who caused the accident.
What MedPay Covers:
Emergency room visits
Hospital stays
Doctor visits and follow-up care
Surgery and medical procedures
Dental work needed due to the accident
Funeral expenses
MedPay is available in limits from $1,000 to $10,000 or more. It pays in addition to your health insurance and can cover deductibles, copays, and expenses your health insurance doesn't cover.
Why Consider MedPay – It provides immediate funds for medical expenses without waiting for liability determination. If you have high-deductible health insurance, MedPay can be especially valuable. It's also useful if you have passengers without health insurance.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal Injury Protection is broader than MedPay, covering medical expenses plus lost wages and essential services. However, PIP is not commonly used in California (it's more common in no-fault states).
Rental Reimbursement
Rental reimbursement coverage pays for a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop due to a covered claim. Typical limits are $30-50 per day for up to 30 days.
This coverage costs just a few dollars per month and can save you significant inconvenience and expense if your vehicle needs repairs after an accident or comprehensive claim.
Roadside Assistance / Towing
Roadside assistance coverage pays for:
Towing to the nearest repair facility
Jump-starts for dead batteries
Flat tire changes
Lockout service
Fuel delivery if you run out of gas
This coverage typically costs $5-15 per year per vehicle and provides valuable peace of mind, especially if you have an older vehicle or drive long distances.
Commercial Auto Insurance for Southern California Businesses
If you use vehicles for business purposes, you likely need commercial auto insurance instead of—or in addition to—personal auto insurance.
When You Need Commercial Auto Insurance
Vehicles Titled to Your Business – If your LLC, corporation, or business name is on the vehicle title, you need commercial auto coverage.
Vehicles Used Primarily for Business – Vehicles used more than 50% for business purposes should be insured on commercial policies.
Specialty Vehicles – Tow trucks, dump trucks, delivery vans, box trucks, and other specialty vehicles require commercial coverage.
Vehicles Over Certain Weight – Vehicles exceeding specific gross vehicle weight ratings need commercial policies.
Commercial Auto Coverage
Commercial auto policies include similar coverages to personal auto:
Liability (bodily injury and property damage)
Collision and comprehensive
Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Medical payments
Rental reimbursement
However, commercial policies offer higher liability limits, cover business use, and include additional protections like hired auto and non-owned auto liability.
Hired and Non-Owned Auto Liability
Even if your business doesn't own vehicles, you may need hired and non-owned auto coverage:
Hired Auto Liability – Covers vehicles your business rents or leases (rental cars for business trips, rented moving trucks, etc.)
Non-Owned Auto Liability – Covers liability when employees use their personal vehicles for business purposes (running errands, visiting clients, making deliveries)
Many commercial general liability policies can include hired and non-owned auto as an endorsement, or it can be added to a commercial auto policy.
Fleet Coverage
If your business operates multiple vehicles, fleet coverage provides centralized management and often better pricing than insuring vehicles individually. We work with carriers specializing in fleet insurance for contractors, delivery services, transportation companies, and other businesses with multiple vehicles.
Learn more about commercial auto insurance:
Factors that Affect Your Auto Insurance Rate
Understanding what influences your auto insurance premium helps you make informed decisions and identify opportunities to save.
Driving Record and Claims History
Your driving record is one of the most significant factors in your auto insurance rate:
Traffic Violations – Speeding tickets, running red lights, and other moving violations increase your rates. Serious violations like reckless driving have even greater impact.
At-Fault Accidents – Accidents where you're determined to be at fault can raise your rates for 3-5 years or longer.
DUI/DWI – Driving under the influence results in major rate increases and may make it difficult to find coverage. You'll likely need an SR-22 filing and be placed in high-risk insurance pools.
Comprehensive Claims – Claims for theft or weather damage typically have less impact than at-fault accidents.
Years Since Last Incident – The longer you go without violations or claims, the less they affect your rates.
Age and Driving Experience
Young Drivers – Teenage and young adult drivers pay significantly higher rates due to inexperience and statistically higher accident rates. Rates typically decrease as drivers gain experience and maintain clean records.
Senior Drivers – Some carriers offer mature driver discounts, while others may increase rates for drivers over a certain age due to statistical risk factors.
Years Licensed – Newly licensed drivers of any age pay more than those with years of driving experience.
Vehicle Type and Value
Vehicle Make and Model – Sports cars and high-performance vehicles cost more to insure than family sedans and minivans. Vehicles with high theft rates also face higher premiums.
Vehicle Value – More expensive vehicles cost more to repair or replace, resulting in higher collision and comprehensive premiums.
Safety Features – Vehicles with advanced safety features (automatic braking, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring) may qualify for discounts.
Anti-Theft Devices – Alarm systems, GPS tracking, and other anti-theft features can reduce comprehensive coverage costs.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles
Higher Liability Limits – Increasing your liability limits raises your premium, but the incremental cost is usually modest for the additional protection.
Lower Deductibles – Choosing lower deductibles increases your premium but reduces your out-of-pocket cost if you have a claim.
Coverage Selection – Adding comprehensive, collision, rental reimbursement, and other coverages increases your total premium but provides broader protection.
Annual Mileage and Usage
Mileage – The more you drive, the higher your risk of an accident. Low-mileage drivers may qualify for discounts.
Commute Distance – Long commutes in heavy traffic increase your rates compared to short commutes or working from home.
Vehicle Use – Pleasure use (occasional driving) costs less to insure than daily commuting, and commuting costs less than business use.
Usage-Based Insurance – Some carriers offer telematics programs that track your actual driving (miles, time of day, hard braking) and adjust your rates based on your behavior.
Credit Score
California is one of the few states that limits how insurance companies can use credit scores, but credit-based insurance scores still play a role in determining rates. Maintaining good credit can help you qualify for better rates.
Location
Where you live affects your rates:
Urban areas with heavy traffic typically have higher rates than rural areas
Areas with high theft or vandalism rates face higher comprehensive premiums
Distance to fire stations and emergency services can impact rates
Local weather patterns (hail, flooding) affect comprehensive costs
Living in Cerritos, for example, with its well-maintained roads and relatively low crime, generally results in competitive rates compared to other Southern California communities.
Smart Ways to Save on Car Insurance in Cerritos (and Southern California)
Auto insurance is required by law, but that doesn't mean you have to overpay. Here are proven strategies to reduce your premium:
Bundle Home and Auto Insurance
The single easiest way to save on auto insurance is bundling it with your homeowners or renters insurance. Multi-policy discounts typically save 15-25% on both your home and auto premiums.
We can bundle your policies with one carrier or compare bundled vs. unbundled pricing to ensure you get the absolute best value.
Take Advantage of All Available Discounts
Insurance companies offer numerous discounts. Common discounts include:
Good Driver Discount – Clean driving record without violations or at-fault accidents
Multi-Car Discount – Insuring multiple vehicles on the same policy
Good Student Discount – Students under 25 with B average or better can save 10-25%
Defensive Driving Course – Completing an approved defensive driving course
Safety Features – Anti-lock brakes, airbags, anti-theft systems
Low Mileage – Driving fewer miles than average
Loyalty Discount – Staying with the same carrier for multiple years
Paperless/Auto-Pay – Choosing electronic billing and automatic payments
Military/Professional – Discounts for military members, teachers, engineers, and other professions
Affinity Discounts – Alumni associations, professional organizations, employer groups
We identify every discount you qualify for and ensure you're getting maximum savings.
Increase Your Deductibles Strategically
Raising your collision and comprehensive deductibles can significantly reduce your premium. Consider increasing deductibles if:
You have emergency savings to cover a higher deductible if needed
Your vehicle is older and repair costs would be relatively low
You have a clean driving record and file claims infrequently
Example: Increasing your deductible from $500 to $1,000 might save you $100-200 annually. Over several years with no claims, the premium savings exceed the higher deductible.
Drop Unnecessary Coverage
Once your vehicle reaches a certain age or low value, collision and comprehensive coverage may no longer be cost-effective.
Rule of Thumb: If your vehicle is worth less than 10 times your annual collision/comprehensive premium, consider dropping these coverages.
Example: If your vehicle is worth $3,000 and you're paying $400/year for collision and comprehensive, you might choose to drop these coverages and self-insure for physical damage to your vehicle.
You should always maintain liability coverage regardless of your vehicle's value.
Maintain Continuous Coverage
Lapses in coverage signal risk to insurance companies and can result in higher rates. Always maintain continuous auto insurance coverage, even if you're not driving regularly.
If you temporarily don't need coverage on a vehicle, ask about suspension options rather than canceling your policy.
Improve Your Credit Score
While California limits credit score usage, maintaining good credit still helps you qualify for better rates with most carriers.
Review Your Policy Annually
Your situation changes, and so do insurance rates. We proactively review your policy each year to:
Confirm your coverage still fits your needs
Check for new discount opportunities
Compare rates with other carriers to ensure you're still getting competitive pricing
Adjust coverage as your vehicle ages
Compare Multiple Carriers
Auto insurance rates vary significantly between companies. The same coverage for the same driver can differ by hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
As an independent agency, we do the comparison shopping for you. One conversation, multiple quotes from top-rated carriers, best price. You don't waste time contacting multiple companies—we handle it all.
Serving Drivers Throughout Southern California
Pinoy General Insurance Services provides auto insurance solutions to drivers throughout Cerritos and surrounding communities:
Los Angeles County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Cerritos, Norwalk, Artesia, La Mirada, Bellflower, Lakewood, Hawaiian Gardens, Long Beach, and Downey
Orange County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Buena Park, La Palma, Fullerton, Cypress, Anaheim, Orange, Irvine, Tustin, and Mission Viejo
Riverside County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Corona, Norco, Riverside, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Temecula, and Lake Elsinore
San Bernardino County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Chino Hills, Claremont, Upland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Rialto, Redlands, San Bernardino, Colton, and Victorville
San Diego County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Vista, Escondido, San Marcos, Poway, El Cajon, Chula Vista, Ocean Beach, and San Diego
Ventura County - Including, but not limited to the cities of Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo, Thousand Oaks, Ojai, Simi Valley, Santa Paula, and Port Hueneme
Local Expertise for Local Drivers – We understand the traffic patterns, road conditions, and driving risks in our area. From the congested 91 and 605 interchange to the busy surface streets around the Cerritos Towne Center, we know the roads you drive and the coverage you need.
Why Choose Pinoy General Insurance Services for Auto Insurance
Independent Agency with Multiple Carrier Access
We represent numerous top-rated auto insurance carriers, giving you:
More options than captive agents who work for one company
Better prices through competitive shopping
Unbiased recommendations based on your needs, not carrier pressure
Flexibility to move your coverage if better options become available
Personalized Coverage Recommendations
We don't use one-size-fits-all approaches. We listen to your needs and situation:
Your budget and coverage priorities
Your driving record and risk factors
Your vehicles and how you use them
Your assets and liability exposure
Your family's needs and concerns
Then we recommend coverage that fits your specific circumstances.
Easy Policy Management
Managing your auto insurance should be simple:
One point of contact for all your insurance needs
Easy updates when you buy a new vehicle, move, or add a driver
Quick certificate issuance for vehicle registration or loans
Renewal handling – we monitor your renewal and proactively address any rate changes
Billing flexibility – annual, semi-annual, or monthly payment options
Claims Support and Advocacy
When you have an accident:
Call us immediately – We'll guide you on what to do
Claims filing assistance – We help you properly document and file your claim
Carrier communication – We liaison with adjusters and claims handlers
Settlement advocacy – We ensure you receive fair treatment
Follow-up – We stay involved until your claim is fully resolved
You're not just a policy number—you're a valued client we're committed to supporting.
Competitive Pricing Through Market Access
Auto insurance rates vary significantly between carriers. By shopping your coverage with multiple insurers, we ensure you're getting competitive pricing for the coverage you need.
We also monitor the market and proactively review your coverage when renewal approaches to ensure you continue receiving the best value.
Bundle and Save
Combine your auto insurance with home or renters insurance for substantial savings. We can:
Bundle with the same carrier for maximum discounts
Compare bundled vs. separate carrier pricing
Recommend the approach that saves you the most money
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Auto Insurance
How much auto insurance do I need in California?
California requires minimum liability limits of $15,000/$30,000/$5,000, but we strongly recommend at least $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 for adequate protection.
If you have significant assets or own a home, consider $250,000/$500,000 or even $500,000/$1,000,000 liability limits plus an umbrella policy.
For your own vehicle, collision and comprehensive coverage make sense for newer vehicles or vehicles you can't afford to replace out-of-pocket. We'll assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate coverage levels.
What's the difference between liability and full coverage?
"Liability coverage" refers to bodily injury and property damage liability insurance—the only coverage required by California law. It pays for damage you cause to others but doesn't cover damage to your own vehicle.
"Full coverage" (not an official insurance term) typically means liability plus collision and comprehensive coverage for your own vehicle, often with uninsured motorist coverage and other protections. Full coverage protects both your liability to others and your own vehicle.
Do I need uninsured motorist coverage?
We strongly recommend uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
An estimated 15-20% of California drivers are uninsured, meaning there's a significant chance you could be hit by someone without insurance or with inadequate coverage.
Without uninsured motorist coverage, your only recourse is suing the at-fault driver personally—difficult if they lack insurance and assets.
UM/UIM coverage is relatively inexpensive and provides crucial protection on California roads.
How can I lower my car insurance premium?
Strategies to save include bundling auto with home insurance for multi-policy discounts (15-25% savings), maintaining a clean driving record without violations or claims, taking advantage of all available discounts (good student, low mileage, safety features, defensive driving), choosing higher deductibles if you have emergency savings, dropping collision/comprehensive on older vehicles with low value, and comparing rates from multiple carriers (which we do for you).
We'll identify all applicable discounts and optimization strategies for your situation.
What's a SR-22 and do I need one?
An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility required by the California DMV for certain high-risk drivers, typically those with DUI convictions, multiple at-fault accidents, driving without insurance, or serious violations.
Your insurance company files the SR-22 electronically with the DMV, and you must maintain continuous coverage—any lapse results in license suspension.
The SR-22 requirement usually lasts three years. If you need an SR-22, we work with carriers specializing in high-risk insurance and handle all filing requirements for you.
Does my auto insurance cover rental cars?
Your auto insurance typically extends to rental cars you drive for personal use, providing the same liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage as your regular policy.
However, you should verify this with us before renting. Your collision deductible would apply to damage to the rental vehicle.
Rental car companies offer supplemental coverage, but it's often unnecessary if you have comprehensive auto insurance.
We can review your policy to confirm your rental car coverage and help you decide whether to purchase the rental company's coverage.
What should I do after an accident?
Immediately after an accident: ensure everyone's safety and call 911 if there are injuries, call the police to file a report (required for injury accidents or significant damage), exchange information with other drivers (names, contact info, insurance details, license plate numbers), take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and the accident scene, get contact information from witnesses, and call us as soon as possible for guidance.
Don't admit fault or sign anything except the police report. We'll guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive fair treatment.
Can I get insurance if I have a bad driving record?
Yes—even drivers with poor records can obtain insurance, though you'll face higher rates.
We work with carriers specializing in non-standard or high-risk insurance.
As your record improves over time, we can move you to standard carriers with better rates.
Taking defensive driving courses, maintaining continuous coverage, and avoiding new violations help improve your insurability and reduce rates over time.
Contact us to discuss your specific situation—we'll find you coverage options.
Get Your Free Auto Insurance Quote Now
Compare rates from multiple top-rated carriers and start saving today.
📞 Call us today: (562) 402 - 1737
📧 Email: info@pinoygeneralinsurance.com
📍 Visit our office: 17304 Norwalk Blvd., Cerritos, CA
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.
Fast quotes—most quotes delivered within hours.
What to Expect When You Get a Quote:
Quick Information Gathering – We'll ask about your vehicles, drivers, coverage needs, and driving history
Multiple Carrier Quotes – We'll shop your coverage with several top-rated insurers
Clear Comparison – We'll present your options showing coverage details and pricing
Personalized Recommendations – We'll explain which option we think best fits your needs and why
Easy Purchase – Once you decide, we handle all paperwork and get you covered quickly
Additional Resources for Southern California Drivers:
Pinoy General Insurance Services is an independent auto insurance agency serving Cerritos, Norwalk, and surrounding Orange County communities. We provide comprehensive personal and commercial auto insurance with access to multiple A-rated carriers. Our commitment: exceptional service, competitive rates, and coverage that truly protects you on California roads.
Ready to save on auto insurance? Contact us today for your free, no-obligation quote.
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