The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program's purpose is to provide low-income good drivers with access to affordable liability insurance. The program was created by the legislature in 1999.

In 2005, the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 20, which expanded the Program to the counties of Alameda, Fresno, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego, effective April 1, 2006.

Per the rules of the Program, every admitted automobile insurance company in California will have to take their "fair share" of low cost applications.

To qualify for the LCA Program, the applicant who resides in an eligible county will have to demonstrate their financial need as well as be a "good driver". Certain other restrictions apply, such as, the current value of the vehicle to be insured cannot exceed $20,000.

The California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program is administered by the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). Like CAARP, LCA applications will be assigned to insurance companies from CAARP's administrative office. Licensed fire & casualty agents, or producers, who are certified with the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan, will also be certified to write the Low Cost Program. Prospective insureds must contact their local agent/brokers to secure this coverage.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, contact any insurance agent and ask if they are a Certified Producer with the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan/California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. If they are certified, they can help you in applying for automobile liability insurance through the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. This individual can assist you in completing an application and tell you about the payment plan options plus collect the required deposit and documents needed for this Program.

If you need a list of certified producers in your area, contact CAARP’s Customer Service Department at their toll free number 866-60-AUTO-1. If you need more information on the producers in San Diego or the LCA contact the CA Department of Insurance.