How Does California's Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP) Work?

California's Automobile Assigned Risk Plan exists because the state requires that every driver have access to auto insurance, regardless of their driving history. Here's a step-by-step explanation of how the assigned risk process actually works.

The Basic Mechanics

CAARP works through a pool system. Every licensed California auto insurer is required by state law to participate in CAARP and accept a proportional share of high-risk drivers. Your application gets submitted to CAARP, which then assigns it to one of the participating insurers. That insurer is legally required to accept you.

The insurer assigned to you may not be one you'd choose on your own — you don't get to pick. But the coverage is real, legal, and meets California's minimum requirements.

The Application Process

1. You work with a licensed broker (like Via Rapida) who submits your application to CAARP
2. CAARP assigns your application to a participating insurer
3. That insurer issues a policy at the CAARP-regulated rate
4. You pay premiums and maintain coverage
5. After your high-risk period ends, you transition to the standard market at lower rates

CAARP vs. Going Direct to a Carrier

An experienced broker may sometimes be able to find you coverage outside of CAARP — even with a DUI or other high-risk factors — through specialty carriers or non-standard markets. These options may be less expensive than CAARP in some cases. It's worth letting a broker check both paths before going straight to CAARP enrollment.

Exiting CAARP: When Can You Go Back to Standard Rates?

The high-risk designation tied to most incidents runs 3–5 years from the incident date. Once that window closes and you've maintained continuous coverage with no new violations, you'll likely qualify for standard market rates again — often at a significant savings.

Via Rapida monitors this for our customers and will reach out when you're eligible to shop the standard market again.

Enroll in CAARP at Via Rapida

All three locations handle CAARP enrollment — Stockton, San Jose, and San Rafael. We also handle SR-22 filing at the same visit if needed. Walk in or call 209-670-1556. Se habla español.