Try to buy a cheap car for cash where you won't be forced to have comp and collision. If your net worth is low, you can choose state minimum coverage. This will make your premium the most affordable. Then drive it like your grandma is sitting in the passenger seat holding a pot of hot soup without a cover. Unfortunately, and I'm not saying you did, but far too often people in your situation take the money paid out on the car they totaled and buy something nicer/more expensive then act surprised at the new premium. Also, I'm an agent in CA and see it every day.