State to end low-cost auto insurance program

<p>Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has vetoed a bill that would have extended the state’s low-cost auto insurance program, which offers bare-bones coverage to motorists who would otherwise drive without insurance — and break the law. </p><p>The program will expire at the end of 2010. So far, few Sonoma County residents have signed up for the coverage, which costs $251 a year. </p><p>“The effectiveness of this program is questionable given the number of policies in effect and low participation rate among the uninsured,” Schwarzenegger said. </p><p>The low-cost insurance program was launched statewide in 2007. Premiums vary by county, ranging from $161 to $368. </p><p>But only 142 policies have been sold in Sonoma County, where an estimated 28,000 motorists had no insurance in 2007, according to state figures. Statewide, about 45,000 policies have been sold.</p>