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Cheapest Auto Insurance in California (2026)

USAA has some of the lowest car insurance quotes in California, at $83 per month for liability-only insurance.

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Excellent
Progressive LogoAllstate LogoLiberty Mutual LogoUSAA LogoThe General LogoBristol West Logo120+ more

Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in California

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $59/mo for liability only and $102/mo for full coverage in California.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
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John Leach
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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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California’s high cost of living, big cities, and exposure to natural disasters like earthquakes and wildfires may have you thinking car insurance is costly there, too. But California’s car insurance rates are competitive with national averages.

In fact, California’s average cost of full coverage actually fell by 8% in 2025, according to Insurify’s Insuring the American Driver report.

California drivers pay an average of $191 per month for full-coverage car insurance. Minimum-coverage policies average $92 monthly. By comparison, the national averages are $174 monthly for full coverage and $99 for liability only.

Here’s what you need to know to compare the cheapest car insurance companies in California.

Quick Facts
  • California drivers with a DUI on their record pay over 50% more for car insurance than drivers with clean records.

  • USAA and National General are the cheapest liability insurance companies in California, according to Insurify data.

  • At the end of 2025, California’s average full-coverage car insurance rate had dropped by $208, to $2,309 annually, according to Insurify’s report.

6 of the cheapest car insurance companies in California

The insurers below are some of the best car insurance companies in California.

GEICO logo
Safeco logo
State Farm logo
Auto-Owners logo
USAA logo
Progressive logo
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$152/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$113/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$208/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$65/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$136/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$130/mo*
Overall rating
4.0
Overall rating
4.3
Overall rating
4.0
Overall rating
4.3
Overall rating
4.9
Overall rating
3.2
Value for money
3.8/5
Value for money
3.8/5
Value for money
3.7/5
Value for money
3.4/5
Value for money
4.9/5
Value for money
3.1/5
Customer service
4.0/5
Customer service
4.0/5
Customer service
4.2/5
Customer service
3.5/5
Customer service
4.8/5
Customer service
3.3/5
Claims handling
4.1/5
Claims handling
4.1/5
Claims handling
4.1/5
Claims handling
4.0/5
Claims handling
4.9/5
Claims handling
3.3/5
Special highlight
AI-generated from 7284 user reviews
Teen drivers
Special highlight
AI-generated from 531 user reviews
Cash back for being claims free
Special highlight
AI-generated from 7006 user reviews
Customer service
Special highlight
AI-generated from 145 user reviews
Cheap rates
Special highlight
AI-generated from 1442 user reviews
Members of the military community
Special highlight
AI-generated from 7961 user reviews
Competitive rates
Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify’s users who have indicated they are insured with the listed providers

Finding the best car insurance in California is about balancing cost with coverage and looking for discounts to help you save. GEICO, Safeco, and State Farm are some of Insurify’s top picks for California drivers.

GEICO

GEICO logo
User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.2 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$103/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$201/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 15,067 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (7,284)
Mary
Verified Review
Geico Best Rates in Connecticut
Reviewed in Connecticut on February 10, 2026
Geico still has the best rates in Connecticut.
Sherry
Verified Review
Worst price after 10 years of paying
Reviewed in Ohio on February 10, 2026
I was with them for over 10 years. No claims, never missed a payment. No accidents, tickets, nothing in 40 years of driving. I was paying twice the amount I should have been paying. When I called to cancel, they said they would match the new company's rate. Why didn't they automatically adjust my payment to the best rate? Why is the customer supposed to review the price every 6 months?
Dannyj
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in South Carolina on February 10, 2026
I've been with them for over 10 years. I wish it was cheaper, but it is what it is.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
626
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

GEICO is one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S., and it offers some of the cheapest rates in California. Drivers can also save with discounts, including those for customer loyalty, safe driving, and installing safety features in their vehicles. But if you drive for a rideshare company, you’ll need to look elsewhere for coverage.

Pros
  • Offers accident forgiveness coverage

  • A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

Cons
  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

  • Doesn’t offer gap insurance or rideshare insurance

Safeco

Safeco logo
User Reviews
4.3
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
8.1 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$86/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$140/mo
4.3
Best choiceBased on 988 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Safeco

Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
How drivers feel about Safeco

Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Reviews (531)
Linda
Verified Review
Raising Prices Too High
Reviewed in New Hampshire on February 6, 2026
It was okay, but now they are raising the price on my policy by $572.20. They said it's because of rates for ambulances, fire, and police in Gilford. That doesn't seem to have anything to do with my auto insurance, but that's what they said.
Jon
Verified Review
Shop around
Reviewed in California on February 4, 2026
Shop around. I believe insurers give an initial lower rate and then increase it over time, knowing that most people just keep paying the higher rate. You have to shop every time renewal comes up.
Patrick
Verified Review
Poor Business Practice
Reviewed in Michigan on January 30, 2026
The price is a bit cheaper than average at first. The issue is that after a month, they claimed they never received the qualifying medical insurance letter, changed your PIP allocations, and charged you hundreds more than the original quote. They make you jump through hoops to get your money back, then only return a minute fraction of it and claim it was the customer's fault. They will not return the money wrongfully taken for "lack of medical coverage letter"—they received it! And let's just for amusement say they never received it, you'd think an email, text, or call to say "Hey, we don't have the medical coverage letter, and we need that or we will deduct such and such on such and such date" would be appropriate... but no, they'd rather be shady! Additionally, getting a service agent at certain times can be difficult!
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
634
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.72
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A
Why we picked this company

Safeco is another affordable insurer in California. In addition to standard car insurance coverages, you can choose several add-ons, including new vehicle replacement, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance. But you won’t be able to get rideshare coverage from this insurer in California.

Pros
  • Many local agents in California

  • Offers accident forgiveness coverage

Cons
  • Doesn’t offer rideshare insurance in California

  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

State Farm

State Farm logo
User Reviews
4.0
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.3 /10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$128/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$288/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 14,780 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm

Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
How drivers feel about State Farm

Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (7,006)
Christopher
Verified Review
What's Going On At State Farm?
Reviewed in Ohio on February 10, 2026
Something is going on with State Farm. They used to be on the ball, but now they are missing things. Our car was totaled, yet they did not refund the remainder of our unused premium. We still had $500 for rental car expenses, yet they made us pay for the last 3 days even though we were still waiting for the settlement check they snail-mailed us.
Raul
Verified Review
Better price for good drivers
Reviewed in Texas on February 10, 2026
It's good, but the premium is too high and they don’t give discounts, just increments.
Anna
Verified Review
Not Senior Friendly
Reviewed in Arizona on February 10, 2026
Premiums are way too high for senior citizens. Agents don’t offer any kind of discounts or advice on how to lower your premium.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
658
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

State Farm is the largest insurance company in the U.S. by market share, and it offers relatively competitive rates in California. J.D. Power rates it highly for customer and claims satisfaction, and drivers can save on their premiums with discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, and installing anti-theft features in their vehicles.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

  • Long-standing history in the insurance industry

Cons
  • Not as many discounts as some insurers

  • Can’t finalize a quote online; must work with an agent

Calculate how much your California car insurance might cost

See how much you might pay for a California car insurance policy using the calculator below.

ESTIMATED RATE: $174 per month
40.3% of similar drivers pay less for coverage. Save up to $1272 per year by comparing quotes!
Quoted premiums and averages sourced from Insurify's database of more than 97 million car insurance quotes from 120+ partner providers. Actual rates may vary based on each policy buyer's unique driver profile.

How to get the cheapest car insurance in California

Your specific needs and circumstances can influence which insurance company is the cheapest for you. Insurers consider several factors to determine your premium, including your age, driving record, type of car, and the city where you live.[1]

Here are a few tips to help you find the most affordable car insurance in California:

  • Keep a clean driving record. At-fault accidents and traffic violations can raise your premiums, so safe driving can lead to significant savings.

  • Take advantage of discounts. Car insurance discounts for safe driving, for bundling policies, or even for driving a hybrid or electric car can cut down your car insurance quote.

  • Increase your deductible. While you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim, a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium significantly.

  • Shop around. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential because rates can vary quite a bit from one company to the next.

California’s low-cost auto insurance plan

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps low-income drivers find affordable car insurance amid rising rates. Car insurance through the CLCA costs $232 to $932 per year. To be eligible for the program, you must:

  • Have a valid California driver’s license

  • Meet income eligibility requirements

  • Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Have a good driving record or be a new driver

The low-cost auto insurance program helps drivers meet California’s minimum liability requirements, but you can add medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for $37 to $107 per year. Yous can apply for the program online at MyLowCostAuto.com.

California car insurance rates over time

California’s full-coverage rates started 2025 at a high of $2,589, before steadily declining throughout the year, Insurify data shows. Although rates declined 8% by the end of 2025, they’re still 53% higher than they were in 2021.

Nationally, rates fell 6% in 2025, and Insurify data scientists project they’ll tick back up a modest 0.6% in 2026. But California is among a handful of states that will likely see a bigger increase of 1% by the end of the year, according to the Insuring the American Driver report.

Insurify’s proprietary data provides insight into how California’s full-coverage car insurance rates have changed every year since 2021.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance quotes in California: USAA

Liability-only car insurance coverage pays for the policyholder’s legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute. It doesn’t cover repairs or medical expenses for you or your vehicle.

Because it covers so little compared to other policy types, liability insurance is usually the cheapest type of car insurance available. On average, liability insurance in California costs $92 per month.

The table below highlights some of the cheapest liability-only car insurance companies in California.

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 AM PST. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote
sort ascsort desc
USAA$83
National General$88
Sun Coast$91
Dairyland$94
Mercury$99
GEICO$103
Root$106
Allstate$115
Direct Auto$118
Farmers$118
Anchor$119
Bristol West$121
State Farm$128
Travelers$134
21st Century$146
Nationwide$180
Chubb$228
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in California: Root

A liability-only policy covers damages and injuries to others in an accident you cause, but full-coverage insurance also includes protection for your vehicle. Full coverage is generally the better choice if you drive a newer or more valuable car. It includes comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage from theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, and collision coverage, which pays for car damages from an accident, even if you’re at fault.

California drivers pay $191 on average for full-coverage insurance. Here’s a look at some of the cheapest auto insurance companies for full coverage in California:

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 AM PST. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote
sort ascsort desc
Root$184
USAA$188
Mercury$191
GEICO$201
Anchor$204
Sun Coast$228
Dairyland$235
Allstate$259
National General$259
Farmers$266
Bristol West$281
State Farm$288
Travelers$303
Direct Auto$311
21st Century$330
Nationwide$406
Chubb$514
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in California

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $59/mo for liability only and $102/mo for full coverage in California.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 11, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Car insurance requirements in California

California is an at-fault state for car insurance. But it uses “comparative negligence,” so each driver can end up shouldering part of the blame. For instance, if you sue another driver for causing an accident, the court may find that you’re 15% at fault because you were driving a little too fast at the time. In this case, you could only collect 85% of the damages.[2] [3]

If you plan to drive in California, you must have auto insurance that meets the states minimum liability requirements. State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which took effect Jan. 1, 2025. Here’s the new minimum coverage you need in California:[4]

Coverage
sort ascsort desc
Minimum Requirements
sort ascsort desc
Bodily injury liability$30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
Property damage liability$15,000

For more protection, California auto insurance companies have several optional insurance coverages you can buy:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/5285c4cd74/uninsured-or-underinsured-motorist-coverage.svg

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you in case of an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/4c9753bdbe/medical-payments.svg

    Medical payments coverage

    Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of fault.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/d7333ddf2e/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_046-car-accident.svg

    Collision coverage

    Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it collides with another car or object.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/665da91bf7/comprehensive-coverage.svg

    Comprehensive coverage

    Comprehensive insurance protects against non-collision incidents, like theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/73ee7a876e/repair.svg

    Custom equipment coverage

    This coverage protects aftermarket additions or modifications you make to your vehicle, such as stereos, custom wheels, or navigation systems.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/100x100/9997698e9e/emergency-roadside-service.svg

    Towing and roadside assistance coverage

    Roadside assistance coverage pays for help during breakdowns, providing towing, tire changes, and fuel-delivery services.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/f82464c85b/car-sharing-96x96-orange_048-car-key.svg

    Rental reimbursement coverage

    Rental reimbursement coverage helps offset the cost of a rental car while your car is in the shop due to a covered claim.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/eb087ba9a1/money-96x96-green_030-transaction.svg

    Gap coverage

    Gap insurance pays the difference between the actual cash value and the outstanding balance you owe on a car lease or loan if your car is totaled.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for CA drivers with an incident

Car insurance companies see you as a high-risk driver if your history includes incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs. Higher risk can lead to higher rates for car insurance. For instance, California drivers with a DUI pay nearly double what drivers with a clean record pay.

Read More: SR-22 Car Insurance Quotes in California

Read More: SR-22 Car Insurance Quotes in California

Find Cheap Car Insurance in California

Liability rates start at $83 per month

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 11,736 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Despite the higher risk, several insurers in California offer competitive rates for drivers with speeding tickets on their records. California drivers with speeding tickets pay an average of $115 per month for liability insurance compared to drivers with a clean record, who pay $92.

The table below shows a price comparison between having a clean record and having a ticket from popular insurers.

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 AM PST. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Clean Record
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Speeding Ticket
sort ascsort desc
USAA$83$107
National General$88$109
Sun Coast$91$114
Dairyland$94$117
Mercury$99$138
GEICO$103$134
Root$106$141
Allstate$115$150
Direct Auto$118$148
Farmers$118$151
Anchor$119$148
Bristol West$121$152
State Farm$128$162
Travelers$134$174
21st Century$146$192
Nationwide$180$233
Chubb$228$289
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA

Accidents happen. A fender bender or more serious crash can cause your premiums to rise for at least three years, but it doesn’t mean you’ll never get affordable coverage again.[5]

On average, California drivers with an at-fault accident on their record pay $114 per month for liability coverage.

Consider starting your search for coverage after an at-fault accident with policies from the following California auto insurers:

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 AM PST. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Clean Record
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With At-Fault Accident
sort ascsort desc
USAA$83$108
National General$88$113
Sun Coast$91$113
Dairyland$94$120
Mercury$99$145
GEICO$103$129
Root$106$137
Allstate$115$149
Direct Auto$118$156
Farmers$118$152
Anchor$119$151
Bristol West$121$154
State Farm$128$163
Travelers$134$174
21st Century$146$192
Nationwide$180$234
Chubb$228$292
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with a DUI: USAA

Getting cheap car insurance in California can be difficult if you have a DUI. Fortunately, several companies specialize in high-risk coverage, offering competitive rates if you have a DUI on your driving record or need to have your insurer file an SR-22 in California.

Drivers with DUIs on their record in California pay an average of $118 per month for liability insurance. To help get a lower rate, ask for car insurance discounts and consider telematics programs to demonstrate your commitment to safer driving habits.

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 AM PST. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Clean Record
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With DUI
sort ascsort desc
USAA$83$115
National General$88$122
Sun Coast$91$117
Dairyland$94$130
Mercury$99$143
GEICO$103$141
Root$106$147
Allstate$115$159
Direct Auto$118$163
Farmers$118$163
Anchor$119$164
Bristol West$121$168
State Farm$128$177
Travelers$134$186
21st Century$146$189
Nationwide$180$249
Chubb$228$316
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for seniors: USAA

Car insurance costs tend to decrease around age 25 due to having more experience and a generally lower likelihood of risky behavior. Senior drivers generally pay low rates, averaging $82 per month for liability policies in California.

But seniors face rising rates at around age 70 due to higher risk. Fatal crash rates jump significantly around ages 70–74, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[6]

Here are the cheapest California car insurance companies for senior drivers:

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 AM PST. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$69$155
National General$71$208
Dairyland$81$204
Sun Coast$81$203
Mercury$81$156
GEICO$83$163
Root$90$157
Allstate$95$214
Farmers$95$215
Direct Auto$97$255
Anchor$99$169
Bristol West$102$238
State Farm$103$231
Travelers$109$247
21st Century$117$265
Nationwide$141$317
Chubb$176$396
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Liability rates for seniors average $82 per month

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Cheapest car insurance quotes for teens: USAA

Auto insurance rates for teen drivers tend to be significantly higher than those for adults due to limited driving experience and higher accident risks. In general, graduated licensing programs cause fatal crash rates to decrease over time, but they remain nearly two times higher than for drivers ages 20 and older, according to the IIHS.[7]

California teens pay high rates, at an average of $170 per month for liability coverage. To make coverage costs more affordable, consider staying on your parents’ policy and driving a safe, reliable, older vehicle. If you maintain good grades, you may qualify for a good student discount that can get you even lower rates.

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, February 10 at 11:00 AM PST. 
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$155$351
Dairyland$160$400
Sun Coast$168$422
National General$180$529
Root$185$322
Mercury$185$357
GEICO$187$364
Anchor$209$359
Bristol West$218$507
Allstate$230$517
Direct Auto$230$607
Farmers$237$533
State Farm$250$563
21st Century$266$601
Travelers$280$634
Nationwide$355$801
Chubb$477$1,074
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Car insurance rates across California cities

Where you live in California has a big impact on your car insurance rates. This is because insurance companies take into account the number of claims filed in your area when setting car insurance rates. The higher number of claims in an area translates into higher risk for the insurance company, which ultimately means higher rates for the drivers in that city.

Check out the table below to see the average car insurance rates for cities across California. 

  • City
    sort ascsort desc
    Average Quote: Liability Only
    sort ascsort desc
    Average Quote: Full Coverage
    sort ascsort desc
    Bakersfield$83$181
    Fresno$84$177
    Long Beach$114$231
    Los Angeles$154$297
    Oakland$101$232
    Sacramento$103$208
    San Diego$84$173
    San Francisco$104$248
    San Jose$88$189
    Stockton$90$200
    Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

California car insurance FAQs

Check out Insurify’s guide on car insurance declaration pages to better understand what your policy includes. You can also read the following answers to commonly asked questions about car insurance in California.

  • How much is car insurance in California?

    Car insurance in California costs an average of $142 per month. Full-coverage car insurance costs an average of $191 per month, and liability-only insurance is $92 per month.

  • Which company has the cheapest car insurance in California?

    The cheapest car insurance companies for liability-only coverage in California are Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Mercury. Their respective monthly liability rates are $83, $88, and $91.

  • What is the best car insurance in California?

    GEICO, Safeco, and State Farm are a few of the best car insurance companies in California. But no single “best” car insurance company exists for all drivers. It’s important to compare quotes to determine which company best meets your budget and coverage needs.

  • Is California a no-fault state?

    No. California follows a fault-based system, which means drivers who cause damages or injuries in an accident are responsible for reimbursing the other parties, typically through their liability policies.

  • Do you need uninsured motorist coverage in California?

    California doesn’t require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, but it’s a beneficial addition to insurance policies. If a driver without insurance — or with insufficient coverage — damages your car or injures you in an accident, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for your losses. It also covers losses from hit-and-runs.

  • Can car insurance companies in California use your credit score to determine rates?

    California law prohibits insurance companies from using consumer credit information, gender, or ZIP code when making rating decisions. But most states allow the use of credit as a rating factor, while a handful of others restrict how insurers can use credit information for rating decisions.

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

  • Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
  • No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Related articles

Sources

  1. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
  2. California Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance Terms."
  3. California Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."
  4. California Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance Information Guide."
  5. III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
  6. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Fatality Facts 2021: Older people."
  7. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Fatality Facts 2021: Teenagers."
Amy Beardsley
Amy BeardsleyFreelance Insurance and Real Estate Writer

Amy has nearly a decade of experience translating complex concepts – like insurance – into reader-friendly, actionable information. With a unique background in business and legal disciplines, Amy specializes in turning dense policy jargon into clear, friendly and helpful content.

Amy holds a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, and has been an Insurify contributor since September 2023. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

John Leach
Edited byJohn LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
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John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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