Cheapest Car Insurance in California After an Accident
USAA is the cheapest insurer for California drivers after an accident, with an average monthly rate of $84 for liability car insurance.
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In California, the average cost of car insurance increases by about 25% after an at-fault accident, according to Insurify data. All drivers must meet the minimum car insurance requirements for liability coverage to demonstrate financial responsibility.
Fortunately, shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurers can help you secure a lower rate after an accident. Here’s a look at the cheapest insurers for California drivers after an accident, and how long an accident stays on your record.
Quick Facts
California drivers pay an average monthly rate of $119 for liability insurance and $250 for full coverage after an accident.
USAA and Aspire General are the cheapest insurers in California after an accident, with average monthly rates of $84 and $86 for liability car insurance.
As of Jan. 1, 2025, California increased its bodily injury liability and property damage liability requirements from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15.[1]
Cheapest car insurance companies in California after an accident
USAA offers the lowest average liability rates after an accident in California, charging $84 per month for liability insurance.
Insurers use your driving history to determine how likely you are to file insurance claims in the future, so your rates increase after an auto accident or any other driving incident. The following table shows the average monthly rates for California drivers with an accident on their records.
The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 10 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $84 | $187 |
| Aspire General | $86 | $153 |
| Sun Coast | $91 | $209 |
| GEICO | $91 | $185 |
| National General | $93 | $248 |
| Dairyland | $102 | $235 |
| Mercury | $107 | $207 |
| Root | $115 | $179 |
| Allstate | $117 | $257 |
| Farmers | $119 | $264 |
| Anchor | $119 | $227 |
| Direct Auto | $120 | $295 |
| State Farm | $127 | $284 |
| Kemper Special | $127 | $202 |
| Bristol West | $128 | $272 |
| Travelers | $136 | $304 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $141 | $206 |
| 21st Century | $151 | $333 |
| Nationwide | $183 | $406 |
| Chubb | $229 | $507 |
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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Monthly rates start at $84 for drivers with an accident
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How much does car insurance in California increase after an accident?
California drivers with a clean driving record pay an average monthly rate of $146. But if you have an accident on your record, your average rates increase by an average of 25% to $184 per month. Nationally, drivers experience an average increase of 34%, so California drivers actually fare better.
The type of accident also affects how much your rates increase. California law states that driving records are the number one factor insurers must use in determining rates.[2]
So if you’re the at-fault driver in a California car accident, your car insurance rates can increase more than if you’re not at fault. Accidents involving significant vehicle damage, medical expenses, or bodily injury can also trigger higher rates in California.
Driving Record | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Clean driving record in CA | $146 |
| At-fault accident in CA | $184 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time California quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
How long does an accident stay on your record in California?
Filing a car accident claim can stay on your driving record for three years from the date of the collision, according to the California Department of Motor Vehicles.[3]
If the accident report resulted from an additional violation like a DUI conviction, it could stay on your record up to 10 years and affect your ability to have a driver’s license.
How to get cheaper California car insurance after an accident
While rate increases are likely after an at-fault accident in California, you can still take steps to lessen the effect. Here are five ways to find cheaper rates after a car accident:
Compare quotes at renewal
California requires insurance companies to get rate changes approved by the state’s Department of Insurance, but average rates can still vary widely based on the driver’s insurance company. Shopping around is the best way to find the best coverage and insurance premiums. You can work with an insurance agent or use an online comparison tool to compare quotes.
Drive fewer miles
Mileage is one of the top three factors insurance companies can use to determine your car insurance rate in California, so qualifying for a low-mileage discount can help you save.
Take a defensive driving course
California law requires insurance companies to offer a discount to drivers age 55 and older who take a mature driver improvement course.
Bundle your policies
Buying your auto insurance and homeowners or renters insurance policy through the same insurer can help you qualify for a multi-policy discount. But this can be tricky in California, where several insurers have scaled back their home insurance offerings.[4] So you’ll have to confirm that your insurance company offers both policies.
Try California’s low-cost program
If you’re struggling to afford your car insurance costs due to a rate hike after an accident, you can see if you’re eligible for California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. This program offers liability insurance at reduced rates for drivers who qualify. But if you get in another accident, you’ll have to pay for your own medical bills, lost wages, and property damage out of pocket.
What is accident forgiveness, and do you need it in California?
Accident forgiveness is an optional add-on coverage that prevents your rates from increasing after your first at-fault accident. But accident forgiveness isn’t available in California since state regulations prohibit insurers from offering it. That makes comparison shopping even more important for California drivers.
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Car insurance after an accident in California FAQs
Here’s some additional insurance information about finding cheap car insurance in California after an accident.
What happens if you get car insurance after an accident in California?
You can find car insurance after an at-fault accident in California, but you’ll pay higher rates. Some insurers specialize in working with drivers after an accident, so comparison shopping is the best way to save.
How much will insurance go up after an at-fault accident in California?
On average, California drivers see a rate increase of about 25% after an at-fault accident. But the exact amount depends on your insurer, the severity of the accident, and your prior driving history.
How much is car insurance in California?
California drivers with a clean record pay an average monthly rate of $146 for car insurance, which is slightly higher than the national average. After an at-fault accident, the cost increases to an average of $184 per month.
Sources
- California Department of Insurance (CDI). "New Year Means New Changes for Insurance, Make Sure You are Protected."
- California Legislative Information (California Legislature). "California Insurance Code – Part 2, Chapter 9, Article 10."
- California DMV. "Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued)."
- Terner Center for Housing Innovation at UC Berkeley. "The California Home Insurance Challenge in Eight Charts."
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
- 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.
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Jamie JohnsonInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
6 years experience in personal finance writing
Featured on Credit Karma and Insider
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
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