5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications, Triple-I
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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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Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in California
Recent California car insurance prices for Volkswagen, Hyundai, Ford , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 December 19, 2024. 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 December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
California drivers pay an overall average of $208 per month for car insurance. Insurify’s analysts expect costs to rise over the next 12 to 18 months. The end of California’s freeze on rate hikes, the state’s high risk of weather-related damage, and the rising cost of auto body parts will drive the increase.
The average quote for a California liability-only car insurance policy is $139 per month, while a full-coverage policy costs $277 per month. By comparison, the national average rates are $105 for liability-only insurance and $202 for full coverage.
California drivers with a DUI on their record pay over 50% more for car insurance than drivers with clean records.
Mile Auto and Sun Coast are the cheapest liability insurance companies in California, according to Insurify data.
California’s “comparative negligence” law can limit your reimbursement amount after an accident.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in California
Finding the best car insurance company for you depends on your specific needs and circumstances. Start your search with the companies in the table below.
Insurance Company
▲▼
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.
▲▼
Average Quote: Full Coverage
▲▼
Average Quote: Liability Only
▲▼
GEICO
9.0
$328
$163
Safeco
8.3
$163
$84
State Farm
9.3
$379
$188
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
GEICO
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.
9.0 /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.
$163/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.
$328/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 10,464 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent price increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (5,755)
Dianna
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
Roadside Assistance
When I needed emergency services on the road, they wanted me to go online. That was not possible at the time and they were not helpful.
Alan
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Satisfied but too expensive
My experience with GEICO was good. They offer great coverage for the price and I'd recommend them to a friend. However, they are a bit more pricey but provide great services all the way around.
Samol
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Geico is Good Insurance
It's excellent, but after a few accidents, the rates are creeping upwards.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
824
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.74
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
User Reviews
4.5
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.
8.3 /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.
$84/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.
$145/mo
4.5
Best choiceBased on 765 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
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 polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Reviews (427)
William
December 16, 2024
Verified Review
Fair
The policy rate increased at the beginning of the coverage.
Scott
December 15, 2024
Verified Review
Retired senior facing affordability issues
My rate has increased by 60% in 2 years despite having no accidents. Just like with Netflix, I'm considering leaving due to this.
Elliot
December 9, 2024
Verified Review
Current Insurance
Even though our vehicles are aging and we haven't had any claims, our insurance costs keep rising.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.08
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
User Reviews
4.2
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.
$188/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.
$379/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9,243 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about State Farm
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
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
Drivers appreciate the helpful local agents and initial service but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (5,080)
Al
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
My Opinion
Way too high premium.
Agnes
December 19, 2024
Verified Review
Best Insurance Company
I have been with them for a long time. Claims are handled quickly. I never had a problem, even when I had three teenagers driving.
Gabriel
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
My Experience with State Farm
Beware, some companies are more interested in making money than meeting the customers' needs. My wife had a medical issue while driving, and they covered it. A year later, there was a fender bender involving two moving vehicles. To me, it was no fault, but they considered it a second incident. We also had hail damage to our roof. They said there wasn't enough damage, yet my next-door neighbors received a new one. Now, they're canceling me for too much.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
817
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.78
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
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. Discounts for safe driving, 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.
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.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance quotes in California: Mile Auto
“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 $139 per month.
The table below highlights some of the cheapest liability-only car insurance companies in California.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in California: Mercury
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 $277 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 are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in California
Recent California car insurance prices for Honda, Volkswagen, Jeep , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 December 19, 2024. 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 December 19, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 December 19, 2024. 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 state’s minimum liability requirements. State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. Here’s the new minimum coverage you need in California:[4]
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:
Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of fault.
Collision coverage
Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it collides with another car or object.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive insurance protects against non-collision incidents, like theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.
Custom equipment coverage
This coverage protects aftermarket additions or modifications you make to your vehicle, such as stereos, custom wheels, or navigation systems.
Towing and roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance coverage pays for help during breakdowns, providing towing, tire changes, and fuel-delivery services.
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.
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.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with a speeding ticket: Mile Auto
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 $179 per month for liability insurance compared to drivers with a clean record, who pay $139.
The table below shows a price comparison between having a clean record and having a ticket from popular insurers.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with an at-fault accident: Mile Auto
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 $169 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 are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with a DUI: Mile Auto
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 $197 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 are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance quotes for seniors: Mile Auto
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 $122 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 are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Shop for California Car Insurance
Liability rates for seniors average $122 per month
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Cheapest car insurance quotes for teens: Mile Auto
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 $228 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 are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, December 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes 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.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes 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 $208 per month. Full-coverage car insurance costs an average of $277 per month, and liability-only insurance is $139 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 $60, $95, and $106.
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 90 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 50+ 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.
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that ’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
Amy has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications, Triple-I
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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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