8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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Shopping for car insurance can be difficult since every driver has different priorities. But the good news is that knowing what you want to prioritize — affordability, coverage options, discounts, or customer service — can help you find the best fit.
Our editorial team analyzed 50 car insurance companies to determine the best insurers in California. Here are the top picks.
Best car insurance companies in California
The best car insurance companies in California offer affordable pricing, solid coverage, and high customer satisfaction. The following insurers stand out as some of the top insurers in the state. Depending on your priorities, one might be a better fit than the others.
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.
$54/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.
$119/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.
842
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 holds a very high Insurify Quality (IQ) Score. The company stands out by earning the No. 1 spot for customer satisfaction in J.D. Power’s 2023 Insurance Shopping survey.[1]
State Farm also offers affordable rates, extensive discounts, and various coverage options. You can get a quote online or work with a local agent in all 50 states, making it accessible for drivers in California and beyond.
Pros
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Affordable rates
Various discounts, including ones for young drivers
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.
7.0 /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.
$61/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.
$113/mo
3.9
A solid optionBased on 80 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Metromile
Drivers appreciate the helpful customer service, initial low rates, and flexible payment options but dislike the frequent premium increases and poor communication.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Pay-as-you go car insurance
Robust mobile app
How drivers feel about Metromile
Drivers appreciate the helpful customer service, initial low rates, and flexible payment options but dislike the frequent premium increases and poor communication.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Pay-as-you go car insurance
Robust mobile app
Reviews (50)
Michael
November 3, 2024
Verified Review
Enjoyed the ride until the rate went sky-high
My payment went up by 50%.
Patrick
October 17, 2024
Verified Review
Stay Away
I used their services for 6 months, and then they raised my policy by 300% for no apparent reason. I believe they operate on a bait and switch type of scam, offering a great price in the beginning and then, bam!
Stephen
October 6, 2024
Verified Review
Great Insurance
Great, just difficult to communicate with someone.
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.
3.25
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).
NR
Why we picked this company
Metromile offers pay-per-mile coverage in California, making it a solid option for drivers who want to prioritize affordability. You don’t have to sacrifice your coverage to save money; Metromile offers liability-only and full-coverage policies.
Metromile charges a base rate starting at $29 per month, and you’ll pay upwards of $0.06 per mile for additional miles you drive during the month. If you drive less than 10,000 miles per year, you can probably save money with a pay-per-mile policy.
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.
9.4 /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.
$45/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.
$99/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1,646 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (940)
Arlington
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Mediocre
It's too hard to get past all the checks and balances to verify you're a member. There are too many questions and memory items to get past their firewall. Lastly, everyone is working remotely, and you can hear the family activities in the background.
Peter
December 18, 2024
Verified Review
Not Happy with USAA
They increase premium rates without notifying you well in advance. They even raise the premium for a minor fender bender, like pulling out of a driveway into an illegally parked vehicle.
Donna
December 17, 2024
Verified Review
I was in an accident which was not my fault, and my insurance increased to $118 a month. I don't drive my car much, less than 50 miles a day. Additionally, I have home insurance with USAA and my payment increased by $100. As a veteran, I find this totally wrong.
I was in an accident which was not my fault, and my insurance increased to $118 a month. I don't drive my car much, less than 50 miles a day. Additionally, I have home insurance with USAA and my payment increased by $100. As a veteran, I find this totally wrong.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35
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
USAA consistently ranks among the top insurance companies for customer satisfaction and service through J.D. Power. The company earns an impressive IQ Score due to its generous discounts and extensive coverage options.
The only downside is that you must have a connection to the military, either through your service or an immediate family member’s service. Because of that, USAA isn’t an option for every driver. But if you have a military connection that makes you eligible for membership, it’s a solid option for California drivers.
Pros
High J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction
Generous discounts
All-in-one banking and insurance
Cons
Must have a military connection
Limited phone support
Recent price increases in California and other states
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.
825
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 offers some of the lowest rates for California drivers. Liberty Mutual, one of the largest insurers, owns Safeco. Even though discounts are limited, the company excels at offering budget-friendly insurance. Plus, you don’t have to sacrifice coverage to save money since Safeco offers unique perks, like accident forgiveness, for free.
You must work with a local agent to get a quote and set up coverage, which might be a dealbreaker for drivers who prefer a digital experience.
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.
$148/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.
$278/mo
4.1
Best choiceBased on 127 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Amica
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent rate increases and poor claims processing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
24/7 claims service
Bundling discounts
High customer satisfaction
How drivers feel about Amica
Drivers appreciate the excellent customer service and initial low prices but dislike the frequent rate increases and poor claims processing.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
24/7 claims service
Bundling discounts
High customer satisfaction
Reviews (75)
Natalie
December 16, 2024
Verified Review
This is a great company, but every six months, even with no claims or tickets, the rates increase by $25 or more. However, they do take care of everything if an accident happens.
This is a great company, but every six months, even with no claims or tickets, the rates increase by $25 or more. However, they do take care of everything if an accident happens.
Norma
December 7, 2024
Verified Review
Rate Increase from Liability to Full Coverage
The rate was raised without any prior notice.
William
December 7, 2024
Verified Review
Amica Client
Amica is a very good company to deal with, both personally and via the internet.
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
862
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.61
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
Amica is a top choice for California drivers who want a strong customer service experience. The company consistently earns high J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings and a below-average number of NAIC complaints, making it an excellent choice for drivers who prioritize customer service.
Amica offers unique policy perks, like premium packages and dividend-paying policies. You can also save money with the company’s long list of discounts and safe driving incentives. But if you prefer an in-person experience with an agent, you might not be able to find that in California since there are only two Amica offices in the state.
Pros
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Unique policy perks
Extensive list of discounts
Cons
Only two offices in California
No pay-per-mile option
Only offers six-month policies
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in California to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
How to get the best car insurance in California
The best car insurance in California depends on your priorities, and a few considerations can make it easier to decide. Here’s what to consider when determining which company is the best option.
Consider how much coverage you need
Most insurance experts recommend full-coverage car insurance, which includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. But depending on your needs, you might want more or less insurance.
For example, drivers with an older car that isn’t worth much might only need liability insurance. But drivers with an expensive loan might opt for additional coverage, like gap insurance. Once you determine the coverage you need, it’s easier to compare insurers.[2]
Read reviews from policyholders
Reading customer reviews can help you understand what it’s like to have a policy with each insurer. Consider reading reviews on reputable sites like the Better Business Bureau, Trustpilot, and Insurify. You can also check the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Consumer Complaint Index to see if the number of customer complaints is above or below average. J.D. Power’s annual Auto Insurance Study provides a snapshot of customer feedback, which is helpful if you want to minimize research.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
The cost of coverage is an important factor for most drivers. The best way to compare quotes is to get estimates from multiple insurers. Car insurance quotes provide an estimate of premiums based on your location, driving history, coverage needs, and more. Quotes are free, and you can usually get a quote online within a few minutes.
Prioritize your needs
Every driver has unique priorities when it comes to auto insurance. For instance, you might have a strict budget and want cheap car insurance. But another driver might need a specific type of coverage, like gap insurance or pet injury protection. Understanding your individual needs is key to finding the right insurer for you.
Average cost of car insurance in California
The average cost of car insurance in California is $208 per month. Coverage in the Golden State is more expensive than the national average, partly because the state’s insurance price freeze just ended.
The governor imposed a price hike freeze during the pandemic, which prevented insurers from raising rates. But now that it’s over, experts predict that insurance costs could increase as much as 50% over the next few years.[3] California drivers who want to reduce costs can consider switching insurers, qualifying for discounts, or choosing a pay-per-mile policy.
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Best car insurance in California FAQs
The best car insurance company in California depends on what you need from your coverage. Here’s more information about auto policies in the Golden State.
How much is car insurance in California?
On average, Californians pay $139 per month for liability coverage and $277 for full coverage.
What are the best car insurance companies in California?
California’s best car insurance companies include USAA, Metromile, and State Farm. Once you determine your top priorities, finding the right fit is easier. For example, Metromile and Safeco are the best options if you want to prioritize low rates. But if you have a connection to the military, USAA might be a good option.
What is the required auto insurance coverage in California?
The state of California mandates liability insurance, which includes $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $5,000 in property damage liability.[4] These minimums will increase to 30/60/15 in January 2025. A policy from a reputable insurer meets the minimum coverage requirements. You can also choose to add more coverage for additional protection, like uninsured motorist coverage.
Sources
Jdpower.com. "2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study."
III. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
KTVU. "California could see car insurance rates soar by more than 50% this year: Here’s why."
Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
Taylor has been a contributor at Insurify since February 2023.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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