Best car insurance companies in California
Insurify analyzed 120+ companies, considering factors like cost, coverage options, and discounts, to determine the best car insurance in California. If you’re looking for coverage in the Golden State, the insurers below are a great place to start your search.
State Farm: Best overall in California
| 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. | $99/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. | $221/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
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.
State Farm is the best overall car insurance company in California. In addition to offering competitive rates, J.D. Power rates the insurer highly for both customer and claims satisfaction. You can get a quote online or work with one of 2,000 local agents across the state.
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Affordable rates in California
Various discounts, including ones specifically for young drivers
Payoff Protector (gap) coverage is available only to policyholders who originate an auto loan with State Farm Bank
Quotes and policies can only be issued through State Farm exclusive agents
Doesn’t offer accident forgiveness coverage
Nationwide: Best for pay-per-mile coverage in California
| 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 /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. | $140/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. | $311/mo |
Nationwide's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the helpful and knowledgeable customer service but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases. Some also found the claims process to be slow and frustrating.
Nationwide offers pay-per-mile coverage in California through its SmartMiles program, making it a solid choice for drivers who want to prioritize affordability. With SmartMiles, you’re eligible for a 10% safe driving discount and all the coverage options Nationwide offers.
SmartMiles charges a base rate plus a per-mile rate and records mileage using an in-car tracking device. If you work from home, are a retiree, walk or bike to work, or are a student on one of California’s many college campuses, SmartMiles might be a good choice.
Highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction score for usage-based insurance
Discount of 10% for safe driving after first renewal
Low rates for low-mileage drivers
Not the cheapest company for high-mileage drivers
Requires in-vehicle tracking device
Rates fluctuate month to month
USAA: Best for military members in California
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.1 /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. | $65/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. | $143/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
Whether you’re a veteran or an active-duty military member stationed at one of California’s 44 military bases, USAA is a solid choice for car insurance. J.D. Power consistently rates the company among the top for customer and claims satisfaction. USAA also offers unique discounts to military members and veterans, such as savings of up to 60% for putting your car in long-term storage on base.
High J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction
Generous discounts
All-in-one banking and insurance
Must be a member of the military community
No 24/7 customer service
Only has three brick-and-mortar office locations in California
Safeco: Best for cheap rates in California
| 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. | $83/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. | $136/mo |
Safeco's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.1 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.1 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
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 independent agent to get a quote and set up coverage, which might be a dealbreaker for drivers who prefer a digital experience.
Standardizes some optional coverages that usually cost extra
Cash back for claims-free drivers
Competitive pricing
Low J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction
Can only get quotes and purchase policies through independent agents
Above-average number of complaints filed with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
Amica: Best for customer satisfaction in California
| 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. | 8.6 /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. | $243/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. | $444/mo |
Amica's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.7 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.2 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.6 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the excellent customer service and claims processing but are frustrated by the frequent and significant premium increases.
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 the company has only two Amica offices in the state.
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating
Unique policy perks
Extensive list of discounts
Only two offices in California
No pay-per-mile option
Doesn’t offer rideshare insurance
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.
Average cost of car insurance in California
The average cost of car insurance in California is $96 per month for liability coverage and $199 per month for full coverage. This is higher than the national monthly averages of $98 for liability coverage and $186 for full coverage, partly because the state’s insurance price freeze recently ended.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom 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.[2]
At the end of 2025, the average annual full-coverage premium in California was $2,309, and Insurify data scientists project a 1% increase by the end of 2026.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in California
Liability rates start as low as $65 per month
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
California requires drivers to carry a minimum of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage, as well as $15,000 in property damage liability.[3] But a full-coverage insurance policy offers more financial protection than liability-only insurance, because it also covers your vehicle repairs if you’re at fault in an accident.
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
California’s car insurance rates are higher than the national average, in part due to its population density and risk of natural disasters, such as earthquakes and wildfires. Comparing quotes from three to five insurers is the best way to find an affordable policy that meets your coverage needs.
Look into California car insurance discounts
Asking your insurance agent about eligible discounts, such as a home and auto bundle discount, can help you save on a California car insurance policy. If you’re a member of certain professional organizations, such as the California Medical Association or the California Association for the Education of Young Children, you may qualify for an insurance discount.
Alumni of California universities, such as Stanford University and the University of Southern California, may also qualify for additional savings.
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 $96 per month for liability coverage and $199 for full coverage.
What are the best car insurance companies in California?
California’s best car insurance companies include USAA, Nationwide, and State Farm. Once you determine your top priorities, finding the right fit is easier. For example, Nationwide and Safeco are the best insurers if you want to prioritize low rates. But if you’re a member of the military community, USAA might be a good choice.
What is the required auto insurance coverage in California?
The state of California mandates liability insurance that includes $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person, $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability. A policy from a reputable insurer meets these 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."
- KTVU. "California could see car insurance rates soar by more than 50% this year: Here’s why."
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
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