Best Car Insurance in California (2024)

The best car insurance in California includes State Farm, Metromile, and USAA. Here’s how to find the best insurer for you.

Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel
  • 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.

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Sara Getman
Edited bySara Getman
Sara Getman
Sara GetmanAssociate Editor

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.

Updated November 7, 2024

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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.

State Farm: Best overall

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.
$55/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.
$121/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 9003 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 (4,952)

Bonnie

November 7, 2024

Verified Review

Solid Offering

Great agent.

Fred

November 7, 2024

Verified Review

Unfair Treatment by State Farm

I have been with them for over 5 years. In the last few years, they have been overcharging me, claiming that I underpaid. I was dealing with liver cancer during this time, which made the situation even more challenging. My truck broke down, and after paying for a whole month, they only refunded me $20 when I took it off the policy. That was disappointing. I inquired about a discount for being 65 years old, but was told they don't offer that. In fact, they might even charge more. Meanwhile, other companies offer senior discounts. For a long time, I was paying over $600 a month.

Dianne

November 7, 2024

Verified Review

A Royal Rip-Off

I had State Farm for over 50 years. I had one back-up accident which caused a dent in my fender. The damage to the parked car didn't seem significant, but I don't know the exact extent as they won't disclose it to me. I now suspect the damage was exaggerated. My insurance went from $79.00 per month to $119.00 per month. This rate includes both house insurance and coverage for my 2009 Scion. This was the only accident in all that time, and I didn't even get my car fixed! Over 30 years ago, my car was broken into at a movie theater and I claimed money for stolen jackets, CDs, and a blanket. If you ever need to use your insurance, they increase your rate unfairly. They collected premiums from me all those years without a claim, and when I finally needed it, they increased my rate. This is why so many people don't file claims when they could and should. It feels like a royal rip-off.
See all State Farm reviews
JD Power
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

Cons
  • Doesn’t offer gap insurance

  • Service can vary by agent

  • No discount for paying in full

Metromile: Best for pay-per-mile

User Reviews
3.9
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.
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.
$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.
$115/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.
See all Metromile reviews
JD Power
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.

Pros
  • Easy-to-understand pricing

  • Good option for people who work from home

  • Most policies include pet injury protection

Cons
  • Constant monitoring

  • High number of complaints from the NAIC

  • Pricing only benefits drivers with low mileage

USAA: Best for military members

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.
9.4 /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.
$46/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.
$100/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1597 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 (911)

Tom

November 7, 2024

Verified Review

A Large Company Managed Inefficiently

I would recommend considering other options. My experience with them was not positive, even after being a customer for over 50 years.

Martin

November 6, 2024

Verified Review

Sharing My Experience with You

I have been with USA for more than 60 years. I am very happy with them. I had my car and my home insured for all of that time. I drive very little anymore, certainly well under 50 miles a day. I see ads for much lower rates and I was just looking to see if there are lower rates out there and if USA would give me a lower rate. I have no plans to change my insurance.

Richard

November 5, 2024

Verified Review

Excellent

Excellent experience with no problems.
See all USAA reviews
JD Power
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

Safeco: Best for cheap rates

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.
$79/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.
$142/mo
4.5
Best choiceBased on 751 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 (418)

Bonnie

November 2, 2024

Verified Review

The Price of Car Insurance

I'm not happy that I'm paying over $100 per month. My car is a 2013 model.

Harris

October 31, 2024

Verified Review

Just Fine

We have only used them for a flat tire change and windshield replacement.

Barbara

October 28, 2024

Verified Review

Insurance Keeps Going Up

Please stop raising prices.
See all Safeco reviews
JD Power
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.

Pros
  • Standardizes coverage that usually costs extra

  • Cash back for claims-free drivers

  • Competitive pricing

Cons
  • Low J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction

  • Can’t get quotes online

  • Limited number of discounts

Amica: Best for customer satisfaction

User Reviews
4.1
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.
$152/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.
$280/mo
4.1
Best choiceBased on 120 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 (70)

Sidney

November 1, 2024

Verified Review

I expected more after so many years of loyalty!

It's an honest company, but it doesn't communicate well with customers.

Bill

October 15, 2024

Verified Review

House and Auto Comparison

Amica is incredibly expensive. I am curious to see if other companies are as well.

Sheri

October 14, 2024

Verified Review

Love Amica

They are the best in customer service. I love them, but I am looking around just because my rates in Colorado are so high. I am not looking because there is anything I don't like about Amica.
See all Amica reviews
JD Power
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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/6a92eb6099/insurify-icons-auto-green-96x96_005-insurance.svg

    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]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/c1eabd846f/rating.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/8329623678/money-96x96-blue_025-online-money.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/13c17bd678/car-service-96x96-orange_027-car-lift.svg

    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 $219 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 $142 per month for liability coverage and $296 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

  1. Jdpower.com. "2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study."
  2. III. "Auto insurance basics—understanding your coverage."
  3. KTVU. "California could see car insurance rates soar by more than 50% this year: Here’s why."
  4. California DMV. "Auto Insurance Requirements."
Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel

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.

Sara Getman
Edited bySara GetmanAssociate Editor
Sara Getman
Sara GetmanAssociate Editor

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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