Best Car Insurance in California (2026)

State Farm, USAA, and Nationwide are three of the best car insurance companies in California.

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Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel Insurance Writer
  • 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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John Leach
Edited byJohn Leach
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John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

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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
4.0
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 18,367 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.33.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.72.9
How drivers feel about State Farm

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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Showing 75 reviews from California driversSee all 7,595 State Farm reviews
Linda
Verified Review
Excellent
I love my agent in Oakdale. They're amazing!
Patricia Nelson
Verified Review
Happy and Pleased with All Services
My broker takes care of all services, payments, and claims quickly!
Dan
Verified Review
Too Expensive
Too expensive for full coverage.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
658
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84
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 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.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score

  • Affordable rates in California

  • Various discounts, including ones specifically for young drivers

Cons
  • 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
4.2
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 989 verified driver reviews and ratings
Nationwide's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.03.6
Discounts3.72.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.52.9
How drivers feel about Nationwide

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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
Usage-based savings
Accident forgiveness
Recreational vehicle coverage
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 518 Nationwide reviews
Michael
Verified Review
Excellent
Just your average auto insurance company.
Wayne
Verified Review
Excellent
Expensive for the coverage provided.
William
Verified Review
Excellent
Too expensive and they farm you out to other insurance companies.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
627
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.7
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

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.

Pros
  • 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

Cons
  • 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
4.9
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 3,697 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.83.6
Discounts4.92.9
Policy transparency4.93.1
Value4.92.9
How drivers feel about USAA

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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 21 reviews from California driversSee all 1,585 USAA reviews
Kristina
Verified Review
You're the Only One Who Cares About You - Your Safety, Your Money, and Your Bottom Line
Move out of or stay out of California; it's an insurance rip-off and joke. It doesn't matter if you have a pristine driving record (like me, 30+ years as a licensed driver, zero tickets, zero accidents, zero claims - still screwed!). As long as there are people encouraged to break the law, you're going to foot the bill. First and foremost, be a responsible driver, drive defensively, pay attention, and keep your head on a swivel. Understand that no one else out there cares about you, your life, your vehicle, or your money, so you have to do right by yourself and your family alone. My next best advice to help ensure you can have your own back, because not everyone can even qualify for USAA (but if you do qualify for USAA, bar none, there is no better insurer out there, period!), is to figure out how to self-insure. Pay the premiums to yourself, invest in a no-touch type of account to accumulate your premiums and get an actual return on that investment. Then, if the worst-case scenario happens and you need to handle business, guess what - you can pay for it yourself. Your claim won't be denied, and your rates won't go up if, God forbid, you get in an accident, nor will you be denied coverage. These days, you're going to foot the bill, one way or another, most likely for you and the other party involved, so you might as well be your own insurer and quit paying premiums to another company who will forget that you've been footing the bill for all these years with no claims the moment you actually need them.
Courtney
Verified Review
USAA
Rates are too high for Tesla vehicles, otherwise excellent.
Richard
Verified Review
USAA Outstanding!
Outstanding. I have only had to use it once for an accident, but USAA was so helpful. I have been with them for 30+ years and lived in Rhode Island, England, as well as California.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
747
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
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

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.

Pros
  • High J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction

  • Generous discounts

  • All-in-one banking and insurance

Cons
  • 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
4.3
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 1,060 verified driver reviews and ratings
Safeco's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts4.12.9
Policy transparency4.13.1
Value3.82.9
How drivers feel about Safeco

Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Showing 4 reviews from California driversSee all 539 Safeco reviews
Jon
Verified Review
Shop around
Shop around. I believe insurers give an initial lower rate and then increase it over time, knowing that most people just keep paying the higher rate. You have to shop every time renewal comes up.
Farid
Verified Review
Analysis
For me, they raised rates too much.
Randy
Verified Review
Safeco Review
Generally good - handles the few claims we have submitted well.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
634
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.72
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 independent agent to get a quote and set up coverage, which might be a dealbreaker for drivers who prefer a digital experience.

Pros
  • Standardizes some optional coverages that usually cost extra

  • Cash back for claims-free drivers

  • Competitive pricing

Cons
  • 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
4.5
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 198 verified driver reviews and ratings
Amica's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.23.2
Customer service3.83.6
Discounts3.72.9
Policy transparency4.23.1
Value3.62.9
How drivers feel about Amica

Customers appreciate the excellent customer service and claims processing but are frustrated by the frequent and significant premium increases.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
24/7 claims service
Bundling discounts
High customer satisfaction
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 105 Amica reviews
Scott
Verified Review
Amica is an excellent choice
Excellent customer service.
Sarah
Verified Review
You get great service with car insurance, but you get what you pay for: High price, great service.
Amica is great. Customer service and claims both have great communication. It's just too pricey for my budget right now.
Therese
Verified Review
Fast Work Taking Care of Claims
Easy to work with.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
709
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.57
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 the company has 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

  • 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

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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

    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.

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

    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.

    illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/885773089c/states_california.svg

    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

  1. Jdpower.com. "2023 U.S. Insurance Shopping Study."
  2. KTVU. "California could see car insurance rates soar by more than 50% this year: Here’s why."
  3. California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
Taylor Milam-Samuel
Written byTaylor Milam-Samuel Insurance Writer
Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel Insurance Writer
  • 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.

Featured in

media logomedia logomedia logo

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.

John Leach
Edited byJohn LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
Photo of an Insurify author
John LeachLicensed P&C Agent, Chief Copy Editor
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years editing experience

  • NPN: 20461358

John is Insurify’s Chief Copy Editor, helping ensure the accuracy and readability of Insurify’s content. He’s a licensed agent specializing in home and car insurance topics.

Featured in

media logo
Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
  • Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

  • Impartial, independent expert

As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

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