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Cheapest Auto Insurance in California (2025)

USAA has some of the lowest car insurance quotes in California, at $81 per month for liability-only insurance.

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Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in California

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $53/mo for liability only and $102/mo for full coverage in California.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Amy Beardsley
Written byAmy Beardsley
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Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer
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Amy specializes in insurance and technology writing and has a talent for transforming complex topics into easy-to-understand stories.

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Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley Cox
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Triple-I
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As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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California drivers pay an overall average of $146 per month for car insurance. Insurify’s analysts expect costs to rise 4% by the end of 2025. The end of California’s freeze on rate hikes, the state’s high risk of weather-related damage, and the rising cost of auto body parts will drive the increase.

The average quote for a California liability-only car insurance policy is $93 per month, while a full-coverage policy costs $200 per month. By comparison, the national average rates are $100 for liability-only insurance and $177 for full coverage.

Here’s how to research the best car insurance companies in California to find the right one for you.

Quick Facts
  • California drivers with a DUI on their record pay over 50% more for car insurance than drivers with clean records.

  • USAA and National General are the cheapest liability insurance companies in California, according to Insurify data.

  • California’s “comparative negligence” law can limit your reimbursement amount after an accident.

6 of the cheapest car insurance companies in California

The insurers below are some of the cheapest car insurance companies in California.

GEICO logo
Safeco logo
State Farm logo
Auto-Owners logo
USAA logo
Progressive logo
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$160/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$115/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$206/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$62/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$134/mo*
Average price
Prices based on average across state-minimum and full coverage car insurance
$137/mo*
Overall rating
4.0
Overall rating
4.4
Overall rating
4.1
Overall rating
4.3
Overall rating
4.9
Overall rating
3.3
Value for money
3.8/5
Value for money
3.9/5
Value for money
3.8/5
Value for money
3.5/5
Value for money
4.9/5
Value for money
3.3/5
Customer service
4.0/5
Customer service
4.0/5
Customer service
4.1/5
Customer service
3.5/5
Customer service
4.7/5
Customer service
3.4/5
Claims handling
4.1/5
Claims handling
4.1/5
Claims handling
4.1/5
Claims handling
3.8/5
Claims handling
4.9/5
Claims handling
3.5/5
Special highlight
AI-generated from 6733 user reviews
Teen drivers
Special highlight
AI-generated from 504 user reviews
Cash back for being claims free
Special highlight
AI-generated from 6382 user reviews
Customer service
Special highlight
AI-generated from 143 user reviews
Cheap rates
Special highlight
AI-generated from 1278 user reviews
Members of the military community
Special highlight
AI-generated from 7333 user reviews
Competitive rates
Data in this table has been sourced from Insurify’s users who have indicated they are insured with the listed providers

Finding the best car insurance in California is about balancing cost with coverage and looking for discounts to help you save. GEICO, Safeco, and State Farm are some of Insurify’s top picks for California drivers.

GEICO

GEICO logo
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.
9.2 /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.
$114/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.
$206/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 12,823 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO

Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (6,733)
Phillip
Verified Review
Overpriced
Reviewed in New York on November 2025
Shop around; there’s cheaper insurance than Geico. I’m done on 11/5.
Pinchas
Verified Review
Cheapest
Reviewed in New York on November 2025
No experience, just cheap.
B J
Verified Review
Frustrating Automated Help Line
Reviewed in Louisiana on November 2025
They have the worst automated help line! It's extremely difficult, and the system refuses to connect you to a human! I called on Friday to get a copy of my policy and didn't receive the email or the link until Saturday and early Sunday morning! I dislike dealing with the automated system!
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
626
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

GEICO is one of the largest car insurance companies in the U.S., and it offers some of the cheapest rates in California. Drivers can also save with discounts, including those for customer loyalty, safe driving, and installing safety features in their vehicles. But if you drive for a rideshare company, you’ll need to look elsewhere for coverage.

Pros
  • Offers accident forgiveness coverage

  • A++ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

Cons
  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

  • Doesn’t offer gap insurance or rideshare insurance

Safeco

Safeco logo
User Reviews
4.4
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.
$88/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
4.4
Best choiceBased on 914 verified guest reviews and ratings
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.

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

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Reviews (504)
Cynthia
Verified Review
Very Happy with a Little Trouble Understanding Age-Based Rates
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on October 2025
I was told that my insurance goes up due to my age. Isn't that discrimination? They said that my reflexes aren't as good. I have been driving for 64 years with no accidents. I am a safe driver and am on the road daily. I feel this is unfair. No other issues.
Gary
Verified Review
Their only shortfall and why I'm shopping around is due to their rate hikes over the past year.
Reviewed in Idaho on October 2025
Excellent company for their coverage, handling claims, etc. Customer service and representatives are absolutely above average.
Ali
Verified Purchase
Choose Insurance Plan
Reviewed in on October 2025
Acceptable, fast, easy.
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 is another affordable insurer in California. In addition to standard car insurance coverages, you can choose several add-ons, including new vehicle replacement, rental car reimbursement, and roadside assistance. But you won’t be able to get rideshare coverage from this insurer in California.

Pros
  • Many local agents in California

  • Offers accident forgiveness coverage

Cons
  • Doesn’t offer rideshare insurance in California

  • Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

State Farm

State Farm logo
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.
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.
$125/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.
$286/mo
4.1
Best choiceBased on 12,174 verified guest reviews and ratings
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.

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

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Customer service
Competitive rates
Discounts for safe drivers
Reviews (6,382)
Trudy
Verified Review
Company coverage is good but cost is too expensive
Reviewed in Texas on November 2025
I think their pricing is too high. I'm a single woman driving less than 300 miles a month.
William
Verified Review
Agent is very nice but I cannot afford this insurance
Reviewed in Tennessee on November 2025
They are too expensive for us seniors.
Jacob
Verified Review
Price is competitive but they can deny renewal for any large payout.
Reviewed in Arizona on November 2025
It is very competitive with other major insurance companies. My claim for the house was handled efficiently last year. Then State Farm sent a letter to inform me of no renewal for the homeowner policy due to the large claim from water damage. We had to find another insurance company for coverage within a month.
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 largest insurance company in the U.S. by market share, and it offers relatively competitive rates in California. J.D. Power rates it highly for customer and claims satisfaction, and drivers can save on their premiums with discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, and installing anti-theft features in their vehicles.

Pros
  • Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

  • Long-standing history in the insurance industry

Cons
  • Not as many discounts as some insurers

  • Can’t finalize a quote online; must work with an agent

Calculate how much your California car insurance might cost

See how much you might pay for a California car insurance policy using the calculator below.

ESTIMATED RATE: $177 per month
40% of similar drivers pay less for coverage. Save up to $1308 per year by comparing quotes!
Quoted premiums and averages sourced from Insurify's database of more than 97 million car insurance quotes from 120+ partner providers. Actual rates may vary based on each policy buyer's unique driver profile.

How to get the cheapest car insurance in California

Your specific needs and circumstances can influence which insurance company is the cheapest for you. Insurers consider several factors to determine your premium, including your age, driving record, type of car, and the city where you live.[1]

Here are a few tips to help you find the most affordable car insurance in California:

  • Keep a clean driving record. At-fault accidents and traffic violations can raise your premiums, so safe driving can lead to significant savings.

  • Take advantage of discounts. Car insurance discounts for safe driving, for bundling policies, or even for driving a hybrid or electric car can cut down your car insurance quote.

  • Increase your deductible. While you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim, a higher deductible can lower your monthly premium significantly.

  • Shop around. Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is essential because rates can vary quite a bit from one company to the next.

California’s low-cost auto insurance plan

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps low-income drivers find affordable car insurance amid rising rates. Car insurance through the CLCA costs $232 to $932 per year. To be eligible for the program, you must:

  • Have a valid California driver’s license

  • Meet income eligibility requirements

  • Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less

  • Be at least 16 years old

  • Have a good driving record or be a new driver

The low-cost auto insurance program helps drivers meet California’s minimum liability requirements, but you can add medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for $37 to $107 per year. Yous can apply for the program online at MyLowCostAuto.com.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance quotes in California: USAA

Liability-only car insurance coverage pays for the policyholder’s legal responsibility to others for bodily injury or property damage,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute. It doesn’t cover repairs or medical expenses for you or your vehicle.

Because it covers so little compared to other policy types, liability insurance is usually the cheapest type of car insurance available. On average, liability insurance in California costs $93 per month.

The table below highlights some of the cheapest liability-only car insurance companies in California.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote
sort ascsort desc
USAA$81
National General$89
Sun Coast$93
Dairyland$94
Mercury$101
Root$102
Allstate$112
GEICO$114
Farmers$116
Direct Auto$117
Anchor$118
Bristol West$121
State Farm$125
Travelers$131
21st Century$143
Nationwide$176
Chubb$223
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in California: USAA

A liability-only policy covers damages and injuries to others in an accident you cause, but full-coverage insurance also includes protection for your vehicle. Full coverage is generally the better choice if you drive a newer or more valuable car. It includes comprehensive coverage, which pays for damage from theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, and collision coverage, which pays for car damages from an accident, even if you’re at fault.

California drivers pay $200 on average for full-coverage insurance. Here’s a look at some of the cheapest auto insurance companies for full coverage in California:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote
sort ascsort desc
USAA$186
Root$187
Mercury$194
Anchor$194
GEICO$206
Sun Coast$233
Allstate$257
National General$260
Farmers$264
Bristol West$285
State Farm$286
Travelers$301
Direct Auto$311
21st Century$327
Dairyland$336
Nationwide$403
Chubb$510
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest recent car insurance quotes in California

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $53/mo for liability only and $102/mo for full coverage in California.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from November 3, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Car insurance requirements in California

California is an at-fault state for car insurance. But it uses “comparative negligence,” so each driver can end up shouldering part of the blame. For instance, if you sue another driver for causing an accident, the court may find that you’re 15% at fault because you were driving a little too fast at the time. In this case, you could only collect 85% of the damages.[2] [3]

If you plan to drive in California, you must have auto insurance that meets the states minimum liability requirements. State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which took effect Jan. 1, 2025. Here’s the new minimum coverage you need in California:[4]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/f2ca9fa443/protection-for-passengers.svg

    Bodily injury liability

    • $30,000 per person

    • $60,000 per accident

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/7b43b14514/damage-from-aircraft.svg

    Property damage liability

    • $15,000

For more protection, California auto insurance companies have several optional insurance coverages you can buy:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/5285c4cd74/uninsured-or-underinsured-motorist-coverage.svg

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage protects you in case of an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or has insufficient coverage.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/4c9753bdbe/medical-payments.svg

    Medical payments coverage

    Medical payments coverage helps pay for medical expenses resulting from an accident, regardless of fault.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/d7333ddf2e/car-and-driving-96x96-orange_046-car-accident.svg

    Collision coverage

    Collision insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle if it collides with another car or object.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/665da91bf7/comprehensive-coverage.svg

    Comprehensive coverage

    Comprehensive insurance protects against non-collision incidents, like theft, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/73ee7a876e/repair.svg

    Custom equipment coverage

    This coverage protects aftermarket additions or modifications you make to your vehicle, such as stereos, custom wheels, or navigation systems.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/100x100/9997698e9e/emergency-roadside-service.svg

    Towing and roadside assistance coverage

    Roadside assistance coverage pays for help during breakdowns, providing towing, tire changes, and fuel-delivery services.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/f82464c85b/car-sharing-96x96-orange_048-car-key.svg

    Rental reimbursement coverage

    Rental reimbursement coverage helps offset the cost of a rental car while your car is in the shop due to a covered claim.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/abffe6238f/financial-protection.svg

    Gap coverage

    Gap insurance pays the difference between the actual cash value and the outstanding balance you owe on a car lease or loan if your car is totaled.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for CA drivers with an incident

Car insurance companies see you as a high-risk driver if your history includes incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs. Higher risk can lead to higher rates for car insurance. For instance, California drivers with a DUI pay nearly double what drivers with a clean record pay.

Read More: SR-22 Car Insurance Quotes in California

Read More: SR-22 Car Insurance Quotes in California

Find Cheap Car Insurance in California

Liability rates start at $81 per month

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
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ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Despite the higher risk, several insurers in California offer competitive rates for drivers with speeding tickets on their records. California drivers with speeding tickets pay an average of $114 per month for liability insurance compared to drivers with a clean record, who pay $93.

The table below shows a price comparison between having a clean record and having a ticket from popular insurers.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Clean Record
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Speeding Ticket
sort ascsort desc
USAA$81$102
National General$89$109
Sun Coast$93$114
Dairyland$94$116
Mercury$101$139
Root$102$133
Allstate$112$142
GEICO$114$146
Farmers$116$145
Direct Auto$117$145
Anchor$118$144
Bristol West$121$149
State Farm$125$155
Travelers$131$166
21st Century$143$183
Nationwide$176$223
Chubb$223$277
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA

Accidents happen. A fender bender or more serious crash can cause your premiums to rise for at least three years, but it doesn’t mean you’ll never get affordable coverage again.[5]

On average, California drivers with an at-fault accident on their record pay $110 per month for liability coverage.

Consider starting your search for coverage after an at-fault accident with policies from the following California auto insurers:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Clean Record
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With At-Fault Accident
sort ascsort desc
USAA$81$101
National General$89$111
Sun Coast$93$110
Dairyland$94$117
Mercury$101$143
Root$102$126
Allstate$112$140
GEICO$114$137
Farmers$116$144
Direct Auto$117$151
Anchor$118$146
Bristol West$121$150
State Farm$125$154
Travelers$131$164
21st Century$143$181
Nationwide$176$221
Chubb$223$276
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for drivers with a DUI: USAA

Getting cheap car insurance in California can be difficult if you have a DUI. Fortunately, several companies specialize in high-risk coverage, offering competitive rates if you have a DUI on your driving record or need to have your insurer file an SR-22 in California.

Drivers with DUIs on their record in California pay an average of $116 per month for liability insurance. To help get a lower rate, ask for car insurance discounts and consider telematics programs to demonstrate your commitment to safer driving habits.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With Clean Record
sort ascsort desc
Avg. Quote With DUI
sort ascsort desc
USAA$81$110
National General$89$121
Sun Coast$93$116
Dairyland$94$128
Mercury$101$143
Root$102$137
Allstate$112$152
GEICO$114$151
Farmers$116$157
Direct Auto$117$159
Anchor$118$164
Bristol West$121$164
State Farm$125$170
Travelers$131$178
21st Century$143$194
Nationwide$176$239
Chubb$223$303
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest car insurance quotes for seniors: USAA

Car insurance costs tend to decrease around age 25 due to having more experience and a generally lower likelihood of risky behavior. Senior drivers generally pay low rates, averaging $83 per month for liability policies in California.

But seniors face rising rates at around age 70 due to higher risk. Fatal crash rates jump significantly around ages 70–74, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[6]

Here are the cheapest California car insurance companies for senior drivers:

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$67$154
National General$71$208
Dairyland$79$283
Sun Coast$83$208
Mercury$83$160
Root$87$160
GEICO$92$167
Allstate$93$214
Farmers$94$214
Direct Auto$96$255
Anchor$99$163
State Farm$101$230
Bristol West$102$241
Travelers$107$245
21st Century$115$262
Nationwide$138$315
Chubb$172$393
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

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Liability rates for seniors average $83 per month

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Cheapest car insurance quotes for teens: USAA

Auto insurance rates for teen drivers tend to be significantly higher than those for adults due to limited driving experience and higher accident risks. In general, graduated licensing programs cause fatal crash rates to decrease over time, but they remain nearly two times higher than for drivers ages 20 and older, according to the IIHS.[7]

California teens pay high rates, at an average of $174 per month for liability coverage. To make coverage costs more affordable, consider staying on your parents’ policy and driving a safe, reliable, older vehicle. If you maintain good grades, you may qualify for a good student discount that can get you even lower rates.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Saturday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$152$348
Dairyland$158$566
Sun Coast$174$436
Root$181$331
National General$183$534
Mercury$191$366
Anchor$208$342
GEICO$209$378
Bristol West$220$517
Allstate$224$514
Farmers$230$524
Direct Auto$232$618
State Farm$244$559
21st Century$263$602
Travelers$271$624
Nationwide$348$797
Chubb$472$1,079
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Car insurance rates across California cities

Where you live in California has a big impact on your car insurance rates. This is because insurance companies take into account the number of claims filed in your area when setting car insurance rates. The higher number of claims in an area translates into higher risk for the insurance company, which ultimately means higher rates for the drivers in that city.

Check out the table below to see the average car insurance rates for cities across California. 

California car insurance FAQs

Check out Insurify’s guide on car insurance declaration pages to better understand what your policy includes. You can also read the following answers to commonly asked questions about car insurance in California.

  • How much is car insurance in California?

    Car insurance in California costs an average of $146 per month. Full-coverage car insurance costs an average of $200 per month, and liability-only insurance is $93 per month.

  • Which company has the cheapest car insurance in California?

    The cheapest car insurance companies for liability-only coverage in California are Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Mercury. Their respective monthly liability rates are $81, $89, and $93.

  • What is the best car insurance in California?

    GEICO, Safeco, and State Farm are a few of the best car insurance companies in California. But no single “best” car insurance company exists for all drivers. It’s important to compare quotes to determine which company best meets your budget and coverage needs.

  • Is California a no-fault state?

    No. California follows a fault-based system, which means drivers who cause damages or injuries in an accident are responsible for reimbursing the other parties, typically through their liability policies.

  • Do you need uninsured motorist coverage in California?

    California doesn’t require drivers to purchase uninsured motorist coverage, but it’s a beneficial addition to insurance policies. If a driver without insurance — or with insufficient coverage — damages your car or injures you in an accident, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can help pay for your losses. It also covers losses from hit-and-runs.

  • Can car insurance companies in California use your credit score to determine rates?

    California law prohibits insurance companies from using consumer credit information, gender, or ZIP code when making rating decisions. But most states allow the use of credit as a rating factor, while a handful of others restrict how insurers can use credit information for rating decisions.

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

  • Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
  • Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
  • No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
  • Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
  • Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

Related articles

Sources

  1. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
  2. California Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance Terms."
  3. California Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance."
  4. California Department of Insurance. "Automobile Insurance Information Guide."
  5. III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
  6. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Fatality Facts 2021: Older people."
  7. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Fatality Facts 2021: Teenagers."
Amy Beardsley
Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer

Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.

Amy has been a contributor at Insurify since September 2023.

Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxSenior Managing Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 7+ years in content creation and management

  • 5+ years in insurance and personal finance content

Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Triple-I
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Triple-I
  • Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute

  • 20+ years in insurance and communications

As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
  • 7+ years experience in data analysis

  • Ph.D. in Computational Biology

Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.

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