Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in California

Drivers in California can often find the cheapest car insurance through smaller regional and select national insurers. USAA offers the cheapest rates in California, averaging $66 per month.

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
4.7 / 518K reviews
Doug Bailey
Writer: Doug BaileySenior Content Writer

Qualifications:
  • 15 years at the Boston Globe

  • 5+ years covering insurance industry


Doug joined Insurify as a senior content writer in 2025. He was previously a regular contributor to InsuranceNewsNet.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • 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.

Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Data reviewer: Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science

Qualifications:
  • 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.

Updated

Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
California car insurance at a glance
  • Cheapest car insurance company in California: USAA

  • Cheapest car insurance rate in California: $66 per month

  • Average monthly liability-only car insurance cost in California: $98

  • Average monthly full-coverage car insurance cost in California: $203

Cheapest car insurance quotes in California

The car insurance rates below are based on a driver in California with a clean driving record, good credit, and no recent claims. The car insurance quotes you receive may vary based on your age, location, vehicle, coverage selections, and driving history.

California drivers can often find the lowest premiums by comparing national and regional insurers. The three cheapest insurers in our analysis are USAA, GEICO, and Aspire General.

Here, you can see some of the other cheapest insurers across California.

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 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
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
USAA$66$150
Aspire General$68$123
GEICO$68$142
Sun Coast$71$172
Mercury$72$145
National General$72$200
Progressive$74$148
Dairyland$81$203
Direct Auto$84$208
Root$86$136
Anchor$93$179
Farmers$93$213
Bristol West$101$221
State Farm$101$231
Kemper Special$102$164
Travelers$106$242
Kemper Rsvp$113$167
21st Century$116$264
First Acceptance$153$348
Chubb$180$411
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Best-rated insurance companies in California

Price matters, but customer experience and financial strength are important considerations when choosing an insurance company. The companies below are the best car insurance companies in California based on Insurify’s verified user reviews, insurer financial strength, customer satisfaction scores, and complaint data.

Best for full coverage: Progressive

JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
635
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.
8.7 /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.
$74/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.
$148/mo
Details
How drivers feel about Progressive

Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Showing 53 reviews from California driversSee all 9,151 Progressive reviews
Eric
Verified Review
Save money
Cheap.
Rene
Verified Purchase
It Was Great
Good and affordable insurance.
Drew
Verified Review
Let the Buyer Beware... Caveat Emptor...
They’re on time when it comes to sending you the bill for alleged service, but pretty slow going the other way. I had two incidents this past year, and both were handled poorly. They denied uninsured motorist coverage for a hit-and-run because they wanted information on the other driver and vehicle. It was a hit-and-run—none of that was available. It took my lawyer getting involved before they relented. After that, they doubled my premium.
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
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

Progressive is Insurify’s pick for full coverage in California because it offers a wide range of optional coverages, competitive pricing for many drivers, and robust digital tools that make managing a policy and filing claims easier. With optional loan/lease payoff coverage and vehicle protection, it’s an especially strong choice for drivers with newer or financed vehicles.

Pros
  • Above-average customer satisfaction in California[1]

  • Competitive full-coverage rates for many California drivers

  • Highly rated mobile app and online policy management tools

Cons
  • Premiums can increase significantly following an accident or traffic violation

  • Mostly negative customer reviews on Trustpilot

  • Some regional insurers may offer lower rates for drivers with clean records

Best for minimum coverage: GEICO

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.
$68/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
Details
4.0
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 20,962 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.03.2
Customer service4.13.6
Discounts3.92.9
Policy transparency4.03.1
Value3.92.9
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.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Showing 75 reviews from California driversSee all 8,233 GEICO reviews
Theodore
Verified Review
My Current Policy
GEICO is there when you need them and is very responsive. You can get better rates when you bundle. I’ve been fortunate—other than a rock ding in the windshield, I’ve never had to file a claim. However, rates tend to go up every year, even with no claims.
Brady
Verified Review
I’m Being Taken Advantage of Like Millions of Others
Overpriced, and I had a bad experience with a claim. I uncovered what I believe was fraud at a GEICO-certified collision repair shop, and my GEICO agent found it but didn’t do anything. The one positive was that my agent’s supervisor contacted the dealership, and the service tech said they were “coercing me to say the damage was before your accident.”
Anthony
Verified Review
They Only Care About Uninsured Drivers
GEICO has to be the worst insurance you could ever go with. They supported an uninsured driver who crashed into my vehicle on purpose, then paid them $7,000 and then raised my insurance policy. They really disappointed me—stay away from them.
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 consistently offers competitive liability-only rates to California drivers and provides a simple online auto insurance quote experience. It’s a strong option for Californians who need to meet the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements without paying for coverage they don’t need.

Pros
  • Frequently among the lowest-priced insurers for California minimum-liability coverage

  • Easy-to-use online tools and mobile app for quotes, policy management, and claims

  • Offers multiple discounts, including good-driver, multi-vehicle, military, and federal employee discounts

Cons
  • No agent offices in California

  • Fewer optional coverages than some competitors

  • Mostly negative reviews on Trustpilot

Best for savings: Mercury Insurance

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.
7.5 /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.
$72/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$145/mo
Details
4.0
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 700 verified driver reviews and ratings
Mercury's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.73.2
Customer service3.23.6
Discounts3.22.9
Policy transparency3.63.1
Value3.32.9
How drivers feel about Mercury

Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.

Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify

Best in California for
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Showing 20 reviews from California driversSee all 331 Mercury reviews
Gary
Verified Purchase
I've already told a few people how much I appreciate the prices and the savings I’ve gotten since I got rid of State Farm and switched to Mercury.
I've already told a few people how much I appreciate the prices and the savings I’ve gotten since I got rid of State Farm and switched to Mercury.
Bradley
Verified Review
Fair
Trying to lower my rates. I contacted my agent but still haven’t heard back.
Kaye
Verified Review
Mercury Not Keeping Its Promise
Poor. I’m not sure why my rates went up. My three-year accident period is over in June ’26, and they said they would review it to lower my rate. I don’t see any change. I’ll be shopping for a better deal.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
596
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.95
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

Mercury Insurance offers competitive rates for California drivers and a variety of discounts — such as an electric vehicle discount — that can help reduce insurance costs. As a California-based insurer, Mercury has numerous agent offices throughout the state, which can be especially appealing to drivers who like personalized communication.

Pros
  • Competitive rates for many California drivers

  • Offers several discounts, including bundling, multi-car, good driver, and anti-theft savings

  • Long-established California insurer with numerous agents throughout the state

Cons
  • Below-average customer satisfaction in California

  • Digital tools and mobile experience not as comprehensive as those of some national insurers

  • Drivers with accidents, DUIs, or other high-risk factors may find lower rates elsewhere

Best for customer service: State Farm

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.
$101/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.
$231/mo
Details
4.1
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 21,453 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.13.2
Customer service4.43.6
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 8,185 State Farm reviews
Sandy
Verified Review
Poor customer service
I would say, "Don’t deal with the Jackson, CA office because they have the worst customer service and don’t credit payments upon receipt, so you get a late notice."
Addie
Verified Review
Well, I'm glad I'm with State Farm
State Farm has good service.
Naveed
Verified Review
I've Been with State Farm for Over 10 Years, and I Love Their Quality and Service
I've been with State Farm for over 10 years, and I absolutely love their quality and service.
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 combines a strong IQ Score with one of California’s largest local agent networks and consistently strong claims support. Drivers who value personalized service and reliable assistance throughout the life of their policy may find State Farm worth paying a little more for.

Pros
  • Financial strength grade of A+ (Superior) from AM Best

  • Extensive network of local agents throughout California for personalized service

  • Drive Safe & Save program can reward safe drivers with lower rates

Cons
  • Premiums may be higher than those of some competitors for certain driver profiles

  • Availability for new policies has varied in parts of California as the company has adjusted its underwriting in the state

  • Gap insurance not available

How we chose the best companiesexpand/collapse

We evaluated insurers operating in California using a combination of Insurify customer reviews, financial strength ratings, claims satisfaction studies, complaint ratios, coverage options, and pricing data. We also considered factors particularly relevant to California drivers, including wildfire exposure, urban congestion, vehicle theft trends, and the availability of local agents throughout the state.

How much is car insurance in California?

California drivers typically pay slightly less than the national average for minimum-liability coverage but may pay more than average for full coverage in certain regions. The average monthly rate for liability-only car insurance in California is $98, according to Insurify data. The average rate for full coverage is $203 per month. This is compared to national monthly averages of $99 and $187, respectively.

Several state-specific factors influence car insurance rates in California, including heavy traffic congestion in metropolitan areas, high vehicle repair costs, elevated litigation expenses, and persistent vehicle theft concerns in some cities. Wildfire-related economic pressures have also contributed to rising insurance premiums across multiple insurance lines in recent years.

Average car insurance quotes in California cities

California’s diverse geography, varying environmental risks, and broad range of driver demographics mean car insurance premiums vary widely in the state. For example, Glendale is a relatively small community in California with a population of about 187,160. But its higher cost of living and wildfire exposure mean it has higher car insurance costs than some much larger California cities.

The following table shows average car insurance rates for California cities.

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 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.

City
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Lompoc$72$143
Redding$72$153
Tulare$72$163
Hanford$74$154
Santa Maria$74$155
Santa Cruz$75$149
Visalia$75$160
Chico$76$144
Palm Desert$77$160
San Luis Obispo$78$140
Saratoga$78$202
Woodland$78$152
La Quinta$79$171
Hollister$80$169
Palm Springs$80$188
Ridgecrest$80$138
Watsonville$80$209
Chula Vista$81$181
Napa$81$172
Petaluma$81$176
Dublin$82$177
Cathedral City$83$178
San Ramon$84$191
Santa Barbara$84$161
Santa Rosa$84$175
Campbell$86$156
El Cerrito$86$201
Novato$86$177
Bakersfield$87$178
Beaumont$87$182
Concord$87$191
Fremont$87$189
Milpitas$87$181
San Mateo$87$198
Santa Clara$87$205
Fairfield$88$196
Oxnard$88$189
Pacifica$88$175
Vallejo$88$217
Vista$88$174
Yuba City$88$177
Fresno$89$178
San Marcos$89$175
Santee$89$153
Brentwood$90$175
Cupertino$90$190
Palo Alto$90$191
San Diego$90$179
San Jose$90$190
Lodi$91$185
National City$91$198
Oceanside$92$178
Pittsburg$92$214
San Clemente$92$177
Escondido$93$187
La Mesa$93$160
Poway$93$149
South San Francisco$93$204
Antioch$94$211
Folsom$94$174
Hemet$94$179
Lathrop$94$213
Temecula$94$179
Ceres$96$188
Stockton$96$203
West Sacramento$96$183
Modesto$97$191
Murrieta$97$201
Colton$98$197
El Cajon$98$196
Roseville$98$189
Tracy$98$195
Camarillo$99$181
Hayward$99$210
Perris$99$212
Redlands$99$183
Richmond$99$256
Aliso Viejo$100$182
Elk Grove$100$192
Lake Forest$100$174
Menifee$100$187
Moreno Valley$100$209
San Francisco$100$244
Riverside$102$205
San Leandro$102$212
Wildomar$102$194
Thousand Oaks$103$198
Corona$104$204
Laguna Niguel$104$186
Norco$104$189
Berkeley$105$206
Citrus Heights$105$187
Newport Beach$105$211
Hesperia$106$221
Rialto$106$216
Sacramento$106$215
San Bernardino$106$215
Adelanto$107$230
Brea$107$207
Chino$107$205
Irvine$107$214
Oakland$107$243
Victorville$107$222
La Mirada$108$210
Santa Ana$108$210
Chino Hills$109$206
Placentia$109$191
Pomona$109$235
Fontana$110$214
Huntington Beach$110$195
Ontario$110$207
Orange$110$197
San Pedro$111$226
Torrance$112$235
Azusa$114$216
Buena Park$114$220
Rancho Cucamonga$114$216
Garden Grove$115$208
La Puente$115$225
Paramount$115$234
Carson$117$239
Cypress$117$197
Fountain Valley$117$211
Long Beach$117$232
Whittier$117$222
Anaheim$118$216
Bell Gardens$118$264
Covina$118$228
Diamond Bar$118$227
Norwalk$119$223
Simi Valley$120$219
Walnut$121$237
Cerritos$123$234
Lancaster$124$240
Temple City$127$231
Santa Clarita$128$244
Palmdale$129$249
Pasadena$130$246
El Monte$131$247
Culver City$132$242
Lynwood$133$275
Compton$134$278
Inglewood$140$280
Santa Monica$140$274
San Gabriel$141$249
Burbank$155$286
Los Angeles$159$301
Studio City$162$285
Winnetka$169$315
Reseda$172$322
Northridge$173$326
West Hollywood$173$339
Glendale$185$366
Beverly Hills$195$362
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time California car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in California may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Drivers in major urban areas often face the highest insurance premiums in the state. The chart below highlights the five most expensive California cities for auto insurance.

The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, September 30 at 5:00 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.

City
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Reseda$172$322
Northridge$173$326
West Hollywood$173$339
Glendale$185$366
Beverly Hills$195$362

On-the-spot guidance from licensed insurance experts

Britney Balk
Britney BalkLicensed P&C Agent and Customer Service Supervisor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 14+ years insurance experience


Britney has 14+ years of experience in auto and home insurance. She’s committed to making sure customers feel informed and supported through every step of the insurance-buying process.

Mallory Mooney
Mallory MooneyLicensed P&C Insurance Agent and Director of Sales and Client Services

Qualifications:
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 10+ years of insurance experience


Mallory has 10+ years of experience in property and casualty insurance. She serves as the director of sales and client services at Insurify, where customer service is central to her leadership style.

Austin Moyers
Austin MoyersLicensed P&C Insurance Agent and Sales Manager

Qualifications:
  • Licensed property and casualty insurance agent

  • 13+ years of insurance experience


Austin has 13+ years of personal lines experience. As a sales manager at Insurify, he mentors agents and partners with leadership to refine sales strategies and improve the customer experience.

Why you should compare car insurance quotes in California

Car insurance rates can vary significantly among insurers for the same driver profile. One company may place more emphasis on your driving record, while another may focus more heavily on your ZIP code, annual mileage, or vehicle type.

California’s diverse geography and traffic conditions create additional pricing differences. Drivers in Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco may receive substantially different quotes than drivers in inland communities.

To receive the most accurate quotes:

  • Compare identical coverage limits and deductibles.

  • Include all household drivers.

  • Report annual mileage accurately.

  • Request both minimum- and full-coverage quotes.

  • Ask about available discounts.

  • Compare policy features, not just price.

  • Review optional coverage selections carefully.

Compare California Car Insurance Quotes

Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 17,504 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

California car insurance requirements

California law requires drivers to carry liability coverage with minimum limits of:

Coverage Type
Minimum Limit
Bodily injury liability per person$30,000
Bodily injury liability per accident$60,000
Property damage liability$15,000

​These liability coverage requirements are similar to those in many states, though California recently increased its minimum limits to those listed above.[2]

Unlike some states, California doesn’t require personal injury protection (PIP) because it isn’t a no-fault insurance state. Uninsured motorist coverage is generally optional, but insurers must offer it.

How to find the cheapest California car insurance

Shopping around remains the most effective way to lower car insurance costs in California. Annual rates can differ by hundreds of dollars between insurers.

California drivers can also reduce premiums by carefully selecting deductibles and taking advantage of available discounts.

To reduce your car insurance costs even more, you can:

  • Compare quotes from at least three insurers.

  • Maintain a clean driving record.

  • Bundle auto insurance with homeowners or renters insurance.

  • Raise deductibles if financially appropriate.

  • Reduce annual mileage when possible.

  • Take advantage of telematics or safe-driving programs.

  • Ask about multi-vehicle discounts.

California’s average credit score is higher than the national average, but state law limits how insurers use credit information more than in many other states.

Save on a California Auto Insurance Policy

Compare rates from the nation’s leading insurance companies

Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 17,504 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Find quotes for your driver profile

The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. Comparing quotes tailored to your specific situation can help you find the best car insurance at the lowest price.

The following resources can help you learn more about car insurance in California.

How car insurance costs have changed in California

California drivers have experienced notable premium increases in recent years as insurers have faced rising repair costs, higher vehicle values, higher medical expenses, and greater claim severity.

California car insurance rates increased throughout 2025, though growth moderated compared with some other states, according to Insurify’s American Driver Report. Looking ahead to 2026, insurers continue to cite repair inflation, labor costs, advanced vehicle technology, and litigation expenses as key drivers of rate changes.

Average California Car Insurance Rates Over the Past Five Years

State Name
2021-08
2021-09
2021-10
2021-11
2021-12
2022-01
2022-02
2022-03
2022-04
2022-05
2022-06
2022-07
2022-08
2022-09
2022-10
2022-11
2022-12
2023-01
2023-02
2023-03
2023-04
2023-05
2023-06
2023-07
2023-08
2023-09
2023-10
2023-11
2023-12
2024-01
2024-02
2024-03
2024-04
2024-05
2024-06
2024-07
2024-08
2024-09
2024-10
2024-11
2024-12
2025-01
2025-02
2025-03
2025-04
2025-05
2025-06
2025-07
2025-08
2025-09
2025-10
2025-11
2025-12
2026-01
2026-02
2026-03
2026-04
2026-05
2026-06
2026-07
2026-08
California1,7031,7041,7031,7041,7031,7031,6991,6961,7021,7091,7171,7211,7191,7141,7061,7011,7011,6971,6951,6901,6961,7131,7321,7411,7601,7771,7951,8241,8451,9111,9842,1492,2712,4122,5122,6442,7212,7512,7692,8082,8332,8192,7662,7032,6732,6372,5842,5252,4822,4552,4182,3992,3922,3882,3782,3762,3842,3952,4032,4182,429
United States1,5551,5571,5611,5641,5661,5681,5711,5771,5911,6021,6071,6121,6171,6231,6311,6391,6501,6651,6891,7191,7581,8031,8501,8881,9191,9561,9832,0062,0372,0762,1272,1942,2382,2992,3412,3682,3902,3872,3742,3702,3612,3512,3672,3682,3672,3562,3422,3182,2852,2582,2282,2152,2212,2222,2242,2332,2382,2372,2382,2392,241

California car insurance FAQs

California’s insurance market is one of the largest and most competitive in the country. Here are answers to some common questions drivers ask when shopping for coverage.

What company has the cheapest auto insurance in California?

USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in California. Its liability-only policies average $66 per month. But the cheapest insurer for you will vary based on your age, vehicle, location, and driving record. That’s why comparing multiple quotes is the best way to identify the lowest-cost insurer for your situation.

Is $300 per month for car insurance bad in California?

Not necessarily. For drivers with violations, teen drivers, luxury vehicle owners, or full-coverage policies in expensive areas, $300 per month may be reasonable. But safe drivers and those outside the previously mentioned groups often pay substantially less.

How much is car insurance in California?

The average monthly cost of liability coverage in California is $98. The average monthly cost of full coverage is $203. The cost you pay depends on your coverage level, location, vehicle, driver profile, and more.

Is there a risk to buying cheap car insurance?

Yes. The cheapest insurance policy may not provide enough financial protection after a serious accident. Drivers should evaluate coverage limits, deductibles, insurer reputation, and claims service in addition to price.

Sources

  1. J.D. Power. "J.D. Power 2026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
  2. California DMV. "Insurance Requirements."

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 250 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.

Doug Bailey
Writer: Doug BaileySenior Content Writer

Qualifications:
  • 15 years at the Boston Globe

  • 5+ years covering insurance industry


Doug joined Insurify as a senior content writer in 2025. He was previously a regular contributor to InsuranceNewsNet.

Photo of an Insurify author
Editor: Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor

Qualifications:
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

  • NPN: 20564519


Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

Mark Friedlander
Reviewer: Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute

Qualifications:
  • 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.

Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Data reviewer: Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science

Qualifications:
  • 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.