120+ more*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 25, 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 March 25, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
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8+ years writing about insurance, taxes, and personal finance
Certified public accountant
Janet applies her experience in personal finance, taxes, and accounting to make complex financial topics accessible. Her byline has appeared on numerous web media.
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Lequita Westbrooks is a Senior Editor at Insurify. With extensive experience in writing and editing across industries like insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more, she’s passionate about helping readers understand complex topics so they can make informed financial decisions and save money.
Outside of work, Lequita enjoys reading and spending time with her family (and two pups: Bella and Simba).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Florida.
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Insuring a vehicle can be costly for high-risk drivers in California. Statewide, the average cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers is $209 per month, compared to $174 per month for drivers with a clean record.
Car insurance companies often classify drivers with DUIs and other traffic violations as high-risk. Because these drivers are statistically more likely to file claims, they typically pay higher auto insurance premiums and may have difficulty finding affordable coverage.
If you’re a high-risk driver, having car insurance is crucial — not only to protect yourself financially but also to meet California’s financial responsibility laws. Below, we’ll explore your options and strategies for getting cheap car insurance in California.
California’s high-risk drivers pay an average of $127 per month for liability-only car insurance.
Mercury, Sun Coast, and USAA offer some of the lowest rates for high-risk California drivers.
Comparison shopping and attending traffic school can help reduce your premiums as a high-risk driver.
A high-risk driver is someone insurance companies see as more likely to file insurance claims due to a history of tickets or accidents. Common reasons a company might flag you as a high-risk driver include DUIs, multiple traffic tickets, at-fault accidents, coverage lapses, and working as a rideshare driver.
California’s point system assigns a specific value to violations. For example, drivers get two points for a DUI or hit-and-run accident and one point for speeding or other minor infractions.[1]
Getting too many points in a short time frame can lead to higher insurance rates, a suspended driver’s license, or the need for specialized high-risk insurance.[2]
Insurify partners with 100+ top insurers for real-time quotes
Car insurance rates for high-risk drivers vary depending on the company, the nature of the violation, and other factors. Shopping around can help you find the coverage you need at a more affordable price. Below are three of the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers in California.
| User Reviews | 3.6 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.0 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $107/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. | $194/mo |
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.
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.
Cathy
March 23, 2025
The Ups and Downs Through the Years with Mercury Insurance
Nomie
March 16, 2025
Fed up with Rising Prices
Hope
March 7, 2025
Raised my rates after first 6 months
Mercury offers competitive rates to high-risk drivers — especially if you have multiple tickets or accidents on your record. The company offers the lowest rates in California for drivers with poor credit, at-fault accidents, DUIs, tickets, and other risk factors. It also offers several discounts that can help lower your premiums.
Solid financial strength and stability ratings
Accepts rideshare drivers
Customizable coverage
Below-average J.D. Power customer and claims satisfaction ratings
Above-average number of customer complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)
No accident forgiveness
| User Reviews | 3.7 |
|---|---|
| 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. | NR |
| 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. | $105/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. | $257/mo |
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices but dislike the subsequent price increases and lack of communication for policy upgrades.
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices but dislike the subsequent price increases and lack of communication for policy upgrades.
Taylor
March 10, 2025
Rip Off
Marylou
September 9, 2024
Surprise!
Patricia
August 14, 2024
Great so far
Sun Coast isn’t an insurance company. It’s an independent insurance agency specializing in helping high-risk drivers in a handful of western states find affordable coverage. The company works with a network of independent agents to offer drivers low down payments and flexible payment plans.
A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)
Low down payments and flexible payment options
Customer service available in English and Spanish
Fewer car insurance discounts
Limited coverage available
Available in only 11 states
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $95/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. | $224/mo |
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.
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.
Charles
March 24, 2025
An Irritated Customer at CD
Philip
March 23, 2025
Fair
Shandra
March 21, 2025
Helpful in Difficult Times
USAA consistently offers some of the lowest rates for high-risk drivers who qualify for membership. The company serves military families and promises excellent customer support. It also offers a range of financial products besides insurance, including banking, retirement, and investment accounts.
Low rates for eligible members
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Save up to 60% with vehicle storage
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints with the NAIC
Available only to military members and their families
No brick-and-mortar insurance agencies in California
An at-fault accident on your record will increase your car insurance rates in California. After an accident, insurance companies see you as riskier to insure. The table below shows the average monthly cost for liability-only and full-coverage insurance for drivers with at-fault accidents.
Insurance Company  | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage | 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $121 | $285 | 9.4 |
| Anchor | $133 | $262 | 6.0 |
| Sun Coast | $133 | $326 | 0.0 |
| National General | $139 | $380 | 6.8 |
| Dairyland | $140 | $519 | 7.0 |
| Root | $141 | $270 | 8.4 |
| Direct Auto | $147 | $405 | 7.3 |
| Mercury | $148 | $268 | 8.0 |
| GEICO | $160 | $379 | 9.0 |
| Allstate | $166 | $391 | 8.9 |
| Farmers | $172 | $403 | 8.3 |
| State Farm | $184 | $431 | 9.3 |
| Travelers | $196 | $462 | 9.0 |
| Bristol West | $201 | $452 | 5.2 |
| 21st Century | $217 | $511 | 5.9 |
| Nationwide | $262 | $620 | 8.7 |
A DUI conviction can cause your car insurance rates to skyrocket. This type of violation indicates a higher likelihood of risky driving behavior. The following table highlights the average monthly premiums for liability-only and full-coverage car insurance for drivers with a DUI.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage | 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Root | $143 | $273 | 8.4 |
| USAA | $147 | $347 | 9.4 |
| Sun Coast | $154 | $378 | 0.0 |
| Mercury | $157 | $284 | 8.0 |
| Anchor | $167 | $330 | 6.0 |
| Dairyland | $172 | $636 | 7.0 |
| National General | $172 | $469 | 6.8 |
| Direct Auto | $175 | $481 | 7.3 |
| GEICO | $195 | $461 | 9.0 |
| Allstate | $203 | $477 | 8.9 |
| Farmers | $209 | $491 | 8.3 |
| State Farm | $226 | $531 | 9.3 |
| Travelers | $237 | $559 | 9.0 |
| Bristol West | $244 | $549 | 5.2 |
| 21st Century | $258 | $608 | 5.9 |
| Nationwide | $317 | $749 | 8.7 |
Getting a speeding ticket in California can increase your car insurance rates, as it signals a higher risk to insurance companies. The table below shows the average monthly cost for liability-only and full coverage for California drivers with speeding tickets.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage | 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. |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $118 | $278 | 9.4 |
| Anchor | $133 | $262 | 6.0 |
| Sun Coast | $134 | $329 | 0.0 |
| Dairyland | $138 | $510 | 7.0 |
| National General | $138 | $377 | 6.8 |
| Root | $138 | $265 | 8.4 |
| Direct Auto | $141 | $389 | 7.3 |
| Mercury | $143 | $260 | 8.0 |
| GEICO | $157 | $371 | 9.0 |
| Allstate | $163 | $383 | 8.9 |
| Farmers | $168 | $395 | 8.3 |
| State Farm | $180 | $422 | 9.3 |
| Travelers | $192 | $453 | 9.0 |
| Bristol West | $199 | $447 | 5.2 |
| 21st Century | $214 | $504 | 5.9 |
| Nationwide | $257 | $607 | 8.7 |
You can find ways to reduce your car insurance costs in California, even if you have a bad driving record. Here are a few strategies to consider:
Comparison shop for quotes. Every Insurance company looks at risk differently. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find more affordable coverage.[3]
Ask about discounts. Some insurance companies offer car insurance discounts for things like completing a defensive driving course or bundling auto insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance.
Increase your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premiums. Increasing your deductible from $200 to $1,000 lowers the cost of comprehensive and collision coverage by 40% or more, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I).
Work with an independent insurance agent. Independent agents sell policies from multiple insurance companies rather than just one.[4] They may have access to insurance companies that cater to high-risk drivers.
Check quotes from 100+ top insurance companies
Here are a few steps you can take to improve your driving record and lower your car insurance costs over time.
Follow traffic laws, avoid speeding, and stay alert while driving. This can help prevent accidents and moving violations.
You may be eligible for traffic school for certain tickets, which will help you avoid additional points on your driving record. The notice you receive from the court will state whether you’re eligible.[5] While there is a fee to attend, your insurance company may count this as a defensive driving course and apply a discount to your insurance policy.
Contest or negotiate traffic tickets with the help of an attorney. This can reduce or eliminate points on your driving record, potentially saving you money on car insurance premiums.
Maintaining auto insurance coverage helps you avoid penalties. It also signals responsibility to insurance companies, leading to better rates in the future.
Below are answers to a few common questions about high-risk car insurance in California to help you navigate your coverage options.
In California, a high-risk driver is someone with a history of violations, such as a DUI conviction, speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or driving without insurance. Some insurance companies also consider working as a rideshare driver to be a risk factor.
Companies like USAA, Mercury, and Sun Coast offer the best and most competitive rates for high-risk drivers. But the best company for you ultimately depends on your unique circumstances.
In insurance, “high-risk” refers to drivers who are more likely to file claims. This might be due to driving record, age, credit history, and other risk factors, like lapses in coverage.
High-risk auto insurance in California averages $209 per month. But your rates will vary depending on the insurance company and your personal circumstances.
In California, reckless driving can stay on your driving record for 36 months or longer, depending on the severity of the violation. This can result in higher insurance rates during that time.
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 50+ 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:
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Janet Berry-Johnson, CPA is a freelance writer with a background in accounting and income tax planning and preparation. She's passionate about making complicated financial topics accessible to readers. She lives in Omaha, Nebraska with her husband and son and their rescue dog, Dexter. Visit her website at www.jberryjohnson.com.
Janet has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Lequita Westbrooks is a Senior Editor at Insurify. With extensive experience in writing and editing across industries like insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more, she’s passionate about helping readers understand complex topics so they can make informed financial decisions and save money.
Outside of work, Lequita enjoys reading and spending time with her family (and two pups: Bella and Simba).
She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of South Florida.
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