Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in California (2025)

High-risk California drivers have several options for finding affordable car insurance. We’ve summarized the best options for drivers in the Golden State with tickets, accidents, and other dings on their records.

Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson
  • 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
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

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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Cheapest recent rates in California for drivers with a traffic citation

Recent California car insurance prices for Mercedes Benz, Jeep, Chevrolet , and more.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on January 20, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 January 20, 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 January 20, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 January 20, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Insuring a vehicle can be costly for high-risk drivers in California. Statewide, the average cost of car insurance for high-risk drivers is $244 per month, compared to $205 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.

Quick Facts
  • California’s high-risk drivers pay an average of $165 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.

Who is a high-risk driver in California?

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]

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Best California auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers

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.

Mercury Insurance: Best for drivers with multiple traffic violations or accidents

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.
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.
$109/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.
$193/mo
3.7
A solid optionBased on 488 verified guest reviews and ratings
Mercury's score
Industry average
Coverage options3.53.2
Customer service3.33.6
Discounts3.12.9
Policy transparency3.43.1
Value32.9
How drivers feel about Mercury

Drivers appreciate the exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
How drivers feel about Mercury

Drivers appreciate the exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Reviews (269)

William

January 8, 2025

Verified Review

Average

I've never had to file a claim, however, the price kept increasing.

Joshua

January 7, 2025

Verified Review

My claim was handled professionally and efficiently

Professional

Simeon

December 28, 2024

Verified Review

Excellent

Very good.
See all Mercury reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
827
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.48
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 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.

Pros
  • Solid financial strength and stability ratings

  • Accepts rideshare drivers

  • Customizable coverage

Cons
  • 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

Sun Coast Insurance: Best for high-risk drivers on a budget

User Reviews
3.8
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.
$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.
$238/mo
3.8
A solid optionBased on 19 verified guest reviews and ratings
Sun Coast's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.33.2
Customer service3.83.6
Discounts42.9
Policy transparency3.93.1
Value3.82.9
How drivers feel about Sun Coast

Drivers appreciate the payment options and knowledgable adjusters but dislike the expensive premiums and unavailable customer service.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Difficult-to-insure drivers
West Coast drivers
Coverage in Mexico
How drivers feel about Sun Coast

Drivers appreciate the payment options and knowledgable adjusters but dislike the expensive premiums and unavailable customer service.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Difficult-to-insure drivers
West Coast drivers
Coverage in Mexico
Reviews (9)

Marylou

September 9, 2024

Verified Purchase

Surprise!

Sun Coast is by far the best insurance I have found. The rates are awesome.

Patricia

August 14, 2024

Verified Review

Great so far

Excellent

Tiffany

August 12, 2024

Verified Purchase

Unpleasant Experience

The experience was terrible. I was quoted a price but wasn't informed that I needed to submit proof of my degree. I wasn't given any time to submit it before my rate was increased. My payment didn't come out of my direct deposit on time due to their mistake, which resulted in an increased rate. I'm on a fixed income, so this was a terrible experience. Now, I have no insurance.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NR
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NR
Why we picked this company

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.

Pros
  • A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

  • Low down payments and flexible payment options

  • Customer service available in English and Spanish

Cons
  • Fewer car insurance discounts

  • Limited coverage available

  • Available in only 11 states

USAA: Best for military members and their families

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.
$122/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.
$246/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1,675 verified guest reviews and ratings
USAA's score
Industry average
Coverage options4.93.2
Customer service4.63.6
Discounts4.92.9
Policy transparency4.93.1
Value4.92.9
How drivers feel about USAA

Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA

Drivers appreciate the ease of working with the carrier, competitive rates, and responsive service but dislike the price increases and lack of rideshare add-ons in some areas.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (961)

William

January 18, 2025

Verified Review

Trouble Remembering PIN with USAA

USAA is great, but I do have trouble remembering my PIN number. That's a problem.

William

January 13, 2025

Verified Review

I love USAA

I love USAA. However, I don't know my PIN, and that has caused me some inconvenience.

Thomas

January 13, 2025

Verified Review

Too Personal

They penalize me for using my phone as a passenger in someone else's car. Even though I have a Bluetooth hands-free phone, they still want to deduct points. I guess next they'll penalize me if I talk to my wife while I'm driving.
See all USAA reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
876
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company

USAA consistently 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.

Pros
  • Low rates for eligible members

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

  • Save up to 60% with vehicle storage

Cons
  • 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

Cheapest car insurance in California with an at-fault accident

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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, January 1 at 11:00 AM PST
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.
Sun Coast$116$2910.0
Anchor$144$3846.0
Mercury$147$2608.0
USAA$152$3079.4
National General$164$4136.8
Direct Auto$189$4387.3
GEICO$204$4109.0
Allstate$211$4248.9
Farmers$217$4368.3
State Farm$232$4679.3
Travelers$248$5019.0
Bristol West$271$4985.2
21st Century$276$5555.9
Nationwide$334$6718.7
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile. Insurify hasn't yet assigned Sun Coast an Insurify Quality (IQ) score.

Cheapest car insurance in California with a DUI

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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, January 1 at 11:00 AM PST
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.
Sun Coast$135$3380.0
Anchor$147$3926.0
Mercury$155$2758.0
USAA$187$3779.4
National General$202$5116.8
Direct Auto$227$5247.3
GEICO$250$5039.0
Allstate$259$5218.9
Farmers$267$5378.3
State Farm$288$5809.3
Travelers$302$6109.0
21st Century$330$6645.9
Bristol West$333$6125.2
Nationwide$406$8178.7
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile. Insurify hasn't yet assigned Sun Coast an Insurify Quality (IQ) score.

Cheapest auto insurance in California with speeding tickets

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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, January 1 at 11:00 AM PST
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.
Sun Coast$123$3080.0
Anchor$134$3566.0
Mercury$146$2588.0
USAA$152$3069.4
National General$165$4166.8
Direct Auto$185$4287.3
GEICO$203$4099.0
Allstate$211$4248.9
Farmers$216$4358.3
State Farm$232$4669.3
Travelers$248$5019.0
Bristol West$273$5025.2
21st Century$277$5595.9
Nationwide$334$6718.7
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile. Insurify hasn't yet assigned Sun Coast an Insurify Quality (IQ) score.

How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in California

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.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in California

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How to improve your driving record in California

Here are a few steps you can take to improve your driving record and lower your car insurance costs over time.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/7adadbd97c/car-and-driving-96x96-gold_023-driving-test.svg

    Practice safe driving

    Follow traffic laws, avoid speeding, and stay alert while driving. This can help prevent accidents and moving violations.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/ba9869f2f9/defensive-driving.svg

    Attend traffic school

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/91ba6cf35a/insurify-icons-auto-orange-96x96_045-document.svg

    Address tickets and violations

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/534f1a1e1c/banking-96x96-green_007-calendar.svg

    Avoid lapses in coverage

    Maintaining auto insurance coverage helps you avoid penalties. It also signals responsibility to insurance companies, leading to better rates in the future.

California high-risk drivers insurance FAQs

Below are answers to a few common questions about high-risk car insurance in California to help you navigate your coverage options.

  • What is a high-risk driver in California?

    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.

  • Which company has the best insurance rates for high-risk drivers?

    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.

  • What does ‘high-risk’ mean in insurance?

    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.

  • How much does high-risk auto insurance cost in California?

    High-risk auto insurance in California averages $244 per month. But your rates will vary depending on the insurance company and your personal circumstances.

  • How long does reckless driving affect insurance in California?

    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.

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 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:

  • 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.

Sources

  1. California DMV. "Driver Negligence."
  2. California DMV. "Section 7: Laws and Rules of the Road (Continued)."
  3. III. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
  4. Ca.gov. "Finding an Agent or Broker."
  5. Ca.gov. "Traffic school."
Janet Berry-Johnson
Janet Berry-Johnson

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
Edited byLequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor

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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