Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in California (2026)
USAA is the cheapest insurer for high-risk drivers in California, with an average monthly liability rate of $82.
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Written byTaylor Milam-Samuel
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Taylor Milam-Samuel Insurance Writer
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
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Edited byMacKenzie Korris
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MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
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Reviewed byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
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Quick Facts
USAA offers the lowest rates for high-risk drivers in California, with liability policies costing an average of $82 per month.
Roughly 9% of drivers in California fall into the high-risk category, according to Insurify data.
Programs like MercuryGO use telematics to help you save up to 40% on car insurance, even if you have a violation on your record.
Average cost of high-risk car insurance in California
High-risk drivers in California, such as those with an at-fault accident, DUI, ticket, or similar incident, pay an average of $239 per month for full-coverage car insurance. Liability-only coverage costs $115 per month, but it’s still more expensive than liability coverage for drivers with a clean record.
If an insurer labels you a high-risk driver in California, your car insurance costs could go up by as much as 28%, according to Insurify data. Below, you’ll find a closer look at what different types of drivers pay for liability and full coverage in California.
Driver Profile  | Average Monthly Cost: Liability Only | Average Monthly Cost: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $96 | $199 |
| Speeding ticket | $122 | $252 |
| At-fault accident | $122 | $253 |
| DUI | $130 | $270 |
| SR-22 | $108 | $224 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time California quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in California
Liability rates for high-risk drivers average $115 per month
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Cheapest car insurance in California by violation
USAA, Aspire General, and GEICO offer some of the most affordable car insurance for drivers with violations.
The kind of violation you have will affect your insurance costs. For instance, liability coverage costs an average of $130 per month if you have a DUI, while a policy for drivers with an at-fault accident costs about $122 per month. Keep your specific violation in mind when looking for the most affordable insurance.
Cheapest rates for high-risk drivers with DUIs in California
USAA offers the lowest average monthly rate for drivers with a DUI in California, at $91.
Insurify data shows that fewer than 1% of drivers in the state have a DUI. While DUIs are the least common violation in California, the rate drivers with a DUI pay for liability coverage is still higher than the national average.
Below, you can compare the cheapest rates for high-risk drivers with DUIs in California.
The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $91 | $200 |
| Aspire General | $94 | $164 |
| Sun Coast | $98 | $227 |
| GEICO | $99 | $199 |
| National General | $102 | $270 |
| Mercury | $111 | $211 |
| Dairyland | $112 | $260 |
| Root | $122 | $189 |
| Allstate | $126 | $277 |
| Direct Auto | $126 | $307 |
| Farmers | $129 | $286 |
| Anchor | $136 | $259 |
| State Farm | $139 | $309 |
| Kemper Special | $140 | $217 |
| Bristol West | $140 | $298 |
| Travelers | $147 | $325 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $153 | $221 |
| 21st Century | $154 | $341 |
| Nationwide | $196 | $435 |
| Chubb | $249 | $550 |
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.
Cheapest rates for CA drivers with at-fault accidents
According to Insurify, 5.26% of California drivers have an at-fault accident on their record, which is higher than the national average of 4.72%.
USAA offers the lowest car insurance rates in California for drivers with an at-fault accident, averaging $86 per month. See the cheapest insurers for California drivers with an at-fault accident below.
The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $86 | $189 |
| Aspire General | $88 | $154 |
| Sun Coast | $91 | $212 |
| GEICO | $92 | $185 |
| National General | $95 | $252 |
| Dairyland | $104 | $241 |
| Root | $107 | $166 |
| Mercury | $109 | $207 |
| Allstate | $119 | $261 |
| Direct Auto | $120 | $293 |
| Farmers | $121 | $268 |
| Anchor | $121 | $231 |
| State Farm | $129 | $288 |
| Bristol West | $130 | $276 |
| Kemper Special | $131 | $203 |
| Travelers | $139 | $308 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $144 | $207 |
| 21st Century | $153 | $339 |
| Nationwide | $185 | $412 |
| Chubb | $233 | $514 |
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.
Cheapest rates for drivers with speeding tickets in California
USAA offers the lowest car insurance rates in California for drivers with a speeding ticket, averaging $84 per month. Speeding tickets are less common in California than the national average, with only 3.14% of drivers having one, according to Insurify data.
Here are the cheapest insurance companies for California drivers with a speeding ticket.
The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only | Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $84 | $186 |
| Aspire General | $87 | $153 |
| Sun Coast | $91 | $212 |
| National General | $92 | $242 |
| GEICO | $94 | $188 |
| Dairyland | $100 | $233 |
| Mercury | $103 | $196 |
| Root | $104 | $162 |
| Direct Auto | $114 | $277 |
| Allstate | $118 | $259 |
| Anchor | $118 | $225 |
| Farmers | $119 | $263 |
| State Farm | $126 | $282 |
| Bristol West | $127 | $270 |
| Kemper Special | $130 | $203 |
| Travelers | $137 | $303 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $143 | $206 |
| 21st Century | $151 | $335 |
| Nationwide | $182 | $405 |
| Chubb | $228 | $504 |
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 California auto insurance companies for high-risk drivers
The below rates in California are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, May 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $82 |
| GEICO | $91 |
| Mercury | $104 |
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.
Mercury, GEICO, and USAA stand out as the best companies for high-risk drivers in California. They have strong financial ratings, good customer satisfaction scores, and offer discounts. Below is a closer look at what each company offers.
Mercury: Best for drivers on a budget
| 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. | $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. | $141/mo |
4.0
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 665 verified driver reviews and ratings
Mercury's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.7 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.6 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.2 | 2.9 |
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
Showing 15 reviews from California driversSee all 321 Mercury reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on March 11, 2026
Unsurpassed affordability.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on February 1, 2026
My experience with Mercury is excellent. I have had the same agent ever since I first signed up with them, I believe, in the late 1990s. They have discounts I had never heard of and answer all questions immediately. My car is a 2016 Toyota Rav4 LE. I've always had full coverage, I drive very little, I bought it brand new, and I only have 37,389 miles on it, no tickets, no accidents, and no DUI ever. However, my insurance has doubled! I'm retired and live on Social Security. I can't afford insurance that used to be $645.76 per year in 2022, $908.76 per year in 2024, and $1,289.76 in 2025! My question is why is my insurance going up so much when I'm a good driver, have very low mileage, no accidents, and no tickets?
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on January 20, 2026
The premium is very good in comparison with other more popular car insurance companies, especially when insuring a 28-year-old car with comparatively low miles and a driver over 70 years old.
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 began in Los Angeles and is a familiar name in California. It’s often the most affordable insurer for high-risk drivers with any type of violation. The company has strong financial ratings, and its safe driving program can help you save on coverage. You can find stronger financial strength ratings with other insurers, but you may not find cheaper rates.
Pros
Some of the cheapest rates in California for high-risk drivers
Strong financial standing
Earn a discount of up to 40% with the MercuryGO telematics program
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California
Reserves the biggest discounts for drivers with clean records
Doesn’t offer accident forgiveness
GEICO: Best for claim confidence
| 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. | $71/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $143/mo |
4.0
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 18,458 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
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
Showing 75 reviews from California driversSee all 7,776 GEICO reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on May 28, 2026
I am a loyal customer and haven’t had any issues in 40 years. I had a slight fender bender, my fault - no damage to my car, but the other party got a crooked lawyer/doctor and made a large medical claim, which Geico paid off as a joke lawsuit. The downside is now my rates have gone up and no other insurance company will take me for 3 years. I would really appreciate it if Geico could find a way to help a poor senior living on social security.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on May 26, 2026
Read all legal documents. They classified my student as a Named Driver Excluded, and when she drove one day with my permission, she was in a low-impact collision at a stoplight, less than 10 mph. They denied the claim due to classifying her as Excluded when I requested she be marked as not living with me and attending school, which is an Inactive status. Now they have put me and my family in a difficult position as I'm now required to pay for the property damage.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on May 25, 2026
Very bad. Car and rental insurance is very expensive.
…
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 may not offer the lowest rates, but its strong record for handling claims and keeping customers happy makes it a great choice for California drivers. The company offers a wide range of discounts that can help you save money even if you have a violation on your record. GEICO also has a team ready to help with more complicated coverage needs, like SR-22 insurance.
Pros
Highest possible financial strength rating of A++ (Superior)
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California
Large number of discounts for every type of driver
Cons
Coverage for high-risk drivers is more expensive
DriveEasy telematics program isn’t available in California
No local agent network
USAA: Best for military 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. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $65/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $143/mo |
4.9
Best choice in CaliforniaBased on 3,697 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in California for
Showing 21 reviews from California driversSee all 1,585 USAA reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on May 5, 2026
Move out of or stay out of California; it's an insurance rip-off and joke. It doesn't matter if you have a pristine driving record (like me, 30+ years as a licensed driver, zero tickets, zero accidents, zero claims - still screwed!). As long as there are people encouraged to break the law, you're going to foot the bill. First and foremost, be a responsible driver, drive defensively, pay attention, and keep your head on a swivel. Understand that no one else out there cares about you, your life, your vehicle, or your money, so you have to do right by yourself and your family alone.
My next best advice to help ensure you can have your own back, because not everyone can even qualify for USAA (but if you do qualify for USAA, bar none, there is no better insurer out there, period!), is to figure out how to self-insure. Pay the premiums to yourself, invest in a no-touch type of account to accumulate your premiums and get an actual return on that investment. Then, if the worst-case scenario happens and you need to handle business, guess what - you can pay for it yourself. Your claim won't be denied, and your rates won't go up if, God forbid, you get in an accident, nor will you be denied coverage. These days, you're going to foot the bill, one way or another, most likely for you and the other party involved, so you might as well be your own insurer and quit paying premiums to another company who will forget that you've been footing the bill for all these years with no claims the moment you actually need them.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on April 21, 2026
Rates are too high for Tesla vehicles, otherwise excellent.
Verified Review
Reviewed in California on March 23, 2026
Outstanding. I have only had to use it once for an accident, but USAA was so helpful. I have been with them for 30+ years and lived in Rhode Island, England, as well as California.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
747
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++
Why we picked this company
If you’re an active-duty military member, a veteran, or an immediate family member, USAA is a top choice for high-risk drivers in California. It has some of the lowest rates in the state and a reputation as one of the most trustworthy insurers in the country. The main drawback is that you must meet membership requirements to get coverage.
Pros
Returned $3.8 billion to members last year through rate reductions, dividends, and financial relief programs
J.D. Power rates it highest for customer satisfaction in every region
Low rates for high-risk drivers in California
Cons
Available only to active-duty military members, veterans, and their immediate families
Bundling discount is lower than what many other insurers offer
USAA's SafePilot safe driving program isn’t available in California
When choosing the best car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we compared factors like costs for drivers with an incident, available discounts, customer service options, customer satisfaction ratings, and overall financial stability. The companies we’ve listed above offer competitive rates, a range of discounts, accessible customer service teams, and high customer satisfaction and financial stability ratings.
How to find cheaper car insurance for high-risk drivers in California
Even if your insurer considers you a high-risk driver, you can still find affordable coverage in California. Here are things you can do to get started:
Consider California’s high-risk insurance pool (CAARP). This state-run program matches you with a licensed insurance company, and all companies in the program charge the same premium. You can pay in installments without any extra fees. While it may not be the cheapest choice, it ensures you will have coverage.[1]
Utilize California’s Good Driver Law. By law, insurers must offer a Good Driver Discount policy to anyone who has had a license for at least three years in a row, has no more than one point on their driving record, and was not mainly at fault in an accident that caused injury or death.
Sign up for a mileage-based or telematics program. Telematics programs, like MercuryGO, can help you earn lower rates if you drive safely. This is one of the few ways to reduce your rate while a violation is still on your record.
California minimum car insurance requirements for high-risk drivers
In most states, including California, drivers with serious violations, such as a DUI, must show additional insurance verification. If you’re convicted of a DUI in California, the DMV will suspend or revoke your license. To get your driving privileges back, you need to file a California Insurance Proof Certificate, also known as an SR-22.
You must keep an SR-22 on file for three years in California. If you cancel your insurance during this time, your insurer will notify the DMV right away. If you don’t get new insurance within 45 days, the DMV will suspend your vehicle registration.[2]
The chart below shows the minimum coverage requirements you need in California.
Coverage Type | California Minimum Requirement | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability per person | $30,000 | Medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses for one person injured by you in an accident where you are at fault |
| Bodily injury liability per accident | $60,000 | This is the maximum amount your insurer will pay for injuries to everyone hurt in one accident where you are at fault |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 | The cost to repair or replace someone else’s vehicle or property if you damage it in an accident where you are at fault |
| SR-22 | Required for 3 years following a DUI conviction or license suspension | A certificate your insurer files with the California DMV to show you have at least the minimum liability coverage required by the state |
Who is a high-risk driver in California?
California has a Negligent Operator Point System. Every traffic conviction adds points to your driving record, and each violation brings more serious consequences.[3]
If you get a DUI in California, the DMV will suspend or revoke your license if your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is 0.08% or higher in a non-commercial vehicle, or 0.01% or higher if you’re on DUI probation. After a DUI conviction, you must file a California Insurance Proof Certificate (SR-22) and keep it for three years.
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How long will California consider you a high-risk driver?
Most minor violations, such as speeding tickets or at-fault accidents, stay on your record for three or five years in California. Serious offenses can remain on your record for 10 years, and insurers can access that information during that time.
The good news is that the financial impact of a violation usually gets smaller over time as long as you avoid new violations. Keeping your record clean after an incident is the best way to reduce your costs.
California high-risk drivers insurance FAQs
The following questions and answers can help you find the right coverage if you’re a high-risk driver in California.
How much is high-risk car insurance in California?
On average, high-risk car insurance in California costs $176 per month, Insurify data shows. Your exact rate will depend on the type of violation on your record.
What is the best company for high-risk drivers in California?
Mercury, USAA, and GEICO are the best insurance companies for high-risk drivers in California.
Will Progressive insure high-risk drivers in California?
Yes, Progressive offers insurance coverage for high-risk drivers in California. The company also provides SR-22 insurance, which is often required if you have a DUI.
How can high-risk drivers in California get lower car insurance rates?
High-risk drivers in California can lower their car insurance rates by comparing quotes, asking about discounts, and enrolling in a telematics program that rewards safe driving.
Sources
- California Department of Insurance. "Introduction to Auto Insurance."
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. "DUI First Offenders."
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. "The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS)."
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 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
- 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.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Elk Grove, California
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Elk Grove, with monthly liability rates as low as $60.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Santa Maria, California
Santa Maria drivers can find the cheapest car insurance rates from USAA. The insurer’s liability-only rates start at just $47 per month.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Anaheim, California
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Anaheim, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $67 per month.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Victorville, California
USAA has the cheapest car insurance in Victorville, with monthly liability rates as low as $68.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Fremont, California
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Fremont, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $59 per month.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Temecula, California
The cheapest liability-only rate in Temecula is $56, available through USAA.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Chula Vista, California
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Chula Vista, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $53 per month.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Modesto, California
Modesto drivers can find the cheapest car insurance rates from USAA. The insurer’s liability rates start at just $60 per month.
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Cheap Auto Insurance in Berkeley, California
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Berkeley, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $65 per month.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Santa Barbara, California
USAA offers the cheapest liability insurance rates in Santa Barbara, with quotes starting at $53 per month.
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Cheapest Auto Insurance in Oxnard, California
With monthly liability rates of $58, USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Oxnard.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Glendale, California (June 2026)
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for Glendale drivers, with an average liability rate of $113 per month. High vehicle theft rates and the threat of flooding from atmospheric rivers likely contribute to the city’s relatively high car insurance costs.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Sacramento, California (June 2026)
In Sacramento, USAA is the cheapest car insurance company, with average liability insurance rates of $66 per month. Car insurance rates are high due to Sacramento’s extremely high crash rate and climate risks.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Stockton, California (June 2026)
USAA offers Stockton drivers the cheapest car insurance, averaging $61 per month for liability-only coverage. Living in a city with relatively high car theft rates and a large percentage of “super commuters,” Stockton drivers face higher average car insurance rates than much of the Golden State.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in San Jose, California (June 2026)
USAA has the cheapest average liability coverage in San Jose, at $57 per month. Insurance costs in San Jose are slightly higher than the national average because traffic is often heavy, especially during rush hour on Interstate 280 and U.S. Route 101.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in San Diego (June 2026)
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in San Diego, averaging $55 per month for minimum coverage. Numerous interstates pass through the city, increasing accident risks and insurance rates.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Bakersfield, California (June 2026)
USAA offers the best price for minimum coverage in Bakersfield, charging an average of $55 per month. Driving under the influence is a common issue in Bakersfield, which can affect average car insurance rates in the area.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in San Francisco (June 2026)
The cheapest insurer in San Francisco is USAA, with an average liability-only rate of $73 per month. San Francisco’s high car theft rates and population density affect its car insurance rates.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Long Beach, California (June 2026)
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Long Beach, with an average cost of $72 per month for liability-only coverage. Heavy traffic and vehicle theft can contribute to the city’s high rates.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Fresno, California (June 2026)
USAA is the cheapest insurer in Fresno, with average liability rates of $56 per month. Drivers in Fresno likely pay higher rates due to the city’s high vehicle theft rate.
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Cheap Car Insurance Quotes in Riverside, California (June 2026)
USAA has the cheapest car insurance in Riverside, with an average liability rate of $63 per month. Frequent vehicle theft and traffic congestion can influence premiums in Riverside.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Oakland, California (June 2026)
USAA offers the cheapest minimum-coverage car insurance in Oakland, at an average of $71 per month. Oakland drivers often pay more than many other Californians because of dense traffic around I-880, I-580, and the MacArthur Maze.
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Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Los Angeles (June 2026)
USAA has the cheapest car insurance rates in Los Angeles, at an average of $94 per month for liability-only policies. The city’s notorious traffic costs drivers an average of 87 hours per year in congestion.
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Taylor Milam-Samuel Insurance Writer
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
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MacKenzie KorrisLicensed P&C Agent, Insurance Copy Editor
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 21630969
Katie PowersLicensed P&C Agent, Senior Insurance Editor
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
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