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13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
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7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.
Updated
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
New drivers have the least experience on the road, and they also pay the highest car insurance rates. Teen drivers in California pay monthly averages of $171 for liability coverage and $359 for full coverage, according to Insurify data.
But it’s still possible for new drivers to save on a policy. Here’s what you should know about car insurance for teens and new drivers in California.
New drivers in California pay much higher monthly rates than the California statewide averages of $92 for liability coverage and $193 for full coverage.
New drivers typically see rates drop as they age and demonstrate safe driving behavior.
Good student and defensive driving discounts are great ways for young drivers to save.
Best car insurance companies for new drivers in California
How much you pay for car insurance can vary depending on your age and other key factors, like car type, location, and the amount of driving you do. To help you narrow down your search for an affordable car insurance policy, here are some of the best car insurance companies for new drivers in California.
Allstate: Best for accident forgiveness
| 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. | 8.9 /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. | $115/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. | $258/mo |
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.
Drivers appreciate the friendly customer service and efficient claims processing, but many find the rates too high and experience unexpected price increases. Some also report poor communication from agents.
New drivers in California may want to consider getting a policy with Allstate. The company offers an optional accident forgiveness feature that you can add to your policy. With this coverage add-on, Allstate won’t raise your rates after an accident — even if you were at fault.
New drivers can also save with discounts for bundling policies, enrolling in telematics, getting good grades, or attending school away from home.
Accident forgiveness available
Many ways for new drivers to save
A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating
Not the cheapest insurer for new drivers in California
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
GEICO: Best for discounts
| 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. | $104/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. | $203/mo |
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.
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.
New drivers often look for ways to lower their high car insurance rates. Luckily, GEICO offers more than 30 potential discounts. GEICO also offers a wide range of insurance products, allowing you to bundle policies and potentially reduce your overall premium.
Offers a wide range of discounts
Allows bundling with all major insurance types for added savings
Provides coverage for motorcycles, ATVs, and RVs
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in California
No gap insurance
Customer support isn’t easily accessible
Progressive: Best for streamlining coverage
| 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. | $97/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. | $163/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
Many parents take on the responsibility of insuring their teen or young adult drivers before they hit the open road. To make managing their insurance policies simpler, they can turn to Progressive, which offers more than 30 insurance products and bundling discounts.
Teen driver, good student, and distant student discounts available
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
24/7 customer support
Can only bundle auto with home, renters, or condo insurance
Poor Trustpilot reviews
Some users report bad mobile app experience
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in California to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to new drivers.
We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
Who’s considered a new driver in California?
You can be a new driver at any stage of life. While teenagers are often new drivers, young adults who learned to drive after high school and first-time immigrants in the country with a U.S. driver’s license are also considered new drivers.
Teen drivers with a learner’s permit need to obtain a car insurance policy to drive legally while practicing. Anyone looking to practice driving before they have their license also needs a valid auto insurance policy.
All new drivers can experience the growing pains that come with high insurance rates while they prove they’re a safe driver. Budgeting for higher car insurance rates before getting a car is a good idea.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in California
Liability quotes for new drivers start at $155 per month
Cheapest car insurance for new drivers in California
New drivers lack experience behind the wheel, which makes them a risk to insure. But that’s not the only reason car insurance companies charge young drivers more. For example, teen drivers are notorious for getting distracted and making risky driving decisions.
To help teens save, parents can add them to their policy, which can result in savings like a multi-policy or loyalty discount. It also helps to pursue an affordable policy. The following table outlines the cheapest car insurance rates for teen drivers in California from popular auto insurance companies.
Insurance Company | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $155 | $350 |
| Dairyland | $160 | $401 |
| Sun Coast | $169 | $424 |
| National General | $180 | $530 |
| Root | $186 | $325 |
| Mercury | $187 | $357 |
| GEICO | $189 | $369 |
| Anchor | $210 | $358 |
| Bristol West | $217 | $506 |
| Allstate | $230 | $516 |
| Direct Auto | $231 | $610 |
| Farmers | $237 | $534 |
| State Farm | $251 | $564 |
| 21st Century | $267 | $601 |
| Travelers | $280 | $632 |
| Nationwide | $356 | $803 |
| Chubb | $478 | $1,075 |
How much car insurance do new drivers need in California?
To drive legally in California, you must have at least the state minimum amount of liability insurance — no matter how old you are.[1]
$30,000 for injury/death to one person
Covers medical expenses or compensation for a single injured or deceased person in an accident you cause
$60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
Covers medical expenses or compensation for multiple people injured or killed in an accident you cause
$15,000 for property damage
Pays for repairs or replacement of someone else’s property damaged in an accident you cause
Optional coverages for new drivers in California
Liability insurance protects other parties but doesn’t cover your damages. This coverage often falls short in severe accidents, leaving drivers financially vulnerable. You may want to consider higher coverage limits or additional policies that can prevent out-of-pocket expenses for medical costs or repairs that exceed liability limits.
Collision coverage: Collision insurance pays to repair your car in an accident, even if you were at fault.
Comprehensive coverage: Comprehensive insurance protects you if a non-collision event damages your car, such as hail, vandalism, or theft.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage: UM/UIM coverage protects you if a driver hits you and they don’t have insurance or they don’t have high-enough coverage limits to pay for your damages.
Gap coverage: If you total your car while you’re still paying off a loan on it, gap insurance covers the difference between your outstanding loan balance and your insurance payout.
Roadside assistance coverage: Roadside assistance coverage can help pay for towing, jump-starts, flat-tire changes, and more if you’re stranded on the side of the road.
Car insurance discounts for new drivers in California
New drivers pay more for car insurance than more experienced drivers, but they can take steps to reduce their car insurance rates. In addition to keeping their driving record clean, new drivers can also see if they qualify for any of these popular auto insurance discounts.[2]
Good student discount: Many insurers reward students with good grades, so teen drivers have some extra motivation to study.
Student away at school discount: Many insurance companies offer discounts to students who attend school away from home and leave their car parked at their home address.
Defensive driving course discount: Completing a certified defensive driving course demonstrates to your insurer that you’re knowledgeable about safe driving habits.
Low-mileage discount: Most teens don’t drive long distances, and some insurers offer reduced premiums for people who don’t drive as often.
Bundling discount: Combining auto insurance with renters or home insurance can lead to multi-policy savings.
Compare California Car Insurance Quotes
Score the best car insurance rates for your profile
How to get cheap car insurance as a new driver in California
If you’re a new driver looking for cheap car insurance in California, consider these helpful tips for finding a policy that meets your coverage needs and budget.[3]
Comparison shop
Compare at least three quotes of the same type and coverage amount to find the best rate. Each company calculates premiums differently, so shopping around can save you a lot of money.
Choose a higher deductible
Opting for a higher deductible lowers monthly premiums. Just make sure you choose a deductible you can afford out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
Look for discounts
Seek out discounts like a good student discount, defensive driving course discount, or multi-policy bundling discount.
Drive a safe, affordable car
Cars with high safety ratings and lower repair costs often have lower insurance premiums.
Enroll in telematics
Many insurers have telematics programs that use a device to monitor your driving. You can typically score a discount just for signing up, and the insurer will adjust your rates based on how safely you drive. But if you demonstrate high-risk driving behavior, your insurance rates could increase.
Car insurance for new drivers in California FAQs
If you’re a new driver in California, check out the additional information below as you search for a car insurance policy.
How much is car insurance for a new driver in California?
Car insurance for new drivers in California averages $171 per month for liability coverage and $359 per month for full coverage, Insurify data shows. Several factors affect car insurance premiums for new drivers, like your age, car type, ZIP code, and driving record.
Why is car insurance so expensive for new drivers?
Car insurance is so expensive for new drivers because they have the least driving experience of any demographic. This puts them at a much higher risk of an accident, so insurance companies raise rates to offset the risk of them filing a car insurance claim.
How long do insurance companies consider you to be a new driver?
Insurance companies generally consider you to be a new driver until age 25. Once you’ve gained more driving experience and have demonstrated safe driving behavior, insurance companies typically begin lowering your car insurance rates.
Do you need car insurance before registering a car in California?
Yes. You need to have a valid insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements to be able to register a car in California. Any time you get behind the wheel in California, you must have a valid car insurance policy.
Do you need car insurance for a teen with a learner’s permit in California?
Yes. If your teenager wants to drive legally, they must have a valid car insurance policy before they hit the road. This rule applies even if they only have a learner’s permit.
What is the best insurance for new drivers in California?
There’s no one best car insurance company for all new drivers in California. When buying car insurance, it’s best to look for a reputable company that offers the coverage you need, like Allstate, GEICO, or Progressive. Spend some time reading reviews from policyholders to get an idea of the customer service experience from each auto insurer you’re considering.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- 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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Sources
- California DMV. "Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration."
- Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
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During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Jacqueline has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
)
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
Featured in
)
)
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.
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