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Best Car Insurance for New Drivers in California (2026)

Allstate, GEICO, and Progressive are some of the best companies for new drivers in California.

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Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco
  • 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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Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley Cox
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 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
Reviewed byDavid Marlett
David Marlett
David MarlettAdvisor

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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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 $173 for liability coverage and $363 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.

Quick Facts
  • New drivers in California pay much higher monthly rates than the California statewide averages of $93 for liability coverage and $195 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.
$259/mo
3.8
A solid optionBased on 8,256 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Allstate

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
How drivers feel about Allstate

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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Accident forgiveness
Wide availability
Cheap rates
Reviews (4,081)
Steven
Verified Review
Average
Reviewed in Georgia on January 2026
Allstate is too expensive, as are others I've checked out!
Dianna
Verified Review
Satisfied, but not acknowledged.
Reviewed in New Mexico on January 2026
I’m happy with my current car insurance. Most of my needs have been met satisfactorily. However, it’s been difficult to reach my agent. He rarely returns calls. I’ve left messages, and while he does respond to my needs, I never receive a callback.
Roger
Verified Review
My agent is very helpful.
Reviewed in New York on January 2026
The premium has been increasing too quickly, making it unbearable for average car owners.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
634
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.02
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

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.

Pros
  • Accident forgiveness available

  • Many ways for new drivers to save

  • A+ (Superior) AM Best financial strength rating

Cons
  • 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.
$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.
$205/mo
4.0
Best choiceBased on 14,202 verified guest reviews and ratings
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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
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.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (7,147)
John
Verified Review
Rate Hike Mania
Reviewed in New York on January 2026
Good but expensive.
Leretta
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Reviewed in Delaware on January 2026
Good service.
Jon
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Reviewed in Georgia on January 2026
No problems! Very easy to access!
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

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.

Pros
  • Offers a wide range of discounts

  • Allows bundling with all major insurance types for added savings

  • Provides coverage for motorcycles, ATVs, and RVs

Cons
  • 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.
$96/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.
$162/mo
How drivers feel about Progressive

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

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive

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

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (7,782)
Rosalyn
Verified Review
Satisfied Customer
Reviewed in Illinois on January 2026
Excellent customer service and support.
Ynocencio
Verified Review
Need to Find New Insurance
Reviewed in California on January 2026
I was never notified that my insurance was going from $50 to $74. I just found out yesterday when I went to my bank and asked for the last 5 months' activity on my account and noticed they were taking $74 from my bank account without telling me.
Michael
Verified Review
Worth the Time It Took to Switch
Reviewed in Maryland on January 2026
Just switched to Progressive and am saving almost $1,000 thanks to their fair pricing, unlike Travelers who seemed to penalize us for being loyal, accident-free, ticket-free, claim-free, and on-time payers of both home and auto. Glad we switched. Only time will tell.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
635
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97
A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+
Why we picked this company

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.

Pros
  • Teen driver, good student, and distant student discounts available

  • A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best

  • 24/7 customer support

Cons
  • 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 $157 per month

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Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, January 15 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Average Quote: Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$157$352
Dairyland$160$405
Sun Coast$169$426
National General$182$531
Root$186$325
Mercury$189$359
GEICO$195$374
Anchor$209$355
Bristol West$217$508
Allstate$230$518
Direct Auto$232$611
Farmers$238$533
State Farm$251$566
21st Century$269$604
Travelers$282$633
Nationwide$358$804
Chubb$480$1,078
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 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]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/4c9753bdbe/medical-payments.svg

    $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

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/c0464d37ca/medical-services-96x96-orange_050-medical-kit.svg

    $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

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/c8ad9d5019/driving-accidents.svg

    $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

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Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

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]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/fa11c1fe75/comparison-website.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/b85ef2d0e5/banking-96x96-blue_015-dollar.svg

    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.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/75872bbafd/money-96x96-green_033-magnifying-glass.svg

    Look for discounts

    Seek out discounts like a good student discount, defensive driving course discount, or multi-policy bundling discount.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/e4caf71395/car-sharing-96x96-orange_040-shield.svg

    Drive a safe, affordable car

    Cars with high safety ratings and lower repair costs often have lower insurance premiums.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/f4244fe878/low-mileage.svg

    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 $173 per month for liability coverage and $363 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
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.

Related articles

Sources

  1. California DMV. "Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco

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.

Ashley Cox
Edited byAshley CoxSenior Managing Editor
Headshot of Managing Editor Ashley Cox
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
  • 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

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David Marlett
Reviewed byDavid MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett
David MarlettAdvisor

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.

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
4.8/5
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