120+ more*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 31, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 31, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
)
)
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Featured in
){kind=logo}
){kind=small}
){kind=logo}
)
)
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
){kind=small}
){kind=small}
)
)
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
)
)
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
In California, the average monthly cost of car insurance is $92 for liability-only insurance and $190 for full coverage. California’s liability insurance rate is similar to the national monthly average of $99. But the U.S. average full-coverage rate of $173 is a bit lower than California’s.
Insurify collected rates from more than 120+ top insurance companies to find the state’s cheapest car insurance companies.
Below, you can compare rates from the cheapest auto insurers for different driver profiles. All costs reflect liability-only rates unless otherwise stated.
Driver Category | Cheapest Insurance Company in CA | Cheapest Monthly Quote in CA |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | USAA | $83 |
| State-minimum coverage | USAA | $83 |
| Full coverage | Aspire General | $161 |
| Drivers with a clean record | USAA | $83 |
| After a speeding ticket | Aspire General | $106 |
| After an at-fault accident | Aspire General | $105 |
| After a DUI | Aspire General | $109 |
| Teen/new drivers | USAA | $155 |
| Seniors | USAA | $69 |
USAA offers the lowest liability-only auto insurance rates in California, with average monthly premiums of $83. On average, California drivers pay $92 per month for liability insurance, which is much lower than the state’s full-coverage rate of $190. But liability-only insurance won’t cover your vehicle repairs if you cause an accident.
In California, drivers must have at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability per accident.[1]
Here are some insurers that offer the most affordable liability-only policies in California.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $83 |
| Aspire General | $84 |
| National General | $88 |
| Sun Coast | $91 |
| Dairyland | $95 |
| Mercury | $98 |
| GEICO | $100 |
| Root | $106 |
| Allstate | $115 |
| Direct Auto | $116 |
| Farmers | $118 |
| Anchor | $120 |
| Bristol West | $122 |
| Kemper Special | $123 |
| State Farm | $128 |
| Travelers | $134 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $136 |
| 21st Century | $146 |
| Nationwide | $180 |
| Chubb | $228 |
)
Mallory Mooney
Director of Sales and Client Services, Insurify
In California, just buying the state’s minimum liability insurance won’t fully protect your vehicle at all and can put you in a tricky financial spot if you have a car accident. If you crash into another driver’s vehicle and cause serious damage, you’ll be on the hook to pay for any damages beyond the state’s $15,000 property damage minimum. It’s a good idea to consider buying a full-coverage policy with collision coverage, comprehensive insurance, and higher liability limits.
Aspire General has the lowest prices for full-coverage car insurance in California. The average monthly premium for full-coverage insurance in California is $190.
Full-coverage car insurance is a good idea for most drivers in California. Drivers in the state face expensive car repair costs, traffic congestion, and increasing wildfire risk.[2] Traffic is very heavy in cities like Los Angeles, where more than 500,000 drivers use the I-5 freeway each day.[3]
Below, you’ll find the most affordable full-coverage insurers in California.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Aspire General | $161 |
| Root | $184 |
| USAA | $188 |
| Mercury | $190 |
| GEICO | $199 |
| Kemper Special | $201 |
| Anchor | $206 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $210 |
| Sun Coast | $227 |
| Dairyland | $232 |
| National General | $257 |
| Allstate | $259 |
| Farmers | $266 |
| Bristol West | $282 |
| State Farm | $288 |
| Travelers | $303 |
| Direct Auto | $308 |
| 21st Century | $330 |
| Nationwide | $406 |
| Chubb | $514 |
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 31, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 31, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
California drivers face specific challenges, like crowded cities, wildfire dangers, and high vehicle theft rates. These risk factors make it especially important to find the right car insurance company for your coverage needs.
Here are three of the best car insurance companies in California and the types of drivers they work best for.
| 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. | $83/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. | $188/mo |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
USAA offers the lowest prices in California for the state’s 162,000 active-duty military members and more than 55,000 Reserve and National Guard members.[4] The insurance company can help customers quickly during California’s wildfires. Military members can also get special perks, like car insurance discounts during deployment, which can be helpful if you live on one of California’s 30 military installations.
Responsive and supportive during California wildfires in fire-prone areas like Sonoma and San Diego counties
SafePilot program discounts can help with California’s high cost of living
Offers military perks, such as deployment discounts
Only military members, veterans, and their families can join
Most areas have limited new homeowners insurance policies, which affects bundling discounts
No in-person offices in California
| 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. | 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. | $88/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $257/mo |
Drivers appreciate the quick and easy setup but are dissatisfied with the frequent and unexplained rate increases. Many find the customer service lacking and the claims process slow.
Drivers appreciate the quick and easy setup but are dissatisfied with the frequent and unexplained rate increases. Many find the customer service lacking and the claims process slow.
National General stands out for its low average rates and simple discounts available in California. The company focuses on high-risk drivers. National General is a great choice for drivers with a violation on their record, which may be helpful in California, where Insurify data shows that 5.26% of drivers have an accident on their record. With the company’s DynamicDrive program, you can also earn safe driver discounts, helping you lower costs.
DynamicDrive program rewards safe driving
Comprehensive coverage protects against wildfire losses
Offers coverage for high-risk drivers
Costs might be higher in areas with more theft, like Southern California
DynamicDrive requires access to smartphone data, which raises privacy concerns for some drivers
Below-average customer satisfaction scores in California
| 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. | 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. | $91/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. | $227/mo |
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices but dislike the subsequent price increases and lack of communication for policy upgrades.
Drivers appreciate the initial low prices but dislike the subsequent price increases and lack of communication for policy upgrades.
Sun Coast sells specialized, affordable auto coverage. Its cross-border travel insurance is a great fit for Southern California drivers who visit Mexico. Furthermore, the company’s boat insurance is useful for recreational vehicle owners who want coverage from a single insurer while enjoying California’s coast and lakes. California drivers can reach insurance agents across the state for both in-person and online help.
Hundreds of local agents in every part of California
Budget-friendly options help offset California’s high cost of living
Easy-to-use Mexico car insurance and boat coverage
Not many digital tools and no app
Some specialized coverage may not apply to drivers in every part of California
Fewer discounts can make it pricier for families with teens or young drivers
The average cost of car insurance in California is $92 per month for liability coverage and $190 for full coverage.
Insurify estimates California auto insurance costs will increase by 1% by the end of 2026. Drivers might face these slightly higher premiums in part due to California’s increased minimum coverage requirements that went into effect in 2025.[5]
The chart below shows how car insurance rates in California have changed over the past five years.
Insurify partners with top insurers for real quotes
California increased its minimum liability limits in 2025, but the state requires only bodily injury and property damage liability coverages. California is an at-fault state, which means your coverage will pay for the other driver’s damages if you cause an accident.
Though the higher liability limits in California now provide drivers with more protection, a liability-only policy won’t cover your injuries or vehicle damages.
Below are the minimum coverage requirements for California.
Coverage Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 per accident |
Car insurance rates in California vary by location. For instance, drivers in California’s busiest places, like Los Angeles and the Bay Area, will likely pay more for coverage due to intense traffic congestion and higher accident risk. Drivers in Victorville, which has a lower population density and accident rates, pay some of the lowest rates in the state.
The table below shows the average overall car insurance costs in various California cities.
City | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Anaheim | $156 |
| Bakersfield | $130 |
| Berkeley | $153 |
| Chula Vista | $125 |
| Elk Grove | $142 |
| Fremont | $138 |
| Fresno | $131 |
| Glendale | $266 |
| Long Beach | $169 |
| Los Angeles | $220 |
| Modesto | $141 |
| Moreno Valley | $144 |
| Oakland | $167 |
| Oxnard | $136 |
| Riverside | $147 |
| Sacramento | $156 |
| San Bernardino | $156 |
| San Diego | $128 |
| San Francisco | $173 |
| San Jose | $136 |
| Santa Ana | $149 |
| Santa Barbara | $123 |
| Santa Maria | $112 |
| Stockton | $144 |
| Temecula | $131 |
| Victorville | $157 |
If you have a clean driving record in California, you’ll pay lower car insurance rates than if you have a speeding ticket or accident in your record. USAA, Aspire General, and National General are a few of the cheapest car insurance companies for California drivers with clean records.
The table below shows the cheapest average liability insurance premiums for drivers with good credit and clean records.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Aspire General | $71 |
| USAA | $73 |
| National General | $73 |
| Sun Coast | $77 |
| Dairyland | $80 |
| Mercury | $88 |
| GEICO | $90 |
| Root | $96 |
| Direct Auto | $100 |
| Farmers | $102 |
| Anchor | $103 |
| Kemper Special | $104 |
| Allstate | $104 |
| Bristol West | $108 |
| State Farm | $111 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $115 |
| Travelers | $116 |
| 21st Century | $129 |
| Nationwide | $154 |
| Chubb | $190 |
In California, a speeding ticket can result in a fee of more than $500, depending on your speed. Insurify data shows that about 3% of drivers in the state have at least one ticket, which can increase insurance costs. On average, California drivers with a speeding ticket pay $116 per month for liability insurance.
The table below highlights the most affordable liability insurance rates for California drivers with a speeding ticket.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $42 |
| USAA | $46 |
| Direct Auto | $76 |
| Farmers | $78 |
| Root | $79 |
| GEICO | $82 |
| Safeco | $86 |
| Allstate | $87 |
| Bristol West | $99 |
| The General | $113 |
About 5% of California drivers have had an at-fault accident, according to Insurify data. The main causes of accidents in California are speeding, distracted driving, and alcohol use, according to data from the California Office of Traffic Safety.[6] No matter the reason, having an at-fault accident will typically increase your insurance costs. The average cost of liability insurance for a California driver with a past accident is $115 per month.
You can still find affordable coverage, like from Aspire General, the cheapest insurer for California drivers with an accident.
Here are some of the most affordable liability insurance premiums for California drivers with an at-fault accident on their records.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Aspire General | $105 |
| USAA | $108 |
| Sun Coast | $114 |
| National General | $114 |
| Dairyland | $122 |
| GEICO | $126 |
| Root | $138 |
| Mercury | $144 |
| Allstate | $150 |
| Anchor | $152 |
| Kemper Special | $153 |
| Farmers | $153 |
| Direct Auto | $154 |
| Bristol West | $156 |
| State Farm | $164 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $170 |
| Travelers | $175 |
| 21st Century | $193 |
| Nationwide | $235 |
| Chubb | $294 |
Alcohol plays a role in about one-third of motor vehicle deaths in California, and Insurify data shows that almost 1% of drivers in the state have a DUI.[7] Some insurers may cancel your coverage after a DUI, and you might need SR-22 insurance depending on how serious the violation is. Aspire General offers the lowest rates for drivers with a DUI in California.
Here are some of the cheapest liability car insurance premiums for California drivers with a DUI.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Aspire General | $109 |
| USAA | $115 |
| Sun Coast | $118 |
| National General | $122 |
| Dairyland | $132 |
| GEICO | $137 |
| Mercury | $142 |
| Root | $148 |
| Kemper Special | $159 |
| Allstate | $160 |
| Direct Auto | $161 |
| Farmers | $164 |
| Anchor | $168 |
| Bristol West | $170 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $176 |
| State Farm | $178 |
| Travelers | $186 |
| 21st Century | $190 |
| Nationwide | $250 |
| Chubb | $317 |
If you have a qualifying violation, such as a DUI or driving without insurance, you typically need to have an SR-22 filed as proof of insurance for three years in California.[8]
California drivers with SR-22 car insurance coverage pay an average of $111 per month for liability coverage. The cheapest insurer for SR-22 drivers in California is USAA.
California has a solid selection of insurance companies that offer SR-22 coverage, including well-known national companies and specialty insurers. The table below lists the most affordable average liability insurance rates from SR-22 insurers in California.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $100 |
| Aspire General | $102 |
| National General | $106 |
| Sun Coast | $110 |
| Dairyland | $115 |
| Mercury | $119 |
| GEICO | $121 |
| Root | $128 |
| Allstate | $139 |
| Direct Auto | $140 |
| Farmers | $143 |
| Anchor | $145 |
| Bristol West | $148 |
| Kemper Special | $149 |
| State Farm | $155 |
| Travelers | $162 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $165 |
| 21st Century | $177 |
| Nationwide | $218 |
| Chubb | $276 |
Liability quotes start at $83/mo.
California teens can start driving with a learner’s permit at 15 and a half years old, and car insurance rates are higher to account for the age group’s inexperience. California reported about 400 fatalities involving teen drivers in 2023.[9] The average monthly cost of liability coverage for teens in California is $171.
Here’s a look at the cheapest insurers for teenagers in California.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $155 |
| Aspire General | $156 |
| Dairyland | $165 |
| Sun Coast | $169 |
| National General | $180 |
| GEICO | $181 |
| Mercury | $183 |
| Root | $185 |
| Anchor | $214 |
| Bristol West | $220 |
| Direct Auto | $225 |
| Kemper Special | $228 |
| Allstate | $230 |
| Farmers | $237 |
| State Farm | $251 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $252 |
| 21st Century | $266 |
| Travelers | $281 |
| Nationwide | $356 |
| Chubb | $476 |
Senior drivers make up a significant part of California’s drivers. More than 15% of Californians are 65 or older, and 16% of the state’s car-related fatalities between 2019 and 2022 involved senior drivers.[10]
The following insurers offer the cheapest monthly liability-only premiums for senior drivers in California.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $69 |
| National General | $71 |
| Aspire General | $75 |
| Mercury | $80 |
| GEICO | $81 |
| Dairyland | $82 |
| Sun Coast | $82 |
| Root | $90 |
| Allstate | $95 |
| Direct Auto | $95 |
| Farmers | $95 |
| Anchor | $100 |
| State Farm | $103 |
| Bristol West | $104 |
| Travelers | $109 |
| Kemper Special | $110 |
| 21st Century | $117 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $122 |
| Nationwide | $141 |
| Chubb | $176 |
Insurify partners with 120+ auto insurers for real quotes
Full-coverage car insurance in California costs more than the national average, but you can still find affordable options. The following information can help you jump-start your search for cheap coverage.
In California, the average monthly cost for liability-only car insurance is $92, while full coverage averages $190. You may have higher or lower rates based on your age and driving history.
USAA offers the lowest average car insurance rates in California, at $83 per month.
To lower your car insurance rate in California, you should compare quotes from different companies and look for the best deal. Ask your California insurer about discounts you may qualify for, and consider increasing your deductible to lower your premium.
You need car insurance that covers at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident, and $15,000 for property damage liability in California.
In California, car insurance companies can’t use your credit history to set your rates. California is one of the few states with this rule.
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:
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Featured in
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
Licensed auto and home insurance agent
4+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing
NPN: 20564519
Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.
Featured in
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
)
)
)
)
)