The cheapest full coverage car insurance in California is $160 , saving you $41 compared to the average cost of insurance in the state, which is around $201 per month.
CarInsurance.com has done the homework for you. We analyzed rates from various auto insurance companies in California, such as Geico, Progressive, State Farm and more, so you can effortlessly compare their rates to find the most affordable option.
“Drivers looking to get the cheapest insurance premiums in California should maintain continuous coverage and avoid any lapse. When it comes to shopping for a new insurance company, discounts may be applied if the drivers have maintained continuous coverage, which will help lower the annual premium,” says Lauren Mckenzie, senior insurance agent, A Plus Insurance.
- Among the companies analyzed by CarInsurance.com, Geico stands out as the cheapest option for full coverage car insurance in California, with an insurance premium of $160 per month.
- Drivers in California with a clean record pay 64% less for premiums compared to those with a DUI.
- The city with the lowest car insurance rates in California is Mount Shasta, with an annual premium of $1,832 .
- California drivers can save up to 20% annually on their auto insurance policy by comparing price quotes from multiple carriers.
Which company offers the cheapest car insurance rates in California?
Based on data analysis by CarInsurance.com, Geico provides the cheapest full coverage auto insurance rates for California drivers at a monthly rate of $160 or $1,919 a year.
A full-coverage auto insurance policy typically includes liability coverage, which is mandated by most states and optional coverages such as comprehensive and collision insurance, which have a deductible.
The table below provides the cheapest full coverage insurance quotes in California. We’ve gathered rates from different insurance companies to help you find the most affordable option.
Cheapest car insurance rates in California per month
| Company | Full Coverage Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $160 |
| Mercury Insurance | $169 |
| Progressive | $182 |
| Kemper Insurance | $202 |
| Travelers | $205 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $205 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $217 |
| Allstate | $219 |
| State Farm | $225 |
| Nationwide | $233 |
| Farmers | $253 |
| USAA* | $152 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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California drivers who pay lower insurance premiums
Car insurance rates can differ due to various factors, including age, location, driving history, credit score and the type of vehicle you own. Some insurers may offer cheaper rates for certain types of drivers compared to others.
- Married drivers pay 9% less than single drivers.
- California drivers with clean records pay 64% less than drivers who have a DUI on their record.
- California drivers in their 20s pay 49% lower rates for insurance than a 16-year-old in California.
- Adding a teen to your policy will cost you 57% less than having the teen purchase their own auto insurance policy.
- Drivers who are licensed for three or more years pay 51% less on their insurance premiums.
- Drivers insured for three or more years can save up to 10% on their insurance costs.
Cheapest insurers for different coverage levels in California
It’s no secret that car insurance quotes vary drastically from person to person and from company to company. Your car insurance premiums will also vary depending on the coverage level you choose, your driving history and other factors.
There are cheaper options, such as liability-only and state minimum policies. These types of insurance only provide coverage for the other party in an at-fault accident up to the limits of the policy.
Not all insurers offer the same coverage limits at the same price point. For instance:
- Geico is the cheapest for a state minimum policy.
- Geico has the cheapest rates for a liability-only policy (50/100/50).
- Geico offers the cheapest car insurance for a full coverage policy (100/300/100) in California.
The numbers above (100/300/100) represent up to $100,000 for medical bills per person, with a $300,000 cap per accident and up to $100,000 to repair other drivers’ cars and property that you damage.
Cheapest companies for state minimum coverage in California
California requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance, known as the state’s minimum coverage requirements. It means that your policy must include at least:
| Minimum Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum bodily injury liability | $15,000/$30,000 |
| Minimum property damage liability | $5,000 |
Read more about the minimum liability car insurance requirements by state
Below are the average annual rates from major insurance companies in California, ranked from cheapest to the most expensive for the state minimum coverage.
| Company | State Minimum Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $367 |
| Progressive | $433 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $457 |
| Mercury Insurance | $458 |
| Kemper Insurance | $492 |
| State Farm | $569 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $623 |
| Travelers | $629 |
| Nationwide | $712 |
| Allstate | $717 |
| Farmers | $774 |
| USAA* | $410 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest California insurance companies for liability-only coverage
If you cause an accident, your liability insurance will pay for the medical bills and property damage of others involved, up to the policy limits.
In the table below, see the average annual rates from California’s top insurers for liability insurance, ranked from cheapest to most expensive. Coverage limits are $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident and $50,000 for property damage.
| Company | Liability Only Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $591 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $627 |
| Progressive | $637 |
| Mercury Insurance | $766 |
| Kemper Insurance | $803 |
| State Farm | $900 |
| Travelers | $954 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $974 |
| Allstate | $1,104 |
| Nationwide | $1,123 |
| Farmers | $1,280 |
| USAA* | $653 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest car insurance companies in California for full coverage
Full coverage car insurance provides comprehensive protection for your vehicle. It typically includes liability coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, which safeguards against many incidents beyond accidents, such as theft or natural disasters.
When it comes to car insurance, it’s important to have coverage that fits your income, assets and risk profile. If you’re financing your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to purchase a full coverage auto insurance policy.
The table below shows the average annual rates from major insurance providers in California, listed by cost, for a full coverage policy of $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident and $100,000 for property damage, with comprehensive and collision coverage and a $500 deductible.
| Company | Full Coverage Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,919 |
| Mercury Insurance | $2,031 |
| Progressive | $2,179 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,429 |
| Travelers | $2,460 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,466 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $2,600 |
| Allstate | $2,627 |
| State Farm | $2,701 |
| Nationwide | $2,799 |
| Farmers | $3,035 |
| USAA* | $1,827 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Learn more about who has the cheapest full coverage auto insurance
Cheapest car insurance in California by driving history
In California, driving history significantly impacts car insurance costs. Insurance companies use this information to evaluate the risk of insuring a driver. Drivers with clean records pose less risk, leading to lower premiums.
Traffic violations such as speeding tickets, DUIs and at-fault accidents demonstrate risky behavior on the road. Insurance companies view these violations as indicators of higher risk and may charge you higher premiums.
A driver with a history of traffic violations pays $1,701 more annually in California than an individual with a clean driving record.
Cheap car insurance rates after a speeding ticket in California
If you’ve got a speeding ticket on your California driving record and need affordable car insurance, Mercury Insurance might be the answer. With an average annual rate of $2,335 , Mercury Insurance offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance options for drivers with speeding tickets in California.
| Company | Rates Before Speeding | After Speeding (1-29 mph over limit) | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $1,768 | $2,335 | 32% | $566 |
| Geico | $1,596 | $2,491 | 56% | $894 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,217 | $2,578 | 16% | $360 |
| Progressive | $1,483 | $2,845 | 92% | $1,361 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,259 | $3,070 | 36% | $812 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,402 | $3,173 | 32% | $770 |
| Allstate | $2,285 | $3,342 | 46% | $1,057 |
| Travelers | $2,281 | $3,400 | 49% | $1,119 |
| CSAA (AAA) | $2,722 | $3,450 | 27% | $728 |
| State Farm | $2,431 | $3,696 | 52% | $1,265 |
| Nationwide | $2,473 | $3,767 | 52% | $1,293 |
| Farmers | $2,745 | $3,876 | 41% | $1,131 |
| Hartford | $2,596 | $4,245 | 64% | $1,650 |
| USAA* | $1,619 | $1,773 | 10% | $155 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest car insurance premiums in California after a DUI conviction
California drivers with a DUI on their record can get the cheapest car insurance from Mercury Insurance at an average of $2,920 a year, followed by Progressive with an annual premium of $3,559 annually, based on recent data.
Drivers with clean driving records can expect to pay an average of 64% less than those with a history of DUI.
| Company | Rates Before DUI | Rates After a DUI | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $1,768 | $2,920 | 65% | $1,151 |
| Progressive | $1,483 | $3,559 | 140% | $2,076 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,217 | $4,014 | 81% | $1,796 |
| Geico | $1,596 | $4,014 | 151% | $2,418 |
| Travelers | $2,281 | $4,794 | 110% | $2,513 |
| Farmers | $2,745 | $4,844 | 76% | $2,099 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,402 | $5,169 | 115% | $2,767 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,259 | $6,668 | 195% | $4,409 |
| Nationwide | $2,473 | $6,908 | 179% | $4,435 |
| State Farm | $2,431 | $8,557 | 252% | $6,126 |
| Allstate | $2,285 | $9,082 | 298% | $6,798 |
| CSAA (AAA) | $2,722 | $9,812 | 260% | $7,089 |
| Hartford | $2,596 | $10,565 | 307% | $7,969 |
| USAA* | $1,619 | $4,645 | 187% | $3,026 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheap car insurance companies in California after an at-fault accident
Mercury Insurance is the cheapest car insurance company for drivers with a history of at-fault accidents with an annual premium of $2,924 .
Progressive is the second most affordable option, providing full-coverage car insurance with an average annual premium of $3,066 .
If you’re accountable for an accident, it can significantly affect your insurance premiums, as insurance companies see at-fault incidents as a sign of higher risk, leading to increased costs for coverage.
| Company | Rates Before Accident | Rates After Accident | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $1,768 | $2,924 | 65% | $1,156 |
| Progressive | $1,483 | $3,066 | 107% | $1,583 |
| Geico | $1,596 | $3,257 | 104% | $1,660 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,217 | $3,280 | 48% | $1,063 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,259 | $3,454 | 53% | $1,195 |
| Travelers | $2,281 | $3,911 | 71% | $1,630 |
| Nationwide | $2,473 | $3,919 | 58% | $1,446 |
| State Farm | $2,431 | $4,132 | 70% | $1,702 |
| CSAA (AAA) | $2,722 | $4,141 | 52% | $1,419 |
| Farmers | $2,745 | $4,199 | 53% | $1,454 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,402 | $5,169 | 115% | $2,767 |
| Allstate | $2,285 | $5,410 | 137% | $3,125 |
| Hartford | $2,596 | $5,764 | 122% | $3,169 |
| USAA* | $1,619 | $2,443 | 51% | $824 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest car insurance rates by state
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via California cities with the lowest auto insurance rates
Where you live significantly impacts your car insurance cost. Insurance companies consider the number and cost of claims in your area to determine the risk of insuring vehicles. Areas with higher accident risks or theft rates tend to have higher premiums to compensate for the increased risk.
The city with the lowest auto insurance rates in California is Mount Shasta, at $1,832 per year.
Insurance providers rely on statistical data regarding thefts, collisions and vandalism to analyze the likelihood of such incidents occurring in a particular area. Besides driving history, your car model and age play a significant role in determining your insurance premiums.
The table below shows a list of cities in California with the most affordable car insurance rates.
| City | Full Coverage Annual Rates |
|---|---|
| Mount Shasta | $1,832 |
| Yreka | $1,858 |
| Weed | $1,859 |
| Red Bluff | $1,916 |
| Los Osos | $1,927 |
| Montague | $1,930 |
| Pacific Grove | $1,936 |
| Weaverville | $1,944 |
| King City | $1,946 |
| Cambria | $1,949 |
Learn about the 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
How much can you save on car insurance in California?
If you compare car insurance quotes, you could enjoy an annual saving of around 20% on a full coverage policy in California.
How much money you save depends on factors specific to you but compare quotes and ensure you’re getting exactly what you need at a good price.
Car insurance discounts in California: Save on premiums
California drivers can lower their car insurance costs by taking advantage of discounts. Insurance companies give discounts to drivers who drive safely, have safety features in their cars and bundle insurance policies.
Compare prices and coverage from different insurance companies to get the best deal and discounts for your specific needs.
Below, find common auto insurance discounts available in California.
| Discount Type | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Lower annual mileage | 12% | $296 |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 11% | $309 |
| Marital status | 9% | $206 |
| Multi policy | 9% | $240 |
| Primary use | 9% | $237 |
| Safety devices | 3% | $86 |
| Telematics | 5% | $126 |
| Years insured | 9% | $193 |
| Years licensed | 41% | $3,502 |
Final thoughts on cheap car insurance in California
Based on our findings, Geico provides the cheapest rates for a full coverage policy in California if you have a good driving record.
It’s important to find the cheapest auto insurance and ensure you have the right amount of protection for your needs.
To get affordable car insurance in California, figure out the coverage you require, compare quotes from different companies, look for discounts and keep a good driving record.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to field rates in 2023 from all the major insurers in nearly every ZIP code of California for three different coverage levels:
The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a clean driving record and a good credit score. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP Codes.
Violations:
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100, including comprehensive and collision coverage, and a $500 deductible, with the following incidents applied: clean record, at-fault accident, DUI conviction and speeding ticket.
Discounts:
Car insurance discount rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/50 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male driver. To gather the data, our data experts compared 2,677,890 insurance quotes across various ZIP Codes.
The rates are for comparison purposes only and your exact rates may vary.
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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura is an award-winning editor with experience in content and communications covering auto insurance and personal finance. She has written for several media outlets, including the USA Today Network. She most recently worked in the public sector for the Nevada Department of Transportation.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Managing Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of California