Estimating the cost of car insurance in California depends on factors such as age, driving record, ZIP code, and the vehicle you drive.
CarInsurance.com’s auto insurance rate calculator uses your basic details to estimate car insurance costs in California for three different coverage levels: Full coverage, liability only (limits of 50/100/50) and state minimum coverage. Use the calculator below to find your average insurance rates.
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- Car insurance calculator is a valuable tool in estimating the cost of car insurance in California.
- The average annual cost of a full coverage policy in California with liability limits of 100/300/100 is $2,416 or $201 per month.
- Minimum liability coverage in California costs around $551 per year, based on CarInsurance.com’s data analysis.
Car insurance calculator California: How to get auto insurance estimates
CarInsurance.com editors recommend comparing quotes from at least three different car insurance companies when your policy is up for renewal. You can use online quoting tools to find car insurance estimates.
Every insurance company uses its own unique rating system, meaning they assess factors like age or driving history differently. For example, if you get a ticket, one insurer might raise your premium by 5%, while another could increase it by 20%.
What factors affect car insurance estimates in California?
The biggest variation in insurance estimates from state to state depends on the state law. Tort insurance law varies from no-fault insurance law. Tort insurance law operates on the principle that the person responsible for causing an accident is liable for the damages. This often leads to litigation to determine fault and the extent of damage.
On the contrary, no-fault insurance laws, adopted in several U.S. states, simplify this process by mandating each party’s insurance company to cover their clients’ bodily injury losses, regardless of who caused the accident.
Learn about the 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Calculate new car insurance rates in California by car model
It’s a good idea to get car insurance quotes before you purchase a new vehicle so you can factor that cost into your overall budget. Cars with smaller engines and advanced safety features generally have lower insurance premiums, making them a more affordable option to insure. On the contrary, luxury and sports cars usually have higher insurance costs.
| Vehicle type | Average annual rates |
|---|---|
| Convertible | $3,427 |
| Electric | $3,584 |
| Hatchback | $2,519 |
| Hybrid | $2,959 |
| Luxury Car | $3,823 |
| Luxury SUV | $3,194 |
| Minivan | $2,466 |
| Performance SUV | $3,631 |
| Sedan | $2,685 |
| Sports Car | $4,136 |
| Station Wagon | $3,120 |
| SUV | $2,456 |
| Truck | $2,745 |
| Van | $2,658 |
“The best way to get car insurance quotes is to comparison shop – making sure you are comparing apples to apples. The internet is a great resource to compare insurance products – be sure to line up the exact dollar coverage and any riders included as well,” says James Brau, Joel C. Peterson professor of finance at Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Business. “If you’re calling specific insurance companies, have them email written quotes to make sure there is no misunderstanding. Oftentimes, lower-cost insurance quotes don’t offer as much protection as higher-priced premiums, so it is an exercise in comparing apples to oranges.”
You can estimate your car insurance rates in California by entering your vehicle’s make and model into the calculator below.
Insurance rates by car model
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California car insurance estimates for used cars
Car insurance estimates for used cars in California are typically lower than new vehicles. Insurance rates can vary based on the car’s age, make, model and driving history. It’s important to compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the most affordable coverage for your used car in California.
Use the calculator below to determine your car insurance rates for used cars in California, depending on your vehicle’s make and model.
Average insurance rates for your used car
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FAQ: How to estimate car insurance rates before buying a car in California
How much auto insurance do I need in California?
How much car insurance you need depends on several factors, including financial circumstances, the car’s value and your risk tolerance. If your vehicle is leased or financed, the lender will likely require you to secure comprehensive and collision coverage, commonly known as full coverage, when combined with liability.
Every state has different minimum car insurance coverage requirements. But the minimum requirements usually don’t provide enough protection if you’re involved in an accident.
| Requirements | Coverage limits |
|---|---|
| Minimum bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident |
| Minimum property damage liability | $5000 per accident |
How much does car insurance cost in California per month?
In California, the full coverage car insurance comprises collision, comprehensive and liability with the limits of 100/300/100 and cost $201 a month. On the other hand, state minimum coverage costs $46 and liability policy with limits 50/100/50 is $72 monthly.
Does your age impact how much you pay for insurance in California?
Young drivers often pay more for car insurance in California due to their lack of driving experience and statistically higher risk of getting into accidents. Insurance companies use this data to calculate risk, and this factor is built into the premiums that young drivers pay.
Additionally, young drivers are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as speeding and distracted driving, further increasing the cost of their car insurance.
Calculate car insurance rates in your neighboring states
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Methodology
CarInsurance.com editors collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for a 40-year-old male with a good insurance score and a 12-mile commute. The rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 deductible.
We analyzed 28,561,720 insurance quotes for 1,439 makes and models from 58 national and regional insurance companies across 510 ZIP codes.
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