When it comes to estimating the cost of car insurance in California, personal factors like your age, driving record, ZIP code and the type of vehicle you own or drive matter.
With CarInsurance.com’s car insurance calculator, you can get an estimate based on your basic details for three coverage options in California: Full coverage with limits of 100/300/100, liability only with limits of 50/100/50 and state minimum coverage. Use the tool below to see your average insurance rates.
- 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 suggest getting quotes from at least three different insurers when shopping for a policy, either at renewal time – every six months – or annually.
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%.
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What factors affect car insurance estimates in California?
Insurance costs vary a lot from state to state, mainly due to different laws. Some states follow tort insurance law, while others use “no-fault” insurance law. In states with tort law, the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. This often leads to legal disputes to figure out who is at fault and how much they should pay.
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
When you’re shopping for a new vehicle, get quotes for car insurance so you can factor that cost into your overall car budget. If you’re looking for an affordable policy, cars that are the cheapest to insure have smaller engines and more safety features. On the other hand, sports cars and luxury vehicles are pricier for car insurance.
| 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.”
Find out your estimated car insurance rates in California by using the calculator below based on your vehicle’s make and model.
Insurance Rates by Car Model
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 car insurance calculator below to estimate your rates in California for used cars by make and model.
Average INSURANCE RATES for your USED CAR
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.
Each state, including California, has different minimum insurance requirements. However, these minimums provide only basic coverage and often fail to offer sufficient financial protection in the event of a severe car accident.
| Requirements | Coverage limits |
|---|---|
| Minimum bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident |
| Minimum property damage liability | $5000 per accident |
Check out our detailed guide on how much car insurance you need
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 in California typically face higher car insurance rates due to their limited driving experience and a higher likelihood of being involved in accidents. Insurance companies factor this increased risk into their premium calculations, leading to higher costs for younger drivers.
In addition, young drivers are more prone to risky behaviors like speeding and distracted driving, which further raises the cost of their car insurance.
Explore our comprehensive guide on average car insurance rates by age
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code and model in your state
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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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Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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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
Executive 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