Cheapest cars to insure in California: 2026 Rankings by vehicle make and model

The Honda CR-V is the cheapest car to insure in California, with a six-month full coverage premium of $1,439 based on CarInsurance.com’s analysis of 67 million quotes across 510 ZIP codes. Compact SUVs and minivans consistently rank as the most affordable vehicles, while sedans and luxury vehicles cost more to insure. Electric vehicles (EVs) cost an average of $4,725 per year for insurance in the Golden State.

Your choice of vehicle matters more in California than in most states when it comes to insurance rates. California premiums are higher than the national average, and the state’s unique regulatory environment also significantly impacts costs. In this article, we’ll cover insurance costs for every major vehicle type, as well as rates for teen drivers and EVs. 

Finally, we’ll show you some California-specific savings options you may be able to use to reduce your car insurance bill.

What is the cheapest car to insure in California?

The Honda CR-V is the cheapest car to insure in California at $1,439 for six months of full coverage ($2,878 annually). The Chrysler Voyager ($1,464/six months) and the Mazda CX-5 ($1,476/six months) rank second and third, respectively. All three are SUVs — a pattern that holds consistently across our California rate data.

10 cheapest cars to insure in California

See how California compares to other states in our cheapest cars to insure across the U.S. guide.

What makes a car cheap to insure in California?

The cost to insure a car in California is based on six primary factors:

• The vehicle’s purchase price or manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP)
• Repair and parts costs
• Safety ratings from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
• Theft risk
• Engine size
• Annual mileage

Unlike most states, California bans the use of credit scores for insurance pricing, so your vehicle choice carries extra weight here.

Vehicle price and repair costs directly affect the insurer’s cost to fix or replace the vehicle after a claim. The Honda CR-V’s MSRP starts at just $31,000, while the No. 2 pick, the Chrysler Voyager, starts at $41,395 — both far below the average new-car price of $50,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. The Mazda CX-5 and Honda HR-V have MSRPs even lower, below $30,000. 

Safety ratings tell the insurer how likely a vehicle is to be involved in an expensive claim, which is why cars with high safety ratings tend to cost less to insure; they include crash avoidance technology and are built to reduce injuries and damage. The Honda HR-V, for example, received an IIHS Top Safety Pick rating, which contributes to its low premiums. 

And the same goes for cars with a low risk of theft. Vehicles that are more likely to be stolen will cost more to insure. Cars with bigger engines not only tend to cost more to repair, but they’re more likely to be a target of thieves — making the Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 (and its V8 engine) the No. 1 most-stolen vehicle in the U.S., according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Finally, your annual mileage can affect your insurance costs, as the more you’re on the road, the higher your chances of being involved in an accident. Many insurers offer discounts for low-mileage drivers and raise premiums for high-mileage drivers.

Why California is different: The credit score rule

California prohibits insurers from using credit scores to set auto insurance rates — one of only three states with this restriction. Under Proposition 103, the most important rating factors in California are your driving record, annual miles driven, and years of driving experience. 

Prop 103 is a 1988 California state law that prohibits arbitrary insurance rate changes and requires prior approval from the state’s insurance commissioner. It also blocks insurers from using credit scores when setting rates. 

Instead, California insurance companies rely on specific driving-related characteristics and vehicle type to determine the cost of your premiums. Since insurers can’t rely on your credit score when assessing risk, your choice of vehicle in California is more impactful than in other states.

Which SUVs are the cheapest to insure in California?

The Honda CR-V is the cheapest SUV to insure in California, with an average rate of $1,439 for six months of full coverage. The Mazda CX-5 ($1,476), Honda HR-V ($1,479), and Subaru Forester ($1,492) follow closely behind. 

These models combine high IIHS safety ratings, moderate repair costs and relatively low theft exposure — the primary factors that drive affordable premiums.

Compare the cheapest SUV rates in other states with our cross-country guide.

What are the cheapest sedans to insure in California?

The Volkswagen Jetta is the cheapest sedan to insure in California, with a six-month full-coverage policy costing $1,680 and an average annual rate of $3,359. The Subaru Legacy ($1,681) and the Toyota Corolla ($1,693) rank second and third, respectively. 

Among sedans, the Kia K4 costs $2,669 per six months to insure in California, more than the insurance cost of a luxury BMW 4 Series ($2,416). The K4’s relatively high rate despite its low $22,290 starting MSRP likely reflects theft risk and pricey repair costs, a reminder that sticker price doesn’t always predict insurance cost.

See the cheapest sedan rates in all 50 states.

Are any sports cars affordable to insure in California?

Most sports cars are expensive to insure, but the Mazda MX-5 Miata breaks the pattern at an average rate of $1,608 per six months in California — cheaper than even the cheapest sedans, including the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta. The Honda Civic Si ($1,852) is also relatively affordable. By contrast, the Porsche 911 Turbo tops the list at $5,067 per six months.

Learn more about the cheapest sports cars to insure nationwide.

Which luxury cars have the lowest insurance costs in California?

Among luxury vehicles in California, the 2025 Acura TLX offers the lowest insurance cost at $1,886 per six months. The Lexus ES ($1,996) and Cadillac CT4 ($2,023) were second and third, respectively. 

Compare those rates to the six-month average rate for a Mercedes-Benz E-Class ($2,334) or BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe ($2,379). You could save almost $1,000 per year by choosing the Acura. Japanese luxury brands like Acura consistently outperform their European counterparts in California insurance costs, thanks to lower parts and repair costs.

Compare luxury car insurance costs nationwide.

Are electric vehicles more expensive to insure in California?

Yes — electric vehicles cost more to insure in California, with an average rate of $4,725 per year. However, some EVs are competitive with gas-powered vehicles. The Fiat 500e costs $1,646 for six months of full coverage insurance and the Hyundai Kona Electric premium is $1,676, followed by the Kia Niro EV at $1,677. Higher EV insurance costs are due to the cost of expensive battery components and higher labor costs for specialized repairs.

California leads the US in EV adoption, with more than 2.5 million EVs sold, according to the California Energy Commission. Despite their higher insurance costs, Californians may benefit financially from EVs in other ways:

• Local Drive Clean incentives: Drivers may qualify for up to $4,000 in rebates and incentives from the California Air Resources Board, depending on their region or municipality. 
• Lower per-mile fuel costs: California tops the nation in gas prices, according to AAA, with Golden State drivers paying over 50% more at the pump than the national average. However, EV drivers who charge at home could save more than 40% on electricity compared to gas.
• Lower maintenance costs: With no oil changes or spark plug replacements, EVs typically cost 40% less to maintain than gas-powered vehicles. 

Explore how much electric car insurance costs nationwide.

Minivans and vans: Often overlooked, frequently cheap

Two of the cheapest vehicles to insure in California are vans: The Chrysler Voyager minivan ($1,464) and the full-size Chevrolet Express ($1,529). The larger footprint of these vehicles makes them a lower theft target, while their use as family and utility vehicles signals a much lower-risk driver profile.

Families, small business owners, and high-mileage commuters could save on insurance costs by opting for a van over a sedan or many SUVs.

What are the cheapest cars to insure for teen drivers in California?

The Honda CR-V is the cheapest car to insure for an 18-year-old driver in California, at $4,111 for a six-month full-coverage policy. The Chrysler Voyager ($4,128) and Subaru Forester ($4,201) round out the top choices. Teen drivers in California typically pay 186% more than 40-year-old drivers insuring the same vehicle.

Insurance companies charge much more for teen drivers for several reasons, mostly because of their inexperience behind the wheel and higher risk. As such, they have the highest actuarial risk of any age group; the risk of a fatal crash with a teen driver is three times that of adults.

For families with newly minted teen drivers, vehicle choice is one of the most controllable factors for keeping insurance costs down. Vehicles that are safer and cheaper for teens have:

• High IIHS safety ratings
• Safety equipment, like standard automatic emergency braking systems
• Low MSRP
• No high-performance engine

Note that, unlike in other states, California’s insurance regulations do not allow companies to use gender when setting insurance rates.

Cheapest cars to insure for teens and young drivers

Cheapest sedans for teen drivers

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Which California rules affect how much you pay for insurance?

California car insurance is governed by Proposition 103, a 1988 law that requires insurer rate changes to be approved by the California Department of Insurance. The law also bans the use of credit scores and gender in auto insurance pricing. Instead, your premium is primarily determined by your driving record, annual miles driven and years of experience.

Proposition 103: How California controls insurance rates

California voters approved Proposition 103 in 1988, a move that would require the state’s Department of Insurance to grant approval of any rate changes proposed by home, auto or casualty insurance carriers. 

However, this “prior approval” requirement caused a significant bottleneck in the rate change process between 2022 and 2024. Auto insurance rate changes took an average of 267 days to be approved due to compliance reviews required by the California Department of Insurance.

In 2024, California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara implemented reforms that created a streamlined approvals pathway, which led to a rate surge. This is why California auto insurance rates can remain stable for long periods before suddenly spiking.

How California insurers rate drivers without using credit scores

Under Proposition 103, the primary rating factors for auto insurance are driving record, annual miles and years licensed. Since insurance companies in California can’t use your credit score as a risk indicator, your driving habits and choice of vehicle will carry more weight for insurance pricing here than in other states. 

This is one reason why choosing a vehicle with strong safety ratings and low theft exposure has a bigger impact on your premiums in California than it might in another state.

The good driver discount: California’s mandatory savings rule

California law requires insurers to offer a 20% discount to drivers who meet the state’s good driver standard – three or more years of continuous driving experience, no more than one point on their record in the past three years, and no at-fault accidents resulting in injury or death. This discount is mandatory — every California insurer must offer it, per California Insurance Code Section 1861.025.

Geographic pricing and wildfire zone premiums

California does allow for geography-based rating, so your ZIP code affects your rates. The Los Angeles, San Francisco and Oakland metro areas have rates that are higher than the state average for comprehensive and liability coverage.

In parts of Los Angeles County, Ventura, Santa Barbara and wine country (the North Coast region), drivers face higher premiums due to wildfire risk. If you live in a wildfire zone, comprehensive coverage is especially important — and choosing a vehicle with a lower comprehensive insurance cost matters a great deal.

California’s high uninsured motorist rate

California consistently ranks among the states with the highest level of uninsured drivers, with a report by the Insurance Information Institute pinning the proportion at more than 20%. Therefore, uninsured motorist (UM) and underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage is especially valuable in California. 

UM/UIM adds relatively little to the annual premium of a low-cost vehicle, but will pay toward your medical bills, vehicle damage and possibly lost wages as a result of an accident with an uninsured driver.

How do you choose the cheapest car to insure in California for your situation?

To find the cheapest car to insure in California, first start with compact SUVs or minivans, which have the lowest average rates. Prioritize vehicles with IIHS Top Safety Pick ratings, and avoid high-performance engines and sports trim levels. Always get insurance quotes before buying, as premiums vary significantly by insurer for the same vehicle.

Follow the steps below to choose the cheapest car to insure, which can vary from person to person.

1. Choose the right vehicle category: In general, compact SUVs offer the widest variety of vehicles with a low cost to insure. Models in this size class offer a balance of safety, affordability, and lower repair costs. But don’t overlook other vehicle categories; you may find some vans and luxury vehicles to be affordable to insure, too.
2. Check  IIHS and NHTSA safety ratings: Before committing to your purchase, view the vehicle’s crash-test and safety ratings. Cars with top ratings are more likely to qualify for lower premiums because of reduced crash severity and a lower likelihood of claims.
3. Consider total cost of ownership, not just sticker price: While vehicle price can affect your premiums, a low-cost car does not always guarantee low insurance costs. Some sedans have higher-than-average insurance costs, while some luxury cars with high MSRPs cost less to insure than you might expect.
4. Factor in your California ZIP code: Drivers in wildfire zones and dense metro areas may pay more for insurance, as elevated risk drives up rates for comprehensive and collision coverage. 
5. Quote before you buy: The best way to understand your expected costs is to request a quote before you purchase — not after. Running the numbers ahead of time lets you compare personalized rates based on your location and risk factors.

See what your specific vehicle will cost to insure in your California ZIP code — no personal details required.

Does a cheaper car always mean cheaper insurance? (MSRP v. premium analysis)

Not always. Lower insurance premiums reflect safety ratings, repair costs, and theft exposure, not just purchase price.

For example, the Acura TLX — an SUV starting around $46,000 MSRP — costs $1,886 per six months to insure in California, less than the Nissan Altima ($27,580) at $1,896. For a price difference of more than $15,000, the average rate difference is $10. 

Another anomaly is the Lexus ES, a luxury sedan that’s big on comfort, has an MSRP of $43,435, but a six-month average rate of just $1,996 — just $10 more than the Altima’s six-month average rate. Its relatively low insurance rates compared to other luxury vehicles point to high reliability despite higher repair costs. Or look at the BMW Z4, a German luxury sports car that costs less to insure than a sporty Toyota Corolla: $2,185 vs. $2,232 for six months. Price and class don’t always correlate with insurance cost.

How does California compare to neighboring states?

Our state-by-state data shows that where you live has a big impact on your car insurance rates. For example, the Honda CR-V costs $1,439 for six months in California but only $1,180 in Arizona — a difference of $259 for the same vehicle. 

Part of the reason auto insurance is higher in California is due to Proposition 103 regulatory dynamics; another part is the litigation environment. And California’s urban areas have higher metro traffic density than those of neighboring states.

Since insurance rates are already high in California, choosing the right car is an important way to save money.

Frequently Asked Questions: Car insurance in California

Why is car insurance so expensive in California?

California car insurance rates are higher for several reasons. Insurers must adhere to Proposition 103’s rate-freeze dynamics, which can introduce periodic volatility. Dense metro areas increase the risk of collision, which drives up rates. And the elevated number of uninsured motorists means insurers must pay out more while receiving less in premiums, raising costs for everyone else.

Does California use credit scores for car insurance?

No. According to the California Department of Insurance, Prop 103 prohibits insurers from basing car insurance rates on a driver’s credit score. Instead, insurance companies use other factors, such as driving history, years of driving experience and annual mileage. 

What is the cheapest car to insure for a new driver in California?

For drivers with little experience, such as teen drivers, the Honda CR-V has the lowest average rates at $4,111 for six months, or an annual auto premium of $8,223. The CR-V’s five-star safety rating contributes to its low rates for new drivers.

Are electric cars cheaper to insure than gas cars in California?

No — gas cars are cheaper to insure than electric cars in California, for the most part. However, a few EV models come close, like the Hyundai Kona Electric and the Kia Niro EV. The average cheapest rate for an EV is $1,646 for the Fiat 500e for six months — cheaper than a Volkswagen Jetta sedan ($1,680), but $207 more than the cheapest SUV, the Honda CR-V ($1,439).

How much does full coverage cost for a Honda Civic in California?

A Honda Civic Sedan costs an average of $1,777 to insure for six months in California. Note that this rate is for a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record. Your rate will vary based on your own driving history and risk factors.

Can I lower my car insurance by choosing a different car in California?

Yes. Choosing a different car can raise or lower your premiums, since repair costs, reliability, theft risk and other factors vary from car to car. For instance, a Honda CR-V costs an average of $1,439 for six months, while the Toyota Corolla costs $1,693. Both are midrange vehicles with popular appeal, but the Toyota sedan costs $254 more to insure.

What is the California Good Driver Discount?

California law requires insurance companies to offer the California Good Driving Discount, a 20% premium discount for good driving. To be eligible, drivers must have at least three years of driving history, no more than one violation, and no major violations like DUI or accidents with serious injury or death.

Which car brands have the cheapest insurance in California?

Honda and Subaru dominate the lists of the cheapest vehicles to insure. The CR-V, HR-V and Civic Si top the lists for Honda, while the Forester, Legacy, and WRX lead the way for Subaru. These brands’ top safety ratings and relatively affordable repair costs contribute to their lower premiums. These brands also tend to attract lower-risk drivers who are less likely to file severe claims.

Bottom line: How to save on insurance by choosing the right car in California

For California drivers looking to control their car insurance costs, we found that compact SUVs offer the lowest average rates. Choosing a Honda CR-V over a median sedan saves California drivers an average of $654 per year. 

California’s specific car insurance laws also affect what you pay. Since credit score doesn’t play a factor in rates, your driving history and choice of vehicle play a bigger part in determining your rate in California compared to other states. 

See how these patterns apply to you. Once you’ve chosen your vehicle, compare car insurance companies in California to find the best rate for your profile.

Resources & methodology

Sources

1. Kelley Blue Book. “New Record: Average New Car Prices Surpasses $50,000.” Accessed April 2026
2. California Energy Commission. “California Surpasses 2.5 Million ZEV Sales.” Accessed April 2026
3. House Financial Services Committee. “Factors Influencing the High Cost of Insurance for Consumers.” Accessed April 2026
4. California Department of Insurance. “Commissioner Lara moves to implement new insurance rate review reforms.” Accessed April 2026
5. California Department of Insurance: “Prop 103 Consumer Intervenor Process.” Accessed April 2026

Methodology

CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates. The rates are based on sample profiles of 40-year-old male and female drivers with full coverage policies, limits of 100/300/100, and $500 collision and comprehensive deductibles. Read the detailed methodology for more information.