Car insurance costs in California vary greatly depending on various factors, including the type of coverage you choose, coverage limits, your address and personal factors. Geico offers the cheapest annual rates for full coverage car insurance in California at $1,919 annually.
This guide makes buying car insurance in California easy. We’ve done the hard work by researching and analyzing what different drivers might pay for insurance.
Keep reading to get a clear idea of how car insurance in California works and how much coverage you need.
- Geico provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in California, at $1,919 per year.
- In California, car insurance costs can change based on the type of coverage, coverage limits, age, location, make and model of your car and your driving record.
- Minimum liability coverage in California costs around $551 annually for limits of 15/30/5, while liability-only coverage costs $864 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- In California, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 43%, a DUI raising rates by 177%, and an at-fault accident by up to 78%.
How much is car insurance in California?
CarInsurance.com data found that drivers in California pay $201 monthly for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you plan your budget. Remember, car insurance rates vary widely, depending on the type of car you drive, your driving history and other personal factors.
Average cost of auto insurance in California by coverage level
Car insurance costs in California can differ based on the coverage limit. To legally drive, California residents must adhere to the minimum liability limits of 15/30/5.
Liability-only insurance policies are the most affordable option and provide the minimum coverage required in California. However, they don’t offer much protection.
While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.
On the other hand, full coverage car insurance is more expensive, but it offers extensive protection. It helps cover your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, natural disasters, and animal collisions. Full coverage can make you feel more secure, knowing you’re well-protected if something happens.
Full coverage car insurance comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below, you will find the rates for car insurance in California for different coverage levels.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Cost | Avg. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $46 | $551 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $72 | $864 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $201 | $2,416 |
State minimum car insurance in California
California laws mandate that all drivers carry insurance with minimum liability limits of $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $5,000 for property damage liability.
The state minimum coverage in California costs $551 a year but doesn’t provide much protection for drivers. California drivers may purchase additional coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, increase their liability limits and add personal injury coverage or other endorsements for extra protection.
Drivers in California must be aware of the minimum insurance coverage requirements to stay compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in California
According to CarInsurance.com data, liability-only car insurance costs $864 in California for limits 50/100/50.
Liability-only insurance helps cover the costs if you damage someone else’s car or injure someone in an accident. It’s more affordable than full coverage insurance, but remember, it doesn’t pay for repairs to your vehicle or cover injuries to your passengers.
Full coverage car insurance in California
The average annual premium in California is $2,416 for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.
Experts recommend that drivers purchase full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford to be financially protected. Full coverage car insurance policies include liability, comprehensive and collision coverage.
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Calculate the cost of car insurance in California
A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.
When determining insurance premiums, companies study crime rates, traffic conditions, car thefts and population density in different areas. This research helps them assess the associated risk and set competitive prices for their policies.
This means that residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in California have to bear greater financial burdens than those in areas with lower risks.
Our tool lets you quickly obtain insurance quotes for different coverage limits specific to your ZIP code within minutes. Input your ZIP code to see how much you can save on premiums.
California Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code
Estimate car insurance in California by car model
Car insurers in California use the make and model of your car to determine your insurance rates. Cars deemed more expensive to repair, such as luxury cars and EVs, may raise your rates more than those that may cost less to fix.
For example, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi tend to have higher insurance costs. On the other hand, more affordable brands like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda typically come with the cheapest insurance cost.
Find out how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your vehicle make and model in California.
Insurance Rates by Car Model
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in California
As you age, the cost of your car insurance might change. As a young driver, you’ll pay more than an experienced, older driver. This is because younger drivers are more prone to accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than for drivers 20 years old or older.
Car insurance companies know teen drivers are less experienced and riskier to insure. California drivers aged 30 to 60 have the lowest average auto insurance rates at $2,392 annually.
Drivers aged 16-19 pay $3,841 more for car insurance than California drivers aged 30-60 per year.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $6,233 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $3,509 yearly for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged adult drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $2,392 annually in California.
- For senior drivers: Drivers aged 65 and older can expect to pay $2,424 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in California
If your driving record includes a DUI, speeding ticket or an at-fault accident, your rates will increase significantly. A DUI conviction in California can increase your premiums by up to 177% because insurers see you as a risky driver.
If you receive a speeding ticket in California, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 43% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.
Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 43% increase
- DUI conviction: 177% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 78% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, you can still save money by comparing insurance quotes.
Car insurance cost in California for high-risk drivers
In California, drivers deemed high-risk face higher car insurance premiums due to the increased risk. Factors such as past accidents, traffic infractions and low credit scores significantly affect premium costs.
Luckily, there are ways for high-risk drivers to reduce their premium payments. Shopping around and comparing quotes is a great place to start, as each company will have its own rate structure tailored to individual needs.
Use the tool below to see which company offers cheaper rates for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions and at-fault accidents.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $3,190 |
| USAA | $3,470 |
| Progressive | $3,600 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $4,221 |
| Travelers | $4,590 |
| Geico | $4,784 |
| State Farm | $5,242 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $5,287 |
| Farmers | $5,322 |
| Nationwide | $6,117 |
| Allstate | $7,240 |
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Average car insurance cost in different states of U.S.
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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 Compare car insurance quotes in California
In California, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in California by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
In the table below, see an overview of various car insurance companies in California, along with their average annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $367 | $591 | $1,919 |
| Mercury Insurance | $458 | $766 | $2,031 |
| Progressive | $433 | $637 | $2,179 |
| Kemper Insurance | $492 | $803 | $2,429 |
| Travelers | $629 | $954 | $2,460 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $623 | $974 | $2,466 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $457 | $627 | $2,600 |
| Allstate | $717 | $1,104 | $2,627 |
| State Farm | $569 | $900 | $2,701 |
| Nationwide | $712 | $1,123 | $2,799 |
| Farmers | $774 | $1,280 | $3,035 |
| USAA | $410 | $653 | $1,827 |
Car insurance rates by city in California
Tarzana is the most expensive city in California, with an average car insurance rate of $3,430 a year. Mount Shasta is the cheapest city for California drivers at an average rate of $1,832 annually.
Car insurance rates vary by city in California for several reasons. One of the most significant factors is traffic congestion. Areas with more traffic typically have higher rates of accidents and claims, which leads to higher premiums.
Rates can also be influenced by factors such as uninsured motorist statistics, expenses related to repairs and medical treatment, as well as the overall crime rate in the city.
Below, you’ll see the average annual car insurance cost of major cities in California.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,915 |
| Geico | $2,053 |
| Mercury Insurance | $2,108 |
| Progressive | $2,178 |
| Kemper | $2,465 |
| Travelers | $2,533 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,685 |
| Allstate | $2,738 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $2,845 |
| State Farm | $2,992 |
| Nationwide | $3,070 |
| Farmers | $3,279 |
How much does car insurance cost in California per month?
The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in California costs $201 monthly for coverage limits of 100/300/100.
Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.
Alternatively, paying your car insurance in full upon renewal may earn you a discount. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your needs and situation.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $46 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $72 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $201 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in California
When it comes to car insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. Drivers prioritize different things. Some value top-notch customer service and are willing to pay extra for it. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates possible. Some look for insurance companies with user-friendly mobile apps for managing claims and payments.
Understanding your needs and finding the best insurance policy at a great price are important. So, take your time and check out different options to find the right policy for you.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in California. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.
The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:
- Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 15/30/5.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
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