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.
CarInsurance.com’s car insurance rate calculator takes basic details into account to give you a rate estimate in California at three different coverage levels – full coverage, liability only and the state minimum. See your average insurance rates in the calculator below.
- Car insurance calculators are 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 $2,110 or $176 per month.
Car insurance calculator California: How to get auto insurance estimates
When it comes to shopping for a policy, CarInsurance.com editors recommend that you get quotes from three different companies around renewal time – every six months – or annually. Get estimates for car insurance by using an online quoting tool.
Why? Because insurance companies have proprietary rating systems, each insurer rates factors like age or driving record differently. So, if you get a ticket, one company might penalize you 5% while another company could penalize you to the tune of 20%.
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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, simplifies this process by mandating each party’s insurance company to cover their own client’s bodily injury losses, regardless of who caused the accident.
Calculate new car insurance rates in California by car model
Any time you’re shopping for a new vehicle, make sure to 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 when it comes to 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 Jim 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.”
Use the car insurance calculator below to estimate your rates in California by make and model.
Insurance Rates by Car Model
California car insurance estimates for used cars
Purchasing car insurance for a used vehicle may be more cost-effective than for a new one due to its lower market value. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly understand the coverage specifics and ensure it aligns with your needs, taking factors such as the car’s age, model and mileage into consideration. Similar to buying a new car, the vehicle’s value matters more when it comes to insurance than the model year.
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?
The amount of car insurance you need depends on various factors, including your financial situation, the value of your vehicle and your risk tolerance. If your car is leased or financed, your lender may require comprehensive and collision – when paired with liability, this is known as full coverage.
Each state has different minimum insurance requirements, including California. But keep in mind that minimums are merely that – and are rarely enough financial protection in the event of a serious car accident.
| Requirements | Coverage Limit |
|---|---|
| Minimum bodily injury liability | $15,000/$30,000 |
| Minimum property damage liability | $5,000 |
How much does car insurance cost in California per month?
California car insurance estimate for full coverage comprises collision, comprehensive and liability with 100/300/100 is $176 per month. For the state minimum liability, it’s $48, and $71 for a liability policy with limits of 50/100/50.
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.
Resources & Methodology
Methodology
CarInsurance.com editors in 2023 collected rates from Quadrant Information Services for a 40-year-old male driving a 2021 Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and 12-mile commute. We analyzed 56,838,240 quotes, 34,523 ZIP codes and 136 insurance companies nationwide.
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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