You can find the cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for $160 a month from Geico. It saves you $41 compared to the state average car insurance cost of $201 monthly.
Shopping for car insurance in California can be a hassle, but CarInsurance.com is here to help. We have analyzed quotes from top car insurance companies, such as Geico, Progressive and State Farm so you can see who offers the best deals.
“Drivers looking to get the cheapest insurance premiums in California should maintain continuous coverage and avoid any lapse. When it comes to shopping for a new insurance company, discounts may be applied if the drivers have maintained continuous coverage, which will help lower the annual premium,” says Lauren Mckenzie, senior insurance agent, A Plus Insurance.
- According to recent data, Geico offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in California at $160 per month.
- California drivers with a clean driving record pay 64% less for car insurance than drivers with a DUI.
- In California, the city of Mount Shasta has the most affordable car insurance rates at $1,832 annually.
Which company offers the cheapest car insurance in California?
Geico offers the cheapest car insurance rates in California for a full coverage policy with an average premium of $1,919 per year, based on CarInsurance.com’s rate analysis.
A full-coverage auto insurance policy typically includes liability coverage, which is mandated by most states and optional coverages such as comprehensive and collision insurance, which have a deductible.
The table below shows the cheapest full coverage insurance rates in California. We’ve gathered rates from different insurance companies to help you find the most affordable option.
Cheapest car insurance rates in California per month
| Company | Full coverage monthly rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $160 |
| Mercury Insurance | $169 |
| Progressive | $182 |
| Kemper Insurance | $202 |
| Travelers | $205 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $205 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $217 |
| Allstate | $219 |
| State Farm | $225 |
| Nationwide | $233 |
| Farmers | $253 |
| USAA* | $152 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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Minimum car insurance requirements in California
State laws require all drivers to maintain a minimum level of car insurance coverage, also known as the state’s minimum coverage requirements. In California, you must have at least the following insurance coverage on your car:
| Requirements | Coverage limits |
|---|---|
| Minimum bodily injury liability | $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident |
| Minimum property damage liability | $15,000 per accident |
What’s new
California is updating its minimum auto liability insurance requirements starting January 1, 2025. This change aims to provide better financial protection for drivers, considering the rising costs of medical care and vehicle repairs.
Here’s a quick overview of the new minimum coverage limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
It’s a good time for drivers to review their current policies to meet the new requirements.
Who pays a lower insurance premium in California?
The cost of car insurance can vary greatly depending on your age, location, driving record, credit score, driving habits and vehicle type. However, some insurers may offer you more affordable rates than others based on your situation.
- Married drivers pay 9% less than single drivers.
- California drivers with clean records pay 64% less than drivers who have a DUI on their record.
- California drivers in their 20s pay 49% lower rates for insurance than a 16-year-old in California.
- Adding a teen to your policy will cost you 57% less than having the teen purchase their own auto insurance policy.
- Drivers who are licensed for three or more years pay 51% less on their insurance premiums.
- Drivers insured for three or more years can save up to 10% on their insurance costs.
Cheapest California companies for different coverage levels
Full coverage car insurance provides comprehensive protection for your vehicle. It typically includes liability, collision and comprehensive coverage, which safeguards against many incidents beyond accidents, such as theft or natural disasters.
There are cheaper options, such as liability-only and state minimum policies. However, these types of insurance only provide coverage for the other party in an at-fault accident up to the policy limits.
In California, Geico offers the cheapest car insurance rates for state minimum policy, liability-only policy and a full coverage policy.
Find out which other car insurance companies offer affordable insurance for different coverage levels in California.o $100,000 to repair other drivers’ cars and property that you damage.
Cheapest state minimum coverage in California
Below, you’ll see average annual rates for major insurance providers in California, ranked from cheapest to most expensive for state minimum coverage.
| Company | State minimum annual rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $367 |
| Progressive | $433 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $457 |
| Mercury Insurance | $458 |
| Kemper Insurance | $492 |
| State Farm | $569 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $623 |
| Travelers | $629 |
| Nationwide | $712 |
| Allstate | $717 |
| Farmers | $774 |
| USAA* | $410 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Read more about the minimum liability car insurance requirements by state
Cheapest liability-only coverage in California
Your liability-only policy will cover the cost of property damage and bodily injury you cause in an at-fault accident, up to the policy limits.
Here are the average annual rates for liability insurance coverage from major carriers in California, ranked in the order of the cheapest to the most expensive. The coverage limits for these rates are $50,000 for bodily injury per person, $100,000 for bodily injury per accident and $50,000 for property damage.
| Company | Liability only annual rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $591 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $627 |
| Progressive | $637 |
| Mercury Insurance | $766 |
| Kemper Insurance | $803 |
| State Farm | $900 |
| Travelers | $954 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $974 |
| Allstate | $1,104 |
| Nationwide | $1,123 |
| Farmers | $1,280 |
| USAA* | $653 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest full coverage in California
Full coverage car insurance policies consist of comprehensive and collision insurance. Comprehensive and collision protect against accidents, theft, vandalism and natural disasters.
When it comes to car insurance, it’s important to have coverage that fits your income, assets and risk profile. If you’re financing your vehicle, your lender will likely require you to purchase a full coverage auto insurance policy.
The table below shows the average annual rates from major insurance providers in California for a full coverage policy with $100,000 for bodily injury per person, $300,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $100,000 for property damage, comprehensive and collision coverage and a $500 deductible.
| Company | Full coverage annual rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,919 |
| Mercury Insurance | $2,031 |
| Progressive | $2,179 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,429 |
| Travelers | $2,460 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,466 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $2,600 |
| Allstate | $2,627 |
| State Farm | $2,701 |
| Nationwide | $2,799 |
| Farmers | $3,035 |
| USAA* | $1,827 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Learn more about who has the cheapest full coverage auto insurance
Cheapest car insurance in California by driving history
In California, driving history significantly impacts car insurance costs. Insurance companies use this information to evaluate the risk of insuring a driver. Drivers with clean records pose less risk, leading to lower premiums.
Insurance companies consider traffic violations like speeding tickets, DUIs and at-fault accidents as indicators of risky driving behavior. So, they charge higher premiums to drivers with these violations on their record.
In California, drivers with a history of such violations typically pay $1,701 more annually than drivers with clean records.
Cheap car insurance in California after a speeding ticket
If you’ve got a speeding ticket on your California driving record and need affordable car insurance, Mercury Insurance might be the answer. With an average annual rate of $2,335, Mercury Insurance offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance for drivers with speeding tickets.
| Company | Rates before speeding | After speeding (1-29 mph over limit) | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $1,768 | $2,335 | 32% | $566 |
| Geico | $1,596 | $2,491 | 56% | $894 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,217 | $2,578 | 16% | $360 |
| Progressive | $1,483 | $2,845 | 92% | $1,361 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,259 | $3,070 | 36% | $812 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,402 | $3,173 | 32% | $770 |
| Allstate | $2,285 | $3,342 | 46% | $1,057 |
| Travelers | $2,281 | $3,400 | 49% | $1,119 |
| CSAA (AAA) | $2,722 | $3,450 | 27% | $728 |
| State Farm | $2,431 | $3,696 | 52% | $1,265 |
| Nationwide | $2,473 | $3,767 | 52% | $1,293 |
| Farmers | $2,745 | $3,876 | 41% | $1,131 |
| Hartford | $2,596 | $4,245 | 64% | $1,650 |
| USAA* | $1,619 | $1,773 | 10% | $155 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest car insurance premiums in California after a DUI conviction
Mercury Insurance offers the cheapest car insurance to California drivers with a DUI conviction at $2,920 per year and Progressive has the second-cheapest insurance premiums at $3,559 a year, based on a study by CarInsurance.com.
A DUI can significantly impact your car insurance costs. On average, drivers with clean records pay 64% less than drivers with a DUI on their record.
| Company | Rates before DUI | Rates after a DUI | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $1,768 | $2,920 | 65% | $1,151 |
| Progressive | $1,483 | $3,559 | 140% | $2,076 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,217 | $4,014 | 81% | $1,796 |
| Geico | $1,596 | $4,014 | 151% | $2,418 |
| Travelers | $2,281 | $4,794 | 110% | $2,513 |
| Farmers | $2,745 | $4,844 | 76% | $2,099 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,402 | $5,169 | 115% | $2,767 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,259 | $6,668 | 195% | $4,409 |
| Nationwide | $2,473 | $6,908 | 179% | $4,435 |
| State Farm | $2,431 | $8,557 | 252% | $6,126 |
| Allstate | $2,285 | $9,082 | 298% | $6,798 |
| CSAA (AAA) | $2,722 | $9,812 | 260% | $7,089 |
| Hartford | $2,596 | $10,565 | 307% | $7,969 |
| USAA* | $1,619 | $4,645 | 187% | $3,026 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheap car insurance rates after an at-fault accident in California
The car insurance company with the cheapest driver rates after an at-fault accident is Mercury Insurance, at $2,924 a year.
On the other hand, Progressive offers the second cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates for drivers with a history of at-fault accidents at an average annual premium of $3,066.
If you’re responsible for an accident, it can significantly affect your insurance premiums. Insurance companies see at-fault incidents as a sign of higher risk, leading to increased coverage costs.
| Company | Rates before accident | Rates after accident | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury Insurance | $1,768 | $2,924 | 65% | $1,156 |
| Progressive | $1,483 | $3,066 | 107% | $1,583 |
| Geico | $1,596 | $3,257 | 104% | $1,660 |
| Auto-Owners | $2,217 | $3,280 | 48% | $1,063 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $2,259 | $3,454 | 53% | $1,195 |
| Travelers | $2,281 | $3,911 | 71% | $1,630 |
| Nationwide | $2,473 | $3,919 | 58% | $1,446 |
| State Farm | $2,431 | $4,132 | 70% | $1,702 |
| CSAA (AAA) | $2,722 | $4,141 | 52% | $1,419 |
| Farmers | $2,745 | $4,199 | 53% | $1,454 |
| Kemper Insurance | $2,402 | $5,169 | 115% | $2,767 |
| Allstate | $2,285 | $5,410 | 137% | $3,125 |
| Hartford | $2,596 | $5,764 | 122% | $3,169 |
| USAA* | $1,619 | $2,443 | 51% | $824 |
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Cheapest car insurance rates by state
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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 Which cities in California have the lowest auto insurance rates?
Where you live significantly impacts your car insurance cost. Insurance companies consider the number and cost of claims in your area to determine the risk of insuring vehicles. Areas with higher accident risks or theft rates tend to have higher premiums to compensate for the increased risk.
In California, Mount Shasta stands out as the city with the lowest auto insurance rates, at an average of $1,832 per year.
Insurance companies use data about thefts, collisions and vandalism to decide how likely it is for one of these things to happen in your city. Insurers also consider your driving record, the type of car you drive and your car’s age to determine your premiums.
Below is a list of cities in California with the lowest auto insurance rates.
| City | Full coverage annual rates |
|---|---|
| Mount Shasta | $1,832 |
| Yreka | $1,858 |
| Weed | $1,859 |
| Red Bluff | $1,916 |
| Los Osos | $1,927 |
| Montague | $1,930 |
| Pacific Grove | $1,936 |
| Weaverville | $1,944 |
| King City | $1,946 |
| Cambria | $1,949 |
A detailed guide on the 10 most important factors that influence car insurance rates
Expert TipIf you compare car insurance quotes, you could save around 20% annually on a full coverage policy in California. While your savings may differ, comparing price quotes before buying a policy can help you find affordable insurance.
Car insurance discounts in California: Save on premiums
Car insurance discounts in California can help you save on car insurance premiums. Insurance companies offer discounts to drivers for safe driving, vehicle safety features and policy bundling. Here are some common car insurance discounts available in California.
You can shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best coverage and discounts for your specific needs.
| Discount type | % Difference | $ Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Lower annual mileage | 12% | $296 |
| Loyalty – years renewal with company | 11% | $309 |
| Marital status | 9% | $206 |
| Multi policy | 9% | $240 |
| Primary use | 9% | $237 |
| Safety devices | 3% | $86 |
| Telematics | 5% | $126 |
| Years insured | 9% | $193 |
| Years licensed | 41% | $3,502 |
Final thoughts on cheap car insurance in California
Based on our research, if you are a good driver, Geico is the cheapest in California for a full coverage policy.
We understand that finding affordable car insurance is important, but it’s also crucial to ensure you have enough coverage for adequate financial protection.
To get cheap car insurance in California, first, figure out what coverage you need. Then, compare prices from different companies. Look for discounts and try to keep your driving record clean. Even if you’ve had tickets or accidents, you might still find a company that offers you a good deal.
Frequently asked questions
Is car insurance mandatory in California?
Car insurance is mandatory in California for all drivers to comply with the state’s financial responsibility laws. The minimum coverage requirement includes bodily injury liability of $15,000 per person, bodily injury liability of $30,000 per accident and $5000 for property damage liability.
It’s important to note that these minimums will increase starting January 1, 2025, to bodily injury liability of $30,000 per person, $60,000 for bodily injury per accident and $15,000 for property damage liability.
What are the penalties for driving without insurance in California?
Driving without insurance in California can result in a fine ranging from $100 to $200 for the first offense. Your driving privileges may be suspended for up to four years if you’re involved in a collision without adequate insurance coverage, regardless of fault.
How can I find the cheapest car insurance in California?
To find California’s most affordable car insurance, compare quotes from multiple insurers using online tools, as rates vary significantly. It’s important to assess your coverage needs to avoid paying for unnecessary coverage. Additionally, inquire about discounts for safe driving, bundling or low mileage, which can help reduce your premiums.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- California Legislative Information. “Financial Responsibility Laws.” Accessed December 2024.
- State of California DMV. “California Driver’s Handbook.” Accessed December 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to field rates in 2023 from all the major insurers in nearly every ZIP code of California for three different coverage levels:
- Full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100, including comprehensive and collision coverage and a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only with limits 50/100/50.
- State-minimum car insurance limits of 30/60/15.
The rates are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a clean driving record and a good credit score. We have compared 53,409,632 car insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP Codes.
Violations:
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old driver for a full coverage policy with limits 100/300/100, including comprehensive and collision coverage, and a $500 deductible, with the following incidents applied: clean record, at-fault accident, DUI conviction and speeding ticket.
Discounts:
Car insurance discount rates are for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/50 and a $500 comprehensive and collision deductible based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male driver. To gather the data, our data experts compared 2,677,890 insurance quotes across various ZIP Codes.
The rates are for comparison purposes only and your exact rates may vary.
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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