- Is auto insurance required in California?
- How much is car insurance in California?
- California car insurance rates
- California car insurance laws
- California car insurance discounts
- Factors that affect auto insurance premium in California
- How to compare car insurance companies in California
- Compare auto insurance rates by city in California
- Car insurance premium trends in California
- Methodology
- California car insurance guide: Frequently asked questions
- Compare California car insurance rates with other states
Is auto insurance required in California?
Car insurance is required by law in California. The state legal minimum has been increased for 2025. The new requirements are:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury
- $60,000 per incident for bodily injury
- $15,000 per incident for property damage
How much is car insurance in California?
The average cost of car insurance in California is $2,416 annually for full coverage. However, these rates vary considerably based on factors like age, coverage levels, driving record and the make and model of the vehicle.
For example, younger drivers and males pay higher insurance rates, as do drivers with poor driving records.
California drivers who only want to carry the minimum car insurance can expect to pay an average of $551. However, collision and comprehensive coverages aren't included, so any damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident would be paid out of pocket.
"While most of us are reviewing our household budgets to see where we may be able to cut corners, your car insurance policy shouldn't be one of them. If you are considering saving money buying a liability-only auto insurance policy, the minimum legal coverage in most states, think first about what it will cost you when you need to file a claimAn insurance claim is a request you make to your insurance company for coverage after your car is damaged or you have an accident. You can file a claim online, by phone, or in writing. for any injuries or damage to your vehicle other than those of the other victims when you cause a crash," says Carole Walker, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Insurance Association, a nonprofit consumer insurance information organization.
| Average annual premium | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| $2,416 | $201 |
California car insurance rates
Every car insurance company uses its own criteria for determining rates. For example, while some emphasize age, others look closely at driving records. Because of this, California car insurance rates vary significantly from company to company.
The table below compares average California car insurance rates from top-rated companies for different coverage levels. On average, Geico is the cheapest car insurance company in California.
| Company | State minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $367 | $591 | $1,919 |
| Progressive | $433 | $637 | $2,179 |
| CSAA Insurance (AAA) | $457 | $627 | $2,600 |
| Mercury Insurance | $458 | $766 | $2,031 |
| Kemper | $492 | $803 | $2,429 |
| State Farm | $569 | $900 | $2,701 |
| Auto Club Enterprises (AAA) | $623 | $974 | $2,466 |
| Travelers | $629 | $954 | $2,460 |
| Nationwide | $712 | $1,123 | $2,799 |
| Allstate | $717 | $1,104 | $2,627 |
| Farmers | $774 | $1,280 | $3,035 |
| USAA | $410 | $653 | $1,827 |
California car insurance laws
Certain driver groups in California are subject to specific laws.
California car insurance laws for high-risk drivers
The insurance requirements for high-risk drivers in California are not different, but you will be required to file an SR-22 if convicted of certain traffic violations. An SR-22 is a document filed by your insurance company that indicates you have the legally required insurance.
You may need an SR-22 after:
- A license suspension
- Driving without insurance
- A DUI
- Multiple tickets
California car insurance laws for teen drivers
California follows a graduated licensing program that eases teen drivers into the responsibilities of driving with a series of stages, each with restrictions.
- Learner's permit. Driving is only permitted with a driver 25 years old or older in the car, no alcohol is permitted in the vehicle and the permit must be held for at least six months.
- Provisional License. No passengers under 20 for the first 12 months unless an adult is present. No driving between 12 p.m. and 5 a.m. for the first 12 months with exceptions. No alcohol in the vehicle.
- Full License. Must be 18, at which time restrictions are lifted, although alcohol is still not permitted in the vehicle.
California car insurance laws for senior drivers
There are no insurance laws that apply to senior drivers, but drivers over 70 must apply to renew their license in person every five years.
California car insurance discounts
Which car insurance discounts are available and how much savings drivers can expect depend on the state and the company. So, savings may vary considerably from company to company in California.
Check out the available car insurance discounts in California below and see how much you can save on average.
| Discount type | Premium before discount | Premium after discount | $ Saving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | $1,895 | $1,890 | $5 |
| Anti-Theft Device | $1,895 | $1,886 | $9 |
| Lower Annual Mileage | $1,895 | $1,673 | $222 |
| Loyalty - Years Renewal With Company | $1,895 | $1,681 | $214 |
| Marital Status | $1,895 | $1,718 | $177 |
| Multi Policy | $1,895 | $1,718 | $177 |
| Primary Use | $1,895 | $1,717 | $178 |
| Safety Devices | $1,895 | $1,843 | $52 |
| Telematics | $1,895 | $1,805 | $90 |
| Years Insured | $1,895 | $1,718 | $177 |
| Years Licensed | $1,895 | $1,109 | $786 |
Factors that affect auto insurance premium in California
Many factors affect car insurance cost in Texas. They include:
- Where you live in the state
- The type of car you drive
- Your driving record
- Your credit history
- Your age and gender
How to compare car insurance companies in California
To compare car insurance in California and find the best fit for your needs, follow these steps:
- Review your current policy. Note what coverage you are carrying and decide if you want to make any changes.
- Request quotes at your desired coverage levels. Make sure you are requesting the same coverage levels on each quote. If you're looking to change your coverage, ask your current insurance company to provide a quote with those limits as well.
- Review the quotes and note any added benefits. Some car insurance companies include extras at no additional charge. Is roadside assistance included? Are there other perks like a diminishing deductible program?
- Research the car insurance companies you're considering. Cheap car insurance isn't everything. Make sure you are also looking at each insurance provider's reputation to make sure you find not just the cheapest car insurance but also the best car insurance companies in California.
Compare auto insurance rates by city in California
Auto insurance rates vary not just by state, but also by city. Cities have different levels of risk based on factors like accident rates, claim costs, weather and more. That means where you live in California will impact what you pay. Below, we've gathered California car insurance rates by city for comparison.
| City | Annual insurance premium |
|---|---|
Hayward | $2,546 |
Irvine | $2,502 |
Los Angeles | $3,149 |
Sacramento | $2,665 |
San Diego | $2,324 |
San Jose | $2,406 |
Temecula | $2,356 |
Car insurance premium trends in California
Car insurance rates change regularly, influenced by changes in the cost of repairs, claim rates and other factors. Recent years have seen car insurance rates rise across the country, but not every state has seen the same increases.
We've tracked car insurance premiumThe payment required for an insurance policy to remain in force. Auto insurance premiums are quoted for either 6-month or annual policy periods. trends in California to show you how things have changed and help you prepare for potential changes in the future. Take a look at the chart below.
Methodology
Insurance.com commissioned car insurance rates from Quadrant Data Systems in late 2023 for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Base rates were fielded based on a 40-year-old driver with a clean record and good credit, driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Additional rates were fielded for multiple driver profiles including tickets, accidents and various credit tiers. Coverage levels include state minimum, 50/100/50 liability only, and full coverage at 100/300/100 liability limits with $500 deductibles. Rates were fielded from 34,588 ZIP codes and 170 insurance companies.
Car insurance premium trends are based on limits of 100/300/50 with $500 deductibles. This methodology is used to track trends to ensure the accuracy of the data comparison year-over-year.
California car insurance guide: Frequently asked questions
What company offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in California?
Geico is the cheapest car insurance company in California with the lowest rates for both state minimum and full coverage.
Will I have difficulty getting insurance with a bad driving record in California?
If you have a bad driving record, it may be more difficult to find car insurance, and you will find that rates are higher. If you are considered a high-risk driver, you may need to purchase insurance from a high-risk company.
Compare California car insurance rates with other states
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