- How much is car insurance in California?
- California car insurance rates by company
- California car insurance costs by coverage level
- California car insurance by driver profile
- California car insurance rates by age group
- How much does car insurance cost in California per month?
- California car insurance discounts
- Car insurance requirements in California
- Car insurance rates in California by model year
- Compare auto insurance rates by city in California
- Car insurance premium trends in California
- Methodology
- Compare California car insurance rates with other states
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 claim 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 by company
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 costs by coverage level
Generally, California minimum car insurance is the cheapest option. However, it won’t protect you or your vehicle, even if you increase your limits. Although full coverage is more expensive, it includes collision and comprehensive coverages, which pay for damages to your car from an accident or events like severe weather.
Compare California car insurance costs based on coverage level below.
| State minimum car insurance | Liability-only car insurance | Full coverage car insurance |
|---|---|---|
| $551 | $864 | $2,416 |
California car insurance by driver profile
Car insurance companies use your driving record to help determine rates since it indicates how likely you are to file a claim. Drivers with DUIs, multiple accidents or a history of reckless driving have significantly higher insurance rates.
In most states, credit history also affects car insurance rates. Statistically, drivers with a lower credit score are more likely to file a claim instead of paying out of pocket for damages.
This table compares average car insurance rates in California based on driver profiles. The highest rates in California are for drivers with DUI.
| Profile groups | Average annual premium | Annual premium for profile | $ Increase | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $2,416 | $4,251 | $1,835 | 76% |
| Careless driving | $2,416 | $4,711 | $2,295 | 95% |
| DUI | $2,416 | $7,784 | $5,368 | 222% |
| Reckless driving | $2,416 | $7,414 | $4,998 | 207% |
| Speeding | $2,416 | $3,575 | $1,159 | 48% |
| Texting ticket | $2,416 | $3,651 | $1,235 | 51% |
California car insurance rates by age group
Age can significantly impact car insurance rates. Younger, less experienced drivers see the highest California car insurance rates. Rates decrease considerably with age and experience behind the wheel.
The table below shows average California car insurance rates by age.
| Age group | Full coverage car insurance |
|---|---|
| Teens (16-19) | $6,233 |
| Young Adults (20-24) | $3,622 |
| Adults (25-60) | $2,460 |
| Seniors (65-75) | $2,424 |
How much does car insurance cost in California per month?
The average monthly cost of California car insurance varies based on the amount of coverage you choose. While the minimum required car insurance is the cheapest, full coverage offers more protection at a higher rate.
| Coverage level | Average monthly premium |
|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $46 |
| Liability Only - 50/100/50 BI/PD | $72 |
| Full Coverage - 100/300/100 BI/PD - 500 Comp/Coll | $201 |
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 |
Car insurance requirements in California
California requires a minimum amount of car insurance, including:
- 15/30/5 in liability coverage to pay for bodily injuries and property damages you cause in an accident.
Remember, the minimum coverage required by California law is just that - the minimum. Experts recommend increasing limits and adding coverage, such as collision and comprehensive, to protect yourself better. By ensuring you have adequate coverage, you can have peace of mind on the road.
| State minimum requirements | State minimum car insurance | Liability-only car insurance | Full coverage car insurance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15/30/5 | $551 | $864 | $2,416 |
Car insurance rates in California by model year
The vehicle you drive also affects California car insurance rates. For example, newer cars cost more to repair since they have expensive parts, such as collision warning systems, cameras, and anti-theft devices.
See how the model and age of the vehicle affect California car insurance rates below.
| Company | Style | Average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $2,027 |
| Geico | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $2,037 |
| Progressive | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $2,323 |
| Allstate | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $2,932 |
| Nationwide | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $3,197 |
| Farmers | 2WD 4 Door Sedan Automatic Turbo | $3,496 |
Compare auto insurance rates by city in California
Auto insurance rates in your city can differ significantly from the state average due to factors such as population density, increased instances of auto theft or accidents, and a few other factors. It's best to compare quotes from various insurance providers to find the most competitive rates for your specific city in California.
| 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 average rates increase most years and various factors contribute to these changes, including shifts in economic conditions, changes in state laws, and the number and severity of insurance claims.
That's why it's important to keep track of car insurance premiums to make better decisions. The graph below shows how insurance rates in California have increased or decreased from 2020 to 2023.
Whether you're planning to renew your policy with your current insurer or looking for a new one, this analysis is invaluable for making informed insurance choices.
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.
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