Updated: December 1, 2024
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In California, car owners pay an average of $1,518 annually for full coverage insurance. Minimum coverages average around $629 annually.
Premiums depend on age, coverage level, location, driving record and credit history. To find the right policy, balance these factors to match your needs and budget.
CaliforniaCar InsuranceCostsWhy Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed California auto insurance rates using data and information from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in California as of 2024.
The average full coverage car insurance cost in California is $1,518 annually. Comparing car insurance quotes helps determine if you're receiving an affordable rate.
The rates below guide you on your potential insurance costs in California, from minimum coverage to full coverage plans.
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,518 | $127 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $869 | $72 |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $629 | $52 |
Car insurance in California is more expensive than in many states. The average annual premium for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible is $1,518 or $127 monthly, compared to the national average of $1,337 annually or $111 monthly. California's minimum coverage costs about $629 per year, slightly above the national average of $619.
The higher rates are due to California's large population, urban density, high cost of living, frequent theft and accidents, and strict insurance requirements.
Car insurance premiums can vary significantly across companies, even within the same state. For example, CSAA offers the most affordable full coverage policy in California at an annual cost of $462, while at the higher end, Farmers charges around $2,323 for the same coverage.
Understanding the differences in costs is vital. Compare car insurance quotes to find the cheapest car insurance in California.
| CSAA | $462 | $39 |
| AAA | $977 | $81 |
| Progressive | $1,128 | $94 |
| GEICO | $1,274 | $106 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,433 | $119 |
| National General | $1,447 | $121 |
| State National | $1,505 | $125 |
| Kemper | $1,523 | $127 |
| Mercury | $1,530 | $128 |
| Hartford | $1,559 | $130 |
| State Farm | $1,648 | $137 |
| Nationwide | $1,759 | $147 |
| Allstate | $1,825 | $152 |
| Chubb | $1,868 | $156 |
| Travelers | $2,029 | $169 |
| Farmers | $2,323 | $194 |
Car insurance costs in California vary based on the coverage level. Minimum coverage averages $52 monthly, while full coverage costs around $127. Despite the higher price, full coverage insurance is recommended for better protection.
Adding comprehensive and collision coverage will raise your premium, but choosing higher deductibles can help reduce costs. Each deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage is applied separately, letting you control your overall costs.
| State Minimum Liability Only | $629 | $52 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $869 | $72 |
| 300/500/300 Liability Only | $955 | $80 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,210 | $101 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,278 | $106 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,439 | $120 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,450 | $121 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,518 | $127 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,536 | $128 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded | $1,604 | $134 |
| 100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_coll | $1,679 | $140 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,765 | $147 |
In California, the minimum car insurance requirements are $15,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident and $5,000 for property damage liability per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage isn't required.
$15,000 for bodily injury liability per person
This is the minimum amount required in California for covering the expenses related to injuries you may cause to one person in an accident.
$30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
This amount covers injuries to multiple people in an accident you're liable for, up to the policy limit.
$5,000 for property damage liability per accident
This is the minimum amount for covering damage you cause to another person's property, like their car or fence.
Location plays a key role in car insurance premiums. Santa Maria offers the cheapest full coverage at $1,106 annually, while Glendale is the most expensive at $2,115 per year. Your driving record, vehicle type, local traffic, crime rates and credit history can affect your insurance costs.
| Anaheim | $1,448 | $648 |
| Antioch | $1,403 | $570 |
| Arden-Arcade | $1,430 | $647 |
| Bakersfield | $1,234 | $527 |
| Berkeley | $1,342 | $551 |
| Burbank | $1,733 | $782 |
| Carlsbad | $1,225 | $542 |
| Chula Vista | $1,189 | $501 |
| Clovis | $1,239 | $549 |
| Concord | $1,315 | $558 |
| Corona | $1,351 | $589 |
| Costa Mesa | $1,342 | $621 |
| Daly City | $1,528 | $621 |
| Downey | $1,531 | $657 |
| East Los Angeles | $1,562 | $677 |
| El Cajon | $1,285 | $560 |
| El Monte | $1,586 | $693 |
| Elk Grove | $1,370 | $598 |
| Escondido | $1,232 | $533 |
| Fairfield | $1,241 | $520 |
| Fontana | $1,384 | $589 |
| Fremont | $1,296 | $540 |
| Fresno | $1,281 | $549 |
| Fullerton | $1,480 | $657 |
| Garden Grove | $1,488 | $682 |
| Glendale | $2,115 | $913 |
| Hayward | $1,374 | $559 |
| Huntington Beach | $1,349 | $617 |
| Inglewood | $1,740 | $774 |
| Irvine | $1,411 | $633 |
| Jurupa Valley | $1,324 | $573 |
| Lancaster | $1,462 | $659 |
| Long Beach | $1,497 | $649 |
| Los Angeles | $1,877 | $820 |
| Modesto | $1,401 | $608 |
| Moreno Valley | $1,357 | $578 |
| Murrieta | $1,250 | $554 |
| Norwalk | $1,460 | $633 |
| Oakland | $1,469 | $598 |
| Oceanside | $1,246 | $550 |
| Ontario | $1,374 | $594 |
| Orange | $1,310 | $587 |
| Oxnard | $1,260 | $549 |
| Palmdale | $1,507 | $667 |
| Pasadena | $1,598 | $704 |
| Pomona | $1,432 | $618 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | $1,330 | $568 |
| Rialto | $1,391 | $585 |
| Richmond | $1,400 | $583 |
| Riverside | $1,351 | $583 |
| Roseville | $1,309 | $587 |
| Sacramento | $1,331 | $576 |
| Salinas | $1,199 | $496 |
| San Bernardino | $1,369 | $583 |
| San Diego | $1,202 | $521 |
| San Francisco | $1,486 | $613 |
| San Jose | $1,290 | $551 |
| San Mateo | $1,249 | $537 |
| Santa Ana | $1,399 | $622 |
| Santa Clara | $1,289 | $559 |
| Santa Clarita | $1,444 | $654 |
| Santa Maria | $1,106 | $462 |
| Santa Rosa | $1,326 | $543 |
| Simi Valley | $1,352 | $621 |
| Stockton | $1,407 | $590 |
| Sunnyvale | $1,279 | $551 |
| Temecula | $1,270 | $552 |
| Thousand Oaks | $1,408 | $638 |
| Torrance | $1,351 | $608 |
| Vallejo | $1,378 | $556 |
| Ventura | $1,189 | $539 |
| Victorville | $1,402 | $594 |
| Visalia | $1,179 | $500 |
| Vista | $1,205 | $533 |
| West Covina | $1,478 | $656 |
In Massachusetts, California and Hawaii, car insurance companies are not allowed to rate policyholders based on age or gender. Pennsylvania prohibits considering gender but allows age to be a rating factor for auto insurance premiums.
Age significantly affects car insurance costs in California, with younger drivers facing the highest premiums. Drivers aged 22 to 29 pay the most at an average of $1,893 annually, with premiums gradually decreasing as drivers age and gain experience. Seniors 60 and above enjoy the lowest costs at $1,468 per year, showing that driving experience matters to insurers.
| 22-29 | $1,893 | $158 |
| 30-59 | $1,518 | $127 |
| 60 + | $1,468 | $122 |
Age and gender significantly influence car insurance rates in many states. In California, a 16-year-old male driver added to a family policy typically faces an average annual cost of $3,772. Sixteen-year-olds generally have the highest premiums compared to other age groups. If a 16-year-old opts for an individual policy, the cost soars to around $4,458 annually.
The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance is $1,432 for a 2012 car and $1,818 for a 2022 model. Newer cars have higher premiums due to their greater actual cash value, repair costs and theft risk. Experts recommend comprehensive and collision coverages for newer models to protect against various incidents and theft.
| 2012 Vehicle | $1,432 | $119 |
| 2022 Vehicle | $1,818 | $151 |
Your vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) is the amount your insurance company will use to determine the payout for your comprehensive or collision claim. It reflects your car's market value, considering depreciation at the time of loss, ensuring that you receive fair compensation based on the vehicle's worth before the incident.
Car insurance costs in California vary depending on the driver's record. On average, here's how driving infractions can affect your premiums:
Serious violations lead to higher car insurance premiums, which remain affected as long as the violations are on your record. In California, a DUI can impact rates for up to 10 years, while tickets and accidents affect rates for shorter periods. Although DUI offenses usually raise premiums the most, certain violations may lead to even higher costs, depending on the insurer's policies.
The table below compares premiums across coverage types and age groups based on driving records.
| Clean | $1,518 | $127 |
| Ticket | $2,154 | $180 |
| At-fault Accident | $2,444 | $204 |
| DUI | $3,628 | $302 |
Discover the key factors influencing your car insurance rates in California and learn how they can impact the average cost of your policy.
Understanding these factors can help California drivers find a balance between suitable coverage and cost when searching for the most affordable car insurance options.
To secure affordable car insurance in California, compare quotes from multiple insurers, opt for a higher deductible and use all eligible discounts to lower premiums.
Shop around for car insurance rates
Comparing rates from different insurers can lead to finding the cheapest car insurance in California. Don’t settle for the first quote you receive; explore your options.
Maintain a clean driving record
A clean driving record without violations or accidents typically results in lower insurance premiums. Safe driving can save you hundreds of dollars annually.
Increase your deductible
Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium. Ensure it’s an amount you can afford in the event of a claim to balance cost and risk effectively.
Bundle policies
Bundling car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance can lead to discounts. Insurers often offer lower rates for multiple policies.
Ask for discounts
Insurers provide various discounts for things like being a good student, having anti-theft devices or taking defensive driving courses. Always inquire about eligible discounts.
Consider the vehicle you drive
The type of car you drive affects your rates. Opt for a vehicle with a strong safety record and lower repair costs to achieve more affordable insurance.
We answer common questions about the average cost of car insurance in California, offering insights into factors that influence premiums and strategies to help you reduce your insurance costs.
In California, the law mandates drivers to carry a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury liability per individual, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage per accident. These minimums are designed to cover expenses for damages or injuries you might be responsible for. It's important to note that uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection are not obligatory in California.
The typical cost for full coverage car insurance in California is approximately $1,518 annually, which equates to about $127 monthly. For those opting for minimum coverage, the average expense is around $629 per year or roughly $52 each month.
A 22-year-old in California generally pays an average of $771 per year for minimum coverage, translating to about $64 monthly. If you choose 100/300/100 liability only, the yearly premium increases to $1,078 or $90 per month. Full coverage at 100/300/100 with a $1,000 deductible typically costs $1,839 annually, or about $153 each month.
For affordable car insurance in California, CSAA offers the lowest rates for minimum coverage at $139 per year, with AAA following at $437 annually.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
