Updated: November 18, 2024
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Among the best car insurance providers in California, MoneyGeek ranks CSAA first for overall value and for minimum coverage. Families with a teen driver might prefer Capital Insurance Group. Each choice depends on individual needs and preferences.
MoneyGeek also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in California if cost is your primary consideration, regardless of service quality.
Best Car InsuranceCaliforniaBest Car Insurance in California
CSAA emerges as the top-rated car insurance company in California, with a MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100. Scores among evaluated insurers range from 64 to 82, emphasizing the variation in quality and service within the state. These scores are part of MoneyGeek's baseline scoring system, which means individual ratings may vary for different driver profiles.
How does MoneyGeek score companies?
The overall MoneyGeek scores are rigorously calculated, with a significant emphasis placed on customer satisfaction and affordability. However, claims handinng and the range of offered coverages are also important factors impacting each insurer's final score. These components collectively shape a comprehensive view, aiding customers in selecting an insurance provider that aligns with their needs for both service quality and cost-effectiveness.
State National did not receive a MoneyGeek score due to incomplete data across the five scoring components. However, this insurer has shown strength in key coverage options, reflecting its potential to meet specific customer requirements.
| CSAA | 82 | $427 |
| Chubb | 79 | $1,868 |
| Capital Insurance Group | 79 | $1,394 |
| Progressive | 78 | $1,086 |
| AAA | 77 | $858 |
| State Farm | 76 | $1,356 |
| GEICO | 76 | $1,274 |
| Nationwide | 74 | $1,454 |
| Mercury | 74 | $1,324 |
| Travelers | 74 | $1,657 |
| Allstate | 73 | $1,403 |
| National General | 69 | $1,218 |
| Hartford | 69 | $1,498 |
| Farmers | 67 | $1,985 |
| Kemper | 64 | $1,523 |
| State National | No Data | $1,505 |
CSAA is the best option in California for drivers seeking the best full coverage car insurance. By evaluating a variety of insurers based on their composite MoneyGeek scores, CSAA emerged as the top provider.
CSAA distinguishes itself with an exceptional affordability score, contributing significantly to its leading MoneyGeek score. The company's blend of affordable premiums, satisfactory claims handling and stable financial standing makes it a compelling choice for Californians needing comprehensive coverage.
California has a wide selection of companies offering different costs and customer service experiences. For individuals looking to save, MoneyGeek also analyzed the insurers that provide the cheapest full coverage policies in California.
Ranks 1st for cost, with an average annual premium of $427 for full coverage.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Offers Roadside Assistance and Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement.
Does not offer OEM coverage or Gap Insurance.
With a MoneyGeek Score of 82, CSAA shines especially in customer satisfaction (32 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30), indicating its strong performance across vital service aspects. It scores well in coverage, too. CSAA provides the relatively rare Identity Theft Coverage — a security layer that monitors and protects your personal information, a broadly impactful safeguard for many drivers.
Clients also have access to Roadside Assistance, offering crucial help in a pinch, whether it's for a dead battery or a flat tire. With Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, the inconvenience of repairs becomes less burdensome, affirming CSAA's commitment to comprehensive protection.
Chubb is the best car insurance option in California for customer service.
Chubb stands out due to its superior customer satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are the biggest contributors to its near-perfect MoneyGeek score. Although Chubb's rates are higher, customers are paying for a more consistent and premium service experience.
In California's competitive car insurance market, companies vary greatly in customer satisfaction and claims experiences. Exceptional customer service and a smooth claims process are paramount because they translate to less stress and more efficient resolution for policyholders during some of their most challenging times. Insurance companies that prioritize these qualities ensure that their customers feel supported and valued, essential in an industry that revolves around reliability and trust.
Ranks 2nd in state for customer satisfaction.
Ranks 1st in state for claims handling.
Offers OEM coverage and Rental Car Reimbursement.
Does not offer Roadside Assistance or Gap Insurance.
Chubb Insurance garners a high satisfaction score of 44 (out of 45) and perfect claims handling score of 30 (out of 30), ensuring its appeal to discerning car insurance customers looking for tailored, high-quality protection. However, it lacks the convenience of Roadside Assistance despite offering common coverages like Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement.
Chubb's rarer coverages include Antique/Classic Car Insurance and Diminished Value Coverage, both of which cater to niche but essential client needs. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Coverage stands out for its practicality, ensuring that car repairs utilize original, not aftermarket, parts.
CSAA is the best option in California for drivers seeking minimum coverage car insurance.
CSAA stands out mainly due to exceptional affordability, which largely contributes to its overall MoneyGeek score. CSAA's annual cost for a minimum coverage policy as required by law in California is only $131.
In California, many companies may offer affordable minimum coverage car insurance, but it's important to understand the potential shortcomings. Opting for the lowest required coverage may lead to inadequate protection in the event of significant accidents or damages, potentially resulting in higher out-of-pocket expenses for underinsured drivers.
Ranks 1st for affordability with the lowest average annual premium of $131 for minimum coverage.
Offers Identity Theft Coverage.
With an average annual premium of just $131, CSAA ensures the average driver receives coverage at a minimal cost. Drivers can benefit from reasonably common discounts like an Anti-Theft System and reasonably rare discounts like Affinity Organization membership, enhancing savings.
CSAA, esteemed for its robust offerings, provides discounts for Bundling, Good Student, Multiple Car and Safe Driving, showcasing its commitment to a wide range of savings opportunities. Additionally, the company offers a Pay in Full discount for proactive policyholders, granting savings of 5% when they settle their auto policy upfront. Furthermore, the Loyalty discount rewards long-standing customers with up to a 20% reduction on select coverage, affirming CSAA's appreciation for continued patronage.
CSAA's stand-out affordability (40 out of 40) and competitive satisfaction (17 out of 25) scores, combined with a promising stability score (4 out of 5), exemplify a company dedicated to providing exceptional value and reliability in its insurance offerings.
MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group is the best option in California for teen drivers with a score of 91, offering competitive rates at an annual premium of $3,407 and a strong satisfaction score. For young adults, CSAA leads with an 82 MoneyGeek score, offering policies at just $475 annually. Seniors also find the best rates and coverages with CSAA, maintaining an 82 score and a low annual premium of $421, reflecting the company's balance of cost efficiency and customer satisfaction across different age groups.
Best for teens: Capital Insurance Group
Best for seniors: CSAA
Best for young adults: CSAA
Capital Insurance Group is the best option in California for car insurance for teens.
Capital Insurance Group distinguishes itself with excellent ratings in customer satisfaction and claims handling, contributing significantly to its MoneyGeek score. For families with teens, adding a teen to a family policy is particularly more cost-effective in California than obtaining a separate policy for them. For further information, we analyzed the cheapest car insurance for a teen in California.
Adding a teen to a car insurance policy in California is costly, as it is in many states, due to the higher risk associated with inexperienced drivers. Insurers view teens as statistically more likely to be involved in accidents and incur claims, thereby necessitating higher premiums to offset the risk they represent.
Offers Good Student discount.
Ranks 1st for customer satisfaction.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Ranks 5th for affordability, with an average annual premium of $3,407.
Lacks Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.
Capital Insurance Group rises to the top with exceptional scores in satisfaction (35 out of 35) and claims handling (20 out of 20), making these the most significant contributors to its high MoneyGeek Score of 91. The company shines for families with teenage drivers, offering the Good Student discount, which could mean substantial savings. However, it lacks the Distant Student and Driver's Education discounts.
Capital Insurance Group's also offers rare coverages that are highly relevant to customers seeking added protection. Full Glass Coverage ensures that any auto glass repair comes to you, making it a convenient choice for those unexpected damages on the road. Custom Parts Coverage aligns with the needs of those who value their vehicle's individuality, allowing for the replacement of name brand auto parts.
CSAA is the best car insurance option in California for seniors. Here are the two top providers:
CSAA stands out primarily due to its high affordability and satisfaction ratings, making it an exemplary choice for senior drivers looking for quality coverage without breaking the bank. In California, securing cheap car insurance for a senior in California may mean paying slightly more than those in their 30s to 50s.
Car insurance premiums for seniors don't necessarily surpass those of middle-aged drivers because MoneyGeek's rate comparisons use data for seniors in their 60s. But individuals in their 70s and 80s might encounter higher costs. Yet, this increase is handled with respect toward financial considerations pertinent to this age group.
Ranks 1st in state for cost, average annual premium $421 for full coverage.
Offers Roadside Assistance and Rental Car/Travel Reimbursement.
Ranks 8th for customer satisfaction.
CSAA shines in customer service and cost-effectiveness, exemplified by its high satisfaction and affordability scores. CSAA boasts essential coverages like Roadside Assistance and Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, addressing key needs during accidents. The company's average annual premium is $421, and while CSAA does not offer a Senior Discount specifically, its competitive rates and wide range of discounts, such as Bundling and Multiple Car, support affordability across demographics.
CSAA’s Roadside Assistance provides peace of mind with services like fuel delivery, flat tire changes and battery jump-starts. Equally beneficial for seniors is the Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement coverage, ensuring transportation continuity when their vehicle is incapacitated.
CSAA is the best option in California for car insurance for young adults, providing optimal balance in cost and service quality.
CSAA leads the pack thanks to high satisfaction and affordability scores for drivers in their 20s. A young adult's policy from CSAA is competitively priced at $475 annually, making it a prime choice when looking for cheap car insurance for a young adult in California.
Young adults typically face higher car insurance premiums when than older age groups due to their inexperience behind the wheel, leading to a statistically higher risk of accidents. Insurers calculate these risk factors into policy costs, making coverage for young drivers in California, as well as other states, more expensive.
Ranks 6th for claims handling.
Offers Good Student and Distant Student discounts.
Ranks 8th in customer satisfaction.
High satisfaction (31 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30) scores primarily fuel the superior MoneyGeek Score for CSAA, indicating a solid balance between client contentment and cost-effectiveness. Although CSAA covers two key discounts for young drivers — Good Student and Distant Student — it does not provide a Driver's Education discount.
As for coverages CSAA does offer, Identity Theft Coverage stands out. It secures customers against identity fraud, providing a protective layer that is increasingly pertinent in the digital age. This, combined with the more common coverages like Roadside Assistance — offering help for emergencies such as flat tires or dead batteries — and Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement — alleviating the burden of rental costs or travel expenses should your vehicle become unusable due to a covered event — creates a comprehensive insurance package. Each coverage option caters to the daily peace of mind and emergency preparedness that drivers value.
Capital Insurance Group is the best option in California for drivers with driving offenses, offering both competitive rates and strong overall performance. According to MoneyGeek's comprehensive scoring system, the following companies are top choices:
Capital Insurance Group stands out due to its high satisfaction score. It has been assessed across various profiles of drivers with speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs. With an annual cost of $1,911 for a driver with offenses, Capital Insurance Group represents a balance between cost and quality service. Despite this, those looking for cheap car insurance as a high-risk driver in California will usually find premiums slightly higher than a driver without offenses.
Car insurance premiums tend to be higher for individuals with driving offenses in California and other states because insurers see these drivers as high-risk, increasing the likelihood of claims. Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUIs on a driving record can therefore lead to more expensive insurance quotes.
Ranks well for general customer satisfaction.
Ranks well for claims satisfaction.
Offers common coverages like Roadside Assistance.
Ranks 4th in state for affordability.
Capital Insurance Group's high MoneyGeek score of 83 (out of 100) is bolstered by exceptional marks in satisfaction (35 out of 35), claims handling (16 out of 20) and affordability (22 out of 30), providing peace of mind for drivers with less-than-perfect records. With an average annual premium of $1,911 for drivers with offenses, Capital Insurance Group is an affordable option for those with driving offenses.
For drivers concerned about the unpredictable, Capital Insurance Group's Roadside Assistance offers timely aid, whether it's a flat tire or a breakdown. Additionally, interested parties can benefit from Full Glass Coverage for hassle-free repairs and Custom Parts Coverage for specialized replacements, making Capital Insurance Group a comprehensive choice for drivers with prior accidents or infractions. These tailored coverages make Capital Insurance Group a prominent contender in the insurance landscape.
Travelers is the best auto insurance option in California for drivers with new cars, offering a robust balance of coverage options and satisfying customer feedback.
Travelers stands out for its high scores in customer satisfaction, claims handling and financial stability, essential indicators of quality service and reliability. Notably, MoneyGeek filtered out insurers that do not offer New Car Replacement and/or Better Car Replacement coverages. These coverages are especially important for those with a new vehicle as they ensure that in the event of a total loss, drivers can replace their car without a significant financial burden due to depreciation.
With an annual premium of $1,783, opting for an insurer like Travelers that provides New or Better Car Replacement could save you money if you get into an accident, despite the potential for higher premiums than those without such coverage.
Ranks 1st in affordability, with an average annual premium of $1,783 for full coverage.
Ranks 1st for claims handling.
Offers New Car Replacement coverage.
Travelers ranks highest with outstanding satisfaction (34 out of 35) and affordability (30 out of 30), yielding a remarkable MoneyGeek Score of 99. Travelers' average annual premium is approximately $1,783.
Travelers' New Car Replacement coverage offers peace of mind to drivers who have recently invested in a new vehicle. In the event of a total loss, policyholders are not left disadvantaged by depreciation, because this coverage ensures they can replace their car with a new one of the same make and model. Combined coverages such as Roadside Assistance, Accident Forgiveness and Gap Insurance, Travelers presents a comprehensive insurance portfolio that meets the varied needs of drivers.
CSAA is the best car insurance option in California for drivers affiliated with the military.
Though not the top scorer, USAA is also a viable option for those with a military background. According to MoneyGeek's scoring, which emphasizes both service quality and cost-effectiveness, USAA was a close contender, ranking third in California.
CSAA stands out in the California market primarily for its blend of top-tier customer satisfaction, affordability and reliable claims handling. With an annual premium of just $427, CSAA also presents one of the most cost-effective choices. Military personnel seeking even more savings might also consider looking for the cheapest car insurance in California for military drivers.
Ranks 1st for cost, with $427 average annual premium.
Ranks 6th for claims handling.
Offers common coverages like Roadside Assistance and Rental car/travel reimbursement.
Ranks 9th in customer service.
CSAA's high MoneyGeek Score primarily stems from its satisfaction and affordability scores, making it a leader in customer contentment and value for money. With an annual premium averaging $427, CSAA offers competitive pricing for its comprehensive insurance offerings.
Among CSAA's range of insurance options, Identity Theft Coverage stands out, providing customers with security against identity fraud alongside their auto protection. Common coverages such as Roadside Assistance deliver peace of mind with emergency services like fuel delivery and battery jump-starts, ensuring drivers are never left stranded. Additionally, Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement ensure that in the event of car repairs, the inconvenience is minimized, covering transportation costs and aiding in continuity of your daily routine.
In California, the premier car insurance providers are distinguished by their affordability, unwavering financial stability, and a proven track record of exemplary customer service. While MoneyGeek has meticulously researched and compiled these options for your convenience, conducting your personal investigation can be beneficial. If you choose to explore on your own, remember that evaluating various insurers typically involves several steps to ensure you secure the best coverage for your needs.
In California, exceptional customer service is crucial for car insurers, as it ensures reliable support and efficient claims processing. Consumers should assess insurers' service quality using independent evaluations from JD Power and the NAIC. Chubb stands out in California with a MoneyGeek score of 95, including near-perfect satisfaction (44 of 45) and claims scores (30 of 30), exemplifying top-tier service.
Californians can benefit financially from comparing car insurance quotes, potentially finding affordable rates without compromising on service. Personal factors influence premiums, making it essential for drivers to conduct personalized research. MoneyGeek's analysis identifies CSAA as the most cost-effective option for minimum coverage in California, with an annual premium of $131, signifying substantial savings for budget-conscious consumers.
Coverage options are a pivotal aspect of car insurance, tailored to meet diverse driver needs. Researching insurers' coverage offerings ensures a policy that aligns with individual requirements. In California, Travelers, Nationwide, Progressive, Hartford, Allstate and Farmers have achieved a perfect MoneyGeek coverage score of 10, indicating a comprehensive suite of essential coverages including Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement, Roadside Assistance, Gap Insurance and OEM coverage.
Selecting an insurer with a strong financial stability rating mitigates the risk of unpaid claims due to insolvency. Investigating financial strength is a prudent step in choosing a reliable insurer. According to MoneyGeek, Travelers, State Farm, GEICO and Chubb each earned a flawless stability score of 5, the highest possible, reflecting an A++ rating from A.M. Best and assuring exceptional financial reliability.
The first step in finding affordable car insurance in California should involve using the Internet. Many car insurance companies—national and regional—serve California, and a Web search is the best way of identifying a range of possible car insurance providers in the state. One useful resource is provided by the California Department of Insurance, which provides a master list of insurance companies providing car insurance in the state. This list is available through the following link: California Department of Insurance.
Next, consumers should visit individual car insurance company sites and utilize, when available, simulation applications that generate quote estimates. Getting an actual quote might require a credit check, which can adversely affect the credit scores of some consumers (particularly those with low credit scores). Therefore, before proceeding to an actual quote, consumers should visit the Web sites of individual providers and obtain estimates. After identifying a range of car insurance companies with the lowest premiums, consumers can request quotes and determine whether estimates are accurate. Finally, after obtaining quotes, the selection of a low-cost quote should be because of the breadth of coverage offered in that quote and how well it meets a consumer’s individual needs.
The best thing you can do to find affordable auto insurance in California is to first determine what coverages and amounts you need on your vehicle. If you think you want full coverage, make sure you have liability and comprehensive coverage. Also, look for things like glass repair, roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and medical coverage.
Once you've determined what coverage you need, make sure you call around and receive quotes from multiple insurance companies. Don't go with the first one you find, and don't assume the big name brands are the best either. Do your research and shop until you get the coverage you want at the price that works for your budget.
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Ask an expertWhy Trust MoneyGeek? We created an insurance scoring system for providers in California based on customer satisfaction, claims experience, essential coverages, affordability and financial stability using six independent sources.
These recommendations were updated in March 2024 to reflect the current best car insurance options in California.
The best car insurance options for you largely depend on your specific needs and preferences. We’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you make the right purchase.
CSAA stands out as the best for cheap car insurance in California, with an annual premium for a minimum coverage policy at $131 and a MoneyGeek score of 77. While minimum coverage policies are the most affordable, they may not provide comprehensive protection. Consumers can find cheap full coverage policies that offer more protection by comparing quotes.
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.
