Updated: October 23, 2024
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Although CSAA offers California's cheapest car insurance overall for many different types of drivers, your lowest premiums will depend on your driver profile. MoneyGeek also found that Progressive and National General have the cheapest rates for certain types of drivers.
Drivers looking to balance cost with quality service should consider the best car insurance companies in California.
CheapestCar InsuranceCaliforniaWhy Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek used information from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to obtain data on insurance rates, discounts and more.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in California as of August 2024.
The cheapest car insurance companies for a minimum coverage policy in California are:
Chubb is the most expensive insurance provider, with a minimum coverage policy costing an average of $791 annually.
These rates are for a policy that only includes the state’s minimum car insurance requirements for bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
| CSAA | $139 | $12 |
| AAA | $404 | $34 |
| GEICO | $474 | $40 |
| Progressive | $485 | $40 |
| Mercury | $505 | $42 |
| Kemper | $561 | $47 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $615 | $51 |
| State Farm | $642 | $54 |
| State National | $644 | $54 |
| Farmers | $660 | $55 |
| Hartford | $715 | $60 |
| Nationwide | $722 | $60 |
| Travelers | $735 | $61 |
| National General | $745 | $62 |
| Allstate | $757 | $63 |
| Chubb | $791 | $66 |
Insurance professionals recommend drivers carry higher limits than the state minimums for greater financial protection. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
A minimum coverage policy covers damage or injuries to others, not yourself. To avoid paying high out-of-pocket costs for damages to your car, you should purchase a full coverage policy that includes comprehensive and collision insurance.
Find the Best Car Insurance in California for You
Your needs and coverage preferences will determine the best auto insurance in California for you. The table above may help you narrow down your search for the cheapest minimum coverage in California.
Learn more about how much car insurance you need.
MoneyGeek analyzed California’s best car insurance for drivers looking for a balance of quality and affordability.
We also looked at the average car insurance cost in California for different driver profiles and other factors.
The following insurers offer the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in California:
Farmers has the state's highest full coverage policy rates, at $2,323 per year. CSAA, the cheapest insurer, charges $323 more for full coverage than minimum coverage. While pricier, full coverage policies provide more protection and cover more costs after an accident.
| CSAA | $462 | $39 |
| AAA | $906 | $76 |
| Progressive | $1,128 | $94 |
| GEICO | $1,274 | $106 |
| Mercury | $1,324 | $110 |
| Allstate | $1,403 | $117 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,433 | $119 |
| National General | $1,447 | $121 |
| State National | $1,505 | $125 |
| Kemper | $1,523 | $127 |
| Hartford | $1,559 | $130 |
| State Farm | $1,648 | $137 |
| Nationwide | $1,759 | $147 |
| Chubb | $1,868 | $156 |
| Travelers | $2,071 | $173 |
| Farmers | $2,323 | $194 |
Because of California's strict regulatory environment, auto insurers cannot offer highly popular accident forgiveness and usage-based insurance (telematics) programs like most states. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
The amount of car insurance you need will significantly affect your premium. MoneyGeek’s sample full coverage policy includes liability protection of $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident. These are levels recommended by most insurance professionals.
You can buy lower liability limits, remove comprehensive and collision insurance or raise your deductible to save money, but this could mean paying more out of pocket if you get into an accident that causes significant injuries or damages.
Insurance companies provide online quotes for their customers, but it can take up to 15 minutes to input the required personal data for each company. If you're comparing multiple companies, this time could add up.
MoneyGeek’s car insurance calculator helps you find the cheapest car insurance without having to provide personal information. This gives you an idea of what you can expect to pay for car insurance before beginning your search.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Nov 20, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Age is one of the biggest factors affecting car insurance rates in California. State Farm and CSAA offer the cheapest options, depending on your age group.
Cheapest for teens: State Farm
Cheapest for young adults: CSAA
Cheapest for seniors: CSAA
The following companies offer families with teens the most affordable car insurance:
Car insurance rates drop significantly from ages 16 to 19, with 19-year-olds getting the lowest rates. In California, GEICO provides the lowest rate for drivers aged 19 at $2,016 annually.
At $5,378 per year, Kemper is the most expensive insurer for teenage drivers in California. Teen drivers added to their family’s plan pay about $673 less than if they buy an individual policy. And teens under 18 cannot legally purchase car insurance without a parent or guardian as a co-signer.
| State Farm | $2,943 | $3,327 |
| GEICO | $2,978 | $3,678 |
| Farmers | $3,285 | $4,606 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $3,395 | $3,280 |
| Allstate | $3,436 | $3,782 |
| Progressive | $3,621 | $3,845 |
| Travelers | $4,022 | $3,678 |
| Nationwide | $5,231 | $7,477 |
| Kemper | $5,378 | $6,217 |
In most states, car insurance rates for male teens are significantly more expensive than for female teens. However, in California, gender is not considered when calculating car insurance rates at any age. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Due to their lack of driving experience, providers typically charge teen drivers more for insurance as they have a high level of accident frequency and moving violations. However, you may be able to reduce the cost of your annual premium through good student or distant student discounts commonly offered by insurers.
Drivers in their 20s will find the most affordable rates from the following companies:
Farmers has the most expensive annual premium at $2,762 for a full coverage policy.
Those in their 20s will likely be charged more for car insurance than middle-aged drivers since they’re more likely to file insurance claims, based on actuarial data. For a full coverage policy, young adults pay on average $369 more than middle-aged drivers.
| CSAA | $515 | $43 |
| AAA | $1,189 | $99 |
| Progressive | $1,358 | $113 |
| GEICO | $1,460 | $122 |
| Allstate | $1,549 | $129 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,614 | $134 |
| Mercury | $1,721 | $143 |
| National General | $1,755 | $146 |
| State National | $1,850 | $154 |
| State Farm | $1,934 | $161 |
| Hartford | $2,038 | $170 |
| Kemper | $2,273 | $189 |
| Nationwide | $2,291 | $191 |
| Travelers | $2,473 | $206 |
| Chubb | $2,752 | $229 |
| Farmers | $2,762 | $230 |
California car insurance rates are very moderate compared to other large population states due to the state's restrictive regulatory environment for approving insurer rate changes. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
The following companies offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for seniors:
Farmers offers the most expensive auto insurance policy for seniors in California at $2,240 per year.
On average, seniors in California pay $50 less for car insurance than middle-aged drivers. However, as drivers reach their 70s and 80s, the cost of car insurance increases.
| CSAA | $456 | $38 |
| AAA | $900 | $75 |
| Progressive | $1,128 | $94 |
| GEICO | $1,222 | $102 |
| State Farm | $1,292 | $108 |
| Mercury | $1,295 | $108 |
| Allstate | $1,335 | $111 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,348 | $112 |
| Hartford | $1,350 | $113 |
| State National | $1,399 | $117 |
| National General | $1,464 | $122 |
| Nationwide | $1,620 | $135 |
| Kemper | $1,874 | $156 |
| Chubb | $1,929 | $161 |
| Travelers | $1,981 | $165 |
| Farmers | $2,240 | $187 |
Senior drivers may be able to save on car insurance by comparing rates from carriers and getting discounts. Companies, like State Farm and GEICO, offer discounts to seniors who have completed an approved defensive driving course.
Drivers with violations will pay more car insurance than those with clean driving records. Those with a ticket or an accident will get the cheapest car insurance from CSAA, whereas drivers with a DUI should consider National General. Progressive is the most affordable option for sports car drivers.
Cheapest after a ticket: CSAA ($585 per year)
Cheapest after an accident: CSAA ($585 per year)
Cheapest after a DUI: National General ($1,519 per year)
Cheapest for sports cars: Progressive ($1,344 per year)
We found that the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers with a speeding ticket are:
Farmers offers the priciest insurance, with an average annual premium of $3,220.
Drivers with a clean driving history pay an average of $620 more for car insurance than those with speeding tickets.
| CSAA | $585 | $49 |
| AAA | $1,174 | $98 |
| National General | $1,519 | $127 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,648 | $137 |
| Mercury | $1,748 | $146 |
| GEICO | $1,894 | $158 |
| Kemper | $2,022 | $168 |
| Allstate | $2,044 | $170 |
| Progressive | $2,128 | $177 |
| State National | $2,141 | $178 |
| Hartford | $2,341 | $195 |
| State Farm | $2,443 | $204 |
| Chubb | $2,452 | $204 |
| Nationwide | $3,045 | $254 |
| Travelers | $3,149 | $262 |
| Farmers | $3,220 | $268 |
We found that the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with an at-fault accident are:
The most expensive insurance is provided by Travelers at $3,500. Insurance companies charge at-fault drivers more due to the increased risk of accidents. Expect to pay an average of $895 more for car insurance if you have an at-fault accident on your record.
| CSAA | $585 | $49 |
| AAA | $1,379 | $115 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,687 | $141 |
| GEICO | $2,114 | $176 |
| State National | $2,141 | $178 |
| National General | $2,149 | $179 |
| Progressive | $2,318 | $193 |
| Mercury | $2,333 | $194 |
| Hartford | $2,341 | $195 |
| Allstate | $2,533 | $211 |
| State Farm | $2,559 | $213 |
| Nationwide | $2,731 | $228 |
| Chubb | $3,014 | $251 |
| Farmers | $3,220 | $268 |
| Kemper | $3,345 | $279 |
| Travelers | $3,500 | $292 |
We found that the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers with a DUI are:
Hartford offers the most expensive full coverage insurance at $5,726.
If you get a DUI, you may struggle to find an insurer or be subject to an extremely high car insurance cost. Drivers with a DUI pay $2,039 more for car insurance, on average, than those with a clean driving history. A DUI stays on your driver's record for 10 years.
| National General | $1,519 | $127 |
| CSAA | $1,655 | $138 |
| Mercury | $2,186 | $182 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $2,576 | $215 |
| Progressive | $2,646 | $220 |
| AAA | $2,827 | $236 |
| GEICO | $3,019 | $252 |
| Kemper | $3,345 | $279 |
| Chubb | $3,951 | $329 |
| State National | $4,001 | $333 |
| Farmers | $4,025 | $335 |
| Travelers | $4,400 | $367 |
| Allstate | $4,478 | $373 |
| Nationwide | $4,853 | $404 |
| State Farm | $5,059 | $422 |
| Hartford | $5,726 | $477 |
We found that the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers with sports cars are:
Farmers offers the most expensive luxury car insurance, with an average premium of $2,465 per year. If you have a sports car, expect to pay around $393 more than the lowest premium for a 2012 Toyota Camry LE.
| Progressive | $1,344 | $112 |
| GEICO | $1,584 | $132 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,613 | $134 |
| Allstate | $1,764 | $147 |
| Kemper | $1,774 | $148 |
| Travelers | $1,964 | $164 |
| State Farm | $1,989 | $166 |
| Nationwide | $2,066 | $172 |
| Chubb | $2,198 | $183 |
| Farmers | $2,465 | $205 |
MoneyGeek used a Ford Mustang as a sample sports car in its analysis. The costs can differ greatly depending on your car model and other factors. For example, luxury, electric and sports car owners face higher premiums. Car models don't impact premiums.
CSAA is California's cheapest car insurance company for active-duty or military veterans, with an average annual premium of $462.
CSAA isn't the only insurer that offers affordable and quality coverage to military members in the state. USAA provides coverage exclusively to military members and their families and has an average annual premium of $1,276. GEICO offers many discounts to military-affiliated drivers who can lower their auto insurance premiums.
Despite not offering a military discount, CSAA remains the most affordable option in California.
The cost of car insurance varies by state and city. Depending on your city or area, you could pay more or less for car insurance.
Car insurance costs more in larger cities because they’re considered riskier than in rural areas. This is usually because accidents or theft are higher in cities than rural areas.
Santa Maria has the cheapest premium in the state from National General at $922. Glendale has the most expensive rate at $2,154, also from National General.
| Anaheim | Progressive | $1,288 |
| Antioch | National General | $1,240 |
| Arden-Arcade | Progressive | $1,418 |
| Bakersfield | National General | $1,176 |
| Berkeley | GEICO | $1,240 |
| Burbank | National General | $1,898 |
| Carlsbad | National General | $1,162 |
| Chula Vista | GEICO | $1,067 |
| Clovis | National General | $1,194 |
| Concord | Progressive | $1,210 |
| Corona | Progressive | $1,144 |
| Costa Mesa | Progressive | $1,260 |
| Daly City | Progressive | $1,353 |
| Downey | Progressive | $1,427 |
| East Los Angeles | Progressive | $1,350 |
| El Cajon | National General | $1,162 |
| El Monte | Progressive | $1,529 |
| Elk Grove | Progressive | $1,239 |
| Escondido | National General | $1,190 |
| Fairfield | GEICO | $1,145 |
| Fontana | National General | $1,353 |
| Fremont | Progressive | $1,116 |
| Fresno | National General | $1,189 |
| Fullerton | Progressive | $1,456 |
| Garden Grove | Progressive | $1,461 |
| Glendale | National General | $2,154 |
| Hayward | Progressive | $1,347 |
| Huntington Beach | Progressive | $1,382 |
| Inglewood | Progressive | $1,477 |
| Irvine | Progressive | $1,420 |
| Jurupa Valley | Progressive | $1,253 |
| Lancaster | Progressive | $1,531 |
| Long Beach | Progressive | $1,390 |
| Los Angeles | Progressive | $1,894 |
| Modesto | Progressive | $1,380 |
| Moreno Valley | National General | $1,353 |
| Murrieta | National General | $1,202 |
| Norwalk | Progressive | $1,317 |
| Oakland | Progressive | $1,354 |
| Oceanside | Progressive | $1,141 |
| Ontario | Progressive | $1,284 |
| Orange | Progressive | $1,190 |
| Oxnard | National General | $1,203 |
| Palmdale | Progressive | $1,560 |
| Pasadena | GEICO | $1,598 |
| Pomona | Progressive | $1,332 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | National General | $1,312 |
| Rialto | Progressive | $1,406 |
| Richmond | Progressive | $1,276 |
| Riverside | Progressive | $1,271 |
| Roseville | National General | $1,342 |
| Sacramento | Progressive | $1,203 |
| Salinas | National General | $970 |
| San Bernardino | Progressive | $1,383 |
| San Diego | Progressive | $1,124 |
| San Francisco | GEICO | $1,293 |
| San Jose | GEICO | $1,217 |
| San Mateo | National General | $1,186 |
| Santa Ana | Progressive | $1,360 |
| Santa Clara | Progressive | $1,142 |
| Santa Clarita | Progressive | $1,493 |
| Santa Maria | National General | $922 |
| Santa Rosa | National General | $1,213 |
| Simi Valley | National General | $1,288 |
| Stockton | Progressive | $1,340 |
| Sunnyvale | Progressive | $1,121 |
| Temecula | National General | $1,202 |
| Thousand Oaks | National General | $1,288 |
| Torrance | National General | $1,218 |
| Vallejo | National General | $1,277 |
| Ventura | National General | $1,203 |
| Victorville | Progressive | $1,341 |
| Visalia | National General | $1,179 |
| Vista | National General | $1,190 |
| West Covina | Progressive | $1,451 |
The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that all drivers have at least liability insurance. Our guide below offers key information on auto insurance in the state.
California is among the many states requiring coverage for bodily injury and property damage liability. Learn more about its requirements below.
California drivers must carry at least basic liability insurance on their vehicles. At a minimum, your insurance must include bodily injury liability per person, bodily injury liability per accident and property damage liability per accident.
The required coverage also increases for drivers with a history of violations, as SR-22 insurance is required for repeat driving offenders in the state.
To save money, you can purchase the minimum amount of coverage required. However, this may not fully cover all your expenses if you get into an accident. Because of this, MoneyGeek recommends purchasing as much liability coverage as you can reasonably afford for added security in case of accidents.
SR-22 is not insurance, even though it is common for people to use the term "SR-22 insurance." An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you meet the state's established insurance requirements for high-risk drivers and must be filed with the DMV by your auto insurer. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Bodily Injury Liability
This helps cover the costs if you are responsible for a car accident that injured another person. In California, insurance must cover up to $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Opting for the minimum may leave you financially vulnerable if someone is seriously injured in an accident where you were at fault.
Property Damage Liability
By California law, a $5,000 property damage liability per accident is required. This helps pay for repair damages to another person's property, where you are found at fault. This could also be used to pay for other tasks, such as debris removal and cleanup. However, the minimum coverage may not be enough to cover all expenses related to the accident.
MoneyGeek recommends getting $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident and $100,000 in property damage insurance per accident. This will provide more coverage if another person or their property is harmed by an accident involving your vehicle.
Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle caused by collisions with other vehicles or objects, such as a light pole or a tree.
Comprehensive coverage pays to repair your car when it’s damaged by something other than a collision, including fire, vandalism, fallen branches and natural disasters.
These insurance policies are ideal for drivers who have new or expensive vehicles.
Though car insurance is required in the state of California, there are a few alternative options, depending on your situation.
These options require cash upfront, which can be challenging to obtain. However, they can present advantages for people with particular requirements and preferences.
The alternatives are as follows:
Choosing the right car insurance policy can be overwhelming, particularly if you don’t know where to start. MoneyGeek answered some of the most commonly asked questions to make the process less stressful for you.
CSAA has the cheapest car insurance in California. It offers full coverage at $462 in the state, where the average cost of car insurance is $1,464.
The cheapest auto insurance in California doesn't necessarily mean that it's the best for you. Consider both cost and coverage to find the best fit for your needs. The best car insurance provider in California, in terms of cost and quality insurance is AAA, also known as CSAA.
While uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage isn't mandatory in the Golden State, insurers must offer it to all customers. A policyholder must sign a waiver to decline it. The coverage may be required if you have an auto loan or lease. California has the 10th-highest uninsured motorist rate in the U.S. (16.6%), according to the Insurance Information Institute. The coverage includes hit-and-runs, as well as being struck by a vehicle while riding your bicycle or walking.
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.
