Best cheap car insurance in California (CA) November 2023
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BLUEPRINT
Updated 9:01 a.m. UTC Nov. 16, 2023
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Car insurance rates in California are higher than the national average of $2,150, or $179 a month. For full coverage, a Californian with a clean driving record can expect to pay an average of $2,476 a year, or about $205 a month.
Overall, California continues to be one of the most expensive states to live in. Finding ways to save on car insurance in the Golden State can ease the pain of that high cost of living. To help, we’ve analyzed nearly 30 insurance providers in the state to find the cheapest car insurance companies in California.
Of the companies, we analyzed, only five offer average rates below $2,000 a year. Getting quotes from these companies can help you save on car insurance.
Cheapest car insurance companies in California
Why trust our insurance experts
Our team of experts evaluates hundreds of insurance products and analyzes thousands of data points to help you find the best product for your situation. We use a data-driven methodology to determine each rating. Advertisers do not influence our editorial content. You can read more about our methodology below.
- 780 companies analyzed.
- 7,800 rates reviewed.
- 5 levels of fact-checking.
Cheap California car insurance rates
Cheap car insurance companies in California
Wawanesa
Capital Insurance Group
Geico
USAA
Esurance
Compare the cheapest car insurance companies in California of 2023
| Company | Our rating | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | 5.0 stars | $1,470 | $123 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | 4.5 stars | $1,721 | $143 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Capital Insurance Group | 4.5 stars | $1,729 | $144 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| USAA | 4.5 stars | $1,775 | $148 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Esurance | 4.0 stars | $1,924 | $160 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Methodology
Our insurance experts evaluated the rates of 29 California car insurance companies to determine which ones offered the best rates to residents. The data used for this analysis is from Quadrant Information Services and rates are based on a 40-year-old female driver shopping for coverage for a Toyota Rav4. Policy rates include the following types of coverage:
- Bodily injury and property damage liability insurance (100/300/100).
- Uninsured motorist coverage (100/300).
- Collision and comprehensive coverage ($500 deductible).
To determine the cheapest overall car insurance companies in California, we used the rates for a good driver, or someone who has a clean driving record.
We also analyzed average rates for various driver profiles and identified the cheapest insurer for each. Driver profiles include:
- Driver with an accident, speeding ticket or DUI on their record.
- Driver with a gap in coverage.
- Senior driver.
- Teen driver added to a parent’s policy.
- High-risk driver.
Why some companies didn’t make the cut
Car insurance companies in California with high good driver rates may rate well in our analysis of the best auto insurance companies but did not make the cut for our cheapest car insurance in California. This rating was determined by a company’s average rates in California for a good driver with a clean record.
In some cases, an insurer didn’t make the cut for our overall cheapest car insurance in California but offers the cheapest car insurance for a specific driver profile. When applicable, these companies are included in the list of insurers for the relevant driver profile category.
Average annual and monthly rates are based on those for good drivers, or those with a clean driving record.
How much does car insurance cost in California?
A California with a clean record can expect to pay an average of $2,476 a year for coverage that includes liability insurance, uninsured motorist coverage, and collision and comprehensive insurance. That’s about $206 a month in car insurance costs, making coverage in the Golden State more expensive than the national average cost of auto insurance.
High-risk drivers can expect to pay 70% more than good drivers in California: $4,213 a year, on average. DUIs, at-fault accidents and speeding tickets all lead to significant rate increases, with DUIs leading to the biggest jump – $3,240 more a year on average.
Beyond driving habits, a few other factors can impact the cost of car insurance in California, including your age, the car you drive, the deductible and limits you choose, and your location within the state (areas with higher crime and claims yield higher premiums).
California car insurance companies cannot, however, factor in your gender or credit score when setting rates.
Average cost of car insurance in California by driver profile
Average annual car insurance rates in California by company
Average annual and monthly rates are based on those for good drivers, or those with a clean driving record.
Cheapest car insurance companies in California
Wawanesa, available only to California and Oregon residents, is by far the cheapest car insurance company in California, with an average annual rate of $1,470 for good drivers, but it’s likely non-residents have never heard of it.
Geico is a close second at $1,721 a year. This national insurance company scored well in our analysis of the best car insurance companies.
Capital Insurance Group is another regional provider, and its rates are only slightly higher than those offered by Geico. USAA’s rates are also competitive, but coverage is only available to members, and membership is limited to active military members, veterans, and their eligible family members.
Esurance also offers coverage for good drivers under the $2,000 threshold, but only just: A good driver will pay an average of $1,924 a year for full coverage from Esurance in California.
Cheapest car insurance in California by driver profile
- After a speeding ticket.
- After an accident.
- After a DUI.
- High-risk drivers.
- 16-year-old driver added to parent policy.
- Senior driver.
Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket
If you’re a California resident with a speeding ticket on your record, expect to see a rate increase when you renew your policy.
To keep costs low, consider switching to USAA, which offers coverage at an average of $1,969 a year after a speeding ticket. If you’re not eligible for USAA, you can still get cheap car insurance after a speeding ticket by switching to Wawanesa or 21st Century.
Cheapest car insurance in California drivers with a speeding ticket
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,969 | $164 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Wawanesa | $2,080 | $173 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| 21st Century | $2,190 | $183 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Cheapest car insurance in California after an accident
Causing an accident will result in higher insurance rates, particularly if someone involved gets injured. On average, drivers pay $4,692 per year in California after causing an accident with injuries.
If you’re at fault in an accident with injuries, you might want to get a quote from Grange. Drivers pay $2,716 after an accident causing injuries with Grange — nearly $2,000 less than the California average.
If you caused an accident that resulted in only property damage, Wawanesa is worth considering. The regional insurer offers an average rate of $2,212 after causing an accident that resulted in property damage only.
Cheapest California car insurance after an accident with injuries
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grange | $2,716 | $159 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Wawanesa | $2,764 | $230 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| USAA | $3,159 | $263 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Cheapest car insurance in California after an accident with property damage
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $2,212 | $184 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Capital Insurance Group | $2,524 | $210 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| California Capital | $2,524 | $210 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Cheapest California car insurance after a DUI
Finding cheap car insurance after a DUI is challenging, especially in California, which has some of the highest rate increases after a DUI. On average, Californians with a DUI on their record pay $5,716 annually for coverage.
If you’ve been convicted of a DUI, consider Wawanesa, National General or Grange to keep car insurance costs down. Those are the only three providers with average rates below $3,500 a year.
Cheapest car insurance in California after a DUI
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $2,599 | $217 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| National General | $3,231 | $269 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Grange | $3,374 | $281 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Cheapest car insurance in California for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers in California pay 70% more for car insurance than good drivers, on average. A bad driving record — speeding and reckless driving tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs, namely — can make you a high-risk driver for insurance companies. However, so can factors like age (teens and seniors typically pay more for coverage).
In other states, insurance companies may also look at a poor credit score and label you a high-risk driver. California has banned this practice, so your credit history won’t impact your premium.
Are you considered a high-risk driver in California? Get quotes from Wawanesa or Grange, the only two insurers with average annual rates below $3,000 for this driver category.
Cheapest car insurance in California for high-risk drivers
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $2,261 | $188 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Grange | $2,740 | $228 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $3,130 | $261 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Cheapest car insurance for adding a 16-year-old driver
Teen drivers have notoriously high rates, a reflection of limited driving experience and risk. If you have a teen driver in the house, adding them to your policy is usually more affordable than buying a new policy. Though State Farm didn’t make our list of overall cheapest car insurance companies in California, it does have the lowest rates for parents adding a 16-year-old to their policy.
Cheapest car insurance in California after adding a 16-year-old
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $1,366 | $114 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Grange | $1,410 | $118 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Wawanesa | $1,458 | $122 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Cheapest California car insurance for seniors
Car insurance rates begin to increase in your 60s and continue to do so as you age. If you’re in your 60s, 70s or 80s, shopping around for coverage can help you cut back on your car insurance costs. Wawanesa has the cheapest average rates for Californians in this age group, but USAA and Geico are also competitively priced.
Cheapest car insurance in California for seniors
| Company | Average annual rate | Average monthly rate | LEARN MORE | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $1,576 | $131 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| USAA | $1,784 | $149 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners | |
| Geico | $1,889 | $157 | Compare Rates | Compare rates offered by participating partners |
Car insurance requirements in California
By law, California drivers must carry minimum liability insurance for any vehicle driven or parked on a California road.
Liability car insurance covers the cost of bodily injuries and property damage sustained by others if you’re at fault for an accident. In California, you must carry a 15/30/5 liability insurance policy, which includes:
- $15,000 in bodily injury coverage for one person per accident.
- $30,000 in bodily injury coverage for more than one person per accident.
- $5,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
Alternatively, you can make a $35,000 cash deposit at the DMV, obtain a DMV-issued self-insurance certificate or carry a surety bond for $35,000 from a company that is licensed to do business in the state.
How to find cheap car insurance in California
Living in California is expensive, making it important to cut costs where you can. If you’re looking for the best car insurance in California and rates are driving your search, consider these tips to help you lower your car insurance costs.
Shop around for a better policy
You don’t have to keep a policy you don’t like. As you approach renewal, it’s worth getting car insurance quotes from at least a few other companies to see if you can get lower rates for comparable coverage.
Our list of the cheapest car insurance companies in California is a good place to start, but you can also use an online insurance marketplace or independent agent to compare car insurance quotes.
Just make sure you’re comparing apples to apples. To get a true picture of the best cheap car insurance in California based on your coverage needs, get quotes for policies with the same coverage amount, limits, deductibles, and any other features you plan to purchase, like roadside assistance.
See what discounts you qualify for
Insurance companies offer a wide range, so make it a point to inquire about available car insurance discounts, either with your existing insurance company or a potential one.
Common car insurance discounts include:
- Auto and home bundling discounts, or multi-policy discounts, when you purchase more than one type of coverage from the same insurer.
- Insuring multiple vehicles.
- Paying your policy premium up front, rather than in monthly installments.
- Taking a defensive driving course.
- Good driver discounts, or discounts for going a specific period of time claim or accident-free.
- Good student discount.
Adjust your policy
Examine your car insurance policy every now and then to make sure you still need the amount and type of coverage you have. Dropping unnecessary coverages and raising your deductible are easy ways to lower the cost of your car insurance.
Here are some ways you might cut costs:
- Raise your deductible. Your deductible is how much your insurer will deduct from your insurance payout after a claim. The higher your deductible, the lower your car insurance rate. However, a high deductible can also leave you vulnerable to higher out-of-pocket expenses after an accident. If you can afford to pay more out of pocket after a collision, raising your deductible may be worth the upfront savings, but always proceed with caution and evaluate your finances before making that decision.
- Drop unnecessary coverages. Additional coverages like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement are nice, but if your goal is to lower your car insurance rates, ask your insurer how removing them will affect your rates. You can also consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage if the value of your vehicle no longer merits the additional insurance expense. However, if you lease or finance your car, it’s likely you’ll be required to carry these two types of coverage for the duration of your lease or loan agreement.
- Examine your limits. Decreasing your car insurance limits, or how much your insurer will cover after a claim, can lead to lower rates. But keep in mind that you’ll be responsible for any accident-related expenses that exceed your policy limits. If you’re at fault for an accident, especially a multi-vehicle accident or one resulting in injuries, a low-limit policy can leave you on the hook for substantial out-of-pocket costs.
Drive safely
Being a safe driver — following the speed limit, keeping your phone out of reach, etc. — will reduce the chance you’ll get into an accident. Typically when you’re in a wreck, you can expect your premiums to go up.
Many insurers reward good driving by reducing their rates if you go multiple policy periods without any claims. Some also offer usage-based car insurance. These programs monitor your driving habits and, if you drive safely, lower your premium. Insurers also frequently offer a discount if you complete a driving course.
Wawanesa has the cheapest car insurance in California. On average, a driver with a clean record will pay $1,470 a year ($123 a month) for full coverage with Wawanesa. This is well below the state average cost of car insurance — $2,476 a year.
Geico ($1,721 annually) and Capital Insurance Group ($1,729 annually) are also good options if you’re looking for the cheapest car insurance in California.
If you’re looking to meet the minimum car insurance requirements in California, you can expect to pay $764 a year. That will secure you a 15/30/5 liability insurance policy that includes:
- $15,000 in bodily injury coverage for one person per accident.
- $30,000 in bodily injury coverage for more than one person per accident.
- $5,000 in property damage coverage per accident.
But it’s wise to consider purchasing more than the California state minimum. A 100/300/100, which is typically recommended for robust financial protection, will cost $1,106 a year. That’s $613 for bodily injury liability and $493 for property damage liability.
In addition, carrying only liability insurance can leave you vulnerable to other accident-related expenses. That’s because liability coverage won’t pay for repairs to your car and medical costs if you or your passengers are injured. To ensure you’re fully covered, consider options like collision and comprehensive, uninsured motorist coverage and medical payments (MedPay) coverage.
The average Californian will pay the following DMV fees:
- Registration: $65.
- California Highway Patrol (CHP) fee: $30.
- Vehicle license fee: 0.65% of the vehicle’s purchase price.
- Transportation improvement fee: $29 to $206, depending on the value of the vehicle.
- County/district fee: Varies.
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