Average Cost of Auto Insurance in California

With over 27 million licensed drivers—more than any other state—California sees average auto insurance costs that are relatively moderate compared to national rates. One reason is the state’s lower liability insurance requirements and the fact that uninsured motorist coverage is optional, helping keep premiums in check.

However, what you pay for car insurance in California depends on many factors, including your ZIP code, driving record, age, and coverage level. In this guide, we’ll break down the average cost of minimum and full coverage in California and explain what influences your premium.

By Driving History

Auto insurance companies rely heavily on driving history when determining your rates. As you may have guessed, drivers with histories of DUIs, accidents, and traffic violations will pay significantly more for auto insurance than safe drivers, on average.

By Company

Below you can find California’s average auto insurance rates based on the company. Because companies cater to different types of drivers, your actual costs could be higher or lower based on your unique driving background and personal needs.

What are the cheapest car insurance companies in California?

Price varies by provider and situation, but USAA and GEICO are typically the cheapest companies in California. USAA’s rates tend to be best, but it is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. For non-military members, GEICO usually has the cheapest rates.

Here’s the full breakdown of the cheapest car insurance by driver profile.

*USAA has cheaper rates in these categories, but is only available to the military community.

How to Save on Car Insurance in California

For some drivers, car insurance in California is expensive; for some, it’s too expensive to afford. That’s why California created the California Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) in 1999: to provide income-eligible, safe drivers with liability insurance at affordable rates. In order to qualify, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid California driver’s license
• Own a vehicle with a value of $25,000 or less
• Have an income that is equal to or lower than:
  • $32,200 for one person
  • $43,550 for two people
  • $54,900 for three people
  • $66,250 for four people²

Outside of the CLCA program, follow best practices to get cheaper rates:

1. Compare quotes to find the most competitive rates.
2. Increase your deductibles to lower your premiums.
3. Ask your agent about pay-per-mile options if you don’t drive often.
4. Drive safely over time.
5. Ask about additional discounts you may not be aware of.

State Minimums

Here are the minimum car insurance requirements in California:

• $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $60,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $15,000 for property damage liability per accident³

California Fault Law

California is an at-fault state, which means that the driver responsible for an accident has to pay for the damages/injuries relating to the accident.

California follows a pure comparative negligence fault law, which means that you can recover some claims for damages regardless of your percentage of fault. So even if you are 99 percent at fault, you can still recover 1 percent of your damages in an accident, as your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

California SR-22s

If you’re convicted of a serious traffic violation, you might have to request that your insurance provider file an SR-22 in California on your behalf. An SR-22 confirms that you have at least the minimum California auto insurance requirements.

Here are some reasons you might need an SR-22 in California:

• You were uninsured and got into an accident.
• You’re restoring your driving privileges after a DUI.
• You got into a hit-and-run and have an outstanding judgment, or the unreported accident resulted in death, property damage/bodily injuries of over $1,000, or you were driving without insurance.

According to the California DMV, you could get your license suspended if you don’t maintain your SR-22 certification for as long as the state requires you to have one.