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Last updated: January 22, 2026Best Cheap Car Insurance in Los Angeles in 2026
USAA offers the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in Los Angeles at an average of $1,864 annually. For non-military members, GEICO is cheapest. Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) is the top overall pick for L.A. drivers for customer and claims experience.
Best for Military/Veterans
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5Average Cost in Los Angeles
- Full Coverage Monthly: $155
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $57
Cheapest
Editor's Rating:4.2/5
4.2/5Average Cost in Los Angeles
- Full Coverage Monthly: $187
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $56
Best for Rideshare
Editor's Rating:4.7/5
4.7/5Average Cost in Los Angeles
- Full Coverage Monthly: $202
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $70
Key Takeaways
- USAA and GEICO offer the cheapest auto insurance rates in Los Angeles for both full and minimum coverage, on average.
- On average, full coverage auto insurance costs $3,005 annually in Los Angeles, and minimum coverage runs $1,092 annually.
- Auto insurance is expensive in Los Angeles due to heavy traffic and frequent claims. Full coverage auto insurance in L.A. costs 28 percent more than the national average and 17 percent more than the state average.
- The Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) earned top marks in third party metrics for customer satisfaction in California, making it a solid choice for L.A. drivers.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Los Angeles
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Cheapest: GEICO
- Best for Rideshare: Progressive
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: AAA
- Best for Local Agents: State Farm
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Los Angeles
| Company | Full Coverage Annual Avg. | Minimum Coverage Annual Avg. | California Customer Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,864 | $680 | Above average |
| GEICO | $2,247 | $669 | Below average |
| Progressive | $2,426 | $836 | Below average |
| AAA | $2,611 | Data unavailable | Above average |
| State Farm | $2,977 | $981 | Above average |
| Los Angeles average | $3,005 | $1,092 | – |
Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Los Angeles
1. USAA - Best for Military and Veterans
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$36 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$128 mo.
- Cheapest rates for full coverage in L.A.
- Standout customer service
- Coverage designed to suit the needs of military members
Military eligibility required- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
Why we chose it
USAA caters exclusively to the military community (including veterans) and their families. It’s known for cheap rates and exceptional customer service. Though it technically does not qualify to rank in J.D. Power’s customer and claims satisfaction studies due to its eligibility requirements, it scored 117 points above average in California for customer satisfaction, and 41 points above average in the United States for claims satisfaction. As a USAA customer, myself, I have experienced first hand, their standout customer service and lower than average rates.
Who it’s best for
USAA is a great choice for military-affiliated drivers looking for specialized service. It’s only available to military members, veterans, and their spouses and children, so non-members will have to shop elsewhere.
FYI:
If you’re a veteran, shopping for car insurance, there are many opportunities to save. While USAA is well-known for serving military members, many other insurers also offer discounts for veterans.
Los Angeles Pricing
| USAA | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $155 | $1,864 | -38% |
| Minimum Coverage | $57 | $680 | -38% |
2. GEICO - Cheapest
4.2
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$46 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$156 mo.
- Cheapest rates for minimum coverage
- Plenty of discounts
- Quick and easy process for getting an online quote
- Limited agent presence
- Doesn't underwrite home insurance
Why we chose it
GEICO offers the cheapest rates, on average, for minimum insurance in Los Angeles at $669 annually. In addition to ranking #3 in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance study for overall customer service in California, it consistently delivers some of the cheapest rates in L.A., making it a standout for budget-conscious drivers. It also has an impressive lineup of discounts, which add savings on top of already low rates.
Who it’s best for
GEICO is a great option for safe drivers, seniors, military members, multi-vehicle owners, military members, owners of new cars, and students.
Los Angeles Pricing
| GEICO | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $187 | $2,247 | -25% |
| Minimum Coverage | $56 | $669 | -39% |
3. Progressive - Best for Rideshare
4.7
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$59 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$172 mo.
- Cheap rates for both full and minimum coverage
- Good for students
- Easy to add-on rideshare coverage
- Mixed reviews for customer service
- Gap insurance won’t necessarily cover full amount owed
Why we chose it
In addition to offering competitive premiums for both full and minimum coverage, Progressive offers discounts for safe driving habits, bundling multiple policies, and for students maintaining good grades. Additionally, in a city like L.A., where many people drive for Uber and Lyft, Progressive stands out for its affordable and comprehensive rideshare coverage.
Who it’s best for
Progressive is a strong option for families with student drivers, anyone looking to bundle multiple policies, rideshare drivers (including food delivery like DoorDash), and drivers seeking gap insurance.
Los Angeles Pricing
| Progressive | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $202 | $2,426 | -19% |
| Minimum Coverage | $70 | $836 | -24% |
4. AAA - Best for Customer Satisfaction
4.5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$90 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$251 mo.
- Ranked #1 in California for customer service according to third-party metrics
- DMV services available at their branch offices
- Roadside assistance
- Membership required
- Pricing varies by club
Why we chose it
AAA is an association of regional clubs, and in Los Angeles, coverage is provided through the Automobile Club of Southern California. This regional branch ranked #1 in California for customer service in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study. It also earned a top spot on CRASH Network’s Insurer Report Card, which rates insurers based on how well they handle claims from the perspective of repair shops.
In addition to this combination of customer service and claims satisfaction, membership benefits include roadside assistance and DMV services, like vehicle registration renewals, title transfers, and the issuance of duplicate or replacement registration documents at their branch offices.
Who it’s best for
AAA is a strong pick for L.A. drivers who prioritize customer service and roadside assistance. AAA also offers several perks, like free car seat inspections by certified technicians and travel planning services, including booking accommodations, rental cars, cruises, and discounts on travel-related expenses.
Los Angeles Pricing
| AAA | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $218 | $2,611 | -13% |
| Minimum Coverage | Data unavailable | Data unavailable | Data unavailable |
5. State Farm - Best for Local Agents
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate forMinimum Coverage$54 mo.
- Average Rate forFull Coverage$169 mo.
- High third-party ratings for customer and claims satisfaction in California
- Many local agents in L.A.
- Multiple discount opportunities
- Must complete quotes by phone
- No accident forgiveness
Why we chose it
State Farm is a solid choice for drivers in Los Angeles, offering rates below the California average for both full coverage and minimum coverage. While it’s not the absolute cheapest, what sets State Farm apart is its strong reputation for claims satisfaction and personalized customer service, which it delivers through its network of local agents. It ranked above average in both J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study for claims satisfaction and overall customer satisfaction in California.
Who it’s best for
State Farm is best for L.A. drivers who value top notch, personalized customer service. It’s also a great fit for those looking to bundle their auto insurance policies with other policies, like home or renters insurance. Note that while you can start quotes online, you’ll have to complete policy purchase with an agent.
Los Angeles Pricing
| State Farm | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $248 | $2,977 | -1% |
| Minimum Coverage | $82 | $981 | -10% |
Los Angeles Best Cheap Picks – Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – California1 | CRASH Network Report Card2 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study3 | NAIC Complaint Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 748 | D+ | 741 | 2.74 |
| GEICO | 644 | C- | 697 | 1.58 |
| Progressive | 638 | C | 673 | 1.35 |
| Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) | 676 | B+ (in California; B nationally | 726 | 0 |
| State Farm | 635 | C- | 716 | 2.13 |
| Average | 631 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
*USAA technically doesn’t qualify to rank on J.D. Power studies, due to its eligibility restrictions.
Cheapest Full Coverage Insurance in Los Angeles
Insurance in Los Angeles is expensive. On average, full coverage insurance in Los Angeles costs $3,005, which is about 28 percent more than the national average of $2,356 and 17 percent more than the California average of $2,569.
| Company | Annual Los Angeles Average | Monthly Los Angeles Average |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $1,864 | $155 |
| GEICO | $2,247 | $187 |
| Mercury | $2,425 | $202 |
| Progressive | $2,426 | $202 |
| Kemper | $2,523 | $210 |
| AAA | $2,611 | $218 |
| Wawanesa | $2,891 | $241 |
| State Farm | $2,977 | $248 |
| Allstate | $3,178 | $265 |
| Nationwide | $3,482 | $290 |
| Los Angeles average | $3,005 | $250 |
| California average | $2,569 | $214 |
| United States average | $2,356 | $196 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Los Angeles
GEICO has the cheapest minimum coverage in Los Angeles, with an average annual rate of $669 per year. That’s almost 39 percent lower than the city average of $1,092. USAA is a close second at $680 on average annually.
| Company | Annual Los Angeles Average | Monthly Los Angeles Average |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $669 | $56 |
| USAA | $680 | $57 |
| Progressive | $836 | $70 |
| Mercury | $925 | $77 |
| State Farm | $981 | $82 |
| Allstate | $1,061 | $88 |
| Los Angeles average | $1,092 | $91 |
| California average | $751 | $63 |
| United States average | $722 | $60 |
>>COMPARE: Explore our detailed breakdown of USAA vs GEICO.
How many traffic accidents happen in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles experiences more traffic accidents than any other city in California. Experts point to a combination of factors, including drunk driving, speeding, nighttime driving, distracted driving, poor lighting, road quality, an increase of SUVs, and aggressive driving, like tailgating, illegal turns, and changing lanes rapidly.
The number of traffic fatalities in Los Angeles dropped by 12.5 percent in 2024, falling to 302 deaths. The highest number of traffic fatalities in Los Angeles occurred in densely populated and heavy traffic areas, including Downtown, Van Nuys, and South L.A..
In 2015, then-mayor Eric Garcetti launched Vision Zero, which aimed to eliminate traffic deaths in L.A. by 2025. The initiative focused on improving traffic signals and building safer infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians. However, a decade later, pedestrian fatalities have climbed from 88 in 2015 to 170 in 2024.4
- The most dangerous intersections in L.A. in 2021 were:
- San Pedro St. and Washington Blvd.
- Florence Ave. and Vermont Ave.
- Oxnard St. and Van Nuys Blvd.
- Highland Ave. and Hollywood Blvd.5
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in Los Angeles
As of 2025, the minimum auto insurance rates in California, often summarized as 30/60/15 are as follows:
- 30,000 for injury/death to one person
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $15,000 for property damage6
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, USAA and GEICO offer the most affordable options in Los Angeles for both full coverage and minimum coverage. A full coverage policy costs $1,864 on average annually with USAA and $2,247 with GEICO. For minimum coverage, you can expect to pay $669 on average with GEICO and $680 with USAA.
USAA has the lowest rates and highest ratings for claims and customer satisfaction according to third party metrics.
The most important factors that affect auto insurance premiums for L.A. drivers are driving record, age, driving experience, zip code, vehicle type, and coverage choice. If you have any blemishes on your record, like accidents, speeding tickets, or a DUI in California, you can expect to pay more. Age and experience also matter. Younger drivers are seen as higher risk and are likely to pay higher premiums.
Insurers use your zip code to determine the frequency of accidents, auto theft, vandalism, and claims history in your neighborhood. If you live in an area with a high number of recorded incidents or even a dense neighborhood like Koreatown or Hollywood where more accidents and traffic congestion are known to occur, you will likely pay higher rates. Some of the most expensive zip codes in L.A. are 90037, 90004, and 90006.
Cars with high safety ratings and low repair costs tend to be the cheapest to insure. Cars with higher replacement or repair costs, like luxury, sports or high performance vehicles are more expensive to insure. Electric vehicles are also more expensive to insure due to repair complexity. Also, their batteries are expensive to repair and replace. In addition, vehicles that are frequently targeted for theft based on their make or model can also cost more to insure, even if the car itself isn’t especially expensive.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyzed average premiums for full and minimum coverage in Los Angeles, California, for good drivers with good credit. Full coverage averages use the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Handling (25%): A good claims handling process from an auto insurer is prompt, transparent, and efficient, with clear communication throughout, fair evaluation of damages, and timely payment or resolution. We assess claims practices through sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P Ratings. Real-life customer experiences are included when available.
- Customer Experience (25%): We evaluate the ease of the customer journey, from getting a quote and purchasing a policy to making changes or accessing documents. We consider the availability and quality of both online and agent interactions, as well as the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies, the NAIC complaint index, BBB ratings, and app store reviews.
- Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings and value providers with options beyond the state required minimums, including offerings of use to L.A. drivers, like rideshare coverage, accident forgiveness, gap coverage, and more.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Sources
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. Crash Network. (2025).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Oct 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyTraffic deaths in Los Angeles exceed murder total for second consecutive year. Crosstown. (2025, Jan 27).
https://xtown.la/2025/01/27/traffic-deaths-in-los-angeles-exceed-murder-total-for-second-consecutive-year/Los Angeles Road Safety Overview. Safe Roads USA. (2025).
https://www.makeroadssafe.org/los-angeles-road-safety-overview/Insurance Requirements. State of California DMV. (2025).
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/
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