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Best Cheap Car Insurance in Los Angeles in 2026
USAA, GEICO, Progressive, Wawanesa, and Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) are our top picks for car insurance in Los Angeles.
Best for Military/Veterans
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5
Average Cost in Los Angeles
- Full Coverage Monthly: $175
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $67
Cheapest
Editor's Rating:4.9/5
4.9/5
Average Cost in Los Angeles
- Full Coverage Monthly: $178
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $63
Best for Rideshare
Editor's Rating:4.7/5
4.7/5
Average Cost in Los Angeles
- Full Coverage Monthly: $208
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $80
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Key Takeaways: Best Cheap Car Insurance in LA
GEICO offers the best value car insurance in LA, with an average full coverage premium of $2,098/year.
Car insurance costs an average of $3,125/year for full coverage and $1,221/year for minimum coverage in Los Angeles.
USAA offers the best rates and coverage for eligible drivers, while Progressive is a great choice for rideshare drivers.
Those looking for the best customer service should consider Wawanesa.
Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) is best for frequent drivers who value robust roadside assistance.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Los Angeles
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best Value: GEICO
- Best for Rideshare: Progressive
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: Wawanesa Insurance
- Best for Roadside Assistance: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA)
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Los Angeles
| Company | Full Coverage Annual Avg. | Minimum Coverage Annual Avg. | California Customer Satisfaction |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,098 | $806 | Above average |
| GEICO | $2,131 | $754 | Above average |
| Progressive | $2,498 | $963 | Above average |
| Wawanesa | $2,813 | $1,290 | Above average |
| AAA | $2,918 | $1,193 | Above average |
| Los Angeles average | $3,125 | $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 for Minimum Coverage
- $36 mo.
- Average Rate for Full 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 112 points above average in California for customer satisfaction, and 41 points above average in the United States for claims satisfaction.
The company also offers the cheapest average rates for full coverage in Los Angeles, as well as the second-cheapest minimum coverage rates after GEICO, at over 30 percent below the city average. USAA offers two generous telematics programs, one of which specifically rewards drivers for driving less than average.
Who it’s best for
Military members, veterans, and their spouses and children
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.
USAA Los Angeles Pricing
| USAA | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $175 | $2,098 | -33% |
| Minimum Coverage | $67 | $806 | -34% |
2. GEICO - Best Value
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $46 mo.
- Average Rate for Full 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 coverage insurance in Los Angeles at $754 annually. In addition to ranking above average 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.
GEICO also has an impressive lineup of discounts, which add savings on top of already low rates. It offers easy online quotes and purchasing and ranks highly on J.D. Power’s Digital Experience Study for existing customers managing their policies using the company’s digital tools.1
Who it’s best for
Safe drivers, military members, those who prefer to manage their policy online
GEICO Los Angeles Pricing
| GEICO | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $178 | $2,131 | -32% |
| Minimum Coverage | $63 | $754 | -38% |
FYI:
GEICO closed all of its physical offices in California, but it still sells policies online and by phone in the state.
3. Progressive - Best for Rideshare
4.7
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $59 mo.
- Average Rate for Full 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. It also has some of the lowest rates in California for drivers with a DUI.
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. A standard personal auto policy doesn’t cover you when you’re on the app waiting for a ride, so purchasing extra coverage is vital to ensure robust financial protection.
Who it’s best for
Rideshare drivers (including food delivery like DoorDash), those with a DUI, drivers seeking gap insurance.
Progressive Los Angeles Pricing
| Progressive | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $208 | $2,498 | -20% |
| Minimum Coverage | $80 | $963 | -21% |
4. Wawanesa Insurance - Best for Customer Satisfaction
4.5
Editor's Rating:
- Top-rated customer satisfaction in California
- Many local agents in L.A.
- Multiple discount opportunities
- Smaller footprint
- Basic mobile experience
Why we chose it
Wawanesa is a regional insurer serving California and Oregon. It’s not always the cheapest option, particularly for minimum coverage, but it makes up for it with a strong customer service record. It ranked first in J.D. Power’s 2026 study for California and earned a B+ rating in the Golden State on the CRASH Network Report Card.
While Wawanesa has limited add-on coverage options, it offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and special vehicle equipment coverage. It also has discounts for being a good driver, insuring multiple cars, having a clean title, and more.
Who it’s best for
Drivers who want to work with an agent, those who prefer a regional insurer, people prioritizing customer service
Wawanesa Los Angeles Pricing
| Wawanesa | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $234 | $2,813 | -10% |
| Minimum Coverage | $108 | $1,290 | +6% |
5. Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) - Best for Roadside Assistance
4.5
Editor's Rating:
- Ranked #2 in California for customer service according to third-party metrics
- DMV services available at their branch offices
- Roadside assistance
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 second 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
Existing AAA members, L.A. drivers who prioritize customer service and roadside assistance, those who want extra perks like discounts on travel
AAA Los Angeles Pricing
| AAA | Monthly | Annual | Difference from L.A. Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $243 | $2,918 | -7% |
| Minimum Coverage | $99 | $1,193 | -2% |
Los Angeles Best Cheap Picks – Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – California2 | CRASH Network Report Card3 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction Study4 | NAIC Complaint Index5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | 745 | C- | 741 | 3.00 |
| GEICO | 647 | C- | 697 | 1.67 |
| Progressive | 645 | C- | 673 | 2.65 |
| Wawanesa | 678 | B- | Not rated | 3.43 |
| Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) | 677 | B+ (in California; B nationally | 726 | 3.90 |
| Average | 633 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 52,000 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 $3,125 annually, which is about 33 percent more than the national average of $2,356 and 15 percent more than the California average of $2,712.
| Company | Annual Los Angeles Average | Monthly Los Angeles Average |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $2,098 | $175 |
| GEICO | $2,131 | $178 |
| Progressive | $2,498 | $208 |
| Mercury | $2,542 | $212 |
| Kemper | $2,768 | $231 |
| Wawanesa | $2,813 | $234 |
| AAA | $2,918 | $243 |
| Allstate | $3,414 | $285 |
| State Farm | $3,792 | $316 |
| Travelers | $4,376 | $365 |
| Nationwide | $5,100 | $425 |
| Los Angeles average | $3,125 | $260 |
| California average | $2,712 | $226 |
| 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 $754. That’s almost 40 percent lower than the city average of $1,221. USAA is a close second at $806 on average annually.
| Company | Annual Los Angeles Average | Monthly Los Angeles Average |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $754 | $63 |
| USAA | $806 | $67 |
| Progressive | $963 | $80 |
| Mercury | $1,134 | $94 |
| Auto Club of SoCal | $1,193 | $99 |
| Allstate | $1,286 | $107 |
| Wawanesa | $1,290 | $108 |
| State Farm | $1,341 | $112 |
| Travelers | $1,868 | $156 |
| Los Angeles average | $1,221 | $102 |
| California average | $928 | $77 |
| United States average | $722 | $60 |
>>COMPARE: Explore our detailed breakdown of USAA vs GEICO.
How many traffic accidents happen in Los Angeles?
In 2023, the most recent year for which the California Office of Traffic Safety has published data, there were 323 fatal crashes in Los Angeles and 1,565 accidents that resulted in serious injuries.6 Almost 20 percent of fatal crashes involved speeding, while about 10 percent involved a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The number of traffic fatalities in Los Angeles dropped in 2024; according to federal data, there were 295 fatal crashes in Los Angeles that year, resulting in 302 deaths.7 Around half occurred on weekdays and the other half occurred on weekends. Over one-third involved speeding.
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 2024.8
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 highest number of traffic fatalities in Los Angeles occurred in densely populated and heavy traffic areas, including Downtown, Van Nuys, and South L.A.. The most dangerous intersections in L.A. include:
- San Pedro St. and Washington Blvd.
- Florence Ave. and Vermont Ave.
- Oxnard St. and Van Nuys Blvd.
- Highland Ave. and Hollywood Blvd.9
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:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
Minimum coverage can be a good option if you’re looking for the lowest-cost policy and your vehicle has little value. However, it only meets your state’s legal liability requirements and won’t pay to repair or replace your own car after an at-fault accident or most other types of damage. If you have a newer vehicle, significant assets to protect, or couldn’t afford to replace your car out of pocket, purchasing higher liability limits and full coverage often provides better financial protection.
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 $2,098 on average annually with USAA and $2,131 with GEICO. For minimum coverage, you can expect to pay $754 on average with GEICO and $806 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: $100,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $100,000 per person/$300,000 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
Insurance Websites and Apps Miss Opportunities to Build Customer Engagement, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2026, May 13).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-insurance-digital-experience-studyAuto Insurers Struggle to Maintain Seamless Interactions Across Channels, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2026, Jun 09).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2026. Crash Network. (2026).
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-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htmCalifornia SHSP Crash Data Dashboard. Caltrans. (2026).
https://shsp.dot.ca.gov/Fatality and Injury Reporting System Tool (FIRST). NHTSA. (2026).
https://cdan.dot.gov/queryTraffic 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. (2026).
https://www.makeroadssafe.org/los-angeles-road-safety-overview/
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