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Best Car Insurance in California in 2026
GEICO, Progressive, USAA, State Farm, and AAA are among our favorites in the Golden State.
Cheapest
Editor's Rating:
4.9/5
4.9/5
Full Coverage Averages in California
- Annual Premium: $1,763
- Monthly Premium: $147
Best for Bundling Home and Auto
Editor's Rating:4.7/5
4.7/5
Full Coverage Averages in California
- Annual Premium: $2,212
- Monthly Premium: $184
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5
Full Coverage Averages in California
- Annual Premium: $2,046
- Monthly Premium: $171
Last updated: August 3, 2026
Key Takeaways: Best Car Insurance in California 2026
GEICO is the cheapest car insurance provider in California, while AAA ranks highest for customer satisfaction in the state.
Full coverage averages $2,712/year in California; minimum coverage averages $928/year — both above the national average.
GEICO’s full coverage averages $1,763/year, over $900 cheaper than the state average.
USAA has the highest J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in California, but is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
Progressive, State Farm, AAA, and Travelers are top picks for bundling, teens, safe drivers, and EV owners, respectively.
The rates listed here are averages and can give you an idea of what you may be quoted, but your rate will depend on factors like your age and driving history.
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in California
- Cheapest: GEICO
- Best for Bundling Home and Auto: Progressive
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Local Agents: Allstate
- Best for Safe Drivers: Auto Club of Southern California (AAA)
- Best for Electric Vehicles: Travelers
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in California
Breaking Down the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in California
1. GEICO - Cheapest
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average California Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $42 mo.
- Average California Rate for Full Coverage
- $147 mo.
Excellent rates in California- Convenient online quotes and purchasing
- Sizable discounts for military and government workers
Limited agent presence- Doesn't underwrite home insurance
Why we chose it
GEICO is the cheapest provider for drivers in California, on average. Its average full coverage premium is over $900 cheaper than the state average. If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest option to drive legally, California requires only minimum liability and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. GEICO is also the cheapest provider for minimum liability, with an average cost as low as $42 per month.
In addition, the company offers discounts to drivers who work for the government or military. Over 150,000 federal workers are located in California, making it the state with the most federal workers in the country.1
Who it’s best for
People on a budget, those who want to purchase policies online, federal employees and military members.
Tip:
Despite closing all of its physical offices in California, GEICO still offers car insurance in the state. You’ll have to request a quote online or through the mobile app.
GEICO California Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $147 | $72 |
| Annually | $1,763 | $508 |
| Difference from California average | -35% | -45% |
2. Progressive - Best for Bundling Home and Auto
4.7
Editor's Rating:
- Average California Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $60 mo.
- Average California Rate for Full Coverage
- $171 mo.
- Rated above-average on J.D. Power
- Name Your Price online quote tool
- Sells home insurance in California
- Mixed reviews for customer service
- Gap insurance won’t necessarily cover full amount owed
Why we chose it
While many providers are pulling out of insuring homes in California, Progressive continues to offer new homeowners policies in the state. It also has cheaper than average car insurance rates in the state, including for drivers with DUIs.
Progressive scored 12 points above average in California on J.D. Power’s most recent Auto Insurance Study, indicating that customers in the state are generally satisfied with the service they receive.
Who it’s best for
Homeowners, drivers with clean records as well as those with DUIs, people with financed or leased vehicles (who can benefit from Progressive’s loan/lease payoff coverage)
Progressive California Pricing
| Progressive | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $171 | $60 |
| Annually | $2,212 | $714 |
| Difference from California average | -18% | -23% |
3. USAA - Best for Military and Veterans
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average California Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $51 mo.
- Average California Rate for Full Coverage
- $171 mo.
- Best customer satisfaction in California
- Cheap rates
- Unique coverage made for military members
- Military eligibility required
- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
Why we chose it
USSA offers some of the cheapest rates and has the highest customer satisfaction score from J.D. Power for the California region. It also has the second-highest score on J.D. Power’s most recent Claims Satisfaction Study (Erie, which isn’t available in California, took first place).
USAA was designed for military members, veterans, and military families and offers various unique military discounts and coverage options. Discounts include savings for vehicle storage and garaging your car on a military base, among others.
Who it’s best for
Military members, veterans, and military dependents, existing USAA members, people who are deployed out of the state and want to maintain their car insurance
USAA California Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $171 | $51 |
| Annually | $2,046 | $613 |
| Difference from California average | -25% | -34% |
4. Allstate - Best for Local Agents
4.4
Editor's Rating:
- Average California Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $97 mo.
- Average California Rate for Full Coverage
- $251 mo.
- Local agents in California cities
- Above-average rating on J.D. Power
- Numerous discounts
- Telematics needed for best savings
- Mixed claims reviews
Why we chose it
Allstate ranked third for customer service in California on J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study, scoring over 20 points above the average. While the company doesn’t have the cheapest rates in the state, it’s a good choice for drivers who value the service of a local agent.
Who it’s best for
Safe drivers, customers who plan to purchase full coverage, people who prefer to work with a local agent
Allstate California Pricing
| Allstate | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $251 | $97 |
| Annually | $3,012 | $1,158 |
| Difference from California average | +11% | +25% |
5. Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) - Best for Safe Drivers
4.5
Editor's Rating:
- Average California Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $75 mo.
- Average California Rate for Full Coverage
- $221 mo.
- Top-rated customer satisfaction in California
- Robust roadside assistance
- Additional discounts and perks for members
Why we chose it
AAA is best known for its roadside assistance programs, but it also sells auto insurance policies to members. That means you must be an existing AAA member or be willing to become a member to access its car insurance, but this can be worth it depending on the rate you’re quoted and your roadside assistance needs.
AAA’s premiums for safe drivers are lower than average in California, and it also ranked second for customer satisfaction in the Golden State in J.D. Power’s most recent study. If you drive a lot or just want the added peace of mind that comes with excellent roadside assistance coverage, AAA is worth looking into.
Who it’s best for
Safe drivers, existing AAA members, those who want robust roadside assistance, drivers who prioritize customer service
AAA California Pricing
| AAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $221 | $75 |
| Annually | $2,646 | $894 |
| Difference from California average | -2% | -4% |
6. Travelers - Best for Electric Vehicles
4.1
Editor's Rating:
- Average California Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $106
- Average California Rate for Full Coverage
- $265
- EV and hybrid vehicle discount
- 100+ California agents
- Ample savings for safe drivers
- Average satisfaction scores
- Limited agent density in some regions
Why we chose it
As one of the few companies to offer a hybrid and electric vehicle discount, Travelers is a great option for the many electric vehicle owners in California. Insurance for electric vehicles tends to be more expensive than gas-powered cars, so you should take advantage of the many Travelers discounts available to you. You can save up to 10 percent on your car insurance with Travelers when you own or lease a hybrid/electric vehicle.
In addition, if you’re one of the state’s more than 4 million small business owners or operate a fleet of vehicles, you might need commercial auto insurance.2 Travelers offers commercial auto plans for everyday vehicles, trucks, fleets, vehicles for oil and gas companies, vehicles for public entities, and street maintenance vehicles.
Who it’s best for
Owners of an electric vehicle, homeowners, small business owners who need commercial auto insurance
DID YOU KNOW?
There are over 2 million registered electric vehicles in California, and the California Air Resources Board predicts the state will have 12.5 million registered EVs by 2035.3 If you’re thinking of buying an EV, Travelers is a great place to start with a quote.
Travelers California Pricing
| Travelers | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $265 | $106 |
| Annually | $3,180 | $1,272 |
| Difference from California average | +17% | +37% |
Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – California | CRASH Network Report Card | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction | NAIC Complaint Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | 647 | C- | 697 | 1.73 |
| Progressive | 645 | C- | 673 | 2.64 |
| USAA | 745 | C- | 741 | 2.98 |
| Allstate | 657 | D+ | 693 | 4.32 |
| AAA (Auto Club of Southern Calif.) | 677 | B | 726 | – |
| Travelers | 584 | C | 691 | 0.41 |
| 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 50,000 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 |
Average Cost of Auto Insurance in California
Full Coverage Rates in California
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in California is $2,712, which is slightly more expensive than the national average of $2,356.
| Category | Full coverage average (annual) | Full coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $2,712 | $226 |
| National Average | $2,356 | $196 |
Minimum Coverage Rates in California
Minimum coverage in California is also higher than the national average, at $928 per year or $77 per month.
| Category | Minimum coverage average (annual) | Minimum coverage average (monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $923 | $77 |
| National Average | $722 | $60 |
Average Premiums in California by City
Sacramento and San Diego have the cheapest average rates among California’s major cities. Los Angeles and Oakland are the most expensive cities.
| City | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| Sacramento | $179 | $2,142 |
| San Diego | $183 | $2,195 |
| San Jose | $199 | $2,382 |
| San Francisco | $208 | $2,498 |
| Fresno | $209 | $2,508 |
| Los Angeles | $250 | $3,005 |
| Oakland | $252 | $3,028 |
How Many Car Accidents Happen in California?
In 2023, the last year for which the California Department of Transportation has released data, there were 124,135 car crashes on California state highways.8 Eight hundred sixty-eight of those crashes were fatal, while 40,661 involved injuries and 82,606 involved only property damage.
The vast majority of the crashes — around 90 percent — occurred on urban highways, while the remaining 10 percent occurred on rural highways. The most dangerous months for accidents were March, October, and December, and the most dangerous days of the week were Thursday and Friday.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in California
The minimum auto insurance requirements in California are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
California doubled its minimum liability limits as of January 1, 2025, but it’s important to keep in mind that California’s cost of living is also high, meaning that services like medical care and car repairs tend to be expensive. Minimum coverage should be a last resort if it’s all you can afford, but getting higher limits will better financially protect you in the event of an accident. Adding full coverage to your policy will also help pay for damage to your own car.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Insurance companies in California cannot use your credit score or credit history for underwriting policies, assessing your eligibility, or generating your premium.
If you’re having a hard time affording car insurance in California, you can sign up for California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA). Established in 1999, the CLCA was designed to offer auto insurance to low-income individuals and families who can’t afford car insurance.
Check out its website for more information on how to sign up and eligibility requirements: https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/lca/.
GEICO still sells policies in California, but it has closed physical offices and no longer sells policies there via agents due to high costs. Customers interested in GEICO can get a quote and purchase policies online or through the company’s mobile app.
With an average annual rate of around $4,323, GEICO offers the cheapest rates for California drivers with a DUI on their record. Progressive has the next-cheapest rates at $5,044 annually for drivers with a DUI.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we evaluate auto insurance providers based on four key factors:
- Price (40%): We analyze average premiums for full and minimum coverage for good drivers in California. We also consider available discounts. 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 of agents in California, quality of online interactions, and the functionality of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies (with preference for regional, California-specific 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, like accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.
Read more about our ratings and methodology.
Sources
Federal Insurance for Auto Loan Borrowers: Policy Issues and Options. Congressional Research Service. (2024, Jan. 8). https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47716
Data. U.S. Census Bureau. (2025).
https://data.census.gov/all?q=California+Business+and+EconomyCalifornia’s electric vehicle ecosystem – May 2025. New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade. (2025, May).
https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/mfat-market-reports/californias-electric-vehicle-ecosystem-may-20252026 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power. (2026, Jun. 9). https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2026-us-auto-insurance-study
Top Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2025. 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. (2025).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm2023 Crash Data on California State Highways (road miles, travel, crashes, crash rates). California Department of Transportation. (2023).
https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/research-innovation-system-information/documents/annual-collision-data/dor-guidance-2023-crash-data-on-cshwy-book.pdf
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