Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in California

GEICO has the most affordable rates for full coverage in California, averaging $1,760 annually — around 31 percent lower than the state average of $2,569. In second place is USAA, which is only available to military members and their families. For nonmilitary drivers, Progressive offers the most affordable rates after GEICO, also below the statewide average.

GEICO also offers the cheapest rates for minimum coverage in California, followed by CSAA, with average annual rates of $456 and $526, respectively. Both companies’ rates are below the state and national averages for minimum coverage. USAA and Progressive have affordable rates in this category as well.

In California, USAA offers the cheapest auto insurance for teen drivers at $3,771 per year. However, it’s important to note that USAA is only available to the military community. Nonmilitary households with teen drivers will find the best rates with State Farm at $4,275 per year on average. State Farm’s rates are well below the state average of $5,832 and the national average of $6,054.

Drivers with a speeding ticket in California may find the cheapest rates from USAA (if eligible for membership) and GEICO. These companies offer average annual rates of $2,032 and $2,496, respectively. CSAA and Progressive also offer affordable rates. In California, a speeding ticket may increase your auto insurance premium by around 25 percent on average.

USAA offers the cheapest auto insurance for California drivers with an at-fault accident at $2,810 per year on average. GEICO also offers competitive rates at $3,171 per year. In addition both providers, CSAA and Progressive also have average rates below the state average.

A DUI can significantly impact your insurance rates. Drivers in California with a DUI on their record may find the best rates with GEICO and Progressive at $3,989 and $4,074 per year, respectively. These rates are over 40 percent lower than the statewide average, but still much higher than full coverage rates for drivers with clean records.

While its rates tend to be higher than average, Auto Club (also known as Auto Club of Southern California or AAA) offers some of the best customer service to drivers in California. USAA has the best mix of affordable rates and strong customer satisfaction ratings but its availability is limited to military drivers.

1. Bundle policies: If you need an insurance policy in addition to auto, such as home or renters, purchasing both policies from the same company will usually get you a significant discount and also simplifies your policy management.
2. Modify your policy: If your goal is to get the lowest premium, you can do so by increasing your collision and comprehensive deductibles and/or lowering your coverage limits. However, this leaves you at risk of higher out-of-pocket expenses if you get into an accident or damage your vehicle, so make sure the trade-off is worth it to you.
3. Maintain a clean driving record: One of the best ways to keep your insurance costs as low as possible is to maintain a clean record and avoid violations. Rates can increase significantly as a result of speeding tickets, accidents and DUIs and they stay on your record for several years.
4. Consider California’s low-cost program: The California Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program is designed to help low-income drivers afford liability insurance. You may be eligible if you need the income thresholds and your vehicle’s value is under $25,000.⁴

Auto insurance rates in California vary by city, with drivers in larger cities usually paying more due to increased congestion and risk of accidents. The city with the most expensive rates is Los Angeles, with an average annual premium of $3,005, which is 17 percent higher than the state average. San Diego’s average rate is lower than most other major California cities at $2,059, making it 20 percent lower than the statewide average.

California law requires drivers to carry a minimum level of car insurance, including bodily injury and property damage liability. These coverages help cover injuries and damages caused to others in an accident. California increased its minimum limits as of January 1, 2025, and they are now as follows:

• Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident

You cannot legally drive without at least these coverage limits, but it’s often wise to get higher limits for added peace of mind. Drivers with newer cars should also opt for full coverage, which includes comprehensive and collision. This may also be required by your lender if you finance or lease your vehicle.

We analyze average auto insurance premiums in California for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with good credit as well as other driver profiles, including those with DUIs, accidents, low credit and teenagers. 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
• Medical payments: $5,000
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
• Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible