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The average California driver pays just over $87 per month for car insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). That’s just a hair under the national average rate, but it doesn’t mean you can’t still find savings. For example, Wawanesa offers average policies for nearly half that cost, with several other insurers following closely behind.
We analyzed thousands of real-life quotes from drivers all over California so that you can find the best deal for you, your car, and (most importantly) your budget. This guide will show you how.
Key Takeaways
- The average California driver pays around $52 per month for basic liability insurance.
- Wawanesa tends to offer the cheapest average rates for most California drivers.
- AAA, Grange, and Wawanesa are three of the best car insurance companies in California, according to our analysis.
In This Article:
California’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
Each car insurance company has its own method for calculating insurance rates, and some weigh certain factors more heavily than others. The car insurance companies mentioned in the following sections tend to offer the most affordable rates in California. Just remember that shopping around and comparing rates is the only way to know which company will be the most affordable choice for your unique profile.
Cheapest overall auto insurance rates in California: Wawanesa Insurance
Getting the cheapest car insurance from California insurance companies is possible with some research. We analyzed dozens of insurance companies to find the insurers with California’s cheapest auto insurance rates, as shown in the table below.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $73 |
| USAA | $75 |
| Infinity | $78 |
| Progressive | $88 |
| GEICO | $90 |
Wawanesa Insurance offers the cheapest overall car insurance in California, at $73 per month. But USAA — the second-cheapest option — costs just $3 more per month. Infinity, Progressive, and GEICO are also great choices for affordable coverage.
How we chose the cheapest companies in California
Our team analyzed rates from over 50 of California’s top car insurance companies. We listed the five cheapest options for drivers of different age brackets and with various insurance and driving histories. All drivers used in the following ranking drive a 2018 Honda Accord.
Rates for both liability and full coverage use California’s minimum policy limits.
Cheapest rates for California minimum coverage: Grange Insurance
State-minimum coverage is the most affordable insurance you can get — the minimum amount of insurance you need to legally drive on the road. It only covers the other driver’s medical expenses and damages to the other vehicle if you cause an accident. That means you’re on the hook for any personal expenses resulting from an accident if you’re found to be at fault.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Grange Insurance | $62 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $63 |
| Wawanesa Insurance | $65 |
| Mercury Insurance | $65 |
| GEICO | $67 |
Grange Insurance is the cheapest company in California for minimum coverage, averaging rates of just $62 per month. It offers multiple optional coverages Californians may find valuable, such as pet injury coverage, mobile device coverage, OEM parts, full glass, and gap insurance.
United Financial Casualty Company’s rates are $1 per month more expensive, while Wawanesa and Mercury are both $2 more per month than Grange. GEICO rounds out the top five at $67 per month.
Cheapest rates for full-coverage auto insurance: Wawanesa
While full-coverage insurance is more expensive than standard liability, it also provides you greater peace of mind in an accident or other event involving your vehicle. Full-coverage insurance includes comprehensive and collision coverage, so you’re protected if a tree limb falls on your car, it’s stolen, and most things in between.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $145 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $161 |
| Mercury Insurance | $185 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $190 |
| CIG Insurance | $197 |
Wawanesa offers the most affordable car insurance in California for full coverage, at $145 per month. Roadside assistance, rental expenses, and custom equipment are just a few of the optional coverages you can get from Wawanesa.
Integon National Insurance Company is also an option, at $16 more per month. Mercury and United Financial Casualty Company follow closely, with monthly rates around $185 and $190, respectively.
The Best California Car Insurance Companies in 2024
At the end of the day, no single insurance company is the best for everyone. Several factors affect how much you pay each month — your age, gender, driving record, ZIP code, and more — so one company may offer your neighbor great rates but charge you much higher premiums.
That might make it seem impossible to find the right insurer, but we’ve researched several of the top companies in California to help you know where to start.
The following insurers were chosen based on several criteria, such as average rates, customer satisfaction scores, coverage options, and more.
Wawanesa: Best for Budget-Conscious Californians
Average premium: $105 per month
Compare.com rating: Not rated
Trustpilot reviews: 2.1 out of 5
Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating: A+
Wawanesa may be a smaller company compared to the likes of GEICO and State Farm, but when it comes to insuring California drivers, no one does it cheaper. Not only does it have the cheapest overall rates across the state, but it’s also the most affordable option for nearly every driver profile we analyzed.
And you don’t have to sacrifice service to get great rates, either. Wawanesa scores higher than any other California insurer in J.D. Power’s latest Auto Insurance Study, with an overall Customer Satisfaction Index of 843 out of 1,000.
If you’re looking for outstanding service at a budget-friendly price, Wawanesa is a great place to start.
AAA: Best for All-Around Service
Average premium: $135 per month
Compare.com rating: 3.7 out of 5
Trustpilot reviews: 1.5 out of 5
BBB rating: A+
You’ve probably heard of AAA’s nationwide roadside assistance club, but did you know it’s also a great choice for car insurance in California? Depending on your location, AAA may offer insurance under the names “Auto Club of Southern California” or “CSAA Insurance.” But either way, AAA is a solid option for drivers looking for all-encompassing service.
With unique perks for existing AAA members and award-winning roadside assistance packages, the company receives rave reviews from many customers about its auto insurance offerings. In fact, Auto Club of Southern California and CSAA Insurance Group boast above-average J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Index Rankings.
Unfortunately, you have to be an existing AAA member to qualify for coverage — but if you already are, it may be a great place to start if customer service is your top priority.
Grange: Best for Minimum Coverage
Average liability premium: $62 per month
Compare.com rating: Not rated
Trustpilot reviews: 3.0 out of 5
BBB rating: A+
Grange Insurance is another company that lacks the name recognition of some of the larger players in the industry, but when it comes to basic coverage, you can’t beat its rates. With liability-only policies starting at an average of just $62 per month in California, it’s a great option for drivers looking for bare-bones coverage.
Unfortunately, Grange’s smaller footprint means it’s hard to get a gauge on what real customers think. The company scores relatively well compared to competitors on Trustpilot, but there are only a handful of reviews on the platform. It’s not currently rated by J.D. Power, either, but its A+ rating from the BBB should give you some peace of mind.
How Much Is Car Insurance in California?
If you need car insurance, your first question is probably a simple one: How much will you need to pay? While auto insurance is never something you necessarily want to buy, the good news is that California is actually cheaper than average when it comes to the typical car insurance bill.
| Average Rates in CA* | $87 per month |
| National Average* | $89 per month |
| National Rank* | 19th Cheapest |
| Cheapest Company (liability only) | Grange – $62/mo. |
| Most Expensive Company | Chubb – $156/mo. |
*Source: Insurance Information Institute
Across the U.S., the average driver pays about $89 per month for car insurance. In California, that number drops slightly, to $87 per month. But as you can see at the bottom of this table, there’s a big difference between what different companies charge.
The cheapest car insurance company in California by statewide average rates is Grange, whose average policy runs $62 per month, according to Compare.com data. On the other hand, Chubb offers the overall most expensive rates, at $156 per month — that’s over 150% more expensive!
Since there’s such a big difference in prices between one company and the next, the best way to save on your California car insurance is to get quotes and compare prices regularly. Luckily, car insurance comparison sites — such as Compare.com — give you a way to compare rates from several top companies at once, saving both valuable time and money.
Find the Best Rates in All of California
California Auto Insurance Requirements
California requires every vehicle parked or operated on state roads to have a certain minimum of auto insurance. The minimum car insurance requirements are:
- $15,000 of bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 of property damage liability
While California sets minimum coverage standards to drive, we recommend investing in more insurance than just the minimum. California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for a car accident is also responsible for the expenses resulting from the accident.
In a severe accident, medical bills for one person can very quickly climb beyond $15,000, meaning you could be responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.
Consider investing in coverage with higher limits and possibly purchasing collision or comprehensive insurance as well. Collision and comprehensive coverages help pay the expenses you might face after an accident, a weather incident, or other damage to your vehicle.
Penalties for driving without auto insurance in California
The California DMV will cancel your registration if you fail to insure your vehicle. You must provide proof of insurance and pay a $14 fee to reinstate your registration.
Driving without auto insurance in California carries steeper penalties. You may face fines of $100–$200 for your first conviction. The court may also decide to impound your vehicle, and you would have to pay storage fees, which can quickly add up. For your second conviction, the fine ranges from $200 to $500, and the authorities may impound your vehicle again.
In addition to those fines, your local officials may implement penalty assessments, which could double or triple how much you pay.
What makes California car insurance unique?
“California is a tort state in terms of auto insurance,” says Linda Chavez, founder and CEO of Seniors Life Insurance Finder. This means if a driver is deemed at fault for an accident, “they must pay out of pocket for these damages, regardless of whether they have insurance or not.” For this reason, Chavez and most of her fellow insurance and financial experts recommend drivers buy enough liability insurance to cover their assets and protect themselves financially.
Although uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage isn’t a requirement in California, drivers should consider this optional coverage as an additional layer of protection from people who drive without insurance or with low liability limits. California has the 10th-highest rate of uninsured motorists in the country, with around 16.6% driving without insurance, according to the Insurance Information Institute.
SR-22 insurance in California
California requires certain high-risk drivers to file an SR-22 certificate proving their insurance meets the state’s requirements. Drivers caught driving without insurance or demonstrating high-risk behavior, like reckless driving or driving under the influence, must file an SR-22 certificate. If your car insurance coverage lapses during those three years, your SR-22 period resets, and you’ll need to maintain coverage for another three years.
Some auto insurance companies won’t provide SR-22 certificates, so you may need to switch to an insurance company specializing in covering high-risk drivers. You can also expect your premiums to increase because of your risky driving history.
Compare California Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Your auto insurance rates will fluctuate over time due to your age. You’ll pay the highest rates as a teen and experience a steep decrease once you turn 25. You can expect your insurance to remain low until you hit retirement age, when your premiums may begin to creep back up.
Cheapest car insurance for California teens: Wawanesa
Car insurance costs more for teens because they lack experience behind the wheel, making them a much higher risk to insure.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $171 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $213 |
| Mercury Insurance | $231 |
| GEICO | $242 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $248 |
Teens looking for cheap car insurance in California may want to consider Wawanesa Insurance, which offers an average rate of $171 per month for teens. The next cheapest option is Integon National Insurance Company, which is $42 more per month. Mercury Insurance, GEICO, and United Financial Casualty Company round out the rest of the top five cheapest companies for teens.
Cheapest car insurance for young drivers in California: Wawanesa
As a young adult driver, you’ll pay less than you did as a teen. That’s because you have more experience behind the wheel, decreasing your chances of being in an accident.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $102 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $116 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $118 |
| Grange Insurance | $125 |
| Mercury Insurance | $127 |
Wawanesa Insurance has the cheapest car insurance for young California drivers, with average rates of $102 per month. It offers several optional coverages , such as uninsured motorist with collision waiver and roadside assistance, to keep you going with little out-of-pocket costs.
Integon National and United Financial are about $15 more per month. Grange and Mercury are also affordable options, costing just a few dollars more per month, at $125.
Cheapest car insurance for Californians in their 40s: Wawanesa
Car insurance costs level off once you reach 40. By then, you’ll have lots of driving experience, and car insurance companies will consider you a low-risk driver if you maintain a clean driving record. These costs continue to decrease until you turn 50, at which point car insurance costs will typically be at their lowest.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $92 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $94 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $99 |
| Grange Insurance | $101 |
| Mercury Insurance | $104 |
Wawanesa continues the trend as the cheapest car insurance company for this age group, with average rates around $92 per month. The company offers multiple discounts California drivers in their 40s might be eligible for, such as good driver, loyalty, multi-policy, and multi-car.
Integon National Insurance Company is $2 more per month, with United Financial another $5. Grange and Mercury close out the top five companies, at $101 and $104 per month, respectively.
Cheapest car insurance for California seniors: Wawanesa
Once you turn 65, your rates decrease a bit more, but as you continue to age, you might see an upward trend. That’s because older drivers tend to have slower reaction times, increasing their chance of being in an accident.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $87 |
| Mercury Insurance | $96 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $98 |
| Grange Insurance | $99 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $100 |
Wawanesa Insurance is the cheapest option for California retirees. The company offers a defensive driver discount for drivers who are 55 and older after completing a state-approved defensive driving course.
Mercury Insurance is the next cheapest option, costing $9 more per month, with Integon National Insurance Company, Grange Insurance, and United Financial Casualty Company falling closely behind.
Compare California Auto Insurance Quotes by Driving Record
Your driving record also affects your car insurance rates. Maintaining a clean driving record — free of at-fault accidents and traffic violations — indicates you’re a low-risk driver. Because of this, car insurance companies will reward you with more affordable premiums.
Your rates can increase after an at-fault accident or traffic violation. DUIs are even more serious and often lead to steep premium increases. Fortunately, traffic violations and at-fault accidents fall off your driving record within three years in California, so your rates will only increase temporarily.
Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in California: Wawanesa
You can expect to save on your insurance premium if you maintain a clean driving record. Insurance companies reward you with lower premiums because there’s less chance you’ll need to file a claim in the future.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $75 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $77 |
| GEICO | $91 |
| Mercury Insurance | $91 |
| State National | $103 |
Wawanesa Insurance rewards drivers with a good driving record with the cheapest rates — $75 per month. You could save even more with Wawanesa’s loyalty, affinity, anti-theft and multi-policy discounts.
United Financial is $2 more per month. GEICO and Mercury tie at $91 per month, while State National rounds out the top five, at $103 monthly.
Cheapest car insurance in California after a ticket: Wawanesa
Your car insurance rates may increase when you receive a traffic violation, such as a speeding ticket. Car insurance companies view speeding as an indicator you make risky decisions behind the wheel and are more likely to get into an accident. They tend to charge higher premiums to make up for that increased risk.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $105 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $111 |
| Mercury Insurance | $119 |
| Kemper | $119 |
| Esurance | $129 |
Even with a ticket, Wawanesa Insurance is still the cheapest car insurance for California drivers. If your driving record is otherwise clean, you could still qualify for Wawanesa’s good driver discount if you’ve been licensed for three or more years.
Integon National is another affordable option, costing $6 more per month. Mercury Insurance and Kemper tie at $119 per month, with Esurance closing out the top five cheapest companies.
Cheapest car insurance in California after an at-fault accident: Wawanesa
Being found at fault in a car accident, no matter how minor, will typically increase your car insurance rates. The higher premiums can last up to five years, depending on your insurer and the extent of the accident.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $114 |
| CIG Insurance | $133 |
| Grange Insurance | $138 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $140 |
| State National | $142 |
California drivers with an accident in their claim history may find the cheapest car insurance rates with Wawanesa, at $114 per month. CIG Insurance is the next cheapest option but costs $19 more for the same coverage.
Grange Insurance is $2 more per month than CIG, and United Financial Casualty Company follows closely behind, at $140 per month.
Cheapest California car insurance after a DUI: Integon National
Getting convicted of a DUI or DWI is one of the most serious driving offenses you can commit. These charges carry fines of $500 to $2,000, and having one on your record can significantly increase how much you pay for car insurance.
Some insurers won’t cover you at all, so you may even have to switch to a company that works with high-risk drivers.
In California, a DUI or DWI can stay on your driving record for up to 10 years, so the increase in premiums will add up tremendously over time.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Integon National Insurance Company | $111 |
| Wawanesa Insurance | $126 |
| Mercury Insurance | $141 |
| Kemper | $151 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $160 |
Integon National Insurance Company is the cheapest car insurance company for California drivers with a DUI, with average rates around $111 per month. Drivers can add emergency expense allowance coverage and may be eligible for its telematics program, DynamicDrive.
Wawanesa Insurance is $15 more, at $126 per month. Rounding out the list are Mercury, Kemper, and United Financial Casualty Company.
Compare California Rates by Marital Status
Even your marital status affects how much you pay for car insurance. Insurance companies believe single drivers are more likely to take risks behind the wheel, so they charge them slightly higher premiums.
Cheapest car insurance for married California drivers: Wawanesa
After you get married, you’ll likely see your car insurance premiums drop since insurers view married couples as more stable and less likely to file a claim. Married couples also typically have more than one vehicle on their policies, which can result in more savings.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $85 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $95 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $96 |
| Mercury Insurance | $101 |
| Grange Insurance | $107 |
Married Californians may find the cheapest car insurance from Wawanesa, with average rates around $85 per month. Combining your policies could help you save more with the multi-policy and multi-car discounts .
Integon National Insurance Company is $10 more expensive, at $95 per month, and United Financial Casualty Company follows closely behind, at $96. Mercury is slightly higher, at $101 per month, with Grange Insurance finishing out the top five.
Cheapest car insurance for single California drivers: Wawanesa
Rates are typically higher if you’re single. You can expect to pay about 35% more for car insurance than if you were married because single drivers are statistically more likely to get into a car accident or file a claim than married.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa Insurance | $120 |
| Integon National Insurance Company | $136 |
| Mercury Insurance | $143 |
| United Financial Casualty Company | $143 |
| CIG Insurance | $159 |
Wawanesa wins yet another category for cheapest car insurance in California, with $120-per-month rates for single drivers. It shouldn’t be surprising that Wawanesa won the top spot for customer service in the California region in the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.
Integon National Insurance Company is the next affordable option, followed closely by Mercury Insurance. United Financial Casualty Company, at $143 per month, and CIG Insurance are the next-closest competitors.
The Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in California
Car insurance rates will also vary depending on where you live in California. If you’re considering relocating and want to save money on your car insurance, you may want to move to one of these ten cities in California that offer the most affordable premiums.
| City | Average Liability Premium |
|---|---|
| Crescent City | $37 |
| Clearlake | $40 |
| Oroville | $40 |
| Porterville | $41 |
| Eureka | $41 |
| El Centro | $41 |
| Dinuba | $41 |
| Banning | $42 |
| Lemoore | $42 |
| Morgan Hill | $42 |
The ten cities on this list share some common characteristics — the first being their size. For example, Crescent City had a population of just 6,676 in 2019. The less populated a city is, the less traffic it has, which reduces your chance of getting into an accident.
Crime rates can also affect how much you pay for auto insurance when living in different cities. Drivers in locations with higher crime rates are more likely to be victims of vehicle vandalism and theft, resulting in more expensive car insurance premiums.
Factors That Determine the Cost of Car Insurance in California
Many factors can impact how much you pay for auto insurance in California. Here are a few.
- Driving record: Car insurance companies offer lower rates if you have a clean driving record. Having at-fault accidents and traffic violations indicates you’re a higher risk to insure, driving your insurance premiums up.
- Credit rating: Many insurance companies believe if you have a low credit rating, you’re a financial risk and are more likely to take risks behind the wheel. As a result, you’ll pay more for auto insurance than drivers with a higher credit score.
- Address: Where you live plays a major role in how much you pay for auto insurance. Drivers living in densely populated areas are more likely to be in a car accident because of the traffic. So, if you live in a city, prepare to pay more than in a rural area. Crime rates are also higher in densely populated metropolitan areas, which can also increase your premiums.
- Vehicle value: It costs more to repair or replace a more expensive vehicle if you have to file a claim. Because of this, insurers charge higher premiums if your vehicle has a higher value. The opposite is true for more affordable cars.
- Marital status: Car insurance companies typically charge married drivers less for auto insurance than single drivers. However, the difference in premiums based on this factor is not significant.
- Age: Age is a major indicator of how much you’ll pay for auto insurance. Teen drivers pay higher rates because they lack driving experience. Once you turn 25, your insurance rates will decrease, reaching the lowest amount in your 30s and 40s. But, as you enter your senior years, you’ll start paying more again because seniors have slower reaction times that can increase their chances of being in an accident.
The Best Car Insurance Discounts in California
In addition to choosing a car insurance company that offers cheaper policies, you can save additional money by qualifying for car insurance discounts. Most car insurance companies offer multiple discounts, and while savings can vary, they can quickly add up. As you explore different car insurance options, consider the discounts you qualify for and how they will impact your rates.
Some discounts are more valuable than others, and we’ve highlighted the best options to help you save on your premium.
- Payment discounts: Consider signing up for automatic bill pay or e-statements to save 2% to 25% on your premiums.
- Good driver discounts: Focus on driving safely and maintaining a clean driving record to save 10% to 30% on your car insurance with a good driving discount.
- Usage-based discounts: If your car insurance company offers telematics programs to track your driving habits or mileage, you could save up to 30% on your insurance.
- Safety feature discounts: Car insurance companies even offer a safety feature discount, saving you 2% to 30% on your premium if your vehicle has safety features like anti-theft devices and airbags.
- Good student discounts: High school and college students on your car insurance can save you anywhere from 5% to 20% by maintaining at least a B average.
Companies with the most discounts in California
The number of discounts companies offer varies, but these five insurers provide the most discount choices in California. Choosing a company with many discounts gives you a greater chance to save on your insurance.
| Company | Discounts Offered |
|---|---|
| The Hartford | 13 |
| CIG Insurance | 12 |
| AAA Insurance | 11 |
| PURE Insurance | 10 |
| First American Property & Casualty | 10 |
Drivers can get the most discounts from The Hartford, with 13 available discounts, such as paying in full, getting a quote online, getting driver education, and driving a hybrid or electric vehicle.
CIG Insurance has the second-most discounts with 12, such as anti-theft, multi-policy, student discounts, and insurance storage discounts. AAA Insurance comes in third, with one fewer discount, offering discounts for bundling policies, continuous coverage, alumni and professional affiliations, and good driving.
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in California
There are several simple ways to get cheap car insurance in California. Here are our top five tips.
- Decide how much coverage you need. While it’s essential to obtain adequate protection in case of an accident, you don’t want to pay more for coverage you don’t need. Consider how much risk you’re comfortable assuming and what coverage limits you want and need. You may also want to explore options like a policy with a higher deductible, which can help keep your monthly payments down.
- Choose your vehicle carefully. More valuable cars will cost more to insure, so if you’re considering leasing or buying a new car, consider how it will affect your insurance rates. You may save money by choosing a more affordable model or a used vehicle.
- Focus on driving safely. Getting in a car accident and receiving traffic violations can increase your car insurance rates. Focus on practicing safe driving habits and consider enrolling in a telematics program if your car insurance company offers one. These programs can lower insurance premiums if you practice safe driving habits.
- Maintain good credit. Your credit score can affect your car insurance rates, so focus on improving it. Pay your bills on time, and keep your credit utilization rate under 30%.
- Comparison shop. Each car insurance company uses its own formula to calculate rates. Shopping around is the best way to ensure you get the lowest premium for your coverage needs.
California Drivers Can Get Cheaper Insurance in Minutes
California Auto Insurance FAQs
Want to know more about car insurance in California? Here are some of the questions drivers like you most often ask.
What is the cheapest auto insurance company in California?
Wawanesa Insurance is California’s cheapest auto insurance company, with average premiums around $105 per month.
How much is car insurance in California?
Car insurance in California costs an average of $188 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Which city has the cheapest car insurance in California?
Crescent City has the cheapest car insurance in California, with premiums averaging just $37 per month for basic liability insurance. The city’s low population density likely contributes to the affordable premiums.
How much car insurance is required in California?
You must carry at least $15,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 of bodily injury liability per accident, and $5,000 of property damage liability to drive in California.
What happens if you get caught driving without insurance in California?
If you get caught driving without insurance in California, you’ll be fined $100 to $200 for your first offense. The state may also impound your vehicle, and you could be required to pay additional fees on top of the initial fine.
What’s the best car insurance in California?
Wawanesa, AAA, and Grange are three of the best insurers for California drivers, according to our analysis. All three score well when it comes to customer service, and each has competitive rates for different driver profiles. Ultimately, the only way to find out which insurer is best for you is by doing your own research and comparing quotes from as many companies as possible.
Helpful Resources for California Drivers
- California Drivers Handbook
- California Insurance Requirements – California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)
- Submit a Claim – California Department of Transportation
- California Department of Insurance
- Get Insurance Help — California Department of Insurance
Methodology
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance rates from more than 75 partner insurance providers in order to compile the quotes and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information. All of the quotes listed in this article have been gathered from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide drivers with insight into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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