+120 more*These quotes are from real Compare.com users California within the last 10 days. Updated on September 1, 2026
*These quotes are from real Compare.com users California within the last 10 days. Updated on September 1, 2026
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Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
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Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
Updated
USAA offers California’s cheapest average rate, at $86 per month.
Liability-only coverage averages $97 per month, while full coverage averages $194 — about $100 more.
California drivers pay an overall average of $146 per month.
California law requires insurers to prioritize driving record, annual mileage, and driving experience when setting rates.
USAA, Aspire General, and Sun Coast have the lowest average rates in California.
Drivers in California spend an average of $146 per month on car insurance. That’s only a few dollars more than the national average of $142. Liability-only coverage in the state averages $97 per month. On the other hand, full coverage costs $194.
California’s Proposition 103 requires insurers to assign greater weight to driving safety record, annual mileage, and driving experience when determining premiums.[1] These factors can affect what you pay for coverage.
That’s one of many reasons the cheapest company often differs by driver. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance quotes in California for liability and full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $86 | $201 |
| Aspire General | $87 | $162 |
| GEICO | $91 | $191 |
| Sun Coast | $91 | $227 |
| Mercury | $95 | $194 |
| National General | $95 | $269 |
| Dairyland | $105 | $274 |
| Direct Auto | $110 | $284 |
| Root | $112 | $179 |
Compare quotes and get the coverage you need at the best price.
A large and diverse state, California’s car insurance premiums vary considerably from city to city. Lompoc drivers pay some of the state’s lowest average premiums, at $108 per month, while Glendale drivers pay an average of $260 per month — about 140% more than Lompoc drivers.
One possible reason is population density. Lompoc has just under 4,000 people per square mile, while Glendale has about 6,500.[2] That makes Glendale 1.7 times as dense as Lompoc. Higher-density areas often experience more traffic and insurance claims, although local premiums also reflect other factors, such as accident frequency, repair costs, and theft rates.
The following table compares average rates for liability and full-coverage rates across California cities.
City | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Lompoc | $72 | $143 |
| Hanford | $73 | $148 |
| Redding | $73 | $157 |
| Santa Maria | $73 | $153 |
| Tulare | $73 | $163 |
| San Luis Obispo | $74 | $147 |
| Palm Desert | $75 | $158 |
| Visalia | $75 | $160 |
| Chico | $76 | $144 |
| Santa Cruz | $76 | $147 |
| Palm Springs | $79 | $181 |
| Woodland | $79 | $148 |
| La Quinta | $80 | $159 |
| Ridgecrest | $80 | $139 |
| Chula Vista | $81 | $168 |
| Dublin | $81 | $174 |
| Saratoga | $81 | $168 |
| Cathedral City | $82 | $174 |
| Napa | $82 | $168 |
| Petaluma | $82 | $170 |
| San Ramon | $82 | $177 |
| Watsonville | $82 | $192 |
| Hollister | $83 | $173 |
| Campbell | $84 | $150 |
| Santa Barbara | $84 | $161 |
| Santa Rosa | $84 | $174 |
| Beaumont | $85 | $179 |
| San Mateo | $85 | $212 |
| Concord | $86 | $185 |
| Bakersfield | $87 | $177 |
| El Cerrito | $87 | $165 |
| Fremont | $87 | $178 |
| Milpitas | $87 | $168 |
| Oxnard | $87 | $188 |
| Pacifica | $87 | $154 |
| Santa Clara | $87 | $186 |
| Yuba City | $87 | $171 |
| Cupertino | $88 | $183 |
| Fairfield | $88 | $189 |
| Fresno | $88 | $175 |
| Novato | $88 | $173 |
| Vallejo | $88 | $210 |
| Vista | $88 | $172 |
| Palo Alto | $89 | $181 |
| San Diego | $89 | $172 |
| San Jose | $89 | $180 |
| National City | $90 | $192 |
| San Marcos | $90 | $174 |
| Santee | $90 | $146 |
| Lodi | $91 | $182 |
| Poway | $91 | $150 |
| Brentwood | $92 | $169 |
| La Mesa | $92 | $154 |
| Lathrop | $92 | $202 |
| Oceanside | $92 | $174 |
| Pittsburg | $92 | $202 |
| San Clemente | $92 | $174 |
| Hemet | $93 | $176 |
| Temecula | $93 | $163 |
| Antioch | $94 | $208 |
| Ceres | $94 | $179 |
| Escondido | $94 | $182 |
| Stockton | $94 | $198 |
| El Cajon | $95 | $191 |
| Folsom | $96 | $174 |
| Hayward | $96 | $203 |
| Modesto | $96 | $190 |
| Murrieta | $96 | $190 |
| South San Francisco | $96 | $200 |
| Tracy | $96 | $189 |
| Colton | $97 | $195 |
| Perris | $97 | $206 |
| West Sacramento | $97 | $180 |
| Roseville | $98 | $178 |
| Moreno Valley | $99 | $198 |
| Camarillo | $100 | $179 |
| Lake Forest | $100 | $170 |
| Menifee | $100 | $183 |
| Redlands | $100 | $178 |
| San Francisco | $100 | $233 |
| San Leandro | $100 | $208 |
| Elk Grove | $101 | $187 |
| Richmond | $101 | $258 |
| Riverside | $101 | $198 |
| Brea | $102 | $198 |
| Aliso Viejo | $103 | $170 |
| Wildomar | $103 | $191 |
| Laguna Niguel | $104 | $179 |
| Berkeley | $105 | $199 |
| Citrus Heights | $105 | $183 |
| Corona | $105 | $199 |
| Irvine | $105 | $202 |
| Norco | $105 | $182 |
| Oakland | $105 | $238 |
| San Bernardino | $105 | $210 |
| Thousand Oaks | $105 | $196 |
| Chino | $106 | $194 |
| Hesperia | $106 | $213 |
| Newport Beach | $106 | $211 |
| Sacramento | $106 | $209 |
| Rialto | $107 | $211 |
| Santa Ana | $107 | $199 |
| Victorville | $107 | $215 |
| Adelanto | $108 | $220 |
| Chino Hills | $108 | $196 |
| Placentia | $108 | $186 |
| Pomona | $108 | $225 |
| Fontana | $109 | $213 |
| Ontario | $109 | $200 |
| Orange | $109 | $189 |
| Huntington Beach | $110 | $190 |
| La Mirada | $111 | $210 |
| San Pedro | $111 | $214 |
| Torrance | $111 | $220 |
| Azusa | $114 | $215 |
| Paramount | $114 | $221 |
| Rancho Cucamonga | $114 | $205 |
| Buena Park | $115 | $213 |
| Garden Grove | $115 | $206 |
| Whittier | $115 | $213 |
| Anaheim | $116 | $209 |
| Cypress | $116 | $191 |
| Carson | $117 | $234 |
| Fountain Valley | $117 | $191 |
| Long Beach | $117 | $226 |
| Bell Gardens | $118 | $244 |
| Covina | $118 | $215 |
| La Puente | $118 | $217 |
| Norwalk | $118 | $217 |
| Simi Valley | $119 | $215 |
| Diamond Bar | $120 | $219 |
| Cerritos | $121 | $223 |
| Walnut | $121 | $226 |
| Lancaster | $123 | $231 |
| El Monte | $128 | $238 |
| Palmdale | $128 | $237 |
| Santa Clarita | $128 | $235 |
| Lynwood | $130 | $264 |
| Pasadena | $130 | $240 |
| Temple City | $130 | $261 |
| Compton | $133 | $263 |
| Culver City | $135 | $235 |
| Inglewood | $139 | $270 |
| Santa Monica | $139 | $258 |
| San Gabriel | $142 | $235 |
| Burbank | $154 | $275 |
| Los Angeles | $158 | $290 |
| Studio City | $158 | $275 |
| Northridge | $170 | $317 |
| West Hollywood | $170 | $309 |
| Reseda | $171 | $316 |
| Winnetka | $171 | $296 |
| Glendale | $180 | $339 |
| Beverly Hills | $188 | $342 |
California drivers represent a diverse group. Our proprietary data reveals several notable trends among the state’s drivers. Here’s what to know:
Driving history: About 5.3% of California drivers reported an accident, compared with 3.1% who reported a ticket and just 0.9% who reported a DUI.
Annual mileage: Drivers average 9,155 miles annually. California law requires insurers to give annual mileage greater weight than many other approved rating factors when setting premiums.
Vehicle ownership: Nearly one-third of drivers finance or lease their vehicles: 27.8% have an auto loan, and 4% lease. These drivers typically need full coverage to satisfy lender requirements.
Multiple vehicles and rideshare use: 13.9% of California drivers insure multiple vehicles, which may make them eligible for a multi-car discount. Meanwhile, 0.4% use their vehicles for rideshare work, which typically requires additional coverage.
Vehicle choice: The Honda Civic is California’s most popular vehicle, followed by the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord. SUVs like the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4 also rank among the state’s most commonly driven vehicles.
Many factors affect car insurance costs in California, and rates vary considerably based on the insurance company, where you live, and your coverage levels. Your driver profile plays a role as well, especially your annual mileage, driving record, and years of experience.
The table below shows quotes from several top insurance companies serving California drivers.
 |  |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium $215/mo* | Average Premium $221/mo* | Average Premium $253/mo* | Average Premium $144/mo* | Average Premium $204/mo* |
Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating |
Value | Value | Value | Value | Value |
Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service |
Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling |
Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 26 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 972 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 7 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 203 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 110 user reviews |
Our top California picks earned strong Compare.com Ratings and favorable customer feedback on service, claims, and digital tools. Each option stands out for a different reason, from local agent support to online self-service to regional benefits.
But you’ll have no shortage of options in California, so use this as a starting point.
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $132/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $309/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.2 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
With about 2,000 agents across California, State Farm combines in-person support with convenient self-service tools through its website and highly rated mobile app.[3] The company also earns Compare.com’s highest rating and above-average claims satisfaction scores from J.D. Power.
California drivers can access nine discounts, including savings for good students, multi-car and multi-policy customers, plus discounts for inexperienced and senior drivers who complete driver safety education.
Wide range of insurance products for one-stop shopping
Great car insurance discounts for young drivers
About 2,000 local agents in California
Drive Safe & Save not available in California
Inexperienced driver courses require an agent-office exam
All drivers must qualify to get safe driving discount
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $91/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $191/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.3 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.3 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.4 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
GEICO is a good fit for California drivers who prefer buying and managing their policies online. It offers Californians a streamlined online quoting and policy management experience, plus 24/7 customer and claims service.
Discounts for California drivers include good driver (up to 22%), good student, multi-policy, and vehicle safety equipment. Drivers can also add mechanical breakdown insurance and emergency roadside assistance to their policies.
Customized equipment coverage and other rare add-ons
Deductible waiver for collision with uninsured drivers
User-friendly website and highly rated mobile app
Discount options vary across the state
DriveEasy unavailable in California
Student discounts limited to eligible coverages
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 684 |
|---|
AAA is a strong option for drivers who value regional service and member benefits. The company earns one of the highest customer satisfaction scores in California from J.D. Power and a strong rating for its claims service.
California drivers can also take advantage of discounts of up to 27% for multi-car policies, 14% for good students, and 5% for AAA membership. Plus, tons of discounts on travel and experiences when you also become a member of AAA.
Excellent customer and claims satisfaction scores
Save up to 15.7% by bundling home and auto insurance
Low-mileage discount worth nearly 20%
Some Trustpilot reviews report roadside assistance delays
Low auto and renters insurance bundling discount
No diminishing deductibles
Our editorial team, composed of seasoned editors, insurance experts, and licensed agents, analyzed more than 50 of the state’s top insurers to select the best companies for various California drivers. We researched, analyzed, and weighed several categories important to California insurance shoppers, including average rates, local customer satisfaction ratings, coverage options, discount offerings, policy features, and more.
Our goal is to provide actionable advice and detailed, personalized analysis that helps California drivers find the best auto insurance policy for their unique needs.
Like most states, California requires drivers to purchase liability coverage to pay for injuries and property damage they cause in an accident. California’s current minimum limits are 30/60/15:[4]
$30,000 of bodily injury liability per person
$60,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
$15,000 of property damage liability
California increased these limits in 2025, from the previous limits of 15/30/5. Insurers must offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, but you can reject it in writing. The state doesn’t require personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments (MedPay) coverage, but it may be a good idea to add medical coverage to your policy.
Driving without insurance can result in a first-offense fine of $100–$200, plus penalty assessments. Repeat offenses within three years can result in fines of $200–$500, and the court may impound your vehicle.
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California law not only determines the factors insurers can use when calculating rates but also sets rules on how insurers can prioritize those factors.
California law prioritizes your driving record. Insurers must weigh your driving record, annual mileage, and driving experience above every other factor, in that order.
Your location and vehicle still matter. Coverage choices, vehicle type, claim patterns, and where you garage your vehicle affect your rate. But California law requires insurers to weigh them less than your driving history.
Insurers can’t use your credit history or gender. California is one of the few states that ban insurers from using credit and gender as pricing factors.[5]
Safe drivers qualify for a mandatory discount. Eligible California drivers must receive a rate at least 20% below what they’d otherwise pay for the same coverage.
The following strategies can help most drivers reduce car insurance premiums in California.
Drive less. Mileage is California’s second mandatory rating factor, plus low mileage can earn you additional discounts.
Maintain a clean driving record. Drivers qualifying for good driver discounts must receive rates at least 20% below the insurer’s comparable non-good-driver rate.
Check out California’s Low Cost Automobile (CLCA) insurance program. Drivers who meet CLCA income and eligibility requirements can access affordable coverage, usually between $244 and $966 annually.[6]
Compare quotes. Prices and options vary, so compare rates regularly from several insurers, especially when your policy renews.
Get quotes from top insurers in the Golden State and save money in minutes.
Below, we’ve listed the most helpful resources for California drivers looking for cheap car insurance.
California Department of Insurance (CDI): Learn about California’s insurance requirements, file complaints, and access consumer guides.
California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): Review insurance requirements, vehicle registration rules, and proof of financial responsibility.
California’s Attorney General: Find consumer protection resources and report suspected insurance fraud or scams.
California State Legislature: Read the current California Insurance Code and other state insurance laws.
Below, we’ve answered the most common questions California drivers ask about getting cheaper car insurance.
Aspire General offers the cheapest full-coverage auto insurance in California, with average rates of $162 per month, according to data from Compare.com.
No, Allstate isn’t generally cheaper than GEICO. Allstate’s average full-coverage rate in California is $273 per month, while GEICO’s average is $191, according to Compare.com. That said, actual rates will vary depending on your driver profile, vehicle, location, and other factors.
California insurers consider your driving record, mileage, and experience when pricing your policy. The state requires insurers to prioritize these factors and prohibits insurers from using gender or credit-based insurance scores to determine premiums.
You can usually lower your car insurance costs in California by driving less, keeping a clean record, and comparing options. If you’re experiencing financial hardship, explore your options with the CLCA program.
California’s not that much more expensive than the national average. But drivers in cities like Los Angeles and Oakland often pay more because of the heavier traffic and a higher risk of accidents. Your ZIP code, along with other factors, like your driving record, mileage, and coverage choices, all affect your rate.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates 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 the rates listed in this article have been collected 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 readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
)
Licensed property and casualty insurance agent
10+ years editing experience
NPN: 20461358
Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
