The Cheapest Liability Car Insurance Companies in California in 2025
USAA has the cheapest liability-only insurance rates in California, at $82 per month.
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Written byAmy Beardsley
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Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
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Edited byLequita Westbrooks
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Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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In This Article
If you’re driving in California, you need liability insurance. It’s the law, just like having a valid driver’s license. Liability insurance protects other people, covering injuries and property damage if you cause an accident. What it won’t cover is your car’s damage or your medical bills.
On average, California drivers pay about $82 per month for liability insurance. Below, we’ll cover California’s liability car insurance requirements and help you find the cheapest coverage in California.
Key Takeaways
California drivers pay an average of $82 per month for liability insurance, though your rate depends on where you live and your driving record.
USAA offers the cheapest liability insurance rates in California.
You must have at least 30/60/15 in minimum liability coverage to drive legally in the Golden State.[1]
The Cheapest Liability Car Insurance Quotes in California
Shopping for liability insurance in California feels a bit like hunting for parking in downtown San Diego: What works for your neighbor might leave you circling the block. Rates can vary dramatically between companies — sometimes by hundreds of dollars — even for identical coverage.
Your driving history, age, vehicle type, and insurance policy options all factor into your premium. Where you live — down to your ZIP code — can also affect your rate.
Here’s a look at which insurers typically offer the most competitive liability rates in California, according to Compare.com data.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, June 5 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $82 |
| National General | $97 |
| Sun Coast | $102 |
| Root | $103 |
| Mercury | $110 |
| Anchor | $110 |
| Allstate | $113 |
| GEICO | $114 |
| Dairyland | $114 |
| Farmers | $116 |
| Direct Auto | $117 |
| State Farm | $126 |
| Travelers | $132 |
| Bristol West | $136 |
| 21st Century | $144 |
| Nationwide | $177 |
| Chubb | $224 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Compare.com's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
USAA is the cheapest car insurance overall, with an average monthly premium of $82, followed closely by National General, at $97 per month.
Remember, these are only averages, and your actual rate could look quite different.
The smartest way to save on auto insurance is to look at prices from multiple companies. It’s very easy if you use an insurance comparison site.
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Liability Car Insurance Requirements in California
California insurance laws set minimum liability limits for vehicle registration. The state’s coverage limits include two key coverages that work together to protect others if you cause an accident: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Skipping these can lead to serious penalties.
Bodily injury liability coverage pays for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering for anyone you hurt, whether that’s another driver merging onto the 405 or a pedestrian crossing the street in Sacramento. Property damage liability pays for the damages you cause to other cars, a fence in Beverly Hills, or even a storefront.
The catch is that liability insurance is about protecting others. So, if you rear-end someone on Highway 1, your liability insurance pays for their bumper repair and medical costs. But your car’s damage and your medical bills come out of your pocket — unless you have a full-coverage policy.
Here’s a breakdown of California’s minimum coverage requirements:
Coverage Type | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury per person | $30,000 |
| Bodily injury per accident | $60,000 |
| Property damage per accident | $15,000 |
Other coverages to consider
While you only need liability insurance to drive in California, insurance experts often recommend more coverage for greater protection. Additionally, lenders typically require you to have full coverage.
Some additional coverages you should consider:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects you when the other driver has no insurance or not enough to cover your damages. It’s helpful, since about 17% of California drivers are uninsured.[2]
Collision coverage: Pays to fix your car after accidents, no matter who’s at fault.
Comprehensive insurance: Covers non-collision damage like theft, vandalism, or wildfire damage, which can be particularly relevant if you’re in a fire-prone area.
Medical payments coverage: Handles medical bills for you and your passengers after accidents, regardless of who caused the accident.
Additional endorsements: Add-ons for specific insurance needs, like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement while your car is in the shop, or rideshare coverage if you’re driving for Uber or Lyft.
How to Find Cheap Liability Car Insurance in California
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Smart shopping can save you serious cash on liability insurance in the Golden State. Start with the money-saving strategies below.
Look for insurance discounts. Ask about multi-policy bundles (combining auto with renters or homeowners insurance), good driver discounts, student discounts, and payment perks like auto pay or paying your insurance premium up front.
Drive less, pay less. If you work from home in Silicon Valley or take public transit around San Francisco, let your insurer know. Low-mileage discounts can add up.
Keep a clean driving record. Every ticket and fender bender can cost you for years. Safe driving habits can help to keep your rates down.
Ask about higher deductibles. If you have full coverage, choosing a higher deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage can lower your monthly premium. Just make sure you can cover the expense if you need to file a claim.
Check out the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. Income-eligible drivers with clean records can get basic auto liability coverage at reduced rates through the CLCA program.[3]
Shop around every six months. Insurance rates change constantly. Companies adjust pricing based on various factors, so the cheapest insurer today might not be tomorrow.
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Liability Car Insurance in California FAQs
Here are the most common questions California drivers ask about liability car insurance, along with straightforward answers to help you navigate the state’s requirements.
How much does liability insurance cost in California?
California drivers pay an average of $99 per month for liability coverage, according to our research. Keep in mind that your actual rate depends on factors like your driving record, age, and whether you’re cruising through Carmel or commuting in Los Angeles traffic.
What’s the cheapest car insurance in California?
USAA has the most affordable liability coverage, at an average cost of $82 per month, according to our research. Remember, the cheapest option for your neighbor in Stockton might not be the best choice in Fresno, so comparing quotes is essential.
How much car insurance do you need in California?
California state law requires drivers to have $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, plus $15,000 for property damage liability coverage as of January 2025. You also have the option to buy uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments coverage, collision insurance, and comprehensive coverage.
Is California a no-fault state?
No. California isn’t a no-fault state.[4] That means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for covering the damages. You’re financially on the hook for any harm you cause to others. This is why liability insurance is so important.
Methodology
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.
Sources
- Ca.gov. "Automobile Insurance Text Version."
- III. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists."
- California Department of Insurance. "California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance."
- Nolo.com. "California Auto Insurance Requirements and Laws."
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Amy BeardsleyInsurance Writer
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
Lequita WestbrooksSenior Editor
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.