BestCar InsuranceCaliforniaBest Car Insurance in California (May 2023)
Compare Rates
Ensure you're getting the best rate. Review quotes from a top insurance company.
The best car insurance provider for full coverage is AAA. The best provider for minimum coverage is GEICO. For young adults, seniors and individuals with driving infractions, Capital Insurance Group (CIG) is a great option, while Travelers is best for new vehicles. Chubb is ideal for customer satisfaction, and USAA is best for military families.
If price is your priority over service quality, we've also found the cheapest car insurance in California.
BestCar InsuranceCaliforniaBest Car Insurance in California
Best Overall - AAA
Best for Service - Chubb
Best for Minimum Coverage - GEICO
Best for Young Adults - Capital Insurance Group
Best for Seniors - Capital Insurance Group
Best for Driving Offenses - Capital Insurance Group
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best for Military - USAA
Best Overall for Car Insurance in California
For full coverage in California, AAA offers the best car insurance. According to our research, the following providers are the best:
- AAA: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 (approximately $1,001 per year)
- Progressive: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 (approximately $1,086 per year)
AAA outranks competitors because it offers the most affordable coverage while also having great financial stability. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in California is $1,429 a year, but with AAA, you may pay a lower rate.
However, if you want to save money on insurance, we have also found the most affordable providers of full coverage auto insurance in California.
1
AAA CaliforniaBest Overall
Score:89
AAA is the best overall insurer in California due to its cheap policies and great customer satisfaction score. With a full coverage policy that has 100/300/100 liability limits costing around $1,001 a year, it is the most affordable insurer. It offers rental car/travel reimbursement, roadside assistance and identity theft coverage.
More About AAA California
AAA is a major insurer that provides auto insurance to AAA members. Due to its respectable customer satisfaction and roadside assistance program, it might be worth considering AAA auto insurance if you live in California.
This insurer offers roadside assistance, which is beneficial for policyholders who get stranded and need fuel delivery, help with a flat tire or battery replacement. It also offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, which covers the cost of a rental car if your car is getting repaired in a covered claim. A more unique coverage offered by this provider is identity theft coverage, which is included with a AAA membership.
California drivers who purchase their coverage through AAA might also be eligible for a special discount to lower their rates. And bundling home and auto insurance policies with AAA can provide significant savings.
2
AAA California
Score:89
AAA is the best overall insurer in California due to its cheap policies and great customer satisfaction score. With a full coverage policy that has 100/300/100 liability limits costing around $1,001 a year, it is the most affordable insurer. It offers rental car/travel reimbursement, roadside assistance and identity theft coverage.
More About AAA California
AAA is a major insurer that provides auto insurance to AAA members. Due to its respectable customer satisfaction and roadside assistance program, it might be worth considering AAA auto insurance if you live in California.
This insurer offers roadside assistance, which is beneficial for policyholders who get stranded and need fuel delivery, help with a flat tire or battery replacement. It also offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, which covers the cost of a rental car if your car is getting repaired in a covered claim. A more unique coverage offered by this provider is identity theft coverage, which is included with a AAA membership.
California drivers who purchase their coverage through AAA might also be eligible for a special discount to lower their rates. And bundling home and auto insurance policies with AAA can provide significant savings.
3
Progressive
Score:88
Progressive is the second-best insurance provider in California due to its high affordability score and relatively good customer satisfaction and coverage ratings. Its full coverage insurance costs around $1,086 a year, making it the second most affordable insurer.
More About Progressive
Progressive offers a range of common add-on coverages and distinct options for its policyholders. Its custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage will pay up to $5,000 to repair or replace items, such as a stereo, GPS system, custom wheels or a paint job. You can get round-the-clock services like towing, fuel delivery, flat tire repair, locksmith services, battery jumpstart and replacement by adding roadside assistance coverage to your policy.
Another valuable add-on is the rental car reimbursement coverage, which can cover the cost of your rental car up to the maximum you specify in your policy while your car is being fixed. With collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, if your pet is hurt in a covered accident, Progressive's pet coverage will pay your pet's medical expenses up to a specific limit.
There are also discounts policyholders can take advantage of to lower their rates with this insurer.
4
Progressive
Score:88
Progressive is the second-best insurance provider in California due to its high affordability score and relatively good customer satisfaction and coverage ratings. Its full coverage insurance costs around $1,086 a year, making it the second most affordable insurer.
More About Progressive
Progressive offers a range of common add-on coverages and distinct options for its policyholders. Its custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage will pay up to $5,000 to repair or replace items, such as a stereo, GPS system, custom wheels or a paint job. You can get round-the-clock services like towing, fuel delivery, flat tire repair, locksmith services, battery jumpstart and replacement by adding roadside assistance coverage to your policy.
Another valuable add-on is the rental car reimbursement coverage, which can cover the cost of your rental car up to the maximum you specify in your policy while your car is being fixed. With collision coverage on your auto insurance policy, if your pet is hurt in a covered accident, Progressive's pet coverage will pay your pet's medical expenses up to a specific limit.
There are also discounts policyholders can take advantage of to lower their rates with this insurer.
How the Best Insurers in California Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
AAA was ranked the best amongst the providers MoneyGeek reviewed in California since it offers the best rates and fairly good claims handling.
However, just because an insurer ranks first doesn’t mean it scored the best in every ranking category. For example, CIG had the best score in customer satisfaction, but its affordability score kept it out of the top two spots.
These rates were based on a full coverage policy. An insurer was only eligible for an overall MoneyGeek score if sufficient data for all components of the scoring methodology was available.
Best Car Insurance in California for Customer Service
Chubb is the best insurer in the Golden State for customer service. The best customer service is offered by these insurers:
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 93 out of 100 (approximately $1,868 per year)
- CIG: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 (approximately $1,414 per year)
Chubb and CIG scored similarly on customer satisfaction, but Chubb does substantially better than its competitors in handling claims. The higher premium you'll pay for a Chubb policy reflects the company's commitment to providing superior customer service.
pros
Scores well in claims handling
Scores well in customer satisfaction
Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage and diminished value coverage
cons
Higher-than-average premiums
Scores poorly for available coverage add-ons
No gap insurance, deductible modification, new car replacement or roadside assistance
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Chubb offers insurance with quality service, making it the best option for those that place a premium on service. The company offers unique coverages like antique/classic car insurance, diminished value coverage and original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage.
To repair your car after it has been damaged by a covered incident, Chubb’s OEM coverage will pay for the use of original parts, which is a perk rarely provided by competitors. OEM coverage can be a highly desirable choice as it increases the safety performance of your car.
However, full coverage with Chubb costs an average of $1,868 per year in California, making it the most expensive option. Chubb also lacks common add-on coverages. Nevertheless, what it lacks in affordability and coverage, it makes up for in customer service.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Customer Service?
Filing a claim necessitates a fantastic customer service experience. The insurer must be:
- Quick and effective with communication
- Receptive to your comments and concerns
- Capable of resolving your issues
- Prepared to promptly pay legitimate claims
Our rankings were compiled based on data from J.D. Power. Although customer satisfaction was comparable between the top two companies, we chose Chubb as the superior provider because it outperformed its rival in claims handling.
Best Car Insurance in California for Minimum Coverage
MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the best minimum coverage car insurance in California. The top two companies are the following:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($418 per year)
- AAA: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($430 per year)
GEICO provides the most affordable minimum coverage insurance in the state. Minimum coverage insurance in California offers the least protection against liability expenses and does not cover damages to your vehicle, but it’s an economical choice for most drivers on a budget.
pros
Cheapest minimum coverage premium of around $418 per year
Offers discounts for bundling, multiple cars, airbags, anti-theft systems and more
Best affordability score and above-average customer satisfaction
cons
Low claims handling rating
Does not offer paperless or pay-in-full discounts
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is one of the best companies if you want the lowest possible premium for the state's required minimum coverage. Minimum coverage insurance from this provider costs only $418 per year on average for California drivers.
The company offers several discounts that further lower the overall cost of purchasing a policy. You could get a discount if you maintain a good driving record, insure multiple vehicles, bundle policies, equip your vehicles with anti-theft systems or have anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights or airbags.
Exclusive to GEICO, the federal employee discount allows active or former government employees to lower their insurance rates. Owners of new vehicles and individuals who respect safety and can demonstrate seatbelt use are also eligible for discounts. Members of GEICO's partner groups are eligible for discounted premiums as well.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Minimum Coverage?
Not every motorist needs or wants to pay for expensive full coverage insurance. A good minimum coverage insurance policy will be affordable and include the coverage levels required by California. GEICO is the cheapest among the insurers we compared.
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP
Although the cost is low for a minimum coverage policy, most insurance professionals do not recommend purchasing minimum coverage as it could leave you financially vulnerable to a catastrophic loss from an at-fault accident. Consider increasing your liability limits from the minimum required to a higher amount, such as 100/300/100. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute
Best Car Insurance in California for Young Adults
CIG is the best car insurance company for young adults. According to a study of quotes for a full coverage policy for drivers in their 20s, the best providers are:
- CIG: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 (approximately $1,592 per year)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 (approximately $1,284 per year)
CIG scored well in claims and satisfaction. Younger drivers often pay more than middle-aged drivers for insurance. Shopping around for the cheapest company in California for young drivers is a great way to save.
pros
The best customer satisfaction rating
Good claims handling
Offers a good student discount
cons
Fewer add-on coverage options
Expensive average premium
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you are a young driver in your 20s searching for the best full coverage insurance in California, CIG is your ideal option. When it comes to claims handling and overall customer satisfaction, the company received high ratings for motorists in their 20s, but it isn't widely known for its generous selection of discounts and coverage choices.
Students in their 20s who are good drivers and maintain a B average or higher could be eligible for a good student discount of up to 20%. You may expect a high likelihood of approval for coverage of your vehicle's aftermarket components and custom parts thanks to this policy's custom parts coverage. CIG will replace broken auto glass at no extra cost as long as you have its full glass coverage.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Young Adults?
Given that insurance companies consider young drivers riskier than older adults and charge them higher rates, an ideal policy maximizes savings and discounts while still providing good coverage and service.
Find companies offering special deals to drivers under the age of 25. CIG was chosen as the winner because of its good customer satisfaction and claims handling scores. However, it scored worse than GEICO in terms of affordability.
Best Car Insurance in California for Seniors
CIG is the leading insurance provider for senior drivers in California. The following two are the best insurance providers for motorists in their 60s:
- CIG: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 (approximately $1,336 per year)
- AAA: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 (approximately $991 per year)
CIG received high rankings in customer satisfaction and claims. While you may anticipate higher rates in your 70s due to increased accident risk, insurance premiums for seniors are comparable to those of drivers in their 30s and 50s. You can get the best cheap auto insurance for seniors in California by shopping around.
pros
High customer satisfaction and claims handling scores
Offers custom parts coverage
cons
Ranked low for affordability, with a full coverage premium averaging $1,336 per year
Few add-on coverage options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Of the companies we evaluated that offer auto insurance in California, CIG was the best option for senior drivers. It has the second-best customer satisfaction rating and scored well in claims handling.
Of the few add-on coverage options it offers, CIG’s custom parts coverage can benefit a wide range of drivers, including seniors who own cars with custom parts. This coverage protects your vehicle's aftermarket or custom parts from the unforeseeable losses covered by CIG.
Also advantageous is its full glass coverage. Typically, glass coverage will reimburse you for a damaged windshield or other glass components. The roadside assistance from CIG is also useful for seniors who might find themselves stuck on the road due to unforeseen circumstances, such as their car breaking down, losing their keys or running out of gas.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Seniors?
Drivers over the age of 60 are seen as quite safe, so their premiums are generally lower. They are more susceptible to serious injuries in an accident, though, so they may need insurers that offer cheap full coverage policies with medical payments coverage.
CIG has the second-best customer satisfaction as per the most recent J.D. Power reports. It ranked lower for affordability; in exchange for the cost, you receive great customer satisfaction and claims processing.
Best Car Insurance in California for Drivers With Offenses
CIG is the ideal option for drivers with a traffic violation. The top insurers for drivers with a violation based on price and quality of service for a full coverage policy are:
- CIG: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 (approximately $1,939 per year)
- AAA: MoneyGeek score of 88 out of 100 (approximately $1,625 per year)
CIG scores highest in customer satisfaction and scores well in claims handling, even though it’s not the cheapest provider in California for auto insurance after a traffic incident. The state’s drivers may expect an average rate hike of $411 after getting a speeding ticket, $621 after an at-fault accident or $1,382 after a DUI. A moving violation will generate a surcharge on the policy's premium for a minimum of three years.
pros
Scored highest in customer satisfaction
Good claims handling
Offers roadside assistance
cons
Does not offer many add-on coverage options
Ranked lower in affordability
No rental car reimbursement or new/better car replacement
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
If you are looking for the best full coverage insurance in California and have a less-than-perfect driving record, look no further than CIG. Policyholders should have lower expectations for claims handling, but they can expect a wonderful customer service experience. The company offers roadside assistance as an add-on to your policy but has limited additional coverage options otherwise. Roadside assistance can help with a free tow up to 100 miles if your car doesn't start. That can be extremely beneficial for those who frequently take long trips as well as teen and senior drivers.
The insurer does not offer new or better car replacement. It also does not provide coverage for rental car reimbursement, which its competitors generally offer.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With Offenses?
Drivers with a violation, otherwise known as high-risk drivers in some instances, typically pay a higher premium if an insurer is willing to cover them. The ideal insurance provider for these drivers offers discounts that can lower the high cost of car insurance they may face, such as bundling policies, insuring multiple cars or having an anti-theft system or airbags.
CIG is the insurer with the highest customer satisfaction for high-risk drivers and has a bundling discount but higher rates than the runner-up, AAA.
Best Car Insurance in California for Drivers With New Cars
MoneyGeek looked for companies offering new car replacement coverage in California and identified Travelers as the top insurer for drivers with new vehicles. Our top picks are as follows:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 (approximately $1,674 per year)
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100 (approximately $2,031 per year)
Travelers offers the most affordable full coverage premium with a new car and second-best customer service in California. If your automobile is totaled in an accident and you have new car replacement coverage, the insurer will pay for a replacement car of the same make and model.
pros
Second-best customer satisfaction score
Tied for first in add-on coverage options
Offers the cheapest average full coverage policy for a new vehicle at $1,674 per year
Has roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement coverage
cons
Below-average rating in claims handling
Does not offer better car replacement
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
For drivers in California with new automobiles, Travelers is the best insurance company. Despite receiving a below-average score for claims handling, it has the best customer satisfaction rating for drivers with new cars. We arrived at this conclusion using data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) customer complaint index and the J.D. Power reports from 2022.
New or better car replacement will help auto insurance purchasers with newer vehicles the most. If you total your new automobile during the first five years, Travelers' new car replacement coverage will pay to replace it with a brand-new vehicle of the same make and model.
What Makes an Insurer the Best for Drivers With New Cars?
New automobile owners require adequate insurance coverage to protect their investments. Besides having appropriate coverage through full coverage insurance, they benefit from add-on coverages, such as new car replacement or better car replacement that replace their car in the case of covered damage.
Travelers offers new car replacement coverage and scored best with a new car in affordability and second for customer satisfaction.
Best Car Insurance in California for Military Drivers
Scoring 94 out of 100, USAA came out on top in our ranking of the best auto insurance providers for service members. It has the second-lowest average annual rate in California at $1,012 for full coverage. If you are eligible for its policies, the company is your best option because of the exclusive rates it offers to active-duty military members, veterans and their families.
pros
The best in the state for customer satisfaction
Second-cheapest full coverage insurer in the state, averaging $1,012 per year
Offers rideshare insurance
cons
Below-average score in claims handling
Lower score in add-on coverage options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
For military families, USAA is the top choice. According to J.D. Power and the NAIC statistics, it ranked first among the companies we reviewed in terms of customer satisfaction. For claims handling, it tied for third place. USAA provides rideshare insurance in addition to standard coverages.
With the rideshare insurance add-on from USAA, you can bridge the coverage gap. USAA also offers a variety of discounts for military personnel, including a military discount for parking your vehicle on the base and up to 60% off on vehicle storage. USAA's mileage discount is another benefit that those who don't drive much can make use of. There is even a discount for those who have just switched to an independent policy from their parent's USAA policy.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in California for You
The best auto insurance company will provide competitive rates, be financially secure and have a track record of offering the best customer service. You can use MoneyGeek’s list of top insurers and their quotes to find a provider that fits your driving profile and needs, but here are the steps so you can do your own research.
1
Research customer service reputations in California
Based on information from the NAIC consumer complaint index and J.D. Power's customer satisfaction research, MoneyGeek ranks the top insurers in California for customer service. If you want to verify an insurer's customer service record, these credible agencies can help. To learn more about a certain insurance provider in California, you may visit the website of the California Department of Insurance.
2
Compare quotes
MoneyGeek's quotes are average rates for sample drivers in California. Your rates may differ because insurers calculate premiums based on several variables. It's a good idea to acquire personalized quotations from at least three different insurers to get an idea of how much your possible car insurance premium will be.
3
Find the coverages you want in California
On their websites, most insurers advertise the discounts and coverages that are available in certain states. It is worthwhile to visit the website of the insurance providers you have shortlisted to view their exclusive coverages and the discounts they offer. To verify the insurer's web-advertised discounts, get in touch with them.
4
Check financial stability ratings
The financial strength rating of an insurer will indicate how effectively it can satisfy its financial commitments to policyholders who submit claims. Before purchasing a policy, whether from an insurance company that is available nationwide or a regional insurer, check their financial stability.
Compare Insurance Rates
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in California
The ideal auto insurance policy for you will depend on your driving profile and individual needs. To help you buy the right plan, we've answered some of the commonly asked questions.
- What is the best way to figure out which insurer is best for me in California?
- What are the best coverages to add to your car insurance policy in California?
- How important is it for drivers in California to get car insurance from a provider with a great service reputation?
Xin Che, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Finance at California State University, Fullerton
Matthew Davis
President and CEO at GDI Insurance Agency, Inc.
Aaron Rubin
JD, CPA, CFP®️
AJ DiLiberto
COO, CCO at Noble Wealth Management
Greg S. Johnstone
Director of Advisory Services
Robby Lewis
Investment Advisor Representative at Gerber Kawasaki & Investment Management
About Mark Fitzpatrick
sources
- AAA. "Policyholders have Plenty of Ways to Save." Accessed February 1, 2023.
- AAA. "Policyholder savings dividend." Accessed February 1, 2023.
- CIG. "Roadside Service." Accessed January 31, 2023.