Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Lancaster, CA (July 2024)

In Lancaster, the cheapest companies for minimum and full coverage auto insurance are GEICO and Progressive, respectively; whereas for families with teens, State Farm offers the most competitive rates. While Capital Insurance Group provides the best value balancing price and service, Chubb tops the list for customer service.

MoneyGeek found that GEICO is the cheapest option in Lancaster with the cheapest car insurance available.

• GEICO: $527 per year
• Progressive: $531 per year

The most expensive minimum coverage policy in Lancaster is offered by Chubb at $890 annually. This is a significant $363 more per year than GEICO's policy.

In California, auto insurance minimums are set by state law. Familiarize yourself with the baseline requirements for coverage:

• $15,000 bodily injury per person
  
• $30,000 bodily injury per accident
  
• $5,000 property damage liability per accident
  

For example, if you're at fault in an accident, your minimum coverage will cover up to $15,000 for each injured person, with a total limit of $30,000 per accident. However, should the injuries cost more than these limits, you'd be responsible for paying the difference out-of-pocket.

MoneyGeek found that Progressive offers the most affordable cheapest full coverage car insurance in Lancaster.

• Progressive: $1,245 per year
• GEICO: $1,340 per year

Farmers has the most expensive full coverage policy in Lancaster at $2,335 annually. This stark $1,090 difference from the cheapest shows the significant savings possible by comparing full coverage policies, which cost more than minimum coverage due to comprehensive and collision insurance included.

A comprehensive Lancaster full coverage policy provides up to $100,000 in coverage for bodily injury liability per individual and up to $300,000 per accident, plus an additional $100,000 for property damage liability for each incident. Concisely, this is the policy format recognized as 100/300/100.

In addition to the raised liability limits, our full coverage insurance includes both comprehensive and collision coverages:

• Collision Insurance: This protection covers repair or replacement costs for your vehicle if you collide with another vehicle or object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

• Comprehensive Insurance: This option compensates for non-collision-related damage to your vehicle, such as that resulting from vandalism, theft, or natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer.

For owners of new vehicles, opting for full coverage insurance is prudent. If your car has significantly aged, the additional expense, which could be hundreds of dollars more, may not justify the coverage level. The key is to find a balance, as more extensive insurance means higher premiums, but going with the bare minimum can leave you dangerously underinsured.

MoneyGeek found that the most cost-effective insurance options for drivers in Lancaster with a poor driving record vary based on the specific incident. Here are the cheapest providers for different infractions:

• Speeding Ticket: National General ($1,693 per year)
• At-fault accident: Capital Insurance Group ($1,859 per year)
• DUI: National General ($1,693 per year)

The severity of a driving infraction can significantly alter car insurance rates.

In Lancaster, as in other cities, insurance rates tend to escalate with the severity of a driving offense. For example, drivers with a speeding ticket may face an average annual rate of approximately $2,364, whereas those with a DUI offense could see rates close to $3,957.

MoneyGeek found that State Farm offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for teens in Lancaster. Learn more about finding the cheapest car insurance for teens.

• State Farm: $3,294 per year for female teens and $3,294 per year for male teens
• Farmers: $3,414 per year for female teens and $3,414 per year for male teens

These rates illustrate the importance of comparing policies, especially when adding a teen to an insurance plan. Including two parents, Nationwide holds the highest teen family policy premium in Lancaster at $5,616 annually.

In Lancaster, as in many cities across the US, young drivers face steep car insurance premiums. On average, a teen purchasing an individual annual policy can expect to pay about $4,870. In contrast, by joining a family plan, the average annual premium drops notably to approximately $4,070. The stark variance in rates is due to the higher risk insurers associate with independent teen drivers.

MoneyGeek found that Progressive is the cheapest option for car insurance for those with military backgrounds in Lancaster. Experience quality service and significant savings with the following providers:

• Progressive: $1,245 per year
• USAA: $1,327 per year

While Progressive leads with the most affordable annual premium, USAA is a close second and is known for its exceptional services tailored specifically to active duty military members.

In Lancaster, comparing car insurance rates is key to savings. MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator helps you find rates. By inputting critical information such as age, driving record and credit score, users receive tailor-made rate estimates.

Selecting the ideal auto insurance hinges on your preference for service quality, cost coverage and other aspects. MoneyGeek employed distinct scoring systems to evaluate the best providers in Lancaster for different needs.

• Best overall: Capital Insurance Group (MoneyGeek score 82 out of 100)
• Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
• Best cheap: Mercury (MoneyGeek score 78 out of 100)

If you prioritize a balance between strong service and affordability, Capital Insurance Group emerges as the best choice in Lancaster. For those who seek service without concern for cost, Chubb stands out. In contrast, budget-conscious consumers who still value service will find Mercury to be the most appealing option.

MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group is the best option in Lancaster for those seeking best car insurance.

• Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,588 per year)
• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($2,024 per year)

Capital Insurance Group has a competitive annual premium and a robust MoneyGeek score, reflecting the company's commitment to overall customer satisfaction and affordability.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Lancaster for car insurance. It excels in customer service based on overall satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options, disregarding the cost of rates.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($2,025 per year)
• Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,588 per year)

Chubb's score is due to the perfect stability rating and the highest claims score among its competitors.

MoneyGeek found that Mercury is the best option in Lancaster for those seeking an optimal blend of affordability and quality service.

• Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($587 per year)
• Progressive: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($531 per year)

Mercury's commendable score is bolstered by its high marks in customer satisfaction and claims processing, along with affordability.

The average cost of car insurance in Lancaster, California, stands at $1,594. When compared to the California state average of $1,562, Lancaster's residents can expect to pay slightly more for their car insurance premiums. The state average itself is less than the national car insurance cost, which is approximately $1,781. California's average insurance rates are $219 less than the national figures, reflecting a considerable difference between state and nationwide car insurance costs.

Car insurance premiums are determined by a multitude of factors, including but not limited to one's driving history, vehicle type, and credit score. However, location plays a significant role in the cost of insurance. Insurance companies consider local traffic patterns, accident rates, and the likelihood of theft, which can vary considerably from one city to another. MoneyGeek's analysis of various cities across California reveals that Glendale boasts the most expensive premium at $2,115, while Santa Maria enjoys the lowest at $1,106. That's a striking difference of $1,009, underlining the major impact that location can have on car insurance costs. In less urbanized areas with lower traffic density, rates are often even more affordable.