Cheapest Car Insurance in California

GEICO delivers the most affordable full coverage car insurance at $90 monthly or $1,085 annually, saving drivers 35% compared to the state average. Progressive ranks a close second with competitive pricing of $91 per month or $1,095 yearly.

GEICO leads the market for drivers seeking the cheapest liability-only rates. The low-cost policies start at $39 monthly, which is $465 annually, sitting 40% below the state average.

Conversely, Farmers is the most expensive carrier for identical minimum protection, charging $58 per month. Selecting GEICO instead of Farmers saves you $233 annually, an amount that nearly pays for an entire year of GEICO's affordable protection.

GEICO is the clear leader, offering California's most affordable minimum coverage car insurance rates in all of the state's 20 most populous cities.

The cost difference for minimum coverage across these cities is substantial: San Jose has the lowest rate at $36 monthly, while Los Angeles has the highest at $58 monthly, representing a $264 annual difference for drivers in the two largest metro areas.

The cost difference between age groups can be striking. Wawanesa Insurance offers the most affordable teen auto insurance for 16-year-olds in California at $177 monthly. In contrast, a 25-year-old only pays $52 monthly through CSAA. This reduction of $1,494 annually shows the financial benefits of years of clean driving experience.

Wawanesa Insurance leads among the younger age groups, offering the best rates for 17-year-olds ($161) and 18-year-olds ($150). Once drivers transition to young adults, the market shifts: GEICO becomes the most affordable option for 19-year-olds ($111) and CSAA leads the market for 20-year-olds ($88).

Note: Teens under 18 can't buy auto insurance on their own in California, so a parent or guardian must be the primary policyholder. The rates shown here reflect teen drivers added to an existing family policy. Check with your insurer to understand the requirements for adding a teen to your coverage.

Senior drivers in California get the lowest minimum-coverage rates from GEICO, which charges $56 a month for 70-year-olds and $60 for 80-year-olds, only a $4 increase over ten years. These prices sit about 33% to 40% below the state average, giving older drivers solid savings across all age groups.

GEICO is the most affordable option for minimum coverage after a DUI conviction, with rates averaging $93 per month, followed by Progressive at $112. High-risk drivers seeking affordable full coverage will find that GEICO remains the most cost-effective option at $212 per month, with Progressive's cost slightly higher at $228.

For drivers who need the cheapest SR-22 insurance for minimum coverage, CSAA gives the lowest rate at $69 a month, with GEICO following at $74. Those who want full coverage see GEICO at the top again, offering the lowest price at around $164 per month.

Drivers with an at-fault accident on record find the lowest rates with GEICO, paying about $69 a month for minimum coverage after an accident, which is 35% below the state average. Full coverage is also most affordable with GEICO, averaging $152 per month. 

Keep in mind that rates often rise by 20% to 40% after an at-fault accident and usually stay elevated for three to five years.

GEICO offers the most affordable minimum coverage with a speeding ticket at $58 monthly ($696 annually). For comprehensive and collision protection following a violation, GEICO remains the most affordable option, with a monthly rate of $133. Progressive is the next cheapest at $147 per month and Auto-Owners charges the highest rates at $200 per month.

California law prohibits insurance companies from using credit scores as a rating factor when determining insurance prices. Because of this regulation, drivers with poor credit can obtain the most affordable minimum coverage available in California, regardless of their financial history, and do not pay higher rates due to their credit history. 

The rates below are based on MoneyGeek’s base profile of a 40-year-old male with good credit and a clean driving record. You should shop for auto insurance based on your driving record and location to find the most affordable rates.

Your location, driving history, age and credit score directly impact car insurance costs in California. GEICO offers the most affordable options, with minimum coverage starting at $465 annually and full coverage at $1,085 per year. By save hundreds of dollars annually through smart shopping and comparing insurers while maximizing available discounts.

Car insurance in California can feel overwhelming, so our experts put together answers to the questions drivers ask most.

Our Research Approach

Insurance costs run high in California, so it helps to understand how prices differ across the state’s many regions and driver groups. Because insurers in California can't use gender or credit scores when setting rates, your driving record and location have a bigger influence on what you pay. Our research breaks down these differences to show which insurers offer the lowest prices for a range of driver profiles.

We reviewed data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services, analyzing quotes from 12 major insurers and comparing more than 200 million rates across every residential ZIP code in the state.

Sample Driver Profile

Our baseline rates use a 40-year-old driver with a clean driving record. Since California law prohibits using credit scores or gender in rate calculations, this profile represents typical California drivers without violations that increase premiums. You'll see base rates here. Your personal quote will adjust based on your specific driving history and location.

Coverage Levels We Compared

We analyzed two coverage scenarios:

Minimum coverage: California's required liability limits of $15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident for bodily injury and $5,000 per accident for property damage (15/30/5). This meets legal requirements but often falls short in serious accidents.

Full coverage: Liability limits of $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 plus comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. You're covered for damage you cause to others and repairs to your own vehicle.

Location Affects Your Rate

California rates vary dramatically between regions. Los Angeles and San Francisco drivers often pay double what rural residents pay for identical coverage. Our ZIP code analysis shows where drivers overpay because of geography.

For more information, see the detailed methodology here.