Find essential tips to shop for car insurance confidently in the Golden State and maximize your savings.
Car Insurance Calculator California
Updated: April 23, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Get Texas Car Insurance Estimates
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
$155
High
$114
Average
$64
Low
Rates updated:
Apr 24, 2025
| Insurance Carrier | MoneyGeek Score | Average Monthly Payment | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 92 /of 100 | $64 | |
| 2 |  GEICO | 74 /of 100 | $94 |
| 3 |  Nationwide | 88 /of 100 | $104 |
| 4 | 67 /of 100 | $127 | |
| 5 |  Foremost | 70 /of 100 | $138 |
| 6 | 71 /of 100 | $155 |
MoneyGeek Score
92
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$64/mo
2
GEICO
MoneyGeek Score
74
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$94/mo
3
Nationwide
MoneyGeek Score
88
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$104/mo
MoneyGeek Score
67
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$127/mo
5
Foremost
MoneyGeek Score
70
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$138/mo
MoneyGeek Score
71
/of 100
Average Monthly Payment$155/mo
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Key Takeaways
Insurers in California will calculate your car insurance estimates based mainly on your vehicle, age, location, driving record, credit score and coverage level chosen.
Our car insurance cost estimates in California can range anywhere from $491 to $4,465 per year depending on a variety of factors.
To get the best deal on California car insurance, we recommend deciding on your coverage needs beforehand, researching rates and discounts and getting multiple provider quotes.
How To Calculate California Car Insurance Costs and Save Money
Decide Coverage Needs Beforehand
To prevent being persuaded into purchasing more coverage than necessary, determine your coverage needs before shopping. Consider factors like your location, driving habits, vehicle, and financial situation. Use our calculator to find out how much coverage you need.
Research Costs and Discounts for You
Research average car insurance costs in California based on your chosen coverage level and driver profile to understand your savings when comparing quotes. Look for auto insurance discounts you may qualify for to discuss personal savings with agents.
Research the Cheapest Providers for You
With your coverage level and cost research in hand, start obtaining provider estimates before seeking quotes. This approach helps identify where to begin comparing quotes and which company is likely to offer the cheapest car insurance in California for you.
Compare Multiple Providers Through Many Avenues
Comparing multiple providers can lead to substantial savings in California. Our research indicates potential savings of up to 54% on full coverage and 57% on minimum coverage. Utilize various channels like comparison sites, independent brokers, insurer websites, and direct agencies since prices vary for the same coverage.
Take Advantage of California-Specific Programs
If you're an older driver, California offers defensive driving courses that may minimize your increased rates. Insurance points differ depending on the violation.
Consider Non-Traditional Coverage Options
Options like pay-per-mile insurance are ideal for those who drive less than average. Many companies offer telematics insurance, which tracks driving habits and provides discounts for good driving. Automakers also offer insurance programs that may save you money compared to traditional options.
What Affects Your California Car Insurance Estimates?
Car insurance premiums in California hinge on four main areas: vehicle details, driver profile, location, and provider choice. Explore how each affects rates for California drivers:
How Much Does Provider Chosen Affect California Car Insurance Estimates?
The provider you choose is the most influential factor affecting car insurance estimates and quotes in the Golden State. Depending on the provider, your rates can drop 69% or increase by as much as 71% compared to the average for California drivers.
| Lowest | CSAA | $41 | $491 |
| Highest | Chubb | $230 | $2,757 |
How Much Does Age Affect California Car Insurance Estimates?
After your provider, age is the second most important factor for determining car insurance rates for Golden State drivers. Depending on your age, your rates can go up as much as 65% or decrease by as much as 40% compared to state averages. Car insurance premiums are highest when you are 16, and decrease from there until you are 65.
| Lowest | 65 | $130 | $1,559 |
| Highest | 16 | $372 | $4,465 |
How Much Does Coverage Affect California Car Insurance Estimates?
Coverage is the fourth most important factor in determining auto insurance rates, with rates ranging from $675 per year for minimum coverage to $1,867 annually for full coverage. The higher your coverage level is for liability auto insurance, and the lower your deductible is for collision and comprehensive coverages, the more expensive pricing gets.
| Lowest | State Minimum Liability Only | $56 | $675 |
| Highest | 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $156 | $1,867 |
How Much Does Driving Record Affect California Car Insurance Estimates?
Your driving record is the fifth most influential factor changing car insurance rates in California with rates changing up to 49%. Depending on how many violations you have and their severity, rates will vary widely.
| Lowest | Clean | $134 | $1,608 |
| Highest | DUI - BAC >= .08 | $320 | $3,838 |
How Much Does Location Affect California Car Insurance Estimates?
In the Golden State, location is the sixth most influential factor affecting auto insurance rates. Generally, larger city population densities and higher bad weather risks lead to pricier insurance. The lowest rates are in Santa Maria, while Glendale tops the charts for the highest.
| Lowest | Santa Maria | $153 | $1,830 |
| Highest | Glendale | $288 | $3,454 |
California Car Insurance Calculator: Bottom Line
Before you dive into our car insurance calculator, we recommend checking out different costs, coverage options and companies. Armed with that info, gather many quotes. Then, compare them with our estimates to find the most affordable plan that fits just right for you.
California Car Insurance Estimate: FAQ
Below you will find answers to common questions about California car insurance costs and estimates:
What is used to determine California car insurance costs?
Personal details such as your age, credit score, driving record, the vehicle you drive and location affect how your rates are calculated the most. From there the provider you choose and the coverage level you want influence exactly how much you will pay past that.
How much is California car insurance on average?
In California, average car insurance costs around $1,713 annually. Depending on your unique profile and coverage chosen, car insurance can range anywhere from $48 per month to up to $348 monthly on average.
How do I get the best car insurance in California?
To obtain the best car insurance in California, assess your coverage needs, compare rates and insurers and utilize a car insurance calculator for tailored estimates.
Our California Car Insurance Estimate Methodology
For all costs and modifications of cost profiles presented, we used the following base profile:
- 40 years old
- Good credit
- Drives a 2012 Toyota Camry
- Clean driving record
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.