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Although CSAA offers the cheapest car insurance overall for many different types of drivers, the cheapest for you will depend on your personal characteristics. MoneyGeek also found that Progressive and National General had the cheapest rates in California for certain types of drivers.

Drivers looking to balance cost with quality service should look for the best car insurance in California.

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2023

Table of Contents

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in California (October 2023)

The cheapest car insurance companies for a minimum coverage policy in California are:

  • CSAA: $125 per year
  • AAA California: $385 per year

Chubb is the most expensive insurance provider, with a minimum coverage policy costing an average of $791 per year.

These rates are for a policy that only includes the state’s minimum car insurance requirements for bodily injury liability and property damage liability.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$125

$10

CSAA

$127

$11

CSAA

$137

$11

CSAA

$367

$31

CSAA

$369

$31

AAA

$385

$32

State Farm

$398

$33

AAA

$403

$34

CSAA

$408

$34

GEICO

$465

$39

GEICO

$474

$40

Progressive

$480

$40

Progressive

$487

$41

AAA

$492

$41

Mercury

$505

$42

Farmers

$509

$42

Mercury

$519

$43

Farmers

$523

$44

State Farm

$525

$44

GEICO

$554

$46

Kemper

$561

$47

Progressive

$571

$48

Farmers

$593

$49

Nationwide

$598

$50

State Farm

$601

$50

Travelers

$610

$51

Travelers

$613

$51

Nationwide

$621

$52

State National

$625

$52

Hartford

$634

$53

Mercury

$638

$53

State National

$644

$54

Kemper

$646

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$652

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$676

$56

Travelers

$699

$58

Hartford

$731

$61

Allstate

$747

$62

Allstate

$757

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$757

$63

State National

$758

$63

National General

$763

$64

Nationwide

$782

$65

National General

$786

$66

Chubb

$791

$66

Allstate

$813

$68

Chubb

$815

$68

AAA

$853

$71

Kemper

$856

$71

AAA

$858

$72

National General

$944

$79

Hartford

$959

$80

State Farm

$1,063

$89

Progressive

$1,086

$90

Progressive

$1,087

$91

AAA

$1,126

$94

Chubb

$1,134

$95

National General

$1,218

$101

GEICO

$1,222

$102

National General

$1,238

$103

GEICO

$1,274

$106

Mercury

$1,295

$108

Progressive

$1,307

$109

Mercury

$1,324

$110

Capital Insurance Group

$1,329

$111

Allstate

$1,335

$111

Nationwide

$1,341

$112

State Farm

$1,356

$113

Hartford

$1,358

$113

State National

$1,399

$117

Allstate

$1,403

$117

Capital Insurance Group

$1,406

$117

Nationwide

$1,454

$121

GEICO

$1,460

$122

National General

$1,482

$124

State National

$1,505

$125

Kemper

$1,523

$127

Allstate

$1,549

$129

Hartford

$1,568

$131

Capital Insurance Group

$1,583

$132

Travelers

$1,588

$132

State Farm

$1,591

$133

Travelers

$1,657

$138

Mercury

$1,721

$143

Farmers

$1,762

$147

Farmers

$1,829

$152

State National

$1,850

$154

Chubb

$1,868

$156

Kemper

$1,874

$156

Nationwide

$1,890

$158

Chubb

$1,929

$161

Travelers

$1,977

$165

Hartford

$2,050

$171

Farmers

$2,175

$181

Kemper

$2,273

$189

Chubb

$2,752

$229

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Insurance professionals recommend drivers carry higher limits than the state minimums for greater financial protection. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

A minimum coverage policy covers damages or injuries to others — not damages to your car or injuries to yourself. To avoid paying high out-of-pocket costs for damages to your own car, you should purchase a full coverage policy that includes comprehensive and collision insurance.

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Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in California (October 2023)

The following insurers offer the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in California:

  • CSAA: $369 per year
  • AAA California: $858 per year

Chubb offers the most expensive full coverage policies in the state at $1,868 per year. The cheapest insurer, CSAA, charges $244 more for a full coverage policy than a minimum coverage policy. Although more expensive, full coverage policies cover more costs in the event you have a car accident.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$125

$10

CSAA

$127

$11

CSAA

$137

$11

CSAA

$367

$31

CSAA

$369

$31

AAA

$385

$32

State Farm

$398

$33

AAA

$403

$34

CSAA

$408

$34

GEICO

$465

$39

GEICO

$474

$40

Progressive

$480

$40

Progressive

$487

$41

AAA

$492

$41

Mercury

$505

$42

Farmers

$509

$42

Mercury

$519

$43

Farmers

$523

$44

State Farm

$525

$44

GEICO

$554

$46

Kemper

$561

$47

Progressive

$571

$48

Farmers

$593

$49

Nationwide

$598

$50

State Farm

$601

$50

Travelers

$610

$51

Travelers

$613

$51

Nationwide

$621

$52

State National

$625

$52

Hartford

$634

$53

Mercury

$638

$53

State National

$644

$54

Kemper

$646

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$652

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$676

$56

Travelers

$699

$58

Hartford

$731

$61

Allstate

$747

$62

Allstate

$757

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$757

$63

State National

$758

$63

National General

$763

$64

Nationwide

$782

$65

National General

$786

$66

Chubb

$791

$66

Allstate

$813

$68

Chubb

$815

$68

AAA

$853

$71

Kemper

$856

$71

AAA

$858

$72

National General

$944

$79

Hartford

$959

$80

State Farm

$1,063

$89

Progressive

$1,086

$90

Progressive

$1,087

$91

AAA

$1,126

$94

Chubb

$1,134

$95

National General

$1,218

$101

GEICO

$1,222

$102

National General

$1,238

$103

GEICO

$1,274

$106

Mercury

$1,295

$108

Progressive

$1,307

$109

Mercury

$1,324

$110

Capital Insurance Group

$1,329

$111

Allstate

$1,335

$111

Nationwide

$1,341

$112

State Farm

$1,356

$113

Hartford

$1,358

$113

State National

$1,399

$117

Allstate

$1,403

$117

Capital Insurance Group

$1,406

$117

Nationwide

$1,454

$121

GEICO

$1,460

$122

National General

$1,482

$124

State National

$1,505

$125

Kemper

$1,523

$127

Allstate

$1,549

$129

Hartford

$1,568

$131

Capital Insurance Group

$1,583

$132

Travelers

$1,588

$132

State Farm

$1,591

$133

Travelers

$1,657

$138

Mercury

$1,721

$143

Farmers

$1,762

$147

Farmers

$1,829

$152

State National

$1,850

$154

Chubb

$1,868

$156

Kemper

$1,874

$156

Nationwide

$1,890

$158

Chubb

$1,929

$161

Travelers

$1,977

$165

Hartford

$2,050

$171

Farmers

$2,175

$181

Kemper

$2,273

$189

Chubb

$2,752

$229

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Because of California's strict regulatory environment, auto insurers are not allowed to offer highly popular accident forgiveness and usage-based insurance (telematics) programs like most states. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

The amount of car insurance you need will significantly affect your premium. MoneyGeek’s sample full coverage policy includes liability protection of $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident and $100,000 in property damage liability per accident. These are levels recommended by most insurance professionals.

You can buy lower liability limits, remove comprehensive and collision insurance or raise your deductible to save money, but this could mean paying more out of pocket if you get into an accident that causes significant injuries or damages.

How to Compare Cheap California Car Insurance Quotes Online

Insurance companies provide online quotes for their customers, but it can take up to 15 minutes to input the required personal data for each company. If you're comparing multiple companies, this time could add up.

MoneyGeek’s car insurance calculator helps you find the cheapest car insurance without having to provide personal information. This gives you an idea of what you can expect to pay for car insurance before beginning your search.

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Cheapest Car Insurance in California by Age (October 2023)

Age is one of the biggest factors affecting car insurance rates in California. MoneyGeek found that State Farm or CSAA offer the cheapest options on average, depending on what age group you and your family belong to.

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CHEAPEST CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES BY AGE

Cheapest for teens: State Farm
Cheapest for young adults: CSAA
Cheapest for seniors: CSAA

Cheapest Car Insurance in California for Teens and Their Families (October 2023)

The following companies offer families with teens the most affordable car insurance:

  • State Farm: $2,943 per year for males and $2,943 per year for female teens
  • GEICO: $3,117 per year for males and $2,978 per year for female teens

Car insurance rates differ big time between 16- and 19-year-old drivers, with the latter paying the lowest premiums. GEICO ($2,082 per year) offers the most affordable rate for 19-year-old drivers in California.

At $5,378 per year, Kemper is the most expensive insurer for teenage drivers in California. Teens who are added as additional drivers to their family’s plan pay approximately $673 less than if they buy an individual policy. And teens under 18 cannot legally purchase car insurance without a parent or guardian as a co-signer.

Company
Family Plan Annual Premium
Individual Plan Annual Premium

GEICO

$1,276

$1,428

GEICO

$1,297

$1,594

GEICO

$1,306

$1,462

GEICO

$1,332

$1,638

GEICO

$1,338

$1,498

GEICO

$1,369

$1,683

GEICO

$1,372

$1,536

GEICO

$1,391

$1,576

GEICO

$1,407

$1,730

GEICO

$1,424

$1,781

Progressive

$1,503

$1,440

Progressive

$1,503

$1,440

Progressive

$1,628

$1,559

Progressive

$1,628

$1,559

Nationwide

$1,648

$2,153

Nationwide

$1,648

$2,153

Capital Insurance Group

$1,729

$1,792

Capital Insurance Group

$1,729

$1,792

Allstate

$1,730

$1,666

Allstate

$1,730

$1,666

Nationwide

$1,803

$2,355

Nationwide

$1,803

$2,355

Allstate

$1,807

$1,740

Allstate

$1,807

$1,740

Progressive

$1,824

$1,747

Progressive

$1,824

$1,747

Allstate

$1,868

$1,799

Allstate

$1,868

$1,799

State Farm

$1,914

$1,732

State Farm

$1,914

$1,732

Nationwide

$1,934

$2,526

Nationwide

$1,934

$2,526

Allstate

$1,939

$1,946

Allstate

$1,939

$1,946

GEICO

$1,955

$2,215

State Farm

$1,990

$1,802

State Farm

$1,990

$1,802

Allstate

$2,005

$1,930

Allstate

$2,005

$1,930

GEICO

$2,013

$2,518

Progressive

$2,014

$1,929

Progressive

$2,014

$1,929

GEICO

$2,016

$2,283

State Farm

$2,037

$1,843

State Farm

$2,037

$1,843

Capital Insurance Group

$2,048

$2,122

Capital Insurance Group

$2,048

$2,122

Capital Insurance Group

$2,048

$2,122

Capital Insurance Group

$2,048

$2,122

Capital Insurance Group

$2,048

$2,122

Capital Insurance Group

$2,048

$2,122

Kemper

$2,050

$2,369

Kemper

$2,050

$2,369

Nationwide

$2,058

$2,688

Nationwide

$2,058

$2,688

GEICO

$2,082

$2,604

Travelers

$2,134

$1,974

Travelers

$2,134

$1,974

Nationwide

$2,138

$2,939

Nationwide

$2,138

$2,939

State Farm

$2,157

$1,952

State Farm

$2,157

$1,952

Kemper

$2,167

$2,505

Kemper

$2,167

$2,505

Farmers

$2,168

$2,226

Farmers

$2,168

$2,226

Progressive

$2,199

$2,115

Progressive

$2,199

$2,115

State Farm

$2,204

$1,991

State Farm

$2,204

$1,991

Travelers

$2,208

$2,042

Travelers

$2,208

$2,042

Allstate

$2,263

$2,271

Allstate

$2,263

$2,271

Travelers

$2,303

$2,130

Travelers

$2,303

$2,130

Kemper

$2,354

$2,722

Kemper

$2,354

$2,722

State Farm

$2,357

$2,129

State Farm

$2,357

$2,129

Travelers

$2,375

$2,197

Travelers

$2,375

$2,197

State Farm

$2,449

$2,213

State Farm

$2,449

$2,213

Capital Insurance Group

$2,471

$2,389

Capital Insurance Group

$2,471

$2,389

Capital Insurance Group

$2,471

$2,389

Capital Insurance Group

$2,471

$2,389

Allstate

$2,480

$2,489

Allstate

$2,480

$2,489

State Farm

$2,481

$2,805

State Farm

$2,481

$2,805

Travelers

$2,492

$2,305

Travelers

$2,492

$2,305

Farmers

$2,517

$2,585

Farmers

$2,517

$2,585

Farmers

$2,517

$2,585

Farmers

$2,517

$2,585

Farmers

$2,517

$2,585

Farmers

$2,517

$2,585

Kemper

$2,544

$2,941

Kemper

$2,544

$2,941

State Farm

$2,628

$2,972

State Farm

$2,628

$2,972

Farmers

$2,644

$2,967

Farmers

$2,644

$2,967

GEICO

$2,674

$3,302

Kemper

$2,694

$3,115

Kemper

$2,694

$3,115

Capital Insurance Group

$2,745

$2,654

Capital Insurance Group

$2,745

$2,654

Travelers

$2,748

$2,541

Travelers

$2,748

$2,541

GEICO

$2,766

$3,793

Nationwide

$2,810

$3,864

Nationwide

$2,810

$3,864

Travelers

$2,877

$2,661

Travelers

$2,877

$2,661

Farmers

$2,886

$3,238

Farmers

$2,886

$3,238

Kemper

$2,908

$3,363

Kemper

$2,908

$3,363

Progressive

$2,917

$2,805

Progressive

$2,917

$2,805

GEICO

$2,936

$3,625

State Farm

$2,943

$3,327

State Farm

$2,943

$3,327

Nationwide

$2,958

$4,067

Nationwide

$2,958

$4,067

GEICO

$2,978

$3,678

Farmers

$3,045

$3,417

Farmers

$3,045

$3,417

GEICO

$3,049

$4,181

Progressive

$3,117

$2,997

Progressive

$3,117

$2,997

GEICO

$3,117

$4,273

Farmers

$3,140

$4,403

Farmers

$3,140

$4,403

Kemper

$3,207

$3,708

Kemper

$3,207

$3,708

Farmers

$3,228

$4,525

Farmers

$3,228

$4,525

Allstate

$3,260

$3,588

Allstate

$3,260

$3,588

Farmers

$3,285

$4,606

Farmers

$3,285

$4,606

Capital Insurance Group

$3,395

$3,280

Capital Insurance Group

$3,395

$3,280

Capital Insurance Group

$3,395

$3,280

Capital Insurance Group

$3,395

$3,280

Capital Insurance Group

$3,395

$3,280

Capital Insurance Group

$3,395

$3,280

Allstate

$3,436

$3,782

Allstate

$3,436

$3,782

Allstate

$3,436

$3,782

Allstate

$3,436

$3,782

Progressive

$3,589

$3,811

Progressive

$3,589

$3,811

Progressive

$3,621

$3,845

Progressive

$3,621

$3,845

Progressive

$3,626

$3,850

Progressive

$3,626

$3,850

Travelers

$3,668

$3,354

Travelers

$3,668

$3,354

Travelers

$3,832

$3,504

Travelers

$3,832

$3,504

Nationwide

$3,861

$5,519

Nationwide

$3,861

$5,519

Travelers

$4,022

$3,678

Travelers

$4,022

$3,678

Nationwide

$4,336

$6,197

Nationwide

$4,336

$6,197

Kemper

$4,381

$5,066

Kemper

$4,381

$5,066

Kemper

$4,817

$5,569

Kemper

$4,817

$5,569

Nationwide

$5,231

$7,477

Nationwide

$5,231

$7,477

Kemper

$5,378

$6,217

Kemper

$5,378

$6,217

mglogo icon
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

In most states, car insurance rates for male teens tend to be significantly more expensive than for female teens. But in California, gender is not considered when calculating car insurance rates at any age. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Due to their lack of driving experience, providers typically charge teen drivers more for insurance as they have a high level of accident frequency and moving violations. However, you may be able to reduce the cost of your annual premium through good student or distant student discounts commonly offered by insurers.

Cheapest Car Insurance in California for Young Adults (October 2023)

Drivers in their 20s will find the most affordable rates from the following companies:

  • CSAA: $408 per year
  • AAA California: $1,126 per year

Chubb has the most expensive annual premium at $2,752 for a full coverage policy.

Those in their 20s will likely be charged more for car insurance than middle-aged drivers since they’re more likely to file insurance claims, based on actuarial data. For a full coverage policy, CSAA charges $39 more to drivers in their 20s than middle-aged drivers.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$125

$10

CSAA

$127

$11

CSAA

$137

$11

CSAA

$367

$31

CSAA

$369

$31

AAA

$385

$32

State Farm

$398

$33

AAA

$403

$34

CSAA

$408

$34

GEICO

$465

$39

GEICO

$474

$40

Progressive

$480

$40

Progressive

$487

$41

AAA

$492

$41

Mercury

$505

$42

Farmers

$509

$42

Mercury

$519

$43

Farmers

$523

$44

State Farm

$525

$44

GEICO

$554

$46

Kemper

$561

$47

Progressive

$571

$48

Farmers

$593

$49

Nationwide

$598

$50

State Farm

$601

$50

Travelers

$610

$51

Travelers

$613

$51

Nationwide

$621

$52

State National

$625

$52

Hartford

$634

$53

Mercury

$638

$53

State National

$644

$54

Kemper

$646

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$652

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$676

$56

Travelers

$699

$58

Hartford

$731

$61

Allstate

$747

$62

Allstate

$757

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$757

$63

State National

$758

$63

National General

$763

$64

Nationwide

$782

$65

National General

$786

$66

Chubb

$791

$66

Allstate

$813

$68

Chubb

$815

$68

AAA

$853

$71

Kemper

$856

$71

AAA

$858

$72

National General

$944

$79

Hartford

$959

$80

State Farm

$1,063

$89

Progressive

$1,086

$90

Progressive

$1,087

$91

AAA

$1,126

$94

Chubb

$1,134

$95

National General

$1,218

$101

GEICO

$1,222

$102

National General

$1,238

$103

GEICO

$1,274

$106

Mercury

$1,295

$108

Progressive

$1,307

$109

Mercury

$1,324

$110

Capital Insurance Group

$1,329

$111

Allstate

$1,335

$111

Nationwide

$1,341

$112

State Farm

$1,356

$113

Hartford

$1,358

$113

State National

$1,399

$117

Allstate

$1,403

$117

Capital Insurance Group

$1,406

$117

Nationwide

$1,454

$121

GEICO

$1,460

$122

National General

$1,482

$124

State National

$1,505

$125

Kemper

$1,523

$127

Allstate

$1,549

$129

Hartford

$1,568

$131

Capital Insurance Group

$1,583

$132

Travelers

$1,588

$132

State Farm

$1,591

$133

Travelers

$1,657

$138

Mercury

$1,721

$143

Farmers

$1,762

$147

Farmers

$1,829

$152

State National

$1,850

$154

Chubb

$1,868

$156

Kemper

$1,874

$156

Nationwide

$1,890

$158

Chubb

$1,929

$161

Travelers

$1,977

$165

Hartford

$2,050

$171

Farmers

$2,175

$181

Kemper

$2,273

$189

Chubb

$2,752

$229

mglogo icon
MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

California car insurance rates are very moderate compared to other large population states due to the state's restrictive regulatory environment for approving insurer rate changes. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

Cheapest Car Insurance in California for Seniors (October 2023)

The following companies offer the cheapest full coverage car insurance in California for seniors:

  • CSAA: $367 per year
  • AAA California: $853 per year

Chubb offers the most expensive auto insurance policy for seniors in California at $1,929.

Seniors in California pay $2 less for car insurance than middle-aged drivers. However, as drivers reach their 70s and 80s, the cost of car insurance increases.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$125

$10

CSAA

$127

$11

CSAA

$137

$11

CSAA

$367

$31

CSAA

$369

$31

AAA

$385

$32

State Farm

$398

$33

AAA

$403

$34

CSAA

$408

$34

GEICO

$465

$39

GEICO

$474

$40

Progressive

$480

$40

Progressive

$487

$41

AAA

$492

$41

Mercury

$505

$42

Farmers

$509

$42

Mercury

$519

$43

Farmers

$523

$44

State Farm

$525

$44

GEICO

$554

$46

Kemper

$561

$47

Progressive

$571

$48

Farmers

$593

$49

Nationwide

$598

$50

State Farm

$601

$50

Travelers

$610

$51

Travelers

$613

$51

Nationwide

$621

$52

State National

$625

$52

Hartford

$634

$53

Mercury

$638

$53

State National

$644

$54

Kemper

$646

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$652

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$676

$56

Travelers

$699

$58

Hartford

$731

$61

Allstate

$747

$62

Allstate

$757

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$757

$63

State National

$758

$63

National General

$763

$64

Nationwide

$782

$65

National General

$786

$66

Chubb

$791

$66

Allstate

$813

$68

Chubb

$815

$68

AAA

$853

$71

Kemper

$856

$71

AAA

$858

$72

National General

$944

$79

Hartford

$959

$80

State Farm

$1,063

$89

Progressive

$1,086

$90

Progressive

$1,087

$91

AAA

$1,126

$94

Chubb

$1,134

$95

National General

$1,218

$101

GEICO

$1,222

$102

National General

$1,238

$103

GEICO

$1,274

$106

Mercury

$1,295

$108

Progressive

$1,307

$109

Mercury

$1,324

$110

Capital Insurance Group

$1,329

$111

Allstate

$1,335

$111

Nationwide

$1,341

$112

State Farm

$1,356

$113

Hartford

$1,358

$113

State National

$1,399

$117

Allstate

$1,403

$117

Capital Insurance Group

$1,406

$117

Nationwide

$1,454

$121

GEICO

$1,460

$122

National General

$1,482

$124

State National

$1,505

$125

Kemper

$1,523

$127

Allstate

$1,549

$129

Hartford

$1,568

$131

Capital Insurance Group

$1,583

$132

Travelers

$1,588

$132

State Farm

$1,591

$133

Travelers

$1,657

$138

Mercury

$1,721

$143

Farmers

$1,762

$147

Farmers

$1,829

$152

State National

$1,850

$154

Chubb

$1,868

$156

Kemper

$1,874

$156

Nationwide

$1,890

$158

Chubb

$1,929

$161

Travelers

$1,977

$165

Hartford

$2,050

$171

Farmers

$2,175

$181

Kemper

$2,273

$189

Chubb

$2,752

$229

Senior drivers may be able to save on car insurance by comparing rates from carriers and getting discounts. Companies, like State Farm and GEICO, offer discounts to seniors who have completed an approved defensive driving course.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Higher Risk Drivers (October 2023)

Drivers with violations on their record will pay more car insurance than those with clean driving records. Those with a ticket or an accident will get the cheapest car insurance from CSAA, whereas drivers with a DUI should consider National General.

Insurance companies also consider drivers with a sports car to be higher risk. MoneyGeek found that Progressive is the cheapest option for those drivers.

CHEAPEST CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES FOR HIGHER RISK DRIVERS

Cheapest after a ticket: CSAA ($466 per year)
Cheapest after an accident: CSAA ($466 per year)
Cheapest after a DUI: National General ($1,280 per year)
Cheapest for sports cars: Progressive ($1,277 per year)

Cheapest Car Insurance in California After a Ticket

We found that the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers with a speeding ticket are:

  • CSAA: $466 per year
  • AAA California: $1,112 per year

Farmers offers the priciest insurance, with an average annual premium of $2,534.

In comparison to drivers with a clean driving history, those with a speeding ticket pay an average of $566 more for car insurance.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$155

$13

CSAA

$158

$13

CSAA

$170

$14

CSAA

$464

$39

CSAA

$466

$39

AAA

$513

$43

CSAA

$516

$43

AAA

$538

$45

State Farm

$605

$50

Mercury

$651

$54

AAA

$658

$55

Mercury

$668

$56

Farmers

$693

$58

GEICO

$709

$59

Farmers

$711

$59

GEICO

$717

$60

Capital Insurance Group

$723

$60

Kemper

$745

$62

Capital Insurance Group

$749

$62

State Farm

$800

$67

National General

$806

$67

Farmers

$808

$67

Mercury

$825

$69

National General

$831

$69

Capital Insurance Group

$841

$70

GEICO

$846

$71

Kemper

$860

$72

Progressive

$862

$72

Progressive

$878

$73

State National

$886

$74

State Farm

$913

$76

State National

$913

$76

Hartford

$921

$77

Travelers

$947

$79

Travelers

$947

$79

National General

$998

$83

Chubb

$1,018

$85

Nationwide

$1,031

$86

Progressive

$1,037

$86

Chubb

$1,043

$87

Allstate

$1,048

$87

Allstate

$1,062

$88

Nationwide

$1,072

$89

Hartford

$1,074

$89

State National

$1,080

$90

Travelers

$1,090

$91

AAA

$1,106

$92

AAA

$1,112

$93

Kemper

$1,141

$95

Allstate

$1,146

$96

National General

$1,280

$107

National General

$1,301

$108

Nationwide

$1,356

$113

Chubb

$1,362

$114

Hartford

$1,440

$120

AAA

$1,462

$122

Capital Insurance Group

$1,518

$127

National General

$1,559

$130

State Farm

$1,571

$131

Capital Insurance Group

$1,611

$134

Mercury

$1,708

$142

Mercury

$1,748

$146

Capital Insurance Group

$1,816

$151

GEICO

$1,833

$153

GEICO

$1,894

$158

Allstate

$1,940

$162

State National

$1,990

$166

State Farm

$2,009

$167

Kemper

$2,022

$168

Hartford

$2,029

$169

Allstate

$2,044

$170

Progressive

$2,046

$171

Progressive

$2,052

$171

State National

$2,141

$178

GEICO

$2,189

$182

Allstate

$2,266

$189

Mercury

$2,280

$190

Nationwide

$2,317

$193

State Farm

$2,354

$196

Hartford

$2,354

$196

Travelers

$2,420

$202

Farmers

$2,440

$203

Chubb

$2,452

$204

Progressive

$2,477

$206

Kemper

$2,490

$207

Chubb

$2,512

$209

Nationwide

$2,517

$210

Travelers

$2,525

$210

Farmers

$2,534

$211

State National

$2,635

$220

Farmers

$3,014

$251

Kemper

$3,024

$252

Travelers

$3,028

$252

Hartford

$3,106

$259

Nationwide

$3,288

$274

Chubb

$3,335

$278

Cheapest Car Insurance in California After an Accident

We found that the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with an at-fault accident are:

  • CSAA: $466 per year
  • AAA California: $1,306 per year

The most expensive insurance is provided by Kemper at $3,345. Insurance companies charge at-fault drivers more due to the increased risk of accidents. Expect to pay an average of $832 more for car insurance if you have an at-fault accident on your record.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$155

$13

CSAA

$158

$13

CSAA

$170

$14

CSAA

$464

$39

CSAA

$466

$39

CSAA

$516

$43

AAA

$613

$51

State Farm

$632

$53

AAA

$642

$54

Farmers

$693

$58

Farmers

$711

$59

Capital Insurance Group

$757

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$785

$65

AAA

$788

$66

Farmers

$808

$67

GEICO

$832

$69

State Farm

$835

$70

GEICO

$841

$70

Capital Insurance Group

$882

$73

State National

$886

$74

Mercury

$907

$76

State National

$913

$76

Hartford

$921

$77

Nationwide

$926

$77

Mercury

$931

$78

Progressive

$951

$79

State Farm

$954

$79

Nationwide

$962

$80

Progressive

$970

$81

GEICO

$992

$83

Travelers

$1,056

$88

Travelers

$1,058

$88

Hartford

$1,074

$89

State National

$1,080

$90

Progressive

$1,147

$96

National General

$1,150

$96

Mercury

$1,150

$96

National General

$1,186

$99

Allstate

$1,209

$101

Nationwide

$1,216

$101

Travelers

$1,217

$101

Allstate

$1,226

$102

Chubb

$1,238

$103

Chubb

$1,262

$105

Kemper

$1,268

$106

AAA

$1,306

$109

AAA

$1,309

$109

Allstate

$1,326

$111

National General

$1,427

$119

Hartford

$1,440

$120

Kemper

$1,540

$128

Capital Insurance Group

$1,559

$130

Chubb

$1,582

$132

State Farm

$1,647

$137

Capital Insurance Group

$1,652

$138

AAA

$1,721

$143

National General

$1,812

$151

National General

$1,843

$154

Capital Insurance Group

$1,864

$155

Kemper

$1,946

$162

State National

$1,990

$166

Hartford

$2,029

$169

GEICO

$2,049

$171

Nationwide

$2,079

$173

State Farm

$2,104

$175

GEICO

$2,114

$176

State National

$2,141

$178

National General

$2,210

$184

Progressive

$2,231

$186

Progressive

$2,241

$187

Nationwide

$2,257

$188

Mercury

$2,288

$191

Mercury

$2,333

$194

Hartford

$2,354

$196

Allstate

$2,394

$200

Farmers

$2,440

$203

GEICO

$2,446

$204

State Farm

$2,466

$205

Allstate

$2,533

$211

Farmers

$2,534

$211

State National

$2,635

$220

Travelers

$2,696

$225

Progressive

$2,705

$225

Travelers

$2,808

$234

Allstate

$2,818

$235

Nationwide

$2,944

$245

Farmers

$3,014

$251

Chubb

$3,014

$251

Mercury

$3,040

$253

Chubb

$3,074

$256

Hartford

$3,106

$259

Kemper

$3,345

$279

Travelers

$3,372

$281

Chubb

$3,898

$325

Kemper

$4,235

$353

Kemper

$5,013

$418

Cheapest Car Insurance in California After a DUI

We found that the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers with a DUI are:

  • National General: $1,280 per year
  • CSAA: $1,315 per year

Allstate offers the most expensive full coverage insurance at $5,759.

If you get a DUI, you may struggle to find an insurer or be subject to an extremely high car insurance cost. Drivers with a DUI pay $1,890 more for car insurance, on average, than those with a clean driving history. And in California, a DUI stays on your motor vehicle record for 10 years.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$428

$36

CSAA

$436

$36

CSAA

$471

$39

National General

$806

$67

Mercury

$814

$68

National General

$831

$69

Mercury

$837

$70

Farmers

$865

$72

Farmers

$889

$74

National General

$998

$83

Farmers

$1,010

$84

Mercury

$1,032

$86

Progressive

$1,040

$87

Progressive

$1,065

$89

GEICO

$1,132

$94

Capital Insurance Group

$1,134

$95

GEICO

$1,145

$95

Capital Insurance Group

$1,176

$98

State Farm

$1,246

$104

Progressive

$1,260

$105

Kemper

$1,268

$106

Travelers

$1,274

$106

Travelers

$1,275

$106

National General

$1,280

$107

National General

$1,301

$108

CSAA

$1,308

$109

CSAA

$1,315

$110

Capital Insurance Group

$1,323

$110

AAA

$1,330

$111

GEICO

$1,352

$113

AAA

$1,393

$116

CSAA

$1,458

$122

Travelers

$1,475

$123

Kemper

$1,540

$128

National General

$1,559

$130

Chubb

$1,604

$134

State National

$1,604

$134

Chubb

$1,628

$136

Nationwide

$1,639

$137

State Farm

$1,647

$137

State National

$1,655

$138

Nationwide

$1,705

$142

AAA

$1,714

$143

State Farm

$1,881

$157

Kemper

$1,946

$162

Chubb

$1,948

$162

State National

$1,967

$164

Mercury

$2,136

$178

Nationwide

$2,164

$180

Allstate

$2,181

$182

Mercury

$2,186

$182

Allstate

$2,215

$185

Hartford

$2,226

$186

Capital Insurance Group

$2,375

$198

Allstate

$2,402

$200

Capital Insurance Group

$2,520

$210

Progressive

$2,543

$212

Progressive

$2,558

$213

Hartford

$2,638

$220

AAA

$2,679

$223

AAA

$2,680

$223

Capital Insurance Group

$2,843

$237

Mercury

$2,850

$238

GEICO

$2,922

$244

GEICO

$3,019

$252

Farmers

$3,050

$254

Progressive

$3,090

$257

Farmers

$3,167

$264

State Farm

$3,255

$271

Kemper

$3,345

$279

Travelers

$3,369

$281

GEICO

$3,492

$291

Travelers

$3,525

$294

AAA

$3,530

$294

Hartford

$3,630

$303

Nationwide

$3,689

$307

State National

$3,712

$309

Farmers

$3,767

$314

Chubb

$3,951

$329

State National

$4,001

$333

Nationwide

$4,011

$334

Chubb

$4,011

$334

State Farm

$4,161

$347

Kemper

$4,235

$353

Allstate

$4,236

$353

Travelers

$4,257

$355

Allstate

$4,478

$373

Chubb

$4,837

$403

State Farm

$4,872

$406

Hartford

$4,917

$410

State National

$4,939

$412

Allstate

$4,982

$415

Kemper

$5,013

$418

Nationwide

$5,258

$438

Hartford

$5,759

$480

Hartford

$7,726

$644

Cheapest Car Insurance in California for Sports Cars (October 2023)

We found that the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers with sports cars are:

  • Progressive: $1,277 per year
  • Capital Insurance: $1,554 per year

Chubb offers the most expensive insurance for luxury cars with an average premium of $2,198 per year. If you have a sports car, expect to pay around $344 more than the lowest premium for a 2012 Toyota Camry LE.

Company
Annual Premium
Monthly Premium

CSAA

$125

$10

CSAA

$127

$11

CSAA

$137

$11

AAA

$385

$32

State Farm

$398

$33

AAA

$403

$34

GEICO

$465

$39

GEICO

$474

$40

Progressive

$480

$40

Progressive

$487

$41

AAA

$492

$41

Mercury

$505

$42

Farmers

$509

$42

Mercury

$519

$43

Farmers

$523

$44

State Farm

$525

$44

GEICO

$554

$46

Kemper

$561

$47

Progressive

$571

$48

Farmers

$593

$49

Nationwide

$598

$50

State Farm

$601

$50

Travelers

$610

$51

Travelers

$613

$51

Nationwide

$621

$52

State National

$625

$52

Hartford

$634

$53

Mercury

$638

$53

State National

$644

$54

Kemper

$646

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$652

$54

Capital Insurance Group

$676

$56

Travelers

$699

$58

Hartford

$731

$61

Allstate

$747

$62

Allstate

$757

$63

Capital Insurance Group

$757

$63

State National

$758

$63

National General

$763

$64

Nationwide

$782

$65

National General

$786

$66

Chubb

$791

$66

Allstate

$813

$68

Chubb

$815

$68

Kemper

$856

$71

National General

$944

$79

Hartford

$959

$80

Chubb

$1,134

$95

Progressive

$1,265

$105

Progressive

$1,277

$106

State Farm

$1,290

$108

Capital Insurance Group

$1,460

$122

Travelers

$1,486

$124

GEICO

$1,520

$127

Progressive

$1,535

$128

Nationwide

$1,551

$129

Capital Insurance Group

$1,554

$130

Travelers

$1,566

$131

GEICO

$1,584

$132

State Farm

$1,638

$136

Allstate

$1,668

$139

Nationwide

$1,697

$141

Capital Insurance Group

$1,750

$146

Allstate

$1,764

$147

Kemper

$1,774

$148

GEICO

$1,817

$151

Farmers

$1,859

$155

Travelers

$1,869

$156

State Farm

$1,930

$161

Farmers

$1,945

$162

Allstate

$1,961

$163

Chubb

$2,198

$183

Kemper

$2,214

$185

Nationwide

$2,228

$186

Chubb

$2,271

$189

Farmers

$2,315

$193

Kemper

$2,625

$219

Chubb

$3,251

$271

MoneyGeek used a Ford Mustang as its sample sports car in its analysis. The costs can differ greatly depending on your car model and other factors. For example, luxury, electric and sports cars are charged higher premiums. Their models are not major determinants of premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance in California for Military Drivers (October 2023)

We found that the cheapest car insurance company in California for active-duty or military veterans is CSAA, with an average premium of $369.

CSAA isn’t the only insurer that offers affordable and quality coverage to military members in the state. USAA provides coverage exclusively to military members and their families and has an average annual premium cost of $1,122. And GEICO has many discounts available to military-affiliated drivers that can lower their auto insurance premium.

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MoneyGeek Top Pick
CSAA
  • $369 per year
  • Ranks first out of 17 insurance providers
  • Offers discounts for safe drivers, bundling, good students and more

Cheapest Car Insurance in California by City

The cost of car insurance varies by state and city. Depending on which city or area you live in, you could pay more or less for car insurance.

Car insurance typically costs more in larger cities, since they’re considered riskier to live than rural areas. This is typically because the incidence of accidents or theft is higher in cities than in rural areas.

Santa Maria has the cheapest premium in the state offered by National General at $775. Meanwhile, Burbank has the most expensive rates at $1,617, also from National General.

City
Cheapest Company
Annual Premium

Anaheim

Progressive

$1,153

Antioch

National General

$1,015

Arden-Arcade

Progressive

$1,265

Bakersfield

National General

$968

Berkeley

National General

$1,015

Burbank

National General

$1,617

Carlsbad

National General

$972

Chula Vista

Progressive

$1,011

Clovis

National General

$985

Concord

National General

$1,063

Corona

Progressive

$1,040

Costa Mesa

Progressive

$1,152

Daly City

Progressive

$1,219

Downey

Progressive

$1,273

East Los Angeles

Progressive

$1,198

El Cajon

National General

$972

El Monte

Progressive

$1,355

Elk Grove

Progressive

$1,100

Escondido

National General

$998

Fairfield

National General

$1,089

Fontana

National General

$1,170

Fremont

National General

$1,015

Fresno

National General

$978

Fullerton

National General

$1,258

Garden Grove

Progressive

$1,289

Glendale

National General

$1,866

Hayward

National General

$1,133

Huntington Beach

Progressive

$1,242

Inglewood

Progressive

$1,307

Irvine

Progressive

$1,283

Jurupa Valley

Progressive

$1,123

Lancaster

Progressive

$1,334

Long Beach

Progressive

$1,247

Los Angeles

Progressive

$1,674

Modesto

National General

$1,215

Moreno Valley

National General

$1,170

Murrieta

National General

$1,011

Norwalk

Progressive

$1,173

Oakland

Progressive

$1,212

Oceanside

National General

$1,029

Ontario

Progressive

$1,157

Orange

Progressive

$1,084

Oxnard

National General

$1,000

Palmdale

Progressive

$1,370

Pasadena

National General

$1,441

Pomona

National General

$1,186

Rancho Cucamonga

National General

$1,086

Rialto

Progressive

$1,235

Richmond

Progressive

$1,152

Riverside

National General

$1,143

Roseville

National General

$1,094

Sacramento

Progressive

$1,080

Salinas

National General

$827

San Bernardino

Progressive

$1,222

San Diego

National General

$964

San Francisco

Progressive

$1,177

San Jose

National General

$1,113

San Mateo

National General

$996

Santa Ana

Progressive

$1,224

Santa Clara

National General

$996

Santa Clarita

National General

$1,302

Santa Maria

National General

$775

Santa Rosa

National General

$981

Simi Valley

National General

$1,104

Stockton

National General

$1,162

Sunnyvale

Progressive

$1,031

Temecula

National General

$1,011

Thousand Oaks

National General

$1,104

Torrance

National General

$1,025

Vallejo

National General

$1,047

Ventura

National General

$1,000

Victorville

National General

$1,181

Visalia

National General

$964

Vista

National General

$998

West Covina

Progressive

$1,300

Car Insurance in California: What You Need to Know

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) requires that all drivers have at least liability insurance. Our guide below offers key information on auto insurance in the state.

California is among the many states that require coverage for both bodily injury and property damage liability. Learn more about its requirements below.

California Car Insurance Requirements

California drivers must carry at least basic liability insurance on their vehicles. At a minimum, your insurance must include bodily injury liability per person, bodily injury liability per accident and property damage liability per accident.

The required coverage also increases for drivers with a history of violations, as SR-22 insurance is required for repeat driving offenders in the state.

To save money, you can purchase the minimum amount of coverage required. However, this may not fully cover all your expenses if you get into an accident. Because of this, MoneyGeek recommends purchasing as much liability coverage as you can reasonably afford for added security in case of accidents.

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SR-22: EXPLAINED

SR-22 is not insurance, even though it is common for people to use the term "SR-22 insurance." An SR-22 is a certificate of financial responsibility that proves you meet the state's established insurance requirements for high-risk drivers and must be filed with the DMV by your auto insurer. — Mark Friedlander, Director, Corporate Communications, Insurance Information Institute

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    Bodily Injury Liability

    This helps cover the costs if you are responsible for a car accident that injured another person. In California, insurance must cover up to $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident. Opting for the minimum may leave you financially vulnerable if someone is seriously injured in an accident where you were at fault.

  • accident2 icon

    Property Damage Liability

    By California law, a $5,000 property damage liability per accident is required. This helps pay for repair damages to another person's property, where you are found at fault. This could also be used to pay for other tasks, such as debris removal and cleanup. However, the minimum coverage may not be enough to cover all expenses related to the accident.

MoneyGeek recommends getting $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person, $300,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident and $100,000 in property damage insurance per accident. This will provide more coverage in the event another person or their property is harmed from an accident involving your vehicle.

Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle from collisions with other vehicles or objects like a light pole or a tree.

Comprehensive coverage pays to repair your car when it’s damaged by something other than a collision, including fire, vandalism, fallen branches and natural disasters.

These insurance policies are ideal for drivers who have new or expensive vehicles.

Car Insurance Alternatives in California

Though car insurance is required in the state of California, there are a few alternative options, depending on your situation.

These options require cash upfront, which can be challenging to obtain. However, they can present advantages for people with particular requirements and preferences.

The alternatives are as follows:

  • Cash deposit of $35,000 with DMV: The department helps drivers without insurance to fulfill financial responsibility by accepting a deposit of $35,000.
  • DMV-issued self-insurance certificate: This is applicable to individuals who own over 25 vehicles. This type of protection requires a predetermined amount of security cash per number of vehicles registered or 130% of average annual claims paid by the self-insurer in the preceding three-year period.
  • Surety bond: A surety bond is a contract that requires the driver to pay a specific amount of money if they cause an accident. The fund will cover the driver's expenses in an accident equal to its value. However, the driver has to pay back the funds paid out of the surety bond. Drivers must opt for $35,000 from a licensed company in California.

FAQs About Car Insurance in California

Choosing the right car insurance policy can be overwhelming, particularly if you don’t know where to start. MoneyGeek answered some of the most commonly asked questions to make the process less stressful for you.

Expert Advice on Finding Cheap Car Insurance in California

To help you find credible and accurate insight on car insurance in California, MoneyGeek received expert advice from trusted professionals. The perspectives and opinions expressed are those of the individual contributor.

  1. What are the key factors drivers in California should look for when searching for the best auto insurance coverage?
  2. What steps can drivers in California take to find affordable car insurance?
  3. How do regulations and rules in California impact insurance pricing and how consumers might shop for coverage?
Danielle Miura
Danielle Miura

Founder of Spark Financials

Steven Lee, Ph.D.
Steven Lee, Ph.D.

Lecturer at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Kurt Jackson, CFP®, C(K)P®, AIF®, CRPS®
Kurt Jackson, CFP®, C(K)P®, AIF®, CRPS®

CEO/Founder at Central Coast Wealth Management

Kevin Gotts
Kevin Gotts

Certified Financial Planner

Kalvin Sid
Kalvin Sid

CFP® MBA, CKA®

Steven Shagrin
Steven Shagrin

JD, Certified Money Coach/Master Money Coach & Trainer, Certified Professional Retirement Coach, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor, Registered Life Planner, Former CFP®

Frank Paiano
Frank Paiano

Professor Emeritus at Southwestern Community College, Registered Representative

Xin Che, Ph.D.
Xin Che, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Finance at California State University, Fullerton

Suzy Taherian
Suzy Taherian

Adjunct Professor, UC Davis Graduate School of Management; CFO, Wrightspeed

(Heidi) Luo Yilan
(Heidi) Luo Yilan

Educator and Comedian, Adjunct Associate Professor in Economics at Cerritos College

Juan Gutierrez
Juan Gutierrez

Assistant Professor of Finance at California State University, Bakersfield

Andreas Rauterkus
Andreas Rauterkus

Associate Professor of Finance and Chair of the Department of Finance at California State University San Marcos

Sean Flynn
Sean Flynn

Chairman of the Economics Department at Scripps College

Daniel Roccato
Daniel Roccato

Clinical Professor of Finance at the University of San Diego School of Business

Kai  Ding
Kai Ding

Assistant Professor Department of Economics at California State University - East Bay

Kaycea Campbell
Kaycea Campbell

Associate Professor of Economics at Chapman University

Thomas Francl
Thomas Francl

Associate Faculty Professor at National University

Michael Zeiger
Michael Zeiger

Investment Advisor Representative at Telesis Tax & Financial

Andrew Hoffarth, CFP®
Andrew Hoffarth, CFP®

Wealth Advisor at Financial Alternatives, Inc.

Kristoffer Fu
Kristoffer Fu

CEO and Wealth Manager at Maven Bridge Capital

Christopher W. Bauman
Christopher W. Bauman

Associate Professor, Organization and Management, The Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine

Cassie Pipp
Cassie Pipp

Personal Finance Mastermind

Sam Dogen
Sam Dogen

Founder of Financial Samurai

Tolen Teigen
Tolen Teigen

Chief Investment Officer at FinDec, CFA, CFP, AIF, C(k)P, ChFC, CASL, AEP and MSFS

Scott Stanley
Scott Stanley

Founder of Pharos Wealth Management

Alex Okugawa
Alex Okugawa

Financial Advisor, CFP(R), CKA(R), CEPA(R) at One Degree Advisors

Delia Fernandez
Delia Fernandez

MBA, CFP® at Fernandez Financial Advisory, LLC

Michael Rainey
Michael Rainey

Practitioner Lecturer of Business Law at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School

Audrey Guo
Audrey Guo

Assistant Professor of Economics at Santa Clara University

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


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