In our analysis, CSAA emerges as the most affordable option for high-risk car insurance in California. It offers the best rates for young drivers, senior drivers and those with a speeding ticket, accident or DUI.
High-Risk Car Insurance CA
Updated: May 20, 2025
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Key Takeaways
CSAA, AAA and Capital Insurance Group are the most affordable providers for high-risk drivers seeking either state minimum or full coverage options in California.
Annual premiums for high-risk drivers can vary significantly, with the lowest being $668 and the highest reaching $4,746, depending on the coverage and company chosen.
To secure the best deal on high-risk car insurance, evaluate your coverage needs, explore average costs and discounts, and compare offerings from different insurers.
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in CA
| CSAA | Young Drivers | $18 |
| CSAA | Senior Drivers | $20 |
| CSAA | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $18 |
| CSAA | Drivers With an Accident | $18 |
| CSAA | Drivers With a DUI | $50 |
*Rates shown are for minimum car insurance policies modifying a base profile of a 40-year-old driver with good credit and no driving violations.
Compare Cheap CA High-Risk Car Insurance Providers
While the table above gives an overview of affordable options for high-risk insurance, it doesn't cover every unique driver profile. Below, you'll find a table to compare rates from top providers tailored to your needs.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:22-29
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Driving Record:Accident $1000-$1999 Prop Dmg
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
| CSAA | $57 | $685 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $159 | $1,903 |
| AAA | $163 | $1,959 |
| GEICO | $204 | $2,446 |
| State National | $214 | $2,570 |
How Much is High-Risk Car Insurance in CA?
Overall, high-risk car insurance costs in California can range anywhere from $56 to $395 monthly, depending on your unique combination of pricing factors. Below, you can compare average pricing for your profile by filtering the table.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:22-29
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Driving Record:Clean
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Credit:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| $69 | $833 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
HOW LONG DO DRIVING VIOLATIONS AFFECT CAR INSURANCE RATES?
When it comes to car insurance in California, your driving record plays a big role. Major offenses, like DUIs or reckless driving, can impact your insurance costs for up to 10 years.
If you've had minor violations, expect them to affect your rates for about three to five years after the incident. Each insurance company has its own rules on how long your rates will be influenced by its policies.
California High-Risk Car Insurance: Buyer's Guide
Finding car insurance as a high-risk driver can be challenging. Our guide helps you understand what makes you high-risk, how to find affordable providers, and what to do if most insurers deny you.
What Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?
The following is a list of various types of drivers that are considered high-risk to auto insurance companies:
- Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
- Senior drivers over 60
- Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
- Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage
Tips To Find the Best High-Risk Car Insurance in CA
Below, you'll find key tips to save money and choose the best provider for high-risk car insurance in the Golden State.
- 1
Decide What Coverage You Need
To make informed choices and resist pressure from agents, determine your car insurance needs before comparing companies. This includes assessing add-ons like rideshare coverage and roadside assistance. You can use our car insurance coverage calculator to find out how much auto insurance you need.
- 2
Research Average Costs and Discounts
Understanding average costs and available discounts helps you evaluate deals effectively. Look into state-certified defensive driving courses, which can potentially save you up to 10% on premiums. By knowing these averages and discounts, you'll be better equipped to choose your insurance provider wisely while keeping costs down.
- 3
Consider Non-Traditional Coverage Options
Exploring pay-per-mile and usage-based insurance can lead to savings for those who drive safely or infrequently. Companies like Geico offer telematics programs that monitor driving habits, offering the potential for up to 30% savings. These innovative options can be a great choice for low-income drivers seeking affordable plans.
- 4
Compare Multiple Providers
Evaluate at least three insurers to gauge offerings. Utilize independent brokers and online comparison tools to get varied quotes. Ensure comparisons are consistent, so you can accurately assess how different providers measure up. By considering these options, you can find affordable insurance that meets your needs.
What To Do if You Get Denied Coverage in California
Car insurance is a voluntary market. Companies can deny you coverage if they find you too risky. But don't worry, you can still get a plan through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) if you're rejected.
Below, we've provided contact information if you want to start the process.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PT
caarp@aipso.com
Phone
(800) 622-0954
Fax
(415) 421-4013
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 6530
Providence, RI 02940-6530
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in CA: Bottom Line
Based on our research, CSAA, AAA, and Capital Insurance Group offer the cheapest high-risk insurance in California. While this is what we found, we recommend you do your own research to compare costs and find the best deal. If you are denied coverage, don't worry—there are programs available to help you get affordable coverage.
CA Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers: FAQ
Below are answers to common questions about high-risk car insurance in California.
What is the cheapest high-risk car insurance provider in California?
In California, CSAA offers the most affordable high-risk car insurance, particularly for drivers with a DUI, at $50 per month.
What do I do if I get denied for coverage?
If you've been denied coverage, approach AIPSO for assistance in locating a plan. They offer options to high-risk individuals.
How much more expensive is high-risk car insurance in California?
High-risk car insurance in California can be significantly more expensive. For example, a DUI can increase premiums by 135% to 140%, with a monthly difference of $176 to $227 compared with a clean record for drivers aged 30 to 59.
How We Chose The Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance in California
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
All high-risk profiles are modifications based on our base profile of the following:
- 40-year-old driver
- 12,000 annual mileage
- Clean driving record
- Good credit
High-risk profiles considered for are young drivers, seniors, and those with bad credit or records of an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI.
We also considered combinations of all of these factors to get a comprehensive view and maintain accuracy and personalization with our recommendations.
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.