Cheapest Car Insurance in California

GEICO has the most affordable full coverage car insurance at $90 monthly ($1,085 yearly), saving you 35% or $584 annually compared to the state average. Progressive comes in second at $91 monthly ($1,095 yearly), saving you 34% or $572 annually compared to the state average. Switching to GEICO saves you modest $12 annually compared to Progressive.

Should you opt for cheaper minimum coverage or full coverage in California?  Though state minimum liability car insurance is cheaper, it won't protect your car.  Full coverage gives you collision coverage, protecting your car from an at-fault accident and comprehensive, which covers you from theft, weather damange, or vandalism.

GEICO leads the market for drivers who need the cheapest liability-only rates. GEICO is the cheapest for minimum coverage at $39 monthly ($465 yearly), saving you 40% or $310 annually compared to the state average. State Farm is the second lowest cost at $46 monthly ($556 yearly), saving you 28% or $219 annually compared to the state average. Choosing GEICO saves you $91 yearly compared to State Farm.

GEICO is the cheapest carrier in all of California's 20 largest cities, saving you up to 43% or $308 annually versus city averages. San Jose has the lowest minimum coverage at $36 monthly with GEICO, while Los Angeles runs $58 monthly. That's a $264 yearly gap between the two largest metros, so your city matters when shopping rates in California.

Wawanesa Insurance is the cheapest for teens at $177 monthly for 16-year-olds, saving you 36% or $1,195 annually compared to the state average. They are also cheapest for ages 17 and 18-year old drivers. GEICO comes in with the lowest cost for 19-year-olds at $111 monthly, saving you 32% or $531 annually. Young adults will see lower rates as they age. By age 25, CSAA drops you to $52 monthly for minimum coverage and $137 for full coverage. 
Teens in California will save by remaining on their families' policy, keeping a clean driving record, and qualifying for good student discounts.

GEICO is the cheapest for seniors. At age 70, you'll pay $56 monthly for minimum coverage or $121 monthly for full coverage, saving you 33% or $331 to $615 annually compared to the state average depending on your coverage choice. At age 80, GEICO costs $60 monthly for minimum coverage or $129 for full coverage, saving you 40% or $480 to $720 annually. Most seniors qualify for additional discounts, making GEICO an even better deal.  We also recommend lowering your mileage estimate if you drive less to save up to another 30% in California.

GEICO is the cheapest for DUI minimum coverage at $93 monthly, saving you 40% or $744 annually compared to the state average. Progressive comes in second at $112 monthly, saving you 33% or $600 annually compared to the state average. You'll save $228 yearly by choosing GEICO over Progressive for minimum coverage. For full coverage after a DUI, GEICO remains the most affordable option at $212 monthly. You'll save $1,140 yearly on full coverage by choosing GEICO over Progressive at $228.

For drivers who need the cheapest SR-22 insurance for minimum coverage, CSAA is the cheapest at $69 monthly, saving you 41% or $575 annually compared to the state average. GEICO comes in second at $74 monthly, saving you 41% or $516 annually compared to the state average. You'll save $60 yearly by choosing CSAA over GEICO for minimum coverage. For SR-22 full coverage, GEICO is your best rate at $164 monthly, saving you $60 yearly versus CSAA at $169 monthly.

GEICO is the best option for cheap insurance after an accident at $69 monthly for minimum coverage, saving you 35% or $446 annually compared to the state average. Progressive comes in second at $82 monthly, saving you 29% or $361 annually compared to the state average. You'll save $156 yearly by choosing GEICO over Progressive for minimum coverage. 
For full coverage, GEICO remains cheapest at $152 monthly. Expect rates to jump 20% to 40% after an at fault accident in California.

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

California prohibits credit based insurance pricing, so bad credit doesn't hike your rates. GEICO is the cheapest at $60 monthly for minimum coverage, saving you 44% or $566 annually compared to the state average. Progressive comes in second at $76 monthly, saving you 36% or $461 annually compared to the state average. You'll save $192 yearly by choosing GEICO over Progressive.

Your location, driving history, age and credit score directly impact car insurance costs in California. You can save hundreds of dollars annually through smart shopping and comparing insurers.  Here are the strategies to use to lower your rates in California:

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

We analyzed quotes from 12 major insurers across California's residential ZIP codes, comparing over 200 million rates. Our baseline uses a 40-year-old driver with a clean record. Since California prohibits credit score and gender-based pricing, driving history and location are your biggest rate factors.

We compared two coverage levels: minimum coverage (15/30/5 liability) and full coverage ($100,000/$300,000/$100,100 liability plus comprehensive and collision with a $1,000 deductible). Rates vary dramatically by region—Los Angeles and San Francisco drivers often pay double what rural drivers pay for identical coverage.# Cheapest Car Insurance in California

For more information, see the detailed methodology here.