How to Get Cheap California Auto Insurance: What You Should Know (2024)
California has some of the most expensive auto insurance rates, so it is important for drivers to know how to get cheap California auto insurance. A full coverage policy in California provides the most protection, but it costs an average of $160/mo compared to $47/mo for a minimum liability policy.
Free Insurance Comparison
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Jeffrey Johnson
Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
Insurance Lawyer
UPDATED: Aug 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Aug 28, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes and legal advice should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
On This Page
- Full coverage auto insurance in California costs an average of $160 per month
- Minimum liability auto insurance in California costs an average of $47 per month
- California offers a low-cost auto insurance program to qualifying drivers
It is important for California drivers to know how to get cheap California auto insurance, as California has some of the highest auto insurance rates in the country. Before you start shopping, it is helpful to familiarize yourself with what coverages California requires, the best companies in California, and more.
Read on to get the latest tips and tricks on getting the cheapest auto insurance quotes in California. If you want to start searching for affordable California auto insurance today, use our free quote comparison tool to get started.
How to Save on California Auto Insurance Coverage
The best way to find affordable auto insurance in California is to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies. With rates varying widely between companies, it’s important to research and compare prices to get the best deal.
To save money by comparing online auto insurance quotes, start by deciding on the coverage you need and the deductible you can afford. Then, get quotes from at least three different companies.
When comparing quotes, make sure to ask about any discounts you may qualify for, such as safe driver, good student, or multi-policy discounts. With changes coming to California’s minimum coverage requirements in 2025, it’s more important than ever to shop around for the best deal. But keep in mind that cheap auto insurance may not always provide the best coverage, so be sure to balance affordability with quality coverage.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
California Auto Insurance Requirements
You can opt for minimum liability coverage that will meet the state’s legal requirements, or you can go for full coverage auto insurance that provides extra protection for your car.
So, what’s the difference? Let’s start with minimum liability coverage. This type of insurance will provide you with $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 in property damage coverage. While this may seem like enough, it’s important to note that it only covers damages to the other person’s car and medical expenses if you’re found at fault in an accident.
Dani Best Licensed Insurance Producer
On the other hand, full coverage insurance goes above and beyond the minimum requirements by including comprehensive and collision coverage. This means that your car will be protected from damage caused by theft, vandalism, storms, or accidents – regardless of who’s at fault.
Now, it’s true that full coverage does cost more than minimum liability coverage. However, if you own a car that’s less than 10 years old, it’s usually a good idea to opt for higher liability coverage limits and add comprehensive and collision coverage. This is especially true if you have a car loan or lease, as these lenders usually require you to have full coverage insurance.
Cheapest California Auto Insurance Rates
According to recent data, Geico is the undisputed champ, with an average monthly cost of just $109. And the best part? Their rates consistently beat out the competition, making them an excellent option for drivers of all kinds.
However, rates will vary depending on what coverages you choose, your driving record, and more. We go into how these factors affect your California rates in more detail.
To start, take a look below to see which auto insurance companies in California have the cheapest rates for good drivers.
California Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Minimum vs Full Coverage by Provider| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $65 | $199 |
| American Family | $45 | $138 |
| Farmers | $54 | $167 |
| Geico | $33 | $101 |
| Liberty Mutual | $70 | $216 |
| Nationwide | $47 | $142 |
| Progressive | $43 | $132 |
| State Farm | $35 | $108 |
| Travelers | $40 | $122 |
| USAA | $24 | $74 |
While full coverage is the best option, California drivers searching for affordable auto insurance should also take note of the cheapest liability-only auto insurance.
Our research has found that Geico offers the cheapest liability-only coverage for most drivers. Learn more in our Geico insurance review.
While USAA is cheaper, it is only for military members, so not every driver will qualify for USAA coverage.
California Auto Insurance Rates for Teens
Young drivers in California typically pay more for auto insurance, with an 18-year-old driver averaging $127 per month for minimum coverage.
Learn more: Average Auto Insurance Rates by Age and Gender
However, it may be worthwhile to opt for full coverage as a young driver if you drive often or have a newer vehicle. The added protection by collision and comprehensive insurance can provide valuable protection if your car is damaged or totaled in an accident.
California Auto Insurance Monthly Rates for Young Drivers by Provider| Age & Gender | Allstate | American Family | Farmers | Geico | Liberty Mutual | Progressive | State Farm | Travelers |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-Year-Old Male | $795 | $603 | $931 | $391 | $975 | $1,023 | $438 | $1,126 |
| 16-Year-Old Female | $758 | $490 | $975 | $373 | $897 | $1,007 | $389 | $890 |
| 18-Year-Old Male | $646 | $491 | $757 | $318 | $793 | $832 | $356 | $915 |
| 18-Year-Old Female | $559 | $361 | $719 | $275 | $662 | $743 | $287 | $656 |
Our extensive research has shown that State Farm, Geico, and American Family are the cheapest auto insurance companies for teens in California.
California Auto Insurance Rates for High-Risk Coverage
Now, when it comes to getting a ticket, it’s not just the fines you have to worry about — it’s also the increase in your auto insurance premiums. California drivers who get a speeding ticket can expect to pay an average of $216 per month for full coverage, which is a 49% increase from their previous premium.
In addition to speeding tickets, DUIs and at-fault accidents will also raise your rates. If you have a poor driving record, it is even more important to shop around for auto insurance coverage at different companies.
California Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Accident | One DUI | One Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $160 | $225 | $270 | $188 |
| American Family | $117 | $176 | $194 | $136 |
| Farmers | $139 | $198 | $193 | $173 |
| Geico | $80 | $132 | $216 | $106 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $234 | $313 | $212 |
| Nationwide | $115 | $161 | $237 | $137 |
| Progressive | $105 | $186 | $140 | $140 |
| State Farm | $86 | $102 | $112 | $96 |
| Travelers | $99 | $139 | $206 | $134 |
| USAA | $59 | $78 | $108 | $67 |
It’s no surprise that getting a moving violation like a speeding ticket or a DUI can lead to higher insurance rates. After all, it shows that you are a riskier driver. But with some companies like State Farm and Geico, you can still get affordable auto insurance, which will save you from years of expensive rates.
Learn more: How does a moving violation affect car insurance?
And if you can’t find auto insurance coverage because of your driving record, there is always the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan. The California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan helps connect high-risk drivers with insurance companies that will cover them.
California Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program
For those on a tight budget, you might qualify for California’s Low-Cost Auto Insurance program, which has several payment plans and no broker fees. All you need is a current California driver’s license, a car worth $25,000 or less, and an income of no more than 250% of the federal poverty level. For one person in 2021, the income limit was $32,200.
If you need help figuring out if you qualify for the program, visit the website. The program’s website has amazing tools to help you determine income cutoffs for larger households, as well as a rate calculator and a tool to find participating insurance plans.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
The Final Word on Affordable California Auto Insurance Coverage
With the tips and tools we’ve shared today, you’re well on your way to saving money on your auto insurance premiums. Remember to shop around and compare quotes from different providers, take advantage of any discounts you may qualify for, and consider alternative options like the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan and the Low-Cost Auto Insurance program.
If you want to get started on finding cheap California auto insurance coverage today, just enter your ZIP code into our free quote comparison tool and connect with agents from multiple respected insurance companies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest insurance in California?
The cheapest California auto insurance will be a minimum liability insurance policy. However, it doesn’t provide coverage for your car or your injuries if you cause an accident.
How can you lower auto insurance in California?
To get cheaper auto insurance in California, shop around at different insurance companies and maintain a good driving record.
Who has the cheapest full coverage auto insurance in California?
Some of the cheapest companies in California for full coverage auto insurance are Geico, USAA, and State Farm.
How much should auto insurance cost per month in California?
Full coverage auto insurance in California is an average of $160 per month, while minimum liability insurance in California is an average of $47 per month.
Why is California auto insurance so expensive?
California auto insurance is expensive due to a number of factors that contribute to crashes and claims, such as densely populated cities, weather, and more.
What auto insurance should I get in California?
You should get at least minimum liability insurance in California, but you should consider full coverage insurance for the best protection.
Enter your ZIP code below to compare cheap insurance rates.
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Jeffrey Johnson
Insurance Lawyer
Jeffrey Johnson is a legal writer with a focus on personal injury. He has worked on personal injury and sovereign immunity litigation in addition to experience in family, estate, and criminal law. He earned a J.D. from the University of Baltimore and has worked in legal offices and non-profits in Maryland, Texas, and North Carolina. He has also earned an MFA in screenwriting from Chapman Univer...
Insurance Lawyer
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about legal topics and insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.