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Cate Deventer is a writer, editor and insurance professional with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent. Angelica Leicht is an insurance editor on the Bankrate team. She is truly passionate about helping readers make well-informed decisions for their wallets, whether the goal is to find the right comprehensive auto policy or the best life insurance policy for their needs. Kenneth Chavis IV is a senior wealth manager who provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management and tax planning services to business owners, equity compensated executives, engineers, medical doctors and entertainers. Updated Nov 04, 2022 Compare car insurance rates Answer a few questions to discover real rates from top-tier carriers in your area. Your information is secure Compare rates Select from a variety of trusted carriers + MORE How it works Caret Down Tell us a little about yourself We'll only ask for info we're confident will impact your rate. That way, we can provide you with the most accurate and personalized offers. Choose which policy is best for you Compare your options from a list of carriers that want to get you insured. You can then move forward with as many as you'd like. Lock in your rate and policy details Once you're confident in your selected carrier, finish up the process online or on the phone with a trusted agent. And that's it! on this page
California requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance, so a car insurance policy is a necessary expense for drivers in this state. That said, there are dozens of car insurance carriers to choose from, which can make it difficult to know where to start on your search for the best car insurance companies. The good news is that Bankrate's team researched the options and may be able to help California drivers narrow them down. Based on the Bankrate editorial team's research, Geico, Progressive, State Farm, Mercury and Wawanesa offer some of the best car insurance in California. Each company's average cost of car insurance is competitive compared to California's state average, which is $2,190 per year for full coverage as of 2022. Whether you're looking for the best price, customer service, mobile app accessibility or something else entirely, Bankrate's research into the best auto insurance in California could help you find a company that fits your coverage needs and budget. See More Key takeaways As of 2022, the average cost of car insurance in California was $2,190 per year for full coverage car insurance and $619 for minimum coverage car insurance. Our research found that Geico, State Farm and Mercury are among the best car insurance companies in California. On average, full coverage car insurance in California is 24% higher than the national average rate and minimum coverage is 14%, according to our research. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in California
To choose the in California, Bankrate analyzed from Quadrant Information Services, along with third-party financial strength ratings from AM Best, customer service rankings from the , available coverage options, discounts and digital tools. This information was combined to determine a Bankrate Score, which was awarded to each company with a maximum of 5.0. By using our Bankrate Score, you may be able to more easily assess which carriers are the best fit for your unique situation.
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits: $100,000 bodily injury liability per person $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident $50,000 property damage liability per accident $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident $500 collision deductible $500 comprehensive deductible To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state's requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2020 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. We know it is important for drivers to be confident their financial protection covers the likeliest risks, is priced competitively and is provided by a financially-sound company with a history of positive customer support.
To determine how well the best car insurance companies satisfy these priorities, third-party agency ratings from , , , , and Moodys had the most impact on the companies' Bankrate Scores. As price is a common consideration for drivers, we analyzed quoted premiums based on 40-year-old male and female drivers with a 2019 Toyota Camry. This profile, assessed across more than 35,000 ZIP codes in the U.S., provided a basis on which drivers may compare each provider.
While coverage options, insurer availability, affordability and customer experience are often the top priorities, Bankrate also analyzed each insurer's online and mobile resources for policy management and claims handling. Insurance is rapidly evolving to keep pace with our digital world, so these aspects also carried weight in determining Bankrate Scores. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto with quotes from trusted providers like: Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Compare auto insurance rates
Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Save on auto with quotes from trusted providers like: Arrow Right Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Discover the best carrier for you
Get custom car insurance quotes from top-rated carriers in 3 minutes or less. Best car insurance companies in California
Bankrate's insurance editorial team determined that Geico, State Farm, Progressive, Mercury and Wawanesa are among the best car insurance companies in California. We first analyzed average annual quoted premiums, provided by Quadrant Information Services, for the largest insurance companies by market share in the Golden State. Based on our research, you might want to from the following national and regional companies if you are looking for the best auto insurance in California: Insurance company J.D. Power Average annual full coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power 824 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,721 Average annual minimum coverage premium $400 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power 817 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $2,069 Average annual minimum coverage premium $510 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power 827 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,699 Average annual minimum coverage premium $539 Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Bankrate Scores primarily reflect a weighted rank of industry-standard ratings for financial strength and customer experience in addition to analysis of quoted annual premiums from Quadrant Information Services, spanning all 50 states and Washington, D.C. J.D. Power 803 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,960 Average annual minimum coverage premium $542 J.D. Power 879 /1,000 Average annual full coverage premium $1,562 Average annual minimum coverage premium $574 Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions. Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Geico consistently offers some of the lowest average premiums across the country and California is no exception. If your primary concern is finding a cheap car insurance policy, Geico might be a good choice. However, Geico currently only sells California car insurance online; the company recently closed all physical locations in California and halted phone sales. This means the company will likely only appeal to those who feel comfortable handling their coverage digitally. Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Lower-than-average premiums Robust digital tools Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score Close XCons Only sells California auto insurance policies online Few add-on options Average annual premium by city California city Geico full coverage premium Geico minimum coverage premium Fresno $1,607 $381 Los Angeles $2,470 $589 San Diego $1,492 $362 San Francisco $1,664 $365 San Jose $1,512 $348 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: ++ Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer with 16.2% of market share, has local agents in almost in California, making the company a good choice if you want an in-person insurance experience. The company offers a robust set of that could help you save on your premium. However, State Farm received one of the lowest J.D. Power customer satisfaction score on our list of best auto insurance providers in California, scoring below average in the region. Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Local agencies available Numerous discounts Superior AM Best financial strength Close XCons Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score May not be available to high-risk drivers Average annual premium by city California city State Farm full coverage premium State Farm minimum coverage premium Fresno $1,967 $497 Los Angeles $2,816 $733 San Diego $1,903 $480 San Francisco $2,048 $471 San Jose $1,946 $467 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Mercury is a California-based insurance company with headquarters in Los Angeles, although coverage is now sold in 11 states. Mercury's coverage options and discount opportunities for its auto policies are consistent with other carriers, but it does offer for drivers who work for transportation providers like Uber or Lyft. Mercury ranked above-average in the J.D. Power study, but the company does have a from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), indicating more customer complaints than average. Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Founded and based in California Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score Local agents available Close XCons Higher-than-average NAIC complaint index Digital tools aren't as robust as some competitors Average annual premium by city California city Mercury full coverage premium Mercury minimum coverage premium Fresno $1,574 $500 Los Angeles $2,311 $735 San Diego $1,593 $515 San Francisco $2,010 $614 San Jose $1,719 $521 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: + Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Progressive offers discounts for online quotes, online purchases and more. Progressive's digital tools could also save you time managing your account and filing claims. The Name Your Price tool might be a good option if you are on a strict budget. The tool allows you to input your car insurance budget and then populates coverage options that fit your financial picture. However, Progressive does have a below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in California, so keep that in mind as you shop. Pros and cons CheckmarkPros Several discounts available Robust digital tools May have options for high-risk drivers Close XCons Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score Rates may vary between online and agency quotes Average annual premium by city California city Progressive full coverage premium Progressive minimum coverage premium Fresno $1,809 $512 Los Angeles $2,717 $735 San Diego $1,752 $505 San Francisco $2,083 $556 San Jose $1,894 $533 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. J.D. Power: AM Best: Avg. annual premium for minimum coverage: $ Avg annual premium for full coverage: $ Company overview Wawanesa might not be the most well-known insurance company on our list, but the carrier could be a great choice if you value customer service. Wawanesa ranked first in J.D. Power's 2022 Auto Insurance Study for customer satisfaction in the California region for the third consecutive year. Unfortunately, though, Wawanesa only writes car insurance in California and Oregon. If you plan to move away from either of these states and want to keep the same auto insurer, Wawanesa might not be the best choice. Pros and cons CheckmarkPros High J.D. Power customer satisfaction score Lower-than-average premium Can submit claims online, by phone or by email Close XCons Coverage is only available in CA and OR Digital tools aren't as robust as some competitors Average annual premium by city California city Wawanesa full coverage premium Wawanesa minimum coverage premium Fresno $1,421 $522 Los Angeles $2,097 $778 San Diego $1,419 $525 San Francisco $1,668 $602 San Jose $1,473 $550 Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers. Average car insurance cost in California
The is $2,190 for full coverage and $619 for minimum coverage, according to 2022 premium data obtained from Quadrant Information Services. This is 24% higher than the national average premium for full coverage, which is $1,771 per year. California drivers pay more on average than drivers in many other states, including neighboring states like , which may be due to the state's heavily congested roadways, leading to denser traffic and a higher likelihood of accident claims. Keep in mind that these rates are averages. There are many rates, and your premium will likely vary based on your personal rating factors, like your motor vehicle record, claims history and the make and model car you drive. California regulations prohibit insurers from using credit, gender or ZIP code as factors to determine your auto insurance premium. Average annual premium for minimum coverage in California Average annual premium for full coverage in California $619 $2,190
California city Average annual premium for full coverage Average annual premium for minimum coverage $2,051 $576 $2,941 $857 $1,976 $564 $2,481 $678 $2,087 $578 How to find the best car insurance in California
The best car insurance policy looks different for everyone and will depend on your needs, lifestyle and financial responsibilities. To see which might provide the best fit and options for you, here are some steps you can take. Consider minimum insurance requirements in California
California requires drivers to carry at least coverage on their vehicles to drive legally in the state. This includes the required minimum amounts of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. California also requires that insurance companies offer you uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage, along with property damage, but you can decline in writing if you do not want to have them. Understanding can help you understand if you need additional coverage or higher limits. Consider lender requirements
If you finance or lease your vehicle, you may need to purchase a car insurance policy that complies with your financial institution's requirements. For example, and insurance are typically optional coverage types, but if your car is financed, most lenders will require you to purchase them. This is commonly known as a "" policy. Your financial institution may also require you to purchase higher liability limits, especially if you lease your vehicle. You might also want to consider , which is designed to pay the difference between your vehicle's actual cash value and the loan or lease amount if your car is totaled or stolen. According to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), it is to purchase gap insurance from your insurer instead of from an auto dealer. Consider your individual needs
Every driver has a different set of auto insurance considerations. You might live in an area where traffic and tourism are heavy, like Los Angeles or San Francisco, have a to insure or maybe have a few accidents or moving violations on your . Based on your unique needs, it could make sense to have collision coverage and comprehensive coverage, uninsured motorist coverage or towing and rental reimbursement. Understanding your individual coverage needs might help you narrow down the companies you request quotes from. Households with teen drivers might look for companies with specialized young driver discounts, for example. Car insurance discounts in California
Most car insurance companies offer discounts to help you premium. Common in California include: Young driver discounts: If you have a on your policy, there could be several ways to save on your annual premium. For example, if you insure a full-time student under the age of 25, you may be able to take advantage of a good student discount. Talk to your company about potential savings for young drivers. Safe driver discounts: If you have not been in an accident or had a moving violation for a certain number of years, usually three to five, you may qualify for a good or safe driver discount. Avoiding incidents and maintaining a clean driving record also helps you avoid costly surcharges, which can stay on your policy for several years. Other discounts: Carriers that offer , like auto, home, umbrella and life policies, often give you a discount on each policy that you buy. And if you belong to certain organizations, like membership clubs or alumni associations, you might qualify for a discount with some insurance carriers. Discounts vary by provider, so talking with your insurance agent or a company representative might be helpful in determining what savings opportunities are available. Unlike most other states, California does not permit , so this will not be a discount opportunity for drivers to save money on car insurance in CA. Frequently asked questions
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in California is around $2,190 per year, which is 24% more than the national average of $1,771 annually. However, each car insurance company has its own method for calculating rates, and rates also depend heavily on your own individual rating factors. For this reason, the actual premium cost may be different for every person and your premium could be higher or lower than the .
Each driver has a unique driving record and their own coverage preference and needs, which means that the best car insurance company in California varies for every driver. If you're trying to find the best car insurance company in California, you may want to start with assessing what your needs and preferences are. By understanding what you want out of a policy - whether that is the cheapest premium, a local and licensed insurance agent, a range of coverage options or something else entirely - you may be able to more easily identify which carriers are the best for you. Once you know which insurance companies may fit with your needs, you can request personalized quotes to compare the cost of coverage.
Based on Bankrate's research, Geico and AAA offered some of the when comparing average rates on car insurance. But while minimum coverage car insurance may offer the cheapest auto insurance costs on average, many insurance professionals suggest that drivers obtain higher limits and more coverage than the minimum for increased financial protection. According to our study, average rates from Capital, Wawanesa and Mercury were the most competitive for full coverage car insurance. With some research and quote comparisons from multiple companies, it's possible to find the for your needs.
Credit score is a common factor that car insurance companies consider while determining auto insurance rates, but not in California. The state of California is one of a handful that does not allow car insurance companies to consider your credit rating as a factor when calculating car insurance rates. What this means is that your credit score will not affect your car insurance costs in this state, whether your credit rating is poor, good or excellent.
(CLCA) offers potential savings on car insurance for drivers who meet low-income requirements. However, auto policies offered through CLCA come with certain caveats, including coverage limits below state minimum requirements. Due to its strict eligibility requirements, CLCA is not intended to be an option for most drivers looking for cheap car insurance in the private marketplace.
Self-insuring is an option for auto insurance in California but has several stipulations. In addition to providing proof of an auto insurance policy, there are a few ways to satisfy California's financial responsibility requirements. You can your vehicle, provide a cash deposit of $35,000 or a surety bond for $35,000 from a qualifying company. Written by Cate Deventer Insurance Writer & Editor Cate Deventer is a writer, editor and insurance professional with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent. Angelica Leicht is an insurance editor on the Bankrate team. She is truly passionate about helping readers make well-informed decisions for their wallets, whether the goal is to find the right comprehensive auto policy or the best life insurance policy for their needs. Kenneth Chavis IV is a senior wealth manager who provides comprehensive financial planning, investment management and tax planning services to business owners, equity compensated executives, engineers, medical doctors and entertainers.