Cheapest Car Insurance in California in 2022 Bankrate Caret RightMain Menu Mortgage Mortgages Financing a home purchase Refinancing your existing loan Finding the right lender Additional Resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Bank Banking Compare Accounts Use calculators Get advice Bank reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Credit Card Credit cards Compare by category Compare by credit needed Compare by issuer Get advice Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Caret RightMain Menu Loan Loans Personal Loans Student Loans Auto Loans Loan calculators Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Invest Investing Best of Brokerages and robo-advisors Learn the basics Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Home Equity Home equity Get the best rates Lender reviews Use calculators Knowledge base Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Loan Home Improvement Real estate Selling a home Buying a home Finding the right agent Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Insurance Insurance Car insurance Homeowners insurance Other insurance Company reviews Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Caret RightMain Menu Retirement Retirement Retirement plans & accounts Learn the basics Retirement calculators Additional resources Elevate your Bankrate experience Get insider access to our best financial tools and content Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249) Advertiser Disclosure
Advertiser Disclosure
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money
The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. 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. Cheapest car insurance in California in 2022
Cate Deventer is a writer, editor and insurance professional with over a decade of experience in the insurance industry as a licensed insurance agent. Mariah Posey is an auto and homeowners insurance writer and editor for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by keeping the reader at the forefront of her mind in her work. Mark Friedlander is director of corporate communications at III, a nonprofit organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance. Updated Nov 11, 2022 Find cheaper car insurance Get on the road to savings. Spend 3 minutes and save up to $610 on your insurance. Your information is secure Next Select from a variety of trusted carriers + MORE How it works Caret Down Get matched with personalized offers Tell us a little about yourself so we can share accurate and personalized offers. We only ask for info we know will impact your rate. Choose the best policy for you Compare your options from carriers who want to work with you, and select as many offers as you'd like. Finalize your rate and policy details Once you pick the carrier you want, finish the process by phone with an trusted agent or entirely online. That's it! On This Page
Drivers in the Golden State pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the nation, but finding affordable coverage is possible. While the national average cost of car insurance is $1,771 per year for full coverage, the average cost of car insurance in California is $2,190 per year for full coverage. Minimum coverage in California is higher too on average, at $619 per year compared to the national average of $545 per year. However, Bankrate's research found that Geico offered some of the cheapest average rates on a policy for minimum coverage, while Capital offered some of the cheapest average rates for full coverage. To find cheap car insurance companies in California, Bankrate analyzed average premiums from hundreds of providers to ease your search for the best car insurance for your budget. Key takeaways Weed, Trinidad and Calexico are some of the cheapest cities in California when it comes to minimum coverage car insurance. Geico, AAA and Travelers offer some of the cheapest average rates for minimum coverage car insurance in the state. How Bankrate chose the cheapest car insurance companies in California
To find the in California, Bankrate's insurance editorial team first obtained 2022 premium data from Quadrant Information Services for the largest car insurance companies by market share in California. We also reviewed each company's available coverage types, discounts, customer satisfaction scores and financial strength ratings. This means that these companies offer affordable rates as well as robust coverage and highly-rated service to policyholders. If you are looking for the cheapest car insurance companies in California, the following carriers might be a good fit, depending on what coverage level you are looking for.
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. Teen driver: Rates were determined by adding a 16-year-old teen to a 40-year-old married parent's policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents' policy. Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction. The cheapest car insurance companies in California
Whether you're looking for a minimum or full coverage car insurance policy, Bankrate's insurance experts researched dozens of carriers to help you find affordable car insurance in California coverage that fits your needs and budgets. Here are our top picks for low-cost car insurance in California. 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. The cheapest companies for minimum coverage in California
When it comes to cheap , you will at least need to have the state required minimum coverage to meet state laws. On average, minimum coverage car insurance in California costs an average of $619 per year. Geico offers some of the cheapest rates for minimum coverage premiums in California, based on our analysis of average rate data. Because minimum coverage provides the lowest level of financial protection that you can purchase in California, premiums tend to be lower. Most insurance professionals recommend that you purchase higher liability limits if you can afford to so that you are not financially devastated from a major loss if you are ruled at fault in an auto accident. But if minimum coverage is all you can afford, here are some of the cheapest car insurance companies in California for minimum coverage: Insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium $400 Average monthly minimum coverage premium $33 Average annual minimum coverage premium $440 Average monthly minimum coverage premium $37 Average annual minimum coverage premium $497 Average monthly minimum coverage premium $41 Average annual minimum coverage premium $510 Average monthly minimum coverage premium $43 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. The cheapest companies for full coverage in California
In California, full coverage an average of $2,109 per year. Our research revealed that regional carriers Capital and Wawanesa have the lowest average cost for full coverage car insurance in California. adds optional comprehensive coverage and collision coverage to your policy, giving you financial protection for damage to your vehicle as well as damage that you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Insurance company Average annual full coverage premium Average monthly full coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium $1,493 Average monthly full coverage premium $124 Average annual full coverage premium $1,562 Average monthly full coverage premium $130 Average annual full coverage premium $1,699 Average monthly full coverage premium $142 Average annual full coverage premium $1,721 Average monthly full coverage premium $143 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. Factors that impact cheap rates in California
If you have recently experienced a life event, like moving to a new location or getting married, or getting into an accident or adding a teen driver to your policy, you may be wondering how to save on car insurance in California. Every car insurance company rates the following scenarios differently, so you may want to shop around to see if you could find any additional savings opportunities: Insuring a teen driver
can be expensive, especially because their lack of driving experience makes them statistically more likely to be involved in accidents. But there are cheap car insurance companies for teen drivers and many carriers offer student discounts to help you reduce your rate. Car insurance company Average annual full coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium $3,549 $757 $4,189 $892 CSE $3,291 $950 State Farm $3,529 $999 Getting a speeding ticket
As an unsafe driving behavior, speeding could lead to more severe accidents. If it's your first speeding ticket, you may be able to save on car insurance in California by and paying a fine. However, if you receive a , your rates could increase for three to five years. Car insurance company Average annual full coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium $2,885 $546 Grange $2,711 $578 Geico $2,397 $580 Travelers $2,591 $653 Getting into an at-fault accident
generally increase your premium for three to five years. If you have been involved in an accident, you can expect to receive a surcharge regardless of the car insurance company (unless you have on your policy), but shopping around could help you find cheap insurance in California. Car insurance company Average annual full coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium AAA $2,885 $546 Grange $2,711 $578 Geico $2,553 $651 Travelers $2,851 $725 Being deemed a high-risk driver
are generally drivers with one or more speeding tickets, at-fault accidents or on their records. While you will likely pay more for coverage as a high-risk driver, there are steps you can take to lower your premium, including taking advantage of discounts. Car insurance company Average annual full coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium Grange $3,389 $723 National General $2,141 $758 Mercury $2,801 $865 Geico $3,749 $917 Cheapest cities in California for minimum coverage
The specific city where you reside can play a significant role in your California car insurance savings. Densely populated areas like , and generally have a higher cost of living, which includes higher auto insurance premiums. Based on our research, the for minimum coverage are: City City average annual minimum coverage premium Cheapest car insurance company Company average annual minimum coverage premium Weed $408 Geico $208 Trinidad $424 Geico $248 Calexico $427 Geico $206 San Ardo $427 Geico $204 Cheapest cities in California for full coverage
When it comes to cheap California car insurance for full coverage, prices are generally higher than they are for minimum coverage. This is because full coverage provides more financial protection and includes coverage for damage to your car. The cost of vehicle repairs also plays a role in how cheap or expensive full coverage car insurance is. In cities with higher costs of living, like and , full coverage may cost more. These five small California cities have some of the cheapest average full coverage car insurance rates based on Bankrate's analysis: City City average annual full coverage premium Cheapest car insurance company Company average annual full coverage premium Weed $1,616 Capital $1,045 Los Osos $1,629 Mercury $1,222 Mount Shasta $1,632 Capital $1.178 Cambria $1,647 Mercury $1,114 Minimum coverage requirements for California drivers
Like most states, California designates the minimum amount of car insurance that drivers must purchase to . If you live in California, you must carry at least the following : $15,000 bodily injury liability per person $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident $5,000 property damage liability per accident According to the , the estimated uninsured motorist rate in California is 16.6%, the 10th worst in the U.S. As a result of this high rate, auto insurers in the Golden State are required to offer you and underinsured motorist coverage, although you can decline these options in writing. California residents can also satisfy the state's "financial responsibility law" for high-risk drivers by providing a $35,000 cash deposit or surety bond to the DMV in lieu of car insurance. This typically applies to drivers with DUIs and other major infractions on their motor vehicle records. Although state minimum coverage is all that is required to drive legally, most insurance experts recommend that you purchase higher levels of liability to have financial peace of mind. Car accidents can be expensive, and if the damages and injuries you cause exceed your insurance amount, you will have to pay for the overage out of pocket. Additionally, if you have a loan or lease, you may be required to carry full coverage. Frequently asked questions
The will vary based on your needs and wants. Each driver brings unique preferences to their search for car insurance. For example, you might be looking for the cheapest auto insurance in California while another driver might want a company that offers user-friendly policy management and claims-filing capabilities via a mobile app. Making a list of the features, coverage types and discounts that you are looking for and then getting quotes from a few companies might help you find a good carrier for your circumstances.
Auto insurance premiums vary based on more than a dozen rating factors. California has a large population and is a top tourist destination in the U.S., which means that roadways can be crowded. More vehicles on the road typically leads to a higher likelihood of accidents. Additionally, the cost of living in California is higher than it is in many other parts of the country. That means that the cost for medical care, vehicle parts, labor and legal fees might all be higher, and those factors can change the cost of your insurance coverage. Remember, though, that your rate is based on your individual rating factors, so it's possible to find cheap auto insurance in California that may be less than the Golden State's average cost for car insurance.
Car insurance in California can be expensive, but it is important to have an active policy in place before you hit the road. Driving without insurance is a serious offense and could even be classified as a misdemeanor in the state. If you are caught in place, you may be subjected to fines up to $1,000, have your license suspended and your vehicle impounded, and even be sentenced to jail for up to six months. If you cause an accident without insurance, you will be held financially and legally responsible for the damages and injuries that you cause. This could be financially devastating to you and your family and could also result in a major lawsuit filed against you. Having insurance coverage not only helps to protect other drivers, but also protects your own financial health.
In California, car insurance companies can consider personal factors, such as your age, location, years of driving experience, driving record and past claims, when calculating your car insurance rates. However, your gender and whether you have in California won't matter, as both are not permitted as rating factors in the state. Your vehicle, including the year, make and model, as well as annual mileage will impact your rates, as will any coverage selections and add-on options. Compare rates and save on auto insurance today! Get quotes Close X 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. Mariah Posey is an auto and homeowners insurance writer and editor for Bankrate.com. She aims to make the insurance journey as convenient as possible by keeping the reader at the forefront of her mind in her work. Mark Friedlander is director of corporate communications at III, a nonprofit organization focused on providing consumers with a better understanding of insurance.