Cost of Auto Insurance in California

California’s more than 26 million drivers – which is more drivers than any other state – enjoy average rates compared to the rest of the country. Californians don’t need uninsured motorist coverage to drive legally and have low liability insurance requirements (we’ll get into the specific numbers below). This contributes to the moderate insurance rates.

Auto insurance providers consider several factors when calculating your insurance costs, including your ZIP code, age, traffic violation history, and other relevant determinants. Read on for a detailed breakdown of what drivers in California can expect to pay for minimum or full coverage car insurance.

By Marital Status

Married couples will pay less for car insurance on average because they tend to file fewer claims, receive fewer traffic violations, and make on-time payments. All of these factors impact how providers determine the rates of drivers based on marital status.

By Coverage Level

It’s no surprise that minimum coverage costs significantly less than full coverage. Although you only need minimum liability in California to drive legally, we recommend tacking on full coverage (comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured, and medical payments coverage) and increasing your limits as much as you can afford.

By Driving History

Auto insurance companies rely heavily on driving history when determining your rates. As you may have guessed, drivers with histories of DUIs, accidents, and traffic violations will pay significantly more for auto insurance than safe drivers, on average.

By Company

Below you can find California’s average auto insurance rates based on the company. Because companies cater to different types of drivers, your actual costs could be higher or lower based on your unique driving background and personal needs.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in California

Different providers fill different needs in the auto insurance market. USAA, for example, offers the cheapest coverage in California but is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. Esurance and GEICO, on the other hand, offer the best rates for younger drivers.

Here’s the full breakdown of the cheapest car insurance by your driving and personal background.

How to Save on Car Insurance in California

For some drivers, car insurance in California is expensive; for some, it’s too expensive to afford. That’s why California created the California Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) in 1999: to provide income-eligible, safe drivers with liability insurance at affordable rates. In order to qualify, you need to meet the following requirements:

• Have a valid California driver’s license
• Own a vehicle with a value of $25,000 or less
• Have an income that is equal to or lower than:
  • $32,200 for one person
  • $43,550 for two people
  • $54,900 for three people
  • $66,250 for four people³

Outside of the CLCA program, follow best practices to get cheaper rates:

1. Compare quotes to find the most competitive rates.
2. Increase your deductibles to lower your premiums.
3. Ask your agent about pay-per-mile options if you don’t drive often.
4. Drive safely over time.
5. Ask about additional discounts you may not be aware of.

State Minimums

Here are the minimum car insurance requirements in California:

• $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person
• $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
• $5,000 for property damage liability per accident⁴

California Fault Law

California is an at-fault state, which means that the driver responsible for an accident has to pay for the damages/injuries relating to the accident.

California follows a pure comparative negligence fault law, which means that you can recover some claims for damages regardless of your percentage of fault. So even if you are 99 percent at fault, you can still recover 1 percent of your damages in an accident, as your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.⁵

California SR-22s

If you’re convicted of a serious traffic violation, you might have to request that your insurance provider file an SR-22 in California on your behalf. An SR-22 confirms that you have at least the minimum California auto insurance requirements.

Here are some reasons you might need an SR-22 in California:

• You were uninsured and got into an accident.
• You’re restoring your driving privileges after a DUI.
• You got into a hit-and-run and have an outstanding judgment, or the unreported accident resulted in death, property damage/bodily injuries of over $1,000, or you were driving without insurance.

According to the California DMV, you could get your license suspended if you don’t maintain your SR-22 certification for as long as the state requires you to have one.