Best car insurance in California (2024)

The best car insurance companies in California are American National, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA — though rates will depend on your driving record and other factors.

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By

Rachael BrennanSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertRachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.&Andrew HurstSenior Editor & Licensed Auto Insurance ExpertAndrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Edited by

Anna SwartzAnna SwartzSenior Managing EditorAnna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.
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Reviewed by

Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Ian Bloom, CFP®, RLP®Certified Financial PlannerIan Bloom, CFP®, RLP®, is a certified financial planner and a member of the Financial Review Council at Policygenius. Previously, he was a financial advisor at MetLife and MassMutual.

Updated|4 min read

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We found that Wawanesa has the cheapest car insurance rates in California, at an average of $80 per month. That’s $959 per year, or $878 cheaper than the average cost for a full-coverage policy in California.

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Our other picks for the best and cheapest car insurance in California are GEICO, USAA, Mercury, and National General. You should be sure to compare rates before buying coverage to find the cheapest company for you.

Average cost per month

Wawanesa

$80

GEICO

$122

USAA

$125

Mercury Insurance

$127

National General

$130

Methodology & why you can trust our rates

Policygenius has analyzed car insurance rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for every ZIP code in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. For full coverage policies, the following coverage limits were used:

  • Bodily injury liability: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Property damage liability: $50,000

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident

  • Comprehensive: $500 deductible

  • Collision: $500 deductible

In some cases, additional coverages were added where required by state or insurer.

Rates for overall average rate, rates by ZIP code, and cheapest companies determined using averages for single drivers ages 30, 35, and 45. Our sample vehicle was a 2017 Toyota Camry LE driven 10,000 miles/year.

Rates for driving violations and “Poor” credit determined using average rates for a single male 30-year-old driver with a credit score under 578.

Some carriers may be represented by affiliates or subsidiaries. Rates provided are a sample of costs. Your actual quotes may differ.

Cheapest car insurance companies in California

Wawanesa

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange starEmpty gray star

3.8

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

B

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Good student discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

Wawanesa has some of the cheapest car insurance rates in California, and average rates are even low after an accident or driving violation. It’s a great choice if sticking to a budget is your number one priority.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Lower-than-average rates

  • Top customer service ratings in California

  • Offers online claims and customer service options

Cons

  • Only available in California

  • No mobile app

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Wawanesa:

Wawanesa is one of the cheapest car insurance companies in California (it only sells car insurance in California and Oregon). Rates are lower than average even after an accident or driving violation. You may also be able to find cheap coverage with Wawanesa with a teen driver on your policy.

Wawanesa doesn’t offer gap insurance, so you might need to consider another insurance company if that’s required by your lessor or lender. Wawanesa does offer roadside assistance, special equipment coverage, and OEM parts coverage.

How does the cost of car insurance from Wawanesa compare to average in California?

The average cost of car insurance from Wawanesa in California is $80 a month or $959 per year, which is 48% cheaper than the statewide average.

GEICO

Logo for GEICO insurance company

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange star

4.7

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Offers classic car insurance

All 50 states

Offers motorcycle insurance

Good student discount

Mobile app

Usage-based discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

GEICO has cheaper-than-average rates in California, even for high-risk drivers. GEICO’s in-app tools and convenience set it ahead of competitors.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Available in all 50 states

  • Easy-to-use digital tools

  • Plenty of discounts

Cons

  • Only sells through GEICO agents

  • Doesn’t underwrite its other products

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose GEICO

GEICO is one of the best car insurance companies in California thanks to its low rates and wide availability. GEICO has cheap average rates even for California drivers with bad credit or newly-licensed drivers at home.

We also like GEICO’s convenient mobile app, which lets you estimate what repairs to your vehicle might cost after an accident. Even though it’s one of the largest insurance companies in the country, GEICO gets fewer complaints from its customers than expected.

How does the cost of car insurance from GEICO compare to average in California?

The average cost of car insurance from GEICO in California is $122 a month or $1,465 per year, which is 20% cheaper than the statewide average.

USAA

USAA logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange starFull orange star

5.0

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A++

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

All 50 states

Bundle home & auto

Coverage for rideshare drivers

Good student discount

Usage-based discount

Offers classic car insurance

Mobile app

Offers motorcycle insurance

Why we chose itchevron icon

USAA has some of the best car insurance rates in California and some of the highest customer service ratings of any company. Its add-ons, which include gap insurance, are basic but will probably suffice for most drivers.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Low rates

  • Available nationwide

  • High customer service ratings

Cons

  • Only available to military members and their families

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose USAA:

If you’re an active or retired member of the military or a part of a military family, USAA has some of the best car insurance in California. USAA also offers gap coverage, which you need if you have a loan on your car or lease it.

USAA also has outstanding customer service, and frequently earns top scores from trusted third-party J.D. Power. It receives about an average number of complaints for the industry, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

How does the cost of car insurance from USAA compare to average in California?

The average cost of car insurance from USAA in California is $125 a month or $1,502 per year, which is 18% cheaper than the statewide average.

Mercury

Mercury home and auto insurance logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starEmpty gray starEmpty gray star

3.2

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Coverage for rideshare drivers

Bundle home & auto

Good student discount

Mobile app

Usage-based discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

Mercury offers drivers fewer add-ons and endorsements than other companies, but you can still find affordable rates in California even with an accident or driving violation on your record.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Low-mileage discount saves you money for driving less

  • Offers rideshare coverage

Cons

  • No gap insurance or new car replacement coverage

  • Low customer service ratings

  • Higher-than-average rates

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose Mercury:

Mercury is one of the top car insurance companies in California because of its low average rates. You may even be able to find affordable car insurance with Mercury if you have an accident, DUI, or another driving violation on your record.

Mercury offers a few different discount options, including savings for signing up for automatic payments, paying your yearly bill in full, or signing up for Mercury’s per-mile insurance option.

How does the cost of car insurance from Mercury compare to average in California?

The average cost of car insurance from Mercury in California is $127 a month or $1,520 per year, which is 17% cheaper than the statewide average.

National General

National General logo

Policygenius rating 

Our proprietary rating methodology takes multiple factors into account, including customer satisfaction, cost, financial strength, and policy offerings. See the "methodology" section for more details.

Full orange starFull orange starFull orange starHalf orange starEmpty gray star

3.5

AM Best rating 

AM Best is a global credit rating agency that scores the financial strength of insurance companies on a scale from A++ (Superior) to D (Poor).

A+

Cost 

Using a mix of internal and external rate data, we grade the cost of each insurance company's premiums on a scale from least expensive ($) to most expensive ($$$$$).

$

$

$

$

$

Bundle home & auto

Mobile app

Usage-based discount

Why we chose itchevron icon

National General is mostly known as a nonstandard insurance company, but it also offers insurance to you if you haven’t been in an accident or received a violation before.

Pros and conschevron icon

Pros

  • Offers emergency expense allowance of up to $500

  • Affordable option for high-risk drivers

  • Online customer service available

Cons

  • Higher-than-average rates

  • Few additional coverage options

More detailschevron icon

Why we chose National General:

National General is among the top car insurance companies in STATE, especially if you have a hard time finding affordable coverage thanks to your driving record. National General’s rates for high-risk drivers are often very low, on average.

Coverage from National General is pretty straightforward, meaning there’s not much room for customization outside of adding roadside assistance and accidental death and dismemberment to a basic policy. But if you want a simple policy, this might be right for you.

How does the cost of car insurance from National General compare to average in STATE?

The average cost of car insurance from National General in STATE is $XX a month or $X,XXX per year, which is XX% cheaper than the statewide average.

Best car insurance companies in California

The best car insurance company in California is Wawanesa, according to J.D. Power’s 2023 Auto Insurance Study, which ranks companies based on price, transparency, and overall satisfaction. [1]

USAA, and Mercury are some of our other picks for the best and cheapest companies in California, since they offer both cheap average rates and J.D. Power scores that are above the statewide average of 820.

Company

Score

1

USAA

871

2

Wawanesa

843

3

CONNECT by AmFam

839

4

Auto Club of Southern California

832

5

GEICO

830

Cheapest car insurance companies by age in California

Compared to their older counterparts, young adult drivers typically have very high insurance rates. That’s because their inexperience behind the wheel means they are more likely to be in an accident and make a claim than older drivers.

We found that the cheapest company in California for young drivers is Wawanesa.

Age

Cheapest company

Average cost

16

Wawanesa

$1,991

18

Wawanesa

$1,717

21

Wawanesa

$1,285

25

Wawanesa

$1,081

30

Wawanesa

$988

35

Wawanesa

$957

45

Wawanesa

$934

55

Wawanesa

$906

60

Wawanesa

$881

65

Wawanesa

$881

70

Wawanesa

$904

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Choosing the right car insurance company in California

Choosing the best car insurance company for you doesn’t have to be difficult. There are several factors to consider, including:

  • Cost: Nobody wants to pay too much for car insurance, so getting quotes from multiple companies can help you find the most affordable option.

  • Coverage: Choosing a plan that offers enough coverage to protect you in case of an accident is vitally important. Before you shop, figure out how much car insurance you need.

  • Customer service: Having an easy, painless experience when buying a policy or filing a claim is extremely valuable and could even be worth paying a little more for insurance coverage.

If you're ready to start shopping for insurance, Policygenius can help you compare options and find the right insurance coverage for your needs.

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

We don't sell your information to third parties.

Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in California

Having an accident or a traffic ticket can make your car insurance rates more expensive, and it can make it especially hard to find car insurance if you're deemed too high-risk a driver.

Wawanesa is the cheapest car insurance company in California If you have an accident or driving violation on your record. If you can't find coverage, consider looking for a policy on CAARP, California's high-risk market.

A bar graph showing the cheapest car insurance companies in California, where Wawanesa has the best rates.

Violation

Wawanesa

GEICO

USAA

Mercury Insurance

National General Insurance

United Financial Casualty Company

At-fault accident

$1,488

$2,690

$2,156

$2,655

$2,365

$3,604

Suspended license

$1,399

$2,689

$3,132

$2,529

$2,248

$3,835

Open container

$1,748

$3,764

$3,332

$2,529

$1,680

$3,357

Expired registration

$1,399

$2,427

$1,693

$2,023

$1,680

$3,604

Driving without lights

$1,399

$2,427

$1,546

$2,023

$1,680

$3,604

Running a red light

$1,399

$2,427

$1,693

$2,023

$1,680

$3,604

Following too closely

$1,399

$2,427

$1,693

$2,023

$1,680

$3,604

Hit and run

$1,748

$2,689

$3,546

$2,529

$2,248

$3,835

Not-at-fault accident

$988

$1,493

$1,546

$1,534

$1,605

$1,744

Passing a school bus

$1,399

$2,427

$2,276

$2,023

$1,680

$3,604

Reckless driving

$1,748

$2,689

$2,666

$2,529

$2,248

$3,835

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Cheapest car insurance after an accident in California

The cheapest car insurance company in California after an at-fault accident is Wawanesa. The average cost of car insurance from Wawanesa after an accident is $124 a month, or $1,488 a year with an at-fault accident on your record.

Rates for drivers with an at-fault accident

Wawanesa

$1,488

USAA

$2,156

National General

$2,365

Mercury

$2,655

GEICO

$2,690

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in California

The cheapest car insurance company if you have a DUI on your record in California is Wawanesa. On average, the cost of car insurance from Wawanesa after a DUI is $146 a month or $1,748 a year.

Rates for drivers with DUIs

Wawanesa

$1,748

National General Insurance

$2,191

Mercury Insurance

$2,529

GEICO

$3,764

United Financial Casualty Company

$4,196

USAA

$4,432

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in California

The cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket in California is Wawanesa. On average, Wawanesa is $117 a month or $1,399 a year after a speeding ticket.

Rates for drivers with speeding tickets

Wawanesa

$1,399

National General Insurance

$1,680

USAA

$1,693

Mercury Insurance

$2,023

GEICO

$2,333

United Financial Casualty Company

$3,357

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→ Read more about SR-22 insurance in California

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in California

IInsurance companies in some states rate drivers based on their credit score. Theoretically, this is because drivers with lower credit scores are more likely to file a claim, but in practice it sometimes ends up unfairly penalizing some drivers. Because of this, California laws prevent insurance companies from rating based on credit history.

Cheapest car insurance in California by city

The car insurance rates in your area depend on crime rates, population density, the number of accidents nearby, and other local factors. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in the 10 most populated cities in California.

Largest cities

Cheapest company

Average yearly rate for the cheapest company

Overall citywide average

Los Angeles

Wawanesa

$1,376

$2,613

San Diego

Wawanesa

$908

$1,754

San Jose

Wawanesa

$937

$1,808

San Francisco

Wawanesa

$1,066

$2,161

Fresno

Wawanesa

$915

$1,779

Sacramento

Wawanesa

$978

$1,998

Long Beach

Wawanesa

$1,033

$2,046

Oakland

Wawanesa

$1,048

$2,130

Bakersfield

Wawanesa

$928

$1,814

Anaheim

Wawanesa

$983

$1,944

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Buying car insurance in California

California requires everyone who owns a vehicle in the state to carry one of the following types of auto insurance:

  • Motor vehicle liability insurance policy

  • Cash deposit of $35,000 with DMV

  • DMV-issued self-insurance certificate

  • Surety bond for $35,000 from a company licensed to do business in California

Drivers who choose to carry a liability insurance policy must have no less than the state’s required levels of liability insurance:

  • $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability

  • $5,000 for property damage liability

Drivers who don’t carry minimum levels of liability insurance or higher will have their registration suspended by the state, which means the car cannot legally be driven or parked on public streets.

In order to provide cheap liability insurance, California minimum insurance requirements are very low. This means they may not provide enough protection if you are at fault for an accident that is more than a simple fender bender. 

The state also does not require you to carry anything more than basic bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, which means drivers carrying state minimum coverage levels don’t have coverage for damage to their own vehicle and they have no protection against uninsured or underinsured motorists.

Pro tip

As of 2019, 16.6% of drivers on the road in California were uninsured, which makes it all the more important to protect yourself by carrying full coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, which covers the costs if you’re hit by a driver without insurance.

California is also one of several states that have made it illegal for policy providers to use gender to determine insurance rates. Other states with similar laws are Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina and Pennsylvania.

How to get cheap car insurance in California

There are many ways for drivers to save money on their insurance, including bundling policies, keeping their driving record clean, and increasing their deductibles. However, sometimes that isn’t enough. For people who can’t afford even a basic minimum liability insurance policy, the state offers California's Low Cost Auto Insurance Program

California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program offers consumers the opportunity to purchase lower levels of coverage. The CLCA policy includes basic liability levels of:

  • $10,000 bodily injury or death per person

  • $20,000 bodily injury or death per accident

  • $3,000 property damage liability per accident

For an additional charge of $39-$104 per year, drivers can also purchase:

  • $1,000 medical payments per person

  • $10,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person

  • $20,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident

Pro tip

Policygenius recommends drivers have a minimum of $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident in bodily injury liability and $100,000 in property damage liability coverage to ensure the maximum amount of protection.

Find your city:

Compare rates and shop affordable car insurance today

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Frequently asked questions

How much is car insurance per month in California?

The average cost of car insurance in California is $153 per month, or $1,837 per year.

Why are car insurance prices in California so high?

Car insurance is higher than average in California because of the state’s cities with very dense populations. Rates are higher in these cities because of a higher chance of accidents. California also has significant numbers of natural disasters, like wildfires and earthquakes, that contribute to more claims being filed under comprehensive coverage.

Who has the best car insurance in California for students?

Wawanesa has the cheapest car insurance for young drivers who get their own policies. But it’s not necessarily true that Wawanesa is the best for all students, especially those who join an existing policy. Instead, it’s best to compare the offerings and prices from different companies to find which is the best for you and your needs.

Is California a fault or no fault state?

California is an at-fault state, which means a driver who is at fault in an accident is responsible for the bodily injury and property damage costs caused by the accident, whether or not they have enough car insurance to cover those costs.

References

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Policygenius uses external sources, including government data, industry studies, and reputable news organizations to supplement proprietary marketplace data and internal expertise. Learn more about how we use and vet external sources as part of oureditorial standards.

  1. J.D. Power

    . "

    Auto Insurance Customer Satisfaction Plummets as Rates Continue to Surge, J.D. Power Finds

    ." Accessed September 23, 2023.

Authors

Rachael Brennan is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. Her work has also been featured in MoneyGeek, Clearsurance, Adweek, Boston Globe, The Ladders, and AutoInsurance.com.

Andrew Hurst is a senior editor and a licensed auto insurance expert at Policygenius. His work has also been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, USA Today, NPR, Mic, Insurance Business Magazine, ValuePenguin, and Property Casualty 360.

Editor

Anna Swartz is a senior managing editor who specializes in home, auto, renters, and disability insurance at Policygenius. Previously, she was a senior staff writer at Mic and a writer at The Dodo. Her work has also appeared in Salon, HuffPost, MSN, AOL, and Heeb.

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