Cheapest California Auto Insurance Providers [2025]
Mercury, AAA, and GEICO provide cheap auto insurance in California. In specific parts of California, you can also get affordable car insurance rates from Progressive. California auto insurance is about $88 a month on average. But some auto insurance companies have higher than average rates.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Licensed Insurance Agent
Jimmy McMillan is an entrepreneur and the founder of HeartLifeInsurance.com, an independent life insurance brokerage. His company specializes in life insurance for people with heart problems. He knows personally how difficult it is to secure health and life insurance after a heart attack. Jimmy is a licensed insurance agent from coast to coast who has been featured on ValientCEO and the podcast...
Jimmy McMillan
Licensed Insurance Agent
Justin Wright has been a licensed insurance broker for over 9 years. After graduating from Southeastern Seminary with a Masters in Philosophy, Justin started his career as a professor, teaching Philosophy and Ethics. Later, Justin obtained both his Property & Casualty license and his Life and Health license and began working for State Farm and Allstate. In 2020, Justin began working as an i...
Justin Wright
Updated March 2024
- The average cost of California auto insurance is $88 a month
- Young drivers pay more for auto insurance in California
- USAA is the best auto insurance company for military veterans
Did you know you can get cheap California car insurance without disclosing your credit or gender? You can get cheap auto insurance in California based on multiple factors.
But which factors provide affordable California car insurance? And how much is car insurance in California per month Don’t worry. We’ll answer your questions in this article.
This guide explores the average California auto insurance rates, which companies have the most affordable rates in California, and what factors provide cheap auto insurance quotes in California.
Continue reading to learn more about cheap auto insurance in California. Enter your ZIP code in the free online quote tool above to compare multiple insurance companies in your area.
Where can you get cheap auto insurance rates in California?
The average cost of car insurance in California is $88 per month, but you can get cheap car insurance in California if you choose the right company.
Let’s review estimated rates from cheap auto insurance companies in California based on liability-only coverage.
Monthly Liability Auto Insurance Rates in California by Company
| Companies | Monthly Auto Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Geico | $33 |
| AAA NorCal | $38 |
| Progressive | $40 |
| Mercury | $46 |
| State Farm | $52 |
| AAA SoCal | $52 |
| Allstate | $63 |
| Farmers | $80 |
Geico provides the most affordable liability insurance in California, followed by AAA and Progressive. By contrast, Allstate and Farmers have the most expensive liability coverage rates.
How much are full coverage auto insurance rates in California?
Although liability-only insurance is cheaper, it doesn’t provide extensive coverage like full coverage car insurance. More coverage also means more costly rates.
Let’s see which auto insurance companies are the cheapest in California.
Average Monthly Full Coverage Auto Insurance Rates in California by Company
| Companies | Monthly Auto Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Mercury | $144 |
| Geico | $146 |
| Progressive | $154 |
| AAA NorCal | $179 |
| State Farm | $192 |
| Farmers | $201 |
| Allstate | $203 |
| AAA SoCal | $213 |
Mercury car insurance is the most affordable company in California. Geico is the second cheapest company in California. Allstate and AAA are the most expensive auto insurance companies in California.
What are the minimum auto insurance requirements in California?
California’s auto insurance requirement is straightforward, and they’re lower than those of most states in America. Here are California’s requirements.
- $15,000 for bodily injury of one person per accident
- $30,000 for bodily injury of multiple people per accident
- $5,000 for property damage per accident
Auto insurance companies in California may recommend that you raise your coverage limits to prevent a situation where you’re underinsured.
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Does age impact cheap auto insurance quotes in California?
Yes, it does. Age is a determining factor that helps companies estimate the driving experience and the risk of the driver. Younger drivers tend to take more risks than older drivers.
The age range with the highest car insurance claims includes drivers between 16 and 24.
But what is the average rate for drivers in California? Let’s examine the latest estimates.
- 20-year-old drivers – $165/month
- 30-year-old drivers – $114/month
- 40-year-old drivers – $107/month
- 50-year-old drivers – $106/month
- 60-year-old drivers – $108/month
Teen drivers pay at least three times more for auto insurance. Meanwhile, senior drivers pay significantly less.
The cheapest companies by age are State Farm, Wawanesa, Esurance, Geico, and National General.
Read more: Wawanesa Auto Insurance Review
Can I buy cheap auto insurance in California with a driving violation?
California car insurance companies provide affordable rates, but a traffic infraction can make insurance rates more expensive.
Here are a few examples of how traffic violations impact affordable auto insurance in California.
Monthly Auto Insurance Rates in California by Traffic Violation
| Traffic Violations | Monthly Auto Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| Not-at-Fault Accident | $156 |
| Driving with Expired Registration | $161 |
| Failure to Show Documents | $161 |
| Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $167 |
| Driving Without Lights | $167 |
| Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $176 |
| Speeding | $219 |
| Passing a School Bus | $221 |
| Improper Passing | $221 |
| Following Too Closely | $221 |
| Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $221 |
| Illegal Turn | $221 |
| Failure to Yield | $221 |
| Speeding in a School Zone | $222 |
| Driving Too Slowly | $222 |
| Distracted Driving | $223 |
| Driving with an Open Container | $229 |
| Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $252 |
| At-Fault Accident | $273 |
| Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $289 |
| Driving with a Suspended License | $401 |
| Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $411 |
| DUI | $411 |
| Racing | $411 |
| Hit and Run | $420 |
| Reckless Driving | $420 |
Not-at-fault accidents generate the cheapest increase for California drivers. However, hit-and-run incidents, DUI convictions, and reckless driving can drive up your rates by hundreds of dollars per year.
Which factors aren’t included in cheap auto insurance rates in California?
California is one of many states that have outlawed credit and gender-based car insurance rates. But an insurance company may look at your insurance history to determine your risk level.
Which city has the cheapest auto insurance rates in California?
California cities with affordable rates have fewer risks of car insurance claims. But these cities are still more expensive than average.
Let’s examine how much you could pay in cities with the cheapest auto insurance rates.
Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Cheapest California Cities
| Cities | Average Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Mount Shasta | $132 |
| Weed | $139 |
| Etna | $139 |
| Dunsmuir | $141 |
| Yreka | $141 |
| Montague | $141 |
| San Ardo | $142 |
| Rough and Ready | $142 |
| Red Bluff | $142 |
| Greenview | $143 |
You could pay up to $65 more than the national average, even in California’s most affordable cities. Mount Shasta is the cheapest city in California for car insurance.
Which California cities have the most expensive auto insurance rates?
The most expensive cities in California have car insurance rates that are nearly four times the average cost of insurance.
But which cities are massively expensive? Let’s review the results below.
Monthly Auto Insurance Rates for the Most Expensive California Cities
| Cities | Average Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| Reseda | $259 |
| Panorama City | $264 |
| Glendale | $265 |
| Encino | $267 |
| Valley Village | $268 |
| North Hollywood | $269 |
| Van Nuys | $272 |
| West Hollywood | $279 |
| Tarzana | $279 |
| Beverly Hills | $290 |
Beverly Hills is known for its luxury real estate, but it’s also known for its high risk for auto insurance. Therefore, car insurance rates in Beverly Hills, North Hollywood, and other cities in the table are more expensive.
What is the cheapest auto insurance company for military veterans in California?
USAA is the top auto insurance providers for veterans and their immediate families. USAA car insurance is also known for its low prices and discounts.
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How do I enroll in California’s low-cost auto insurance program?
If you can’t afford car insurance from an insurance company in California, you can enroll in the state-sponsored insurance program.
California’s low-income auto insurance option allows drivers to get coverage through the state. However, low-cost car insurance in California has limits.
This means you won’t have the same coverage as voluntary car insurance.
Cheap Auto Insurance in California: The Bottom Line
California car insurance is cheaper than most states in America. You can get cheap insurance if you maintain a clean driving record.
Gender and credit history won’t impact your auto insurance rates. But where you live affects your rates.
Now that you know which cities have cheap auto insurance in California, use our free comparison tool below to compare multiple insurance companies in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the cheapest auto insurance providers in California?
While the cost of auto insurance can vary depending on several factors, including your location, driving history, and the type of vehicle you own, here are some insurance providers known for offering competitive rates in California:
- Geico
- Progressive
- State Farm
- Allstate
- Esurance
- Farmers
- Mercury Insurance
- AAA Insurance
Are these insurance providers consistently the cheapest?
Insurance rates can fluctuate, and what may be the cheapest option for one person might not be the same for another. It’s essential to compare quotes from multiple insurance providers to find the most affordable option for your specific circumstances. Remember that rates can also depend on factors like your age, credit score, and coverage needs.
How can I determine which insurance provider offers the cheapest rates for me?
To find the cheapest auto insurance provider for your needs, consider following these steps:
- Obtain quotes: Request quotes from multiple insurance companies, either by visiting their websites or contacting their agents directly.
- Provide accurate information: Ensure you provide accurate and up-to-date information when obtaining quotes. This includes details such as your driving history, vehicle information, and desired coverage.
- Compare coverage options: While price is important, also consider the coverage and benefits offered by each provider. Ensure they meet your requirements and provide adequate protection.
- Consider discounts: Inquire about any available discounts offered by the insurance companies. Discounts can significantly lower your insurance premium.
- Read customer reviews: Check online reviews and ratings for the insurance providers you are considering. This can give you insights into their customer service and claims handling.
- Make an informed decision: After comparing quotes, coverage options, discounts, and customer reviews, select the insurance provider that offers the best balance of affordability, coverage, and customer satisfaction.
Are there any other factors I should consider besides price?
Yes, while finding affordable insurance is important, it’s also crucial to consider factors other than price. These can include:
- Coverage options: Ensure the insurance provider offers the coverage types and limits you need, such as liability, comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist coverage.
- Customer service: Research the provider’s reputation for customer service and their ability to handle claims efficiently.
- Financial stability: Verify that the insurance company is financially stable and has a good track record of fulfilling claims.
- Discounts and benefits: Inquire about any available discounts or additional benefits offered by the insurance providers, such as multi-policy discounts or roadside assistance.
Can I lower my auto insurance premium without switching providers?
Yes, there are several ways to potentially lower your auto insurance premium without switching providers:
- Increase deductibles: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, but remember that you’ll need to pay that amount out of pocket in the event of a claim.
- Maintain a good driving record: Avoid traffic violations and accidents to maintain a clean driving record, which can lead to lower premiums over time.
- Bundle policies: If you have multiple insurance policies (such as home and auto), consider bundling them with the same provider to potentially qualify for a multi-policy discount.
- Ask about discounts: Inquire with your insurance provider about any available discounts you may be eligible for, such as safe driver discounts, low mileage discounts, or discounts for certain safety features in your vehicle.
- Review coverage regularly: Periodically review your coverage needs to ensure you’re not paying for unnecessary extras. Adjusting your coverage limits or removing coverage you no longer require can help lower your premium.
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