Cheapest Car Insurance In California For 2024
GEICO provides the most competitive rates and dependable service in California, offering coverage that ranges from basic to comprehensive.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
In California, it’s challenging to find inexpensive auto insurance, but there are viable options. As the cost of living rises and numerous choices are available, it’s crucial to secure car insurance that aligns with your financial plan and requirements.
Drawing from more than a decade of research on auto insurance policies, I’ve compiled some insights to assist you in navigating this intricate market.
This handbook delves into the specifics of auto insurance in California, examines the factors influencing prices, and provides practical tips for obtaining affordable coverage without compromising on protection. Let’s embark on this journey toward savings and uncover strategies for securing the most economical auto insurance in California.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In California
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Minimum Coverage
In California, GEICO is known for offering the cheapest car insurance, with starting monthly payments usually around $42, making it a wallet-friendly choice for lots of drivers.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Progressive |
$45 |
$538 |
GEICO |
$42 |
$501 |
Farmers |
$60 |
$718 |
Mercury |
$45 |
$538 |
$43 |
$514 |
In California, drivers need a specific level of auto insurance to legally drive their cars. This basic coverage usually involves liability insurance, which covers two main areas: bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
Bodily injury liability assists in paying for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and potential legal fees if you cause an accident that injures someone else. Property damage liability, on the other hand, helps cover the costs of repairing or replacing another person’s vehicle or property if the accident is your fault.
The minimum coverage requirements in California are determined by state law and can vary based on factors such as your vehicle type and driving record. It’s important to carefully review these requirements and ensure you have enough coverage to meet legal standards and protect yourself financially in case of an accident.
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Young Drivers
Car insurance in California is usually cheaper for young adults than for teenagers. This is because as people get older, they usually drive more carefully, resulting in fewer accidents and insurance claims. Insurance companies take this into account and give lower premiums to young adults who have a history of safe driving.
Cheapest California Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds
Mercury gives awesome deals to 16-year-old teens, offering insurance at a fair rate of about $424 monthly.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
State Farm | $439 | $5,266 |
Allstate | $542 | $6,502 |
USAA | $390 | $4,678 |
Mercury | $424 | $5,086 |
Geico | $434 | $5,206 |
Cheapest California Car Insurance For 17-Year-Olds
Mercury offers the best prices for 17-year-olds, with an average insurance cost of about $361.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
State Farm | $400 | $4,798 |
Progressive | $418 | $5,014 |
USAA | $295 | $3,538 |
Mercury | $361 | $4,330 |
GEICO | $369 | $4,426 |
Cheapest California Car Insurance For 18-Year-Olds
USAA provides affordable insurance rates designed specifically for 18-year-olds, usually around $280 per month.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
State Farm | $380 | $4,558 |
Progressive | $405 | $4,858 |
USAA | $280 | $3,358 |
Mercury | $354 | $4,246 |
Geico | $358 | $4,294 |
Cheapest California Car Insurance For 21-Year-Olds
GEICO offers the best prices for 21-year-olds, with an average monthly cost of $177.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Mercury Insurance | $249 | $2,986 |
Allstate | $276 | $3,310 |
USAA | $179 | $2,146 |
Geico | $177 | $2,122 |
Progressive | $227 | $2,722 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Full Coverage
CSAA provides the cheapest rates for comprehensive car insurance in California, kicking off at approximately $50 per month on average.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Mercury |
$114 |
$1,366 |
CSAA |
$50 |
$598 |
Progressive |
$90 |
$1,078 |
AAA |
$85 |
$1,018 |
GEICO |
$96 |
$1,150 |
Full coverage auto insurance in California offers extensive protection for drivers and their cars, going beyond basic liability to include collision and comprehensive coverage.
Collision insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who’s at fault. Meanwhile, comprehensive coverage handles damages from theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.
This insurance gives assurance by providing wide financial security in different situations, covering both your car and others involved in an accident. It’s important to carefully examine your policy to grasp coverage limits and deductibles for sufficient protection.
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Drivers With Poor Credit
Drivers in California who have low credit scores can get cheap insurance from GEICO, kicking off at about $42 monthly.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Orion Indemnity |
$52 |
$622 |
AAA |
$48 |
$574 |
State Farm |
$46 |
$550 |
Travelers |
$55 |
$658 |
GEICO |
$42 |
$502 |
Your credit score significantly impacts car insurance costs as it gauges your risk level for insurers. A lower score suggests a higher chance of making claims, which makes you riskier to insure.
In California, drivers with poor credit might face higher premiums compared to those with good credit. Insurers often consider credit history when setting rates because studies show a link between credit score and claim likelihood. People with bad credit may struggle to find affordable insurance but can seek discounts and compare quotes from different insurers to find better rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Seniors
CSAA provides budget-friendly insurance options tailored for senior citizens living in California, with rates starting at approximately $45 monthly on average.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Travelers |
$122 |
$1,462 |
AAA |
$75 |
$898 |
Progressive |
$79 |
$946 |
State Farm |
$100 |
$1,198 |
CSAA |
$45 |
$538 |
Older people could be eligible for reduced car insurance premiums because insurers see them as careful and skilled drivers, less likely to have accidents. Also, since many seniors drive less often, their chances of getting into collisions and filing insurance claims are lower.
Some insurance firms offer specific discounts tailored for senior drivers, considering factors like age, how much they drive, and whether they’ve completed safety courses for older drivers. Many insurers encourage seniors to take defensive driving classes by giving them discounts upon completion, aiming to update their driving abilities and encourage safer habits behind the wheel.
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Good Drivers
In California, the cost of car insurance hinges on your driving history, age, and the coverage you want. If you’ve got a spotless driving record without any accidents, chances are you’ll snag lower premiums because you’re seen as less risky by insurers. Plus, keeping up that clean record could score you even more discounts. Safe drivers should shop around for quotes to find the best coverage for their budget.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Progressive |
$45 |
$538 |
GEICO |
$42 |
$501 |
Farmers |
$60 |
$718 |
Mercury |
$45 |
$538 |
State Farm |
$43 |
$514 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Drivers With Prior Incidents
In California, people who’ve had accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs usually struggle to get cheap car insurance. These incidents mark them as risky drivers to car insurance companies, making it more likely they’ll file claims in the future. This problem is worse in California because of more traffic accidents. Insurers use data to decide on prices, seeing a link between past driving issues and the likelihood of future claims.
Cheapest Car Insurance In California After A Speeding Ticket
AAA provides car insurance at an average cost of $175, making it a great option for drivers with speeding tickets who want an affordable policy.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
GEICO | $194 | $2,326 |
AAA | $175 | $2,098 |
State Farm | $250 | $2,998 |
Progressive | $210 | $2,518 |
Farmers | $306 | $3,670 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In California After An At-Fault Accident
Mercury provides insurance priced at about $200, making it the top pick for drivers with accident history they’re responsible for. It’s the most economical option tailored to their needs.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Allstate | $460 | $5,518 |
GEICO | $310 | $3,718 |
Progressive | $242 | $2,902 |
Mercury | $200 | $2,398 |
AAA NorCal | $290 | $3,478 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In California For Drivers After A DUI
Mercury offers car insurance for roughly $227 on average, making it the top pick for drivers who have a DUI on their driving history.
Provider | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Mercury | $227 | $2,722 |
AAA NorCal | $545 | $6,538 |
Progressive | $324 | $3,886 |
Farmers | $390 | $4,678 |
State Farm | $572 | $6,862 |
Average Cost Of Auto Insurance In California – By Age
Age | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
16 | $294 | $3,526 |
20 | $204 | $2,446 |
30 | $166 | $1,990 |
40 | $172 | $2,062 |
50 | $164 | $1,966 |
60 | $152 | $1,822 |
70 | $158 | $1,894 |
80 | $164 | $1,966 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In California – By Gender & Marital Status
Gender | Marital Status | Average Annual Cost |
Female | Single | $1,910 |
Male | Single | $1,966 |
Female | Married | $1,940 |
Male | Married | $2,038 |
Average Cost Of Auto Insurance In California – By Credit Tier
Credit Tier | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Excellent | $210 | $2,518 |
Good | $175 | $2,098 |
Poor | $174 | $2,086 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In California By City
City | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
Redlands | $143 | $1,714 |
San Diego | $126 | $1,510 |
Danville | $125 | $1,498 |
Santa Ana | $147 | $1,762 |
Fresno | $132 | $1,582 |
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements In California
In California, you need a certain level of car insurance. It includes covering injuries and damage to property if you’re in an accident. The standard is shown as three numbers like 15/30/5. This means $25,000 for each person’s injury, $30,000 total for injuries in one accident, and $5,000 for property damage in one accident.
California also requires Personal Injury Protection (PIP). This helps with medical bills and lost wages for you and your passengers after an accident, no matter who’s at fault. It’s a safety net for your finances.
Alternatively, you can choose “Health Insurance Primary” (HIP). This means your health insurance pays for accident-related medical costs first, instead of PIP. But not all health plans qualify for HIP, so check with your provider.
Car Insurance Discounts In California
When searching for car insurance, it’s wise to seek out providers that offer tailored discounts based on your circumstances. Engaging in dialogue with your insurance agent can reveal potential savings you may be missing out on. Major car insurance companies commonly provide the following types of discounts:
- Safe Driver Discount: If you have a spotless driving history free of accidents or violations, you could qualify for this discount.
- Multi-Vehicle Discount: Insuring multiple vehicles under one policy often results in a discount, which can be more cost-effective than separate policies.
- Bundling Discount: Many insurers give discounts to clients who combine their car insurance with other policies like home or renters insurance.
- Good Student Discount: Students who maintain high grades may qualify for discounts on their car insurance.
- Defensive Driving Course Discount: Completing a defensive driving course can make drivers eligible for premium discounts. These courses teach skills that aid in accident avoidance and risk reduction on the road.
Our Methodology
For my research, I gathered and analyzed data on different car insurance companies and what they offer. First, I identified important factors like types of coverage, prices, customer satisfaction, and financial stability. Then, I collected information from reliable sources such as insurance company websites, consumer reviews, and industry reports.
After gathering all the data, I organized it and evaluated each insurance company based on specific criteria, comparing coverage options, prices, discounts, and customer reviews to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
How much is car insurance a month in California?
The cost of auto insurance in California might change every month because of things like how old you are, your driving record, and the types of coverage you pick.
What is the minimum car insurance one must have in California?
In California, every car insurance plan has to include coverage for injuries or property damage caused by accidents, as well as Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which is obligatory.
Which insurance is better in California?
Picking the top insurance company in California relies on what you personally prefer, how you drive, and what kind of insurance you require. Getting quotes from various insurers is a good idea to pinpoint the perfect fit for your specific needs.
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