Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance In California 2025
When it comes to finding high-risk car insurance in California, Mercury offers the cheapest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket, at an average annual rate of $3,624.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
With its competitive rates, customizable policies, and strong financial stability, Progressive offers a reliable solution for high-risk drivers looking for affordable car insurance coverage.
For drivers in specific high-risk categories, we’ve identified the cheapest options across the board. If you’ve received a speeding ticket, Mercury offers the most affordable rates. For those dealing with the aftermath of a DUI, Mercury comes in as the least expensive option. Drivers with bad credit can find the cheapest coverage through GEICO. AAA provides the most budget-friendly rates to drivers with an at-fault accident.
Key Takeaways
For high-risk drivers in California, Mercury, GEICO, and AAA offer the most affordable car insurance policies.
High-risk car insurance rates in California range anywhere between $240 -$700 per month.
In order to find the most affordable deal on your high-risk car insurance, you should research available discounts, compare quotes from multiple insurers, and research average rates.
Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance In California After A Speeding Ticket
Mercury consistently offers the most affordable rates for drivers with a speeding violation in California, at an average annual rate of $2,916. While rates will still rise, Mercury tends to provide the lowest increases compared to other insurers, making it a popular choice for high-risk drivers in this category.
Speeding tickets are one of the most common driving offenses, and they often lead to a significant increase in car insurance rates. Insurance companies view speeding as a sign of risky behavior, and drivers with speeding tickets can see their rates increase by an average of 20-30%.
| Company | Average Annual Premium |
| AAA | $3,480 |
| Mercury | $2,916 |
| Progressive | $3,372 |
| CSAA | $3,324 |
| GEICO | $3,024 |
Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance In California After A DUI
Mercury offers some of the most competitive rates for drivers with a DUI in California, at an average annual premium of $3,624. While the cost of coverage will still be high, Mercury’s rates are generally lower than most competitors in the DUI category.
A DUI (Driving Under the Influence) is one of the most serious offenses a driver can commit, and it can cause car insurance rates to skyrocket. On average, drivers with a DUI can expect their insurance premiums to increase by 50% or more, reflecting the heightened risk they pose on the road.
| Company | Average Annual Premium |
| Travelers | $5,220 |
| AAA | $7,704 |
| Progressive | $5,280 |
| Mercury | $3,624 |
| Nationwide | $8,052 |
Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance In California With Bad Credit
At an average annual rate of $3,480, GEICO offers the most affordable rates for drivers with bad credit in California, making it a go-to option for those seeking to minimize the impact of their credit history on their insurance premiums.
| Company | Average Annual Premium |
| Progressive | $3,864 |
| AAA | $7,740 |
| GEICO | $3,480 |
| Travelers | $5,268 |
| Mercury | $3,660 |
How Much Is High-Risk Car Insurance In California?
In California, high-risk car insurance rates can range anywhere from $240 -$700 monthly, depending on what high-risk category you fall into and what specific rate factors went into calculating your premium.
What Should I Do If I’m Denied Coverage?
High-risk drivers in California may struggle to find coverage through standard auto insurers. However, they may be able to get coverage through the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP), which is California’s “insurer of last resort”.
While coverage through CAARP is typically more expensive than a regular insurance policy, it will ensure that you meet the legal liability requirements to be on the road.
Any licensed insurance agent in California can submit your application to CAARP (you cannot apply directly to CAARP). You will then be put on a CAARP plan. Once your record improves, you can then reapply to a standard auto policy.
Compare High-Risk Car Insurance Rates To Other U.S. States
| State | Average Annual Cost After 1 DUI |
| Alabama | $3,175 |
| Alaska | $2,350 |
| Arizona | $3,100 |
| Arkansas | $3,050 |
| California | $7,450 |
| Colorado | $3,875 |
| Connecticut | $3,775 |
| Delaware | $3,850 |
| Florida | $4,350 |
| Georgia | $3,250 |
| Hawaii | $5,300 |
| Idaho | $2,300 |
| Illinois | $2,575 |
| Indiana | $2,450 |
| Iowa | $2,325 |
| Kansas | $3,100 |
| Kentucky | $4,450 |
| Louisiana | $4,475 |
| Maine | $2,325 |
| Maryland | $2,800 |
| Massachusetts | $3,200 |
| Michigan | $6,200 |
| Minnesota | $4,025 |
| Mississippi | $3,550 |
| Missouri | $3,050 |
| Montana | $3,600 |
| Nebraska | $3,400 |
| Nevada | $3,675 |
| New Hampshire | $2,050 |
| New Jersey | $3,600 |
| New Mexico | $3,400 |
| New York | $2,750 |
| North Carolina | $7,100 |
| North Dakota | $2,825 |
| Ohio | $2,425 |
| Oklahoma | $3,250 |
| Oregon | $2,825 |
| Pennsylvania | $2,625 |
| Rhode Island | $4,575 |
| South Carolina | $3,025 |
| South Dakota | $3,875 |
| Tennessee | $2,775 |
| Texas | $3,775 |
| Utah | $3,000 |
| Vermont | $2,525 |
| Virginia | $2,350 |
| Washington | $2,475 |
| West Virginia | $3,475 |
| Wisconsin | $2,700 |
| Wyoming | $3,175 |
Our Methodology
To evaluate car insurance companies for high-risk drivers, we used a comprehensive rating system based on key factors that impact affordability, coverage, and customer satisfaction. Our evaluation considered data from multiple sources, including premium quotes, available discounts, and policy features. We also reviewed customer feedback, company financial stability, and claims processes to ensure a well-rounded analysis.
Our rating system prioritized affordability for high-risk drivers, looking at how companies handled rate increases after speeding tickets, accidents, and DUIs. We also factored in additional perks like accident forgiveness, flexible coverage options, and the availability of discounts that could help reduce premiums.
About Bob Phillips
