Candace Baker, Car Insurance Writer
@candacebaker
Car insurance in California costs $60 per month or $717 per year for minimum coverage, on average. The cheapest car insurance companies in California are GEICO, USAA, and Wawanesa, and getting quotes from several companies can help you find the best deal.
The average cost of car insurance in California is 7% higher than the national average auto insurance premium. There are several factors that affect how much you'll pay for car insurance in California, including your driving record, age and location, the amount of coverage you purchase, and the insurance company you buy it from.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in California by Category
- After an at-fault accident: $183 per month
- Teen driver: $211 per month
- After a DUI: $148 per month
Average Cost of Car Insurance in California by Company
Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
$529 per year | $2,816 per year | |
$781 per year | $2,438 per year | |
$1,044 per year | $3,295 per year | |
$462 per year | $1,955 per year | |
$1,090 per year | $3,419 per year | |
$890 per year | $3,046 per year | |
$549 per year | $2,271 per year | |
$718 per year | $2,627 per year | |
$639 per year | $2,536 per year | |
$487 per year | $1,829 per year |
Note: Rates are an approximation based on a 45-year-old man in California with a clean driving record. Actual rates will vary.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in California by Age
Age | Average Premium |
$2,534 per year | |
$2,339 per year | |
$2,205 per year | |
$1,504 per year | |
$1,391 per year | |
$1,185 per year | |
$1,103 per year | |
$1,045 per year | |
$981 per year | |
$900 per year | |
$738 per year | |
$717 per year | |
$702 per year | |
$732 per year |
Note: Rates are an approximation based on a driver in California with minimum coverage and a clean driving record. Actual rates will vary.
How to Lower the Cost of Car Insurance in California
- Shop around and compare quotes. We recommend comparing quotes from at least three different insurance companies to make sure you are getting the best rate.
- Choose a higher deductible. Your deductible is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in. Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premiums but means you will have to pay more out-of-pocket when you file a claim.
- Consider lowering your coverage. Consider purchasing only the minimum amount of coverage required by your state, rather than purchasing higher limits or a full coverage policy.
- Look for discounts you may be eligible for. For instance, most insurance companies offer a good-driver discount for customers with a clean driving record, a good-student discount, or a discount for paying your premiums in full up front.
To learn more, check out our guide to how much car insurance you need in California as well as our picks for the cheapest car insurance companies in California.
People also ask
How much car insurance do I need in California?
California law requires you to have $15,000 in coverage for one person’s bodily injury or death, up to $30,000 total per accident. California also requires you to carry at least $5,000 in coverage for other people’s property damage when you are at fault.
How Much Car Insurance Drivers Need in California
| Coverage Type | Minimum Coverage Limit |
| Bodily Injury Liability Coverage (per person) | $15,000 |
Why is California car insurance so expensive?
Car insurance in California is expensive because the state has multiple densely populated, high-crime urban areas. In California, you can expect to pay approximately $4,556 per year for full coverage car insurance or $1,291 per year for minimum coverage. Car insurance in California is more expensive for full coverage compared to the national average, which is around $4,211 per year for full coverage and about $1,407 per year for minimum coverage.
The cost of car insurance is steadily increasing, too, both in California and...
read full answer by Anamarie Waite, Car Insurance WriterWhat is the penalty for driving without insurance in California?
If you are caught driving without insurance in California, you may face fines and the impoundment of your car after the first offense. Penalties for repeat offenses include fines up to $500.
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in California
| Type of Offense | License Suspended? | Registration Suspended? | Maximum Fines & Fees |
| First Offense | ... | No | $100 - $200 plus penalty assessments of $260-$520 |
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