The best car insurance in California is from The General because customers give The General positive reviews. For instance, The General has a user rating of
4.0 out of 5 on WalletHub, and the company offers solid coverage options as well as nine discounts for policyholders to take advantage of.
In addition to its
standard coverage choices, The General offers specialty policy add-ons such as roadside assistance and customized equipment coverage.
How Much Is Car Insurance in California?
Car insurance in California costs an average of
$60 per month or
$717 per year for minimum coverage. This means drivers in California pay about 7% more for state-minimum coverage than drivers throughout the rest of the country.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in California by Company
| Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
| GEICO | $462 per year | $1,955 per year |
| USAA | $487 per year | $1,829 per year |
| Wawanesa | $523 per year | $1,441 per year |
| AAA | $529 per year | $2,816 per year |
| Progressive | $549 per year | $2,271 per year |
| Grange | $566 per year | $2,564 per year |
| Mercury | $604 per year | $2,015 per year |
| Travelers | $639 per year | $2,536 per year |
| Esurance | $645 per year | $1,697 per year |
| State Farm | $718 per year | $2,627 per year |
Average Cost of Car Insurance in California by Age
Note: Rates are an approximation based on a male driver in California with minimum coverage and a clean driving record. Actual rates will vary. Tips for Finding the Best Car Insurance in California
1. Shop Around
It’s important to explore your options so you can find the
best policy for your needs with the
most competitive rate. It’s typically recommended that you compare quotes from at least three different insurance companies before purchasing a policy in order to find the best deal.
You can begin by comparing quotes from the best car insurance companies in California. California drivers should also compare quotes from local insurance companies such as Wawanesa and State National.
2. Find the Best Companies for Your Age Group
To help drivers determine which companies to compare quotes from, WalletHub’s editors have ranked the cheapest insurers for specific categories of people. For instance, you can learn more about the best car insurance companies for
teens and young drivers,
college students, and
seniors. The best car insurance companies for middle-aged drivers will typically be the same as the best companies in California overall.
3. Look Into the Company’s Reputation
Research the reputation of each insurance company you’re considering, including their financial stability and customer service record, by checking out their profile on WalletHub. You can see ratings from consumer watchdog groups like AM Best and read reviews that WalletHub users have left based on their experiences with each company. Additionally, you should ask for recommendations from friends, family members, and colleagues.
4. Look for Discounts
In addition to comparing quotes, you should compare the
discounts each insurance company offers. Consider how much the discounts save you and how many you are eligible for. Discounts can vary based on factors like your driving history, your policy choices, and your car.
For example, many insurers offer a
pay-in-full discount for drivers who pay for their entire policy up front. Additionally, you can get a discount if your vehicle is equipped with certain safety features such as an anti-theft device.
5. Determine How Much Coverage You Need
You have to purchase enough coverage to meet the
minimum requirements in California in order to drive legally. Whatever coverage you purchase beyond that is based on your individual needs and circumstances.
If you are struggling to find affordable rates, then opting only for minimum coverage may be the best choice. It’s important to note that if your car is leased or financed, your lender or lessor may have
additional coverage requirements that you will need to meet.
Video: Best Car Insurance Companies in California
Methodology
In order to identify the best car insurance companies in California, WalletHub evaluated more than 30 of the largest insurance companies that: 1) are licensed in the state, 2) allow consumers to buy and manage auto insurance policies online, and 3) have agents licensed in the state.
To be eligible for the label “Best Car Insurance Company in California”, an insurance company must have an average rating of 3.7 or higher among user reviews on WalletHub, with a minimum of 10 reviews. In the absence of at least five insurance companies that meet the review criteria, we included the next-best companies.
