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Jerry Data & Research
The Cheapest Car Insurance for California Drivers
The Cheapest Car Insurance for California Drivers
Compare 50+ top insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in California.
Find Insurance Savings
No long forms
No spam or unwanted calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
R.E. Fulton
Expert Insurance Writer and Editor
Reviewed by Josh Damico, Head of Insurance Operations
Edited by Lina Zhang, Lisenced Insurance Agent
What's on this page?
- How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in California
- Cheapest car insurance companies in California
- California Car Insurance Coverage Requirements
- California Car Insurance Rating Factors
- How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in California?
- Car Insurance for High-Risk California Drivers
- Car Insurance for California Drivers With DUI
- Car Insurance for California Drivers With a Coverage Lapse
- Car Insurance for California Drivers With a Low Credit Score
- California Car Insurance Cost by Age
- Cheapest car insurance for popular cars
- Car insurance cost for new vs. old car
- California cheapest car insurance by location
- How to lower the cost of car insurance in California
- Why is car insurance so expensive in California?
- FAQs
- Methodology
- Meet our Experts
Load full table of contents
How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in California
Finding a provider with the best
car insurance
and the most affordable policy rate can take time. After all, there are many well-known companies with competitive prices. To secure the best coverage and rate, you should
shop around
and collect car insurance quotes
from various companies and pick the one that fully and fairly fits your needs. | Date | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
January 29, 2025 | Safeco | $243 | Frederick, 23 | Jeep Renegade Sport | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
January 28, 2025 | Progressive | $77 | Aiden, 68 | Ford Focus SE | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
January 27, 2025 | State Auto | $225 | Ernest, 45 | Honda CR-V LX | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
January 18, 2025 | Plymouth Rock | $287 | Florence, 25 | Nissan Sentra S | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
January 14, 2025 | Bristol West | $118 | Susie, 55 | Mazda CX-9 Sport | • 30,000/60,000 Liability |
Last Updated Jan 29, 2025Cheapest car insurance companies in California
Jerry administered a national insurance shopping survey to uncover the best providers for Cali drivers.
Findings from the survey show that there isn’t a ‘best’ or ‘most affordable’ insurance provider for all drivers. Each company uses a different formula to calculate rates, which means each policyholder gets a unique rate.
In California, __ is generally named the cheapest car insurance provider, and our survey returns a customer rating of _ out of 5 for their prices. While some policyholders reported fair premiums, others claimed they were unpleasantly surprised by escalating costs.
State Farm, GEICO, Progressive, Allstate, USAA, and Liberty Mutual dominate the insurance market in California, boasting the largest market shares. Discover drivers' opinions on these insurers.
| Insurance company | Date | City | Cost rating (out of 5) | What our customer said: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchor General | January 26, 2025 | Newark, CA | 5 | "I found Jerry through a friend and Common wealth was the best option for me at the time, every once and a while someo...(read more)" -Jesse |
| Nationwide | January 25, 2025 | North Hollywood, CA | 5 | "Great coverage for a great price! We’ve had multiple other providers, and Clearcover is our favorite by far :)" -John |
| Allstate | January 21, 2025 | Vista, CA | 5 | "Knock on wood. But you only really find out how an insurance company is when you need them. So far no complaints with...(read more)" -Lola |
| Allstate | January 20, 2025 | Santa Barbara, CA | 5 | "Thankfully no accidents but I have insurance!" -Marion |
| Allstate | January 19, 2025 | Modesto, CA | 3 | "My wife’s car was ran into while parked at work. She called Allstate for their help in processing a claim against AAA...(read more)" -Susie |
Last Updated Jan 26, 2025
How'd we get these scores?
Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
How'd we get these scores?
Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
To swiftly and effortlessly compare car insurance quotes online, the most convenient method is to use a car insurance comparison app or website.
Jerry is a leading insurance agency with a free app that not only compares car insurance quotes, but also offers comprehensive service to customers through a team of over 100 licensed insurance agents.
Minimum liability and full coverage
All California drivers must meet the state's
minimum liability coverage requirements
. You may also consider full-coverage insurance
for added vehicle protection, depending on your circumstances.Cheapest minimum liability coverage car insurance quotes in California
California's minimum insurance requirements—known as the 15/30/5 rule—mandate the following:
1
- $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
Jerry recently assisted several car owners in California in obtaining minimum liability coverage. Here are a few examples.
Sophie (31 years old)
$69
per month
National General
Viola (31 years old)
$70
per month
Do you need more than minimum coverage in California?
Most Cali drivers opt for coverage that exceeds the state’s 15/30/5 minimum.
If an at-fault accident occurs, you could find yourself responsible for vehicle repairs and medical bills that surpass the 15/30/5 limit. If the other vehicle is totaled or the crash incurred serious injuries to another individual, you could face expenses of over $50,000.
"Jerry is the new benchmark in app usefulness. Period. It is SO EASY and the results are SO GOOD, and they specifically point out that no one is going to start calling and emailing me all the time. I gave very little info, it pulled up all my existing insurance info, and showed me how to get the same insurance for less, lesser coverage for huge savings, or better coverage for about the same I currently pay. I am personally saving around $1,400/year with my new insurance, and the entire process (including follow ups to sign the docs from the insurance companies) took less than an hour. If you make over $1,400/hour, this may not be worth your time. Otherwise, get the app and use it now!"
Sean S.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in California
Full-coverage insurance will help safeguard you against expenses related to repairing or replacing your car.
- Collision coverage ensures the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle following an accident
- Comprehensive coverage compensates for theft or damage caused by non-collision incidents, as specified byCalifornia’s insurance laws
If you are leasing your vehicle, your lienholder will require full coverage with collision and comprehensive coverage.
Here are some recent cases where Jerry's agents helped customers find the most affordable full coverage policies.
| Insurance Coverage | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car |
|---|---|---|---|---|
• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Progressive | $170 | Lola, 22 | Honda Civic LX |
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Travelers | $284 | Millie, 45 | BMW M235i |
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | Nationwide | $104 | Lucas, 40 | Hyundai Santa FE SE |
• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision | Bristol West | $492 | Carl, 25 | Subaru WRX Premium |
• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision | State Auto | $202 | Howard, 45 | Honda CR-V LX |
Last Updated Jan 30, 2025Average rates for state minimum liability coverage and full coverage
We’ve worked extensively with Californian insurance policy holders and have found that the average monthly cost for minimum liability coverage is $121, totaling $1,454 annually. In contrast, the average cost for full-coverage insurance in California is $348 per month or $4,176 per year.
| Insurance coverage | Average insurance cost (monthly) | Average insurance cost (yearly) |
|---|---|---|
State minimum coverage | $104 | $1,251 |
Full coverage | $190 | $2,279 |
Average insurance rates can offer insight to help you estimate your own insurance expenses—but it’s important to remember that each drivers’ insurance premiums are determined by factors like the type of vehicle,
driving record
, demographics, and history of claims.Jerry finds that California drivers typically pay around $121 per month for minimum liability coverage, while full-coverage policies can reach up to $348 per month. Costs can vary based on driver-specific factors.
California car insurance: Additional coverages
Besides collision and comprehensive insurance, policyholders in California should consider the following optional car insurance coverages:
If you have a loan on a car that you recently purchased:
Gap insurance
offers protection in the event that you owe more on the vehicle than its appraised value. This can be useful in case of a total loss or theft.How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in California?
How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in California?
Allowed (with applicable limitations): Driving experience, marital status, zip code.
Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Gender, age, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, insurance history.
Learn more about the car insurance rating factors in California:
Cheapest California car Insurance after a driving violation
A driving violation can have a significant impact on your car insurance rates.
If your driving record has a minor or major violation, your insurance provider will view you as a riskier driver—which will result in higher premiums
Cheapest car insurance for California drivers with a speeding ticket
There are different levels of speeding:
- 1-5 mph over the limit
- 6-10 mph over the limit
- 11-15 mph over the limit
- 16-20 mph over the limit
- 21 mph or more over the limit
Getting a speeding ticket will typically impact your car insurance premiums. Jerry has helped drivers with speeding violations reduce their car insurance costs.
Browse the table below to uncover how Jerry helps policyholders with speeding infractions save on car insurance in California.
| Speeding Type | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Speeding 1-5 | Progressive | $143 | Patrick, 33 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 6-10 | Allstate | $229 | Lewis, 31 | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 11-15 | Safeco | $431 | Marc, 32 | • 25,000/50,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 16-20 | Nationwide | $456 | Belle, 32 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Speeding 21+ | Bristol West | $375 | Dale, 27 | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Jan 25, 2025Over 4,000,000 customers and counting
We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
Switched quick and easy, no issues
Jennifer
Thanks for the excellent price!
Devin
Found the best rate in the market
Sahil
Quick an easy to work with! Good pricing!
Justin
Cheapest auto insurance in California after a DUI
A serious violation like a
DUI in California
can increase your car insurance premiums, and the price hike is usually steep.Having a DUI offense on your driving record can lead to substantial variations in car insurance rates across different insurance companies. To secure affordable options following a DUI, you’ll want to compare rates from multiple insurance providers.
Jerry has found budget-friendly auto insurance rates for numerous drivers after a DUI.
Elmer (36 years old)
$62
per month
Safeco
Myrtle (63 years old)
DUI
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$292
per month
National General
Verna (31 years old)
DUI
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$336
per month
Bristol West
Evelyn (44 years old)
$117
per month
Clearcover
Henry (47 years old)
DUI
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$138
per month
California SR-22 insurance
After a serious violation you may need to complete an
SR-22 filing
to get your license back. Insurance companies issue an SR-22 as proof that high-risk drivers possess the mandatory minimum liability insurance outlined by California law.SR-22s are typically required in the following scenarios:
- DUI
- Driving without insurance
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Major collision
- Severe injury caused by collision
- Getting into a car accident as an uninsured driver
- Failing to report an accident that results in more than $1,000 in bodily injury
- If you own a vehicle that is part of an accident and you lack insurance coverage
Cheapest California auto Insurance after an at-fault accident
Car accidents
on your insurance claims history are one of the most influential factors that impact car insurance premiums.Past accidents—especially those where you were held at fault—are used to rank the risk level you pose to your provider. If you were found at fault in an accident in recent years, your car insurance premiums could surge.
| Accident Type | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
At Fault With Injury | Progressive | $238 | Kate, 44 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
At Fault With No Injury | Nationwide | $69 | Lora, 33 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Not At Fault | Allstate | $145 | Robert, 32 | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
At Fault With No Injury | Safeco | $209 | Corey, 32 | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
At Fault With Injury | Bristol West | $222 | Sue, 41 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability |
Last Updated Jan 27, 2025FAQs
Is California an at-fault state?
Yes, California is an at-fault state. Drivers aren’t legally required to carry no-fault coverage like medical payments coverage (MedPay), although most providers suggest adding this type of coverage to your policy—especially if you don’t have health insurance. Even with health insurance, medical payments coverage can support you by handling expenses that aren’t covered by your health coverage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is also recommended in case the other driver in an accident is at fault but they are uninsured or have low coverage levels.
The bottom line: MedPay isn’t required by California law, but you should consider adding this coverage to your policy. Your passengers and you will have medical payment coverage for any injuries resulting from an accident, whether you or the other driver were at fault.
Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in California
Violations like reckless driving and driving without a valid license can also impact your car insurance rates in California.
Check out how we’ve helped drivers find car insurance savings with these violations on their driving records.
| Violation | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Careless Driving | Progressive | $124 | Lawrence, 58 Westwood, CA | Dodge Journey Crossroad | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Cell Phone | Nationwide | $206 | Katharine, 29 | Honda Accord Sport | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Defective Equipment | Allstate | $394 | Gavin, 24 Jackson, CA | KIA Forte FE | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Driving on Sus. License | AAA | $197 | Clarence, 30 | Hyundai Sonata N Line | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
DUI | National General | $141 | Alma, 53 | Ford Escape Titanium | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Failure to Obey Signal | Mercury | $220 | Ann, 29 | Hyundai Elantra SE | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Homicide | Progressive | $162 | Marvin, 31 | Toyota Corolla L | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Illegal Turn | Bristol West | $276 | Maggie, 33 | Dodge Journey SXT | • State Minimum Liability |
Improper Passing | Safeco | $431 | Luella, 32 | Nissan Altima S | • 25,000/50,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | National General | $80 | Allen, 35 | Infiniti G37 | • State Minimum Liability |
Open Container | Nationwide | $94 | Tommy, 27 | Ford Focus SE | • State Minimum Liability |
Racing/Drag Racing | Clearcover | $75 | Margaret, 23 | Acura TSX | • 25,000/50,000 Liability |
Reckless Driving | Mapfre | $94 | Eric, 22 Soquel, CA | Subaru Forester 2.5X | • State Minimum Liability |
Seat Belt | Aspire Advantage | $78 | Marcus, 48 | Lexus RX 350 | • State Minimum Liability |
Speed over 100mph | Infinity | $83 | Harvey, 27 | Infiniti G35 | • State Minimum Liability |
Speeding Violation-Minor | Allstate | $364 | Alberta, 27 | KIA Optima LX | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Suspension | Gainsco | $173 | Dora, 33 | Chevrolet Cruze LT | • 25,000/50,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Vehicle Theft | Allstate | $145 | Carolyn, 26 | Mercedes-Benz E 350 | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | Travelers | $169 | Mabelle, 40 | Mazda 3 Touring | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Other Minor | Mercury | $214 | Luis, 25 | Audi A3 Premium | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Jan 30, 2025Cheapest California auto insurance based on insurance history
Your insurance history—specifically whether you currently hold an insurance policy—plays a significant role in determining your car insurance rates.
To assist our customers in ensuring timely insurance payments and avoiding any lapses in coverage, Jerry offers payment reminders to qualified customers. These signal when a payment is approaching or if they are behind schedule with their payments.
We have secured savings on new policies for numerous customers who were uninsured or experienced a lapse in coverage.
George (31 years old)
Currently Insured
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$271
per month
Travelers
Derek (35 years old)
Not Currently Insured
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$184
per month
Jeremiah (32 years old)
Not Currently Insured
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$219
per month
Bristol West
Patrick (47 years old)
$81
per month
Infinity
Mathilda (35 years old)
$136
per month
Car insurance for drivers with poor credit in California
In California, insurance companies cannot use credit scores as a factor to determine car insurance rates. Other states use credit scores to designate riskiness, as drivers with low credit scores tend to file more claims than drivers with high credit scores.
| Credit Range | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Car | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
> 750 | Progressive | $250 | Lina, 31 | Chevrolet Camaro LS | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
660 - 750 | Allstate | $190 | Jay, 25 | Honda HR-V LX | • State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision |
550 - 659 | Safeco | $243 | Estella, 23 | Jeep Renegade Sport | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
< 550 | Travelers | $198 | Elnora, 23 | Honda Accord Sport | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Jan 28, 2025Cheapest California car insurance by age
Typically, young drivers face higher insurance rates due to the risks associated with their lack of driving experience. When they reach 25 years old, their insurance rates tend to decrease—but drivers can expect their premiums to go up again when they hit the age of 75.
Cheapest California car insurance for young drivers
Teen drivers between the ages 16 to 19 tend to pay the highest insurance premiums. Teens in California with a newer vehicle may benefit from full-coverage insurance to ensure financial protection in case of an accident.
Ronald (22 years old)
$148
per month
Travelers
Jeff (23 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$160
per month
Elsie (22 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$297
per month
National General
Chase (24 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$186
per month
Bristol West
Jon (24 years old)
$101
per month
Cheapest California car insurance for senior drivers
Senior drivers also receive higher car insurance rates once they enter their mid-70s.
There are a few factors that lead to steeper premiums for seniors. As drivers get older, the likelihood of their involvement in an accident increases. They’re also more susceptible to serious injuries from collisions that may incur medical expenses—which means higher costs for insurance providers.
Don (65 years old)
$67
per month
Safeco
Rachel (74 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$76
per month
Augusta (79 years old)
Coverage100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
Honda Civic DX$148
per month
Bristol West
Eleanor (70 years old)
$84
per month
Clearcover
Ray (66 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$193
per month
Over 4,000,000 customers and counting
We’ve earned an App Store rating of 4.7 stars for all we do to make car ownership easier.
This insurance is awesome
Ryan
Great service and great prices
John
It's good to know that you're insured and you have a good company that will have your back.
Nanette
Was stressing when i got my first car for insurance but Jerry found such a killer deal.
Brandon
Cheapest car insurance for popular cars
The vehicle you choose to drive significantly influences car insurance rate. Factors related to your car type encompass repair or replacement costs, susceptibility to theft, and the safety ratings and track record of the vehicle.
Popular car models for Californians include:
- Toyota Camry
- Honda Civic
- Toyota Corolla
- Honda Accord
- Nissan Altima
| Popular Car | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Customer | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 LE | Progressive | $161 | Adeline, 34 | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Jan 30, 2025Car insurance cost for new vs. old car
Newer vehicles are generally more expensive to insure than older models.
Jerry finds that average full-coverage insurance costs for cars of 10 years or older is $3,089 per year in California. Alternatively, the average cost for insuring a car under 4 years old is $2,012 per year.
Mario (44 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$106
per month
National General
Verna (31 years old)
Coverage50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$336
per month
Clearcover
Birdie (30 years old)
$72
per month
Infinity
Mario (30 years old)
$73
per month
State Auto
Lucy (59 years old)
Coverage30,000 per person
60,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
Hayfork, CA$68
per month
California cheapest car insurance by location
Your vehicle’s garaging or parking address plays a role in your car insurance premium.
Factors like population density, crime rates, accident statistics, and weather patterns all impact insurance rates. Different ZIP codes within the same city can also create variation in premiums.
Browse the table below to see how Jerry insurance Agency helped California drivers from different cities save on their insurance rates.
| City | Customer | Insurance Company | Premium (monthly) | Car | Insurance coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moreno Valley, CA | Martha, 28 | Progressive | $95 | Toyota Camry L | • 30,000/60,000 Liability |
| San Francisco, CA | Millie, 23 | Safeco | $243 | Jeep Renegade Sport | • 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Sacramento, CA | Dennis, 40 | Nationwide | $104 | Hyundai Santa FE SE | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Anaheim, CA | Dale, 45 | Travelers | $284 | BMW M235i | • 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| Palmdale, CA | Tony, 35 | Mercury | $237 | Nissan Kicks S | • 30,000/60,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
| West Covina, CA | Esther, 55 | Bristol West | $118 | Mazda CX-9 Sport | • 30,000/60,000 Liability |
| Upland, CA | Glen, 31 | Aspire Advantage | $155 | Ford Escape SE | • 30,000/60,000 Liability |
| Oakland, CA | Jerry, 34 | Dairyland | $484 | Honda Accord LX | • 30,000/60,000 Liability • Comp / Collision |
Last Updated Jan 30, 2025How to lower the cost of car insurance in California
There are multiple ways to lower your car insurance expenses. Here are the top recommendations from Jerry’s team of licensed insurance agents:
- Shop around and compare quotes.
- Bundle your car insurance and home insurance for a discount.
- Ask about your eligibility forcar insurance discounts, such as low mileage discounts, loyalty discounts, good student discounts, good driver discounts, and discounts for vehicle safety enhancements and anti theft devices, etc.
- If applicable, increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Take a defensive driving course.
- Consider removing collision and comprehensive coverage for older cars.
Why is car insurance so expensive in California?
California car insurance rates may be more expensive than other areas due to:
- High population density cities: cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco have high population and tourism rates, leading to congested roads.
- High rates of uninsured drivers: As of 2019, 16.6% of drivers in California are uninsured.
- Expensive healthcare: California was ranked the 16th most expensive state for healthcare by a study from the University of Berkeley.
- Notable highway density: From the I-5 to the I-405—if you’ve ever driven on highways or freeways in California, you’ll know they get pretty congested.
- High rate of car thefts and crime: In 2021, the average rate of vehicle theft in California was one vehicle every three minutes.
- High risk of natural disasters: Earthquakes, floods, fires, and tsunamis are all natural risks to Californian citizens.
FAQs
Is car insurance required in California?
Yes, car insurance is required to legally drive and park a vehicle in California.
How much is car insurance in California?
Insurance rates differ between insurance companies due to the many factors that go into pricing. It’s a good idea to compare insurance rates from different providers to find the best one that meets your coverage needs.
Who has the best cheap car insurance in California?
Jerry’s survey of over 15,000 car insurance policyholders shows that there isn’t a distinguished insurance carrier that offers the best cheap insurance premiums for every driver.
To find affordable car insurance in California, we recommend drivers use a car insurance comparison app or website to compare car insurance quotes from several providers.
What is the minimum car insurance required in California?
California law requires drivers to carry liability car insurance coverage. California’s car insurance requirements include $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $5,000 for property liability per accident. This mandatory coverage is called 15/30/5.
What happens if you don't have car insurance in California?
Drivers will face fines and penalties if caught operating a vehicle without insurance. Your license may also be revoked, and your car could be impounded.
Can you buy a car without insurance in California?
You can buy a car without insurance in California, but you will need to get insurance for the vehicle as soon as possible. There is typically a new-car insurance grace period of 2 to 30 days in California.
Do you need insurance to register a car in California?
You do not need proof of insurance to register your vehicle in California, but you will need insurance to renew your registration and to drive and park the vehicle on California roads. It is recommended that you purchase insurance
before you buy and register a car
. To register, you will need a completed application, the vehicle’s title, and odometer record if the vehicle is under 10 years old, proof of a smog inspection if the vehicle is over four years old, and payment for any applicable fees.
7
Can your car get towed for no insurance in California?
Yes. Even if it is your first time getting pulled over by the police for driving without insurance, your vehicle may be impounded immediately.
8
Does insurance follow the car or the driver in California?
Based on California law, car insurance
policies follow the car
and can cover the primary driver and anyone who is granted permission to drive their vehicle. If you allow someone to drive your car and they get into an accident, your insurance company will likely allow a claim. Alternatively, if someone uses your vehicle without permission and an accident occurs, your insurance provider may deny the claim even if you are found liable. Outcomes depend on your coverage and the circumstances.
What does full coverage car insurance consist of in California?
Full coverage auto insurance in California includes the state’s minimum liability insurance requirements, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage.
California mandates a minimum of $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $5,000 for property liability per accident—so a full coverage insurance policy will include these requirements, plus collision and comprehensive coverage.
Can you have out of state car insurance in California?
Generally, California residents are required to have in-state car insurance. Some exceptions for out-of-state car insurance include being a resident of more than one state or being military personnel stationed in another state.
Your basic car insurance policy will provide coverage for your travels across all 50 states and Canada.
Is PIP required in California?
PIP is not available in California. Instead, California residents can purchase medical payments coverage (MedPay), though it is not required.
9
Medical payments coverage is recommended for added protection in case of injuries to the driver or passengers of an accident.Can you have both PIP and MedPay in California?
PIP is not available in California, but MedPay is. Insurance companies are required to offer MedPay coverage to their policyholders in California, but drivers have the choice to decline.
The major difference between PIP and MedPay is that PIP will cover lost wages resulting from injuries from an accident but MedPay will not. Also, PIP does not have payback provisions while MedPay offers a subrogation clause.
What is the average cost of car insurance In California?
On average, car insurance costs for California’s minimum liability coverage requirements are $121 per month and $1,454 per year. Full coverage typically costs an average $348 per month and $4,176 per year in California.
Methodology
The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions.
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months).
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings.
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.
Meet our Experts
R.E. Fulton
Expert Insurance Writer and Editor
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views.
As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
Lina Zhang
Licensed Insurance Agent
15 Years Working in Insurance
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to Jerry’s rapid growth.
Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just five markets to more than 50. Before founding YourMechanic, Lina served as an intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a postdoctoral biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
Lina is a member of the State Bar of California, and a licensed property and casualty insurance broker in all 50 states and Washington, D.C.
Josh Damico
Head Of Insurance Operations
18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s Vice President Insurance Operations and a licensed insurance professional with 18 years of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh worked for 14 years at GEICO, most recently as Director of Insurance Sales, Service, and Underwriting in the Buffalo, New York region, where he doubled the size of the team to 950+ licensed associates. Josh Damico is a licensed insurance agent in 48 states. Josh has appeared on news channels like FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
