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Average car insurance rates in CA by zip code. Red represents the highest-cost region; purple the lowest.
Why you can trust Rate Retriever
Our rates are based on real results quoted to past users in the last 18 months. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy.Â
Our rates are based on real results quoted to past users in the last 18 months. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy.Â
Last updated: January 2nd, 2025
Finding car insurance in California doesn’t have to be complicated. From understanding what influences your rates to discovering how much you should expect to pay, we’re here to guide you. Our goal is to break down the key factors that impact your car insurance premiums in California, helping you make an informed decision with confidence.
Average car insurance rates in CA by zip code
$3,235
Average annual premium
29% more
Than the national average
8th
most expensive state for car insurance
Save No more
With excellent credit
A full coverage car insurance policy offers more complete coverage. It often includes higher liability coverage limits, personal injury protection, comprehensive insurance, and collision insurance. These additional coverages will help cover any damages you or your vehicle sustains in an accident or non-collision incident.
Average cost for a full coverage insurance
policy in California: $3,235 per year
Average cost for a full coverage insurance policy in California: $3,235 per year
Here’s what the average driver can expect to pay for full coverage from some of the top car insurance companies in California:
Looking for the best car insurance in California?
Full coverage is often the way to go if you want comprehensive protection. It’s always a good idea to compare car insurance to find the best rates for your specific needs. If you’re not sure what policy is best for you, talk to a local agent who will be able to recommend the right policy and help you compare rates.Â
California requires two types of car insurance coverage: bodily injury liability and property damage liability. However, many drivers choose to purchase additional coverage types, such as uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, to help cover certain costs associated with different types of accidents.
Average cost for a minimum coverage
policy in California: Â $2,105 per year
Average cost for a minimum coverage policy in California:
 $2,105 per year
Bodily Injury Liability – $15,000 limit per person/$30,000 limit per accident
Property Damage Liability – $5,000 limit
California minimum coverage only covers damages you cause to others and their property in an accident. It does not include collision or comprehensive, which cover damages to your own property in an accident you cause.
Here’s what the average driver can expect to pay for minimum coverage from some of the top car insurance companies in California:
Looking for the cheapest car insurance in California?
Minimum coverage is the most affordable way to insure your vehicle in California. However, minimum coverage doesn’t protect against damage to your car from accidents, severe weather, or theft. Additionally, the coverage limits – the maximum amount your insurer will pay for a claim – are often significantly lower than those offered by full coverage policies.
This means that even though minimum coverage can reduce your monthly premiums, it may leave you with higher out-of-pocket costs if you ever need to file a claim. Balancing affordability with the coverage you need is key to making a smart insurance choice.
No phone or email required. Seriously.
The state you live in is only one of the factors that may impact your car insurance rate. Each car insurance company has their own formula for calculating rates based on a variety of factors that make up your driver profile. Â
Factors that can impact your quoted rates include:Â
Car insurance will be different for each city – and even zip code –Â in California. For a deeper look at car insurance rates, trends, and companies near you, find your city in the list below.
What’s the impact?
Your driving history is one of the most critical factors insurance companies consider when deciding how much you’ll pay for car insurance. Accidents, traffic violations, and DUI/DWI offenses can substantially increase your premiums.
These are the common types of incidents that can greatly impact the price you pay for insurance.
1. Traffic Violations
Insurance providers consider traffic violations such as speeding tickets, reckless driving, running red lights, and DUI/DWI offenses as indicators of risky driving behavior. The more violations you have on your record, generally the higher your insurance rates will be.
2. Accidents
Being involved in accidents and filing claims can significantly impact your insurance rates. At-fault accidents tend to have a greater impact compared to accidents where you were not responsible. Multiple accidents or a history of frequent claims can lead to higher premiums.
3. Claims History
Insurance companies review your claims history to evaluate the likelihood of future claims. If you have a record of filing numerous claims, regardless of fault, insurers may consider you a higher risk and increase your rates accordingly.
4. License Suspensions or Revocations
If your driver’s license has been suspended or revoked due to violations or other reasons, insurance companies may view you as a high-risk driver, resulting in higher premiums.
5. Time Since Last Incident
Insurance providers often consider the time since your last traffic violation or accident. Generally, the longer you go without any incidents, the more favorable it is for your insurance rates.
Younger drivers tend to pay more for their car insurance. As drivers gain more experience and reach their mid-20s and 30s, insurance rates typically go down. This is because they have had more time to develop their driving skills and establish a track record of safe driving.
However, as drivers enter their senior years, insurance rates may start to increase again. This is primarily due to factors such as decreased vision, slower reaction times, and potential health issues that can impact driving abilities.
Why does this matter?
Teens are considered high-risk drivers. Adding a teen to your policy is expensive, but combining policies can help lower the cost. Learn more about combining policies and insuring a teenage driver >
Average cost for a teen driver
$6,108
When a parent adds the teen to their policy
Save 41%
Insurance companies cannot use credit score as a rating factor in California. Generally, the better your credit score, the cheaper your rates. Improving your credit score can save you a lot! However, if you have bad credit, you may still be able to find affordable insurance. Learn more about cheap car insurance with bad credit >
With poor credit
Pay no more
With good credit
Pay $3,235
With excellent credit
Save No more
Some insurance providers use your sex as a factor to determine your rates, but factors such as your zip code and driving record generally impact your rate more. However, in California insurance companies are not allowed to use gender as a rating factor.
Males pay an average of
$3,235 per year
Females pay an average of
$3,235 per year
In general, married drivers who combine their car insurance policies save money. Insurance companies may give married couples lower rates because they’re seen as lower-risk. Combining policies can save even more. If you’re married, ask about multi-car discounts!
Married couples save 25%Â on their
car insurance on average in California.
The vehicle you drive will also impact your insurance rate. Car insurance providers consider your vehicle’s year, make, model, and trim level to determine your rates. Generally, the higher the value of your car, the more expensive it will be to insure. This means that new cars, electric or hybrid vehicles, and sports cars usually have more expensive insurance than older cars or cars that are less expensive to repair or replace.
The cheapest cars to insure include small and medium-sized sedans and midsize pickup trucks, while the most expensive are usually full-size SUVs and electric vehicles.
The policy, coverage types, and coverage amount you choose will also impact the price you pay for car insurance. Generally, the more coverage you have, the more you’ll pay.
How much car insurance do you need in California?
You’ll need at least a minimum coverage policy in California. Minimum coverage is significantly cheaper than a full coverage policy, but make sure it’s enough to protect you in an accident. Additionally, if you’re one of the many drivers who lease or finance their vehicle, your lender may require you to carry additional insurance.
While a minimum coverage policy is much cheaper than full coverage, you may notice that the difference between a premium full coverage policy with higher coverage limits is not that much more expensive than a standard policy with lower limits. In this case, it might make sense for you to choose a policy with higher limits since you will get much more protection in case of an accident.
There are many ways to evaluate insurance companies: the best insurance company may be the cheapest, the highest rated, the one with the best app or customer service, or the one with the best discounts for your profile. Ultimately, the best car insurance company for you will be a reliable company that can give you a competitive rate for all the coverage you need.
Historically, First American, Progressive, and Grange have had lower rates on average in California; however, you may find a cheaper company when you compare quotes for your unique driver profile.
California has much to offer its residents, including world-class cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, countless national parks, coastal beaches, and famous mountains for winter activities. With something for everyone, it’s no wonder 39 million people choose to live in sunny California. Whether you’re thinking about moving to California or have called it home for a long time, you need car insurance. All drivers are required to carry certain types of auto insurance in California.
A great first step for finding affordable car insurance is to compare quotes from top insurance companies in California. Rate Retriever can connect you with top insurance providers who may offer affordable policies so you have the coverage you need without breaking the bank.
First, California car insurance is required by the state and driving without it can result in a license suspension and costly fines. It is important not only to have the minimum required auto insurance in California but to keep it up to date without a lapse in coverage.
One vital reason to have car insurance in California is that, depending on your policy and coverage limits, your insurance helps cover certain costs should you get into a car accident. This can reduce the burden of paying for accident-related costs out of pocket, and it can help you have peace of mind while on the road.
Whether you’re interested in the minimum auto insurance required or want more coverage for additional protection, we can connect you with top car insurance providers in California.
California auto insurance shopping made easy
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The minimum car insurance requirements in California are: Bodily Injury Liability - $15,000 limit per person/$30,000 limit per accident. Property Damage Liability - $5,000 limit.
Typically, you will be granted 30 days to get car insurance for a new car in CA.
Driving without insurance is against the law in CA. If you are convicted of driving without insurance, you will be subject to a fine that ranges between $100-$500, depending on if it's a first-time or repeat offense..
Rate Retriever estimates average rates using the thousands of results we generated for our users over the last 18 months. These results include estimated quotes from our insurance carrier partners and additional estimates based on public rate filings.
For the data on this page, we analyzed searches from insured drivers ages 25-75 who were searching for full coverage car insurance. These rates are not actual quotes and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your rates can vary significantly based on your unique driver profile.Â
At Rate Retriever, our mission is to make the way you shop for insurance transparent and fair through user-friendly tools that respect your privacy and deliver reliable, comprehensive results. Â
So we took everything we hated about comparing insurance quotes online – the spam, the long questionnaires, the limited choices, the inaccuracy of quote prices – and threw it out the window, favoring a quicker form that more accurately estimates what you’ll pay at each of the top insurance providers near you.Â
Rate Retriever is an independent company that is not owned by an insurance provider, nor do we provide insurance ourselves. This independence allows us to be your free and impartial insurance research tool, helping you make the best decisions for your insurance needs. Â
We may earn a commission when you click one of the links, buy a policy, or call one of the providers listed on our site; however, we do not allow our partnerships to influence which information we provide in our guides.Â
