Shopping around for low-cost car insurance in California can be slippery. But have no reverence, we ’ ve gathered all the data you need to secure the cheapest car insurance rates. Keep understand to learn about insurance requirements and how to find the cheapest insurance rates whether you ’ re a adolescent, retired, married, individual, or have a spotty drive record .

In This Article:

Cheap Car Insurance for Different Categories of California Drivers

Cars with cheap insurance driving over the Golden Gate Bridge

Cheap Car Insurance for Teen Drivers in California

Finding low-cost car insurance for adolescent drivers can be challenging due to their age and lack of driving experience. thankfully there are insurance companies in California that offer more low-cost insurance options for the youngest drivers on the road .

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $65
Anchor General $115
Kemper $128
MetroMile $136
SafeAuto $147
Carnegie General $148
National General $151
Esurance $174
Mercury $180
BridgeNet $223

As you can see, Hugo tends to be the cheapest cable car indemnity ship’s company for California teens, with average rates angstrom gloomy as $ 65 a calendar month for liability policy. Some early companies offering low-cost insurance for cheap drivers include Anchor General ( $ 115/mo. ), Kemper ( $ 128/mo. ), and Metromile ( $ 136/mo. ).

But just because these companies offer the cheapest average rates for adolescent drivers, it doesn ’ t mean they ’ ll be the cheapest for you or your child. Car insurance companies take a count of factors into consideration when calculating their rates, so it ’ mho significant to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies so that you can be certain you ’ re getting the best consider .

Cheapest Rates for California’s Young Drivers

once drivers hit 25 years old they ’ ll see a exorbitant drop in car policy rates, but until then they can expect to pay more for policy, but with the proper company they can still save. here are the cheapest indemnity companies for drivers 18-24 years old .

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $65
Direct Auto $90
Workmen’s $98
Aspire $102
Kemper $106
Freedom $114
Carnegie General $116
MetroMile $119
Anchor General $123
SafeAuto $132

once again, Hugo comes in as the brassy car indemnity company for young drivers in California with rates averaging $ 65/mo for liability indemnity. other low-cost options include direct Auto ( $ 90/mo ), Workmens ( $ 98/mo ) and Aspire ( $ 102/mo ) .
While these are the most low-cost companies on average, you still want to compare rates to see which company will provide the best rates for you based on your background, demographics, and early factors. Be surely to compare quotes from different indemnity companies to ensure you get the most low-cost premium .

Cheapest Car Insurance for Retired Californians

After enjoying years of lower car policy rates, drivers 65+ begin to see their premiums rates creep up. This is ascribable to drivers in this senesce group being identified as riskier to insure by insurance companies. That doesn ’ metric ton mean drivers 65 and up can ’ metric ton find cheap car policy though .
here are the top 10 cheapest car indemnity companies for go to bed drivers in California .

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
MetroMile $50
DirectGeneral $53
Kemper $66
Clearcover $70
Mercury $71
Esurance $77
SafeAuto $77
TwentyFirstCentury $78
Infinity $102

Drivers over 65 can enjoy the lowest rates with MetroMile with an average monthly premium of merely $ 50/mo for liability-only indemnity. Beyond MetroMile you can enjoy premiums of less than $ 75/mo from companies such as direct Auto ( $ 53/mo ), Kemper ( $ 66/mo ), Clearcover ( $ 70/mo ), and Mercury ( $ 71/mo ) .
These are some of the lowest rates for withdraw drivers on modal, but be sure to hush shop around to compare car indemnity rates amongst different companies and consider the discounts you might be eligible for to farther reduce your monthly premium .

Cheapest Insurance for California’s Married Drivers

Love away, marriage comes with respective benefits – one being a decrease in car indemnity rates. indeed if you ’ ve already said “ I do ” be sure to besides say “ I do ” to these policy companies that offer the most low-cost rates for marry drivers in California .

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $41
Aspire $52
Freedom $58
MetroMile $59
Carnegie General $73
Workmen’s $74
Clearcover $77
Anchor General $78
Infinity $78
Foremost $81

Hugo gets the top point once again as the cheap car policy provider, but this time for marry drivers in California with monthly indemnity rates averaging $ 41/mo. Aspire ( $ 52/mo ), Freedom ( $ 58/mo ) and MetroMile ( $ 59/mo ) are the following most low-cost companies to look into .
As you can see, the monthly insurance rates double from Hugo at $ 41/mo to Foremost at $ 81/mo. indeed even within this list of the most low-cost insurance providers, you want to be indisputable you choose the company that will best suit your budget without sacrificing quality coverage .

Cheapest Rates for Single Drivers

merely because you haven ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate made it down the aisle doesn ’ t base you have to overpay for car policy. These 10 indemnity companies will get you the cheapest car policy in California as a single driver .

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $54
Direct Auto $58
Aspire $59
MetroMile $63
Sun Coast $65
Kemper $68
Freedom $74
Carnegie General $77
National General $81
Workmen’s $87

For single drivers in California, Hugo offers the most low-cost indemnity rates with an average monthly premium of $ 54/mo for indebtedness indemnity. Next, you can look to Direct Auto ( $ 58/mo ), Aspire ( $ 59/mo ), and MetroMile $ 63/mo ) to offer the most low-cost premiums if you ’ re not married .
Since your insurance rates tend to be a bite higher as a single driver in California compared to a married driver, be certain to check for discounts that will help reduce your monthly policy bounty .

Car Insurance Rates for Men vs. Women in California

On average men pay more for car insurance than women, but as they long time, this dispute in rates decreases. Overall you ’ ll find men pay $ 90/mo for car policy while women pay about 5 % less at just $ 84/mo .

5 Cheapest Companies for Men

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $55
Aspire $59
Direct Auto $60
MetroMile $64
Kemper $69

5 Cheapest Companies for Women

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $50
Sun Coast $55
Aspire $56
Direct Auto $57
MetroMile $61

When comparing the most low-cost car policy rates for men and women, you ’ ll see Hugo offers the most low-cost monthly premium for liability insurance on average at $ 55/mo and $ 50/mo respectively. The other cheap companies remain relatively the lapp for men and women apart from Sun Coast ( $ 55/mo ) coming in number 2 for women while Kemper doesn ’ t make the list .
Gender away, there is a skid of factors that impact the rate an insurance company quotes you, so be certain to compare the policy rates .

Cheapest Companies for California Drivers with Spotty Records

Woman getting a speeding ticket
Have a tag or two on your driving history ? possibly a couple of accidents in your past ? Your driving history will impact your car insurance rate, but some companies are more forgive by still offering low-cost car indemnity rates evening if your background international relations and security network ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate immaculate .

Cheapest Quotes for Drivers with a Ticket on their Record

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Aspire $66
Direct Auto $67
Freedom $78
Kemper $82
MetroMile $85

Cheapest Quotes for Drivers with Multiple Tickets on their Record

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Aspire $70
Direct Auto $83
SafeAuto $85
Kemper $97
Esurance $108

As you can see, there can be substantial differences in car insurance rates when you have one tag on your record vs. multiple tickets on your record. At the lowest when comparing Aspire insurance, drivers with one tag pay 6 % less per month than drivers with multiple tickets. But when you look at the rates for the 5th most low-cost insurance ship’s company, drivers with multiple tickets are paying about 30 % more for car indemnity .
so, if this is your case, it ’ s all-important that you compare car insurance rates to find the cheapest car insurance based on your driving history, demographics, vehicle of choice and other factors policy companies consider when quoting monthly premiums .

Cheap Car Insurance for Drivers After an Accident

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $57
Aspire $75
Direct Auto $77
Kemper $85
Carnegie General $87

Best Rates for Drivers with Multiple Accidents on their Record

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
MetroMile $79
Aspire $82
Direct Auto $85
Freedom $88
SafeAuto $117

similar to having tickets on your drive record, the numeral of accidents you have can well impact your monthly bounty. The difference between drivers with one accident insured by Hugo ( $ 57/mo ) compared to drivers with multiple accidents insured by MetroMile ( $ 79/mo ) is a difference of about 40 % ! Yes, you read that right…40 % .
When you ’ ve been involved in an accident, particularly multiple accidents, you have to compare rates, seek out all the discounts possible and rehearse safe driving habits until they drop off your record. That ’ s the best way to secure the cheapest car policy .

Cheap California State Minimum Coverage

If you equitable want state minimal coverage for your vehicles, you can save big bucks. Save flush more by choosing one of these indemnity companies which offer the cheapest country minimal coverage in California .

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
MetroMile $39
Hugo $39
Aspire $42
Direct Auto $46
Sun Coast $49
Freedom $49
Clearcover $50
21st Century $52
Mercury $52
National General $53

You can get submit minimum coverage in California for vitamin a low as $ 39 when you ’ re insured through MetroMile or Hugo. Aspire ( $ 42/mo ), direct Auto ( $ 46/mo ) and Sun Coast or Freedom ( $ 49/mo ) come in following as the most low-cost car policy providers when you ’ ra looking for bare minimum coverage .
In order to get the most knock for your buck in terms of savings, be sure to compare car indemnity quotes to get the lowest rate, but besides learn which discounts you can take advantage of. many of these insurance companies will offer a variety of discounts including safe driver, effective student, fomite condom, multi-policy and more. You can experience extra savings of 10 % or more with different discount programs .

California’s Cheapest Full Coverage Insurance

Prefer full moon coverage car policy ? Or possibly you ’ re required to purchase full moon coverage because your vehicle is leased or financed .
Either direction, your protection horizontal surface will increase and so will your insurance premiums. But, no worries. These car indemnity companies offer the lowest rates throughout California to help you save while maximizing your protection .

Insurance Company Monthly Insurance Premium
Hugo $58
Direct Auto $82
MetroMile $97
21st Century $103
Travelers $110
Aspire $120
Workmen’s $128
Clearcover $131
Freedom $134

Hugo offers full coverage car policy for american samoa moo as $ 58/mo – not bad for more comprehensive coverage .
The next low-cost option jumps 41 % with conduct Auto at $ 82/mo and again about 20 % with MetroMile at $ 97/mo. These are massive jumps in policy rates that can make a adult impact on your monthly budget. indeed, when looking at full coverage car indemnity, be surely to compare rates to find the most low-cost options for you .

Most Affordable Insurance for Drivers in California’s Major Metropolitan Areas

Depending on where you live in California, the car indemnity caller that can offer the most low-cost rates will vary. If you ’ re in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles County, these are the rates you can expect to pay for liability insurance if you choose from one of these more low-cost indemnity companies .

Insurance Company Monthly Premium
Progressive $24
GEICO $29
Grange $31
Workmen’s Auto Insurance $32
State National $33

The cheapest indemnity rates in major metropolitan areas in California are relatively similar with precisely a $ 10 difference between the 5 most low-cost companies. progressive starts at fair $ 24/mo with Geico ( $ 29/mo ), Grange ( $ 31/mo ) coming in right after .
With rates so exchangeable, other coverage perks, discounts, and features offered by the policy company might be the major decision-making agent when selecting the best option for you .

Cheapest Car Insurance for California Suburbs

As you head out of the major cities to the suburbs like San Bernardino County, car indemnity rates and the best company to choose for low-cost insurance varies a piece, but stays quite reproducible. here are the best companies to choose from for low-cost liability insurance in the California suburb .

Insurance Company Monthly Premium
GEICO $27
Progressive $29
Grange $30
Workmen’s Auto Insurance $30
Mercury $31

In the California suburb, you ’ ll pay the least using Geico ( $ 27/mo ), while policy premiums for the other cheapest indemnity companies stay in a similar range. Mercury is the most expensive of the 5 at just $ 31/mo, sol there are several low-cost indemnity options.

Lowest Rates for Rural Areas in California

If you live in the rural areas of California like Calaveras County, you ’ ll see a slender drop in average insurance rates. While you ’ re looking for the most low-cost rates, choose for one of the 5 most low-cost indemnity companies for coverage in rural California .

Company Monthly Premium
GEICO $21
Progressive $24
First American P&C $26
Mercury $27
Infinity $27

As you head to rural California areas, you ’ ll see rates drop more. Geico offers the most low-cost rate at merely $ 21/mo followed by Progressive at $ 24/mo. beginning american english P & C ( $ 26/mo ), Mercury ( $ 27/mo ), and Infinity ( $ 27/mo ) extend alike rates as they round out the cheapest car indemnity carriers in rural California .

Compare California Car Insurance Discounts

Woman researching car insurance discounts in California
One of the best ways to lower your car policy rate is to take advantage of discounts offered by the insurance ship’s company. You ’ ll want to check with each individual company to see which discounts are available, but here are some park dismiss options .

  • Multi-Car Discounts: If you insure multiple cars on your policy you can save up to 25% on your premium with a multi-car discount.
  • Multi-Policy Discount: When you also need insurance for your home, apartment or even life insurance, bundling it with your auto insurance under the same policy can also help you save up to 25% on your premium compared to insuring them separately.
  • Pay in Full Discount: Insurance companies will reward you for paying in full by offering a pay in full discount. Not only do you save on your premium, but you also don’t have to worry about forgetting to make your payment each month.
  • Vehicle Safety Discount: Ensuring your vehicle has some of the latest safety features can help you save a bit on your auto premium. Some of the features that will earn you a discount include having anti-lock brakes and electronic stability control.
  • Good Driving Discount: Save up to 40% on your insurance premium when you demonstrate good driving habits. You may need to use a telematics tracking system to do so, but the savings can be worth it if you can meet the standards.
  • Defensive Driving Course Discount: While taking a defensive driving course might not be fun, it can save you 10% or more on your auto insurance. As long as you complete a state-approved course, you should be able to enjoy this discount.
  • Usage-Based Discount: If you drive fewer miles than the average American, you might be eligible for a pay-per-mile also known as usage-based auto insurance discount. On this plan, you typically have a low monthly base price and pay extra based on the number of miles you drive.

The Best Car Insurance Companies in California

Each year, J.D. Power conducts a customer satisfaction survey to identify the top-rated car indemnity companies based on a 1,000 distributor point scale .
here are the top 10 best-rated car indemnity companies in California for this class .

  • Wawanesa – 853 points
  • CONNECT by American Family – 839 points
  • Auto Club of Southern California Insurance Group – 830 points
  • GEICO – 828 points
  • Progressive – 819 points
  • State Farm – 818 points
  • Mercury – 816 points
  • Farmers – 811 points
  • CSAA Insurance Group – 807 points
  • Allstate – 803 points

California’s Car Insurance Requirements

Drivers in California must show fiscal province – normally, this means drivers must carry proofread of car insurance. In California, this proof can besides take the shape of a $ 35,000 deposit with the DMV, a $ 35,000 guarantor bond, or a DMV-issued self-insurance certificate. You must carry this proof with you at all times, in shell you are in an accident or stopped by the police .
California besides requires insurance companies to electronically report indemnity information for private-use vehicles, so that the DMV can determine whether or not you meet the coverage requirements. California ’ s minimum insurance coverage levels are :

  • Body Injury Liability: $15,000 for injury/death to one person; $30,000 for one accident
  • Property Damage Liability: $5,000

medical payments, collision policy and comprehensive coverage are not required by law in California. however, between medical bills, bumper damage, and possible lawsuits, you may wind up owing far more than the state minimum coverage is able to cover. Keep this in take care when you ’ rhenium shop, and be sure to get the most appropriate coverage for you .

California Car Insurance Penalties

Failing to meet California ’ s minimum requirements may result in an any number of penalties. These include :

  • Suspension of your driver’s license plus a fee and the costs associated with a license and registration reinstatement
  • Impoundment of your vehicle
  • Being required to file an SR-22 annually for three years after reinstatement

To learn more about the requirements and penalties, visit the California Department of Insurance .

California’s Unique Auto Insurance Rules

  • Good drivers are rewarded: Car insurance companies make your driving history one of the main factors in calculating your premium. A 20 percent discount is guaranteed for drivers who have been licensed at least three years, have no more than one point on their records in the last three years and haven’t been found at fault in a major accident in the last three years.
  • Your credit doesn’t matter: In most states, insurers use credit-based insurance scores to calculate how likely it is that you’ll make a claim, which can affect your rates. In California, this practice is prohibited (as it is in Hawaii and Massachusetts). So even if Johnny Racer has terrible credit, it won’t bring up his insurance rates.
  • Your location does matter: California car insurance law states that location must be considered a secondary factor in determining rates, making it less important than your driving record. However, your ZIP code still affects your insurance premiums.

California Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program Explained

In California, drivers are required to carry at least $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 of property damage coverage. If you don ’ thyroxine want to carry policy, you have a few other options for demonstrating fiscal province, such as a $ 35,000 cash down payment with the state Department of Motor Vehicles or a hostage bail for the same amount .
What if you can ’ triiodothyronine afford California car indemnity ? Low-income drivers may be eligible to participate in the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program. This program is open to people 19 and older who have a valid California driver ’ s license, own a fomite valued at $ 25,000 or less and meet income eligibility guidelines. Find out if you qualify by taking this on-line questionnaire .
What about bad drivers ? If your drive record is tarnished, you need to shop around for the lowest rate available. In our California car policy comparison chart, Johnny Racer is looking at monthly premiums as high as $775 because of his age and his two accelerate tickets. That ’ sulfur about twice ampere much as the $417 offered by another carrier — and that ’ s why it ’ s sol significant to compare policy quotes on compare.com before you buy. It ’ randomness release, fast and easy .

Additional Vehicle Costs and Fees in California

If you ’ re in the market for a new or use car, you ’ ll need to budget for more than just the vehicle ’ s dagger monetary value. You ’ ll be on the hook for basic DMV fees like deed, license plate, and registration fees no matter where and how you purchase your new car, hand truck or SUV, deoxyadenosine monophosphate well as buying a new car insurance policy for your car. But some buyers will find themselves with extra fees such as sales tax, documentation fees, personal property tax, emissions and inspection fees, hybrid and electric vehicle fees, lien recording fees and a swerve of other costs .
Check out Compare.com ’ s comprehensive examination vehicle costs breakdown to make sure you account for all the lend fees you might be on the hook for when buying a car in California .

Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in California

As you ’ ll see below, car indemnity rates can vary quite a piece from city to city. For case, San Ysidro drivers pay the lowest median rates in all of California at barely $ 34 a month. On the other end of the spectrum, people in West Hills pay an average rate well over $ 100 .
Want to know where your city falls in that roll ? We ’ ve compiled a list of average rates for about 300 cities across California :
Click on the appoint of each city in the table above to find detail breakdowns on all the factors that go into calculating your monthly premium. here, you ’ ll find all the information you need on how things like driving record, age, gender, vehicle make and model, and more will affect how much you pay for car insurance in each vicinity .
And if you want to jump correct in and see how much you ’ ll give, merely enter your ZIP code below and find your best rate in minutes !

California Car Insurance FAQs

How much is car insurance in California?
policy rates in California will vary, but in general, the average car policy rate is $ 87/mo .
What car insurance is required in California?
In California the minimal indemnity coverage levels are :

  • Body Injury Liability: $15,000 for injury/death to one person; $30,000 for one accident
  • Property Damage Liability: $5,000

What happens if you drive without insurance in California?
If you ’ rhenium trip up driving without insurance in California, your consequence will start little and increase if it happens more than once .
The first time around you ’ ll receive a fine of up to $ 250 along with penalty assessments .
penalty assessments can vary based on where you live but range from $ 1 for every $ 10 up to $ 10 for every $ 10 you owe in fees. That means if your all right is $ 100, you could owe up to an extra $ 100 in penalty assessments which doubles the total come you have to pay .
If you ’ re catch driving without policy again within 3 years, you could receive a finely of up to $ 500 plus punishment assessments .
besides, anytime you ’ rhenium catch driving without car policy the woo can elect to impound your vehicle .
Does California require full coverage car insurance?
California doesn ’ deoxythymidine monophosphate require wide coverage car insurance. You can choose to secure a higher level of car policy coverage which will by and large include a combination of liability, comprehensive and collision coverage .
Can you get car insurance without a license in California?
While you can get car policy in California without a license, it ’ second decidedly more challenge to do. And if you previously lost your license ascribable to driving infractions it presents evening more difficulties. Your best bet for securing car indemnity without a license is to work with a smaller policy caller that might be more flexible with their requirements.

Methodology
All data referenced in this article comes from a combination of proprietorship data — which is aggregated from millions of real customer quotes through Compare.com — and extra data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant .

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