Car Insurance in California

Here's what you need to know when driving in California

The average cost of car insurance in California is $1,810 per year — 18% more than the national average. Your car insurance premiums are impacted by more than just where you live. Underwriters generate auto insurance rates based on a number of factors, including age, driving history, marital status and credit score. The Zebra's experts analyzed average California car insurance rates for each of the most common rating factors to help you find a policy that fits your needs.

Read on to discover how much auto insurance costs in California, or submit your ZIP code above to receive auto insurance quotes personalized to your driving profile.

The best car insurance companies in California

The cheapest car insurance companies in California

Check out California's cheapest carriers in a variety of scenarios.

California auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, and California is no exception. For the legal minimum coverage level in California, expect to pay about $563 per year. This is more than the national average by 4%.

Have a look at the coverage levels required for all California drivers as well as optional coverage types offered by most insurers.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of California, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

• Bodily Injury $15,000 per person
• Bodily Injury $30,000 per accident
• Property Damage $5,000 per accident

If you choose a higher level of car insurance coverage, you can purchase a policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, which will protect against damages caused by car-vs.-car crashes, theft, or weather incidents. It's worth noting that better auto insurance coverage comes at a cost: in California, a comprehensive policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,609, 186% more than basic liability-only coverage. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, you can expect to pay around $1,920.

California car insurance premiums by rating factor

As mentioned above, car insurance rates are based on many different factors. This can include your driving history, age, and your credit score. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a ballpark idea of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in California.

California car insurance premiums for minimum coverage

Because California's minimum liability limits are lower than average, it's highly recommended that drivers carry more coverage than the bare minimum required. The state's incredibly low property damage liability limit could especially be problematic, leaving you on the hook for large sums if you were at fault in an expensive accident.

As a starting point, have a look at the average rates offered by carriers for minimum coverage to help get a sense of which companies might be cheapest overall.

Cheap auto insurance in California with bad credit

While most states use your credit history in the underwriting process, California has banned the practice. This means that those with a poor credit history do not have to worry about it affecting how much they pay for auto insurance.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in California

Young drivers between the ages of 16 and 25 pay the highest car insurance premiums of anyone in the US. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance, averaging around $4,989 if they were to purchase their own policy. Historically the most expensive drivers to insure, The Zebra found Wawanesa, GEICO, and USAA are the cheapest companies in California for teenagers.

California auto insurance rate by violation

If you have a clean driving record in California — no at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, or other recent citations — you'll probably pay less for car insurance. Conversely, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket: car insurance premiums typically increase by 161% after a DUI and 40% after a speeding ticket in California. 

See below average auto insurance rates in California after a few common citations.

California DUI laws

In California, a DUI violation can boost your annual car insurance cost to an average of $5,048. That’s 104% more than the national average rate hike following a DUI. Finding affordable auto coverage after a DUI isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI conviction often causes a larger premium increase than any other road violation — more than an at-fault accident, racing, or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in California

If you're convicted of a DUI or DWI violation in California, it’s important to consider your insurance choices carefully. Car insurance premiums after a DUI can vary substantially from one carrier to another. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in California is Wawanesa. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in California is GEICO, while the priciest firm is Allstate, with prices 70% above average.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers inexpensive DUI car insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

California SR-22 insurance

How to get an SR-22 in California

An SR-22 is often required for drivers with serious violations on their driving record, most often related to drinking and driving offenses. The SR-22 is a form issued by your insurance company that must be filed with the state of California as proof of continued insurance coverage. Below you'll find the steps to getting this coverage. 

Already insured

With an active insurance policy, requesting an SR-22 might be easy. Just call your insurance company request they file an SR-22 request on your behalf. If your current insurer declines to request a certificate, you should shop around for a new insurance company.

Currently uninsured?

When filing for car insurance, you'll be billed extra to cover the cost of the SR-22 request form and your high-risk driving profile. An SR-22 requirement may disqualify you from buying insurance from some carriers, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers who don’t own a vehicle

Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not having a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. If this is the case, you should buy a non-owners car insurance policy before filing for an SR-22. A non-owners policy is typically less expensive than a standard policy since it won’t provide protection for physical damage sustained by your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Weed and Mount Shasta, California, and the most expensive in Beverly Hills, California.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of California's biggest cities.

Auto insurance pricing trends in California

Average annual auto insurance premiums in California fell by $12 from 2020 to 2021. A normal driver in California faces an average rate of $1,810 each year.

The year-over-year trend in California is fairly flat for auto insurance costs overall, though likely to increase going forward. The biggest jump in recent years occurred between 2016 and 2017, with rates increasing an average of $288 year over year. Meanwhile, insurance rates nationwide have risen in recent years, climbing from $1,470 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

If your policy pricing trend doesn't align with the table below, the best step to take is to shop around.

California car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding California auto insurance.