Cheapest Car Insurance in California: A Comprehensive Guide

California drivers can save hundreds of dollars on car insurance by choosing the right provider. According to NerdWallet’s October 2023 analysis, the average cost of full coverage car insurance in California is $1,979 per year, or $165 per month. However, prices can vary significantly depending on factors like age, driving record, and location.

Top Cheapest Car Insurance Providers in California

• GEICO: Offers the cheapest full coverage insurance in California, with an average rate of $1,291 per year, or $108 per month. GEICO also provides the cheapest liability coverage, with an average rate of $286 per year, or $24 per month.
• Mercury: Offers competitive rates for Gen X drivers, with an average rate of $1,208 per year, or $101 per month, for full coverage.
• Kemper: Provides affordable rates for drivers with speeding tickets, with an average rate of $1,574 per year, or $131 per month, for full coverage.
• CSAA: Offers competitive rates for drivers with at-fault accidents, with an average rate of $1,994 per year, or $166 per month, for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance by Age Group

• Young Drivers (20-25): GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $2,218 per year, or $185 per month, for full coverage.
• Millennial Drivers (30-40): GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,274 per year, or $106 per month, for full coverage.
• Gen X Drivers (40-50): Mercury offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,208 per year, or $101 per month, for full coverage.
• Senior Drivers (70+): GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,268 per year, or $106 per month, for full coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance by Location

• Los Angeles: CSAA offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,578 per year, or $132 per month, for full coverage.
• San Diego: GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,148 per year, or $96 per month, for full coverage.
• San Francisco: GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,293 per year, or $108 per month, for full coverage.
• Sacramento: GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,371 per year, or $114 per month, for full coverage.

Tips for Saving on Car Insurance

• Compare rates from multiple providers to find the best deal.
• Take advantage of discounts, such as senior discounts or defensive driving course discounts.
• Maintain a clean driving record to lower your rates.
• Consider dropping comprehensive and collision coverage if your vehicle is older or has low value.
• Increase your deductible to lower your premium.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in California

• GEICO: Offers the cheapest full coverage in California, with an average rate of $1,291 per year or $108 per month. They’re also the cheapest for liability coverage, with an average rate of $286 per year or $24 per month.
• Mercury: Offers competitive rates for Gen X drivers, with an average rate of $1,208 per year or $101 per month.
• Kemper: Offers affordable rates for drivers with speeding tickets, with an average rate of $1,574 per year or $131 per month.
• CSAA: Provides cheap rates for drivers with at-fault accidents, with an average rate of $1,994 per year or $166 per month.

Average Car Insurance Costs in California

• Full Coverage: The average cost of full coverage car insurance in California is $1,979 per year or $165 per month.
• Liability Coverage: The average cost of minimum coverage in California is $615 per year or $51 per month.

Tips for Finding Cheap Car Insurance in California

• Shop Around: Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rate for your needs.
• Consider Your Coverage: Choose the right amount of coverage for your situation. Minimum coverage is cheaper, but may not provide enough protection.
• Take Advantage of Discounts: Look for discounts, such as senior discounts or defensive driving course discounts.
• Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid accidents and tickets to keep your rates low.

Cheapest Car Insurance by City

• Fresno: Kemper offers the cheapest rates for clean driving histories, with an average rate of $1,271 per year.
• Los Angeles: CSAA offers the cheapest rates for clean driving histories, with an average rate of $1,578 per year.
• Sacramento: GEICO offers the cheapest rates for clean driving histories, with an average rate of $1,371 per year.
• San Diego: GEICO offers the cheapest rates for clean driving histories, with an average rate of $1,148 per year.
• San Francisco: GEICO offers the cheapest rates for clean driving histories, with an average rate of $1,293 per year.
• San Jose: GEICO offers the cheapest rates for clean driving histories, with an average rate of $1,202 per year.

Cheapest Car Insurance by Age

Senior Drivers (70s): GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,268 per year or $106 per month ¹.

Young Drivers (20s): GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $2,218 per year or $185 per month.

Millennial Drivers (30s-40s): GEICO offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,274 per year or $106 per month.

Gen X Drivers (50s): Mercury offers the cheapest rates, with an average rate of $1,208 per year or $101 per month.