Average cost of car insurance in California for 2023

How much is car insurance in California?

Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $2,291 per year in California. The average cost for state minimum coverage is $636 per year. Nationally, full coverage costs $2,014, and minimum coverage costs $622 on average per year, so California is an expensive place to buy insurance. To determine the average cost of car insurance in California for 2023, our insurance editorial team reviewed average rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for a range of driver profiles. 

While the average auto insurance rates in California could help you determine if you are overpaying for coverage, remember that your premium will vary based on several individual rating factors like the type of car you drive, your motor vehicle record, your claims history and how many miles you drive per year. The company you choose and your coverage types and limits will also affect your rate.

How does location impact the cost of car insurance in California?

Car insurance rates in California vary by city. Drivers in densely populated areas tend to have higher rates. For example, drivers in Los Angeles pay 11 percent more than the state average for full coverage, and the average cost in San Francisco is $197 per year higher than the state average. Having more vehicles on the road could mean a greater chance of an accident. Other factors, such as the costs for vehicle repairs, parts and medical expenses can also impact how much drivers in a given city pay for coverage.

How does age impact the cost of car insurance in California?

A driver’s age often contributes to the cost of annual premiums, as it can indicate how statistically risky a driver is. Young drivers, with teen drivers that have just earned their drivers’ licenses, are typically hit the hardest with expensive premiums. For example, 16-year-old drivers in California typically increase their parents’ premiums by nearly $3,000 per year. Fortunately, California auto insurance rates typically drop in price as drivers get older (starting at age 20) — as long as they avoid accidents and citations.

*16-year-old rate is total rate on parents' policy with discounts applied; 18- and 20-year-old are renters on their own policies with no discounts applied

Cost considerations for young drivers in California

Teen drivers generally pay some of the highest car insurance rates due to their lack of experience. Generally, until a child is legally an adult at 18, they must share a car insurance policy with a legal adult. The rates below are for a married couple adding one child to their car insurance policy.

At age 18, drivers can choose to purchase their own car insurance policy, but the cost will generally be higher than if they were still listed on their parents’ policy. By age 25, most drivers likely have established their own household and have their own policies. The rates below are for California drivers of various ages that have their own auto insurance policies.

*Cost on parents’ policy is the total cost for three drivers insured on one full coverage policy

**16- and 17-year-old drivers must be on their parents’ policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in California?

Your motor vehicle record is one of the biggest influences on your car insurance premiums. In California, a single speeding ticket could increase the cost of your auto insurance by 35 percent. The table below demonstrates the average premium increases for a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident and a DUI conviction. Any one of these infractions could cause you to be viewed as a high-risk driver. If you have multiple incidents on your driving record within a three- to five-year time period, your rates will likely be even higher. Only full coverage rates are presented here, as riskier drivers may want to consider more coverage for greater financial protection.

How does vehicle type impact the cost of car insurance in California?

The type of vehicle you drive also impacts your car insurance premium. Different vehicle makes and models have different statistical accident rates, different safety features and different prices for parts and labor, all of which can affect auto insurance costs. Below is a table showing the average California car insurance rates for some popular vehicle makes and models across a range of price points. As you can see, higher end cars like BMWs generally cost more to insure than more standard makes like Hondas. Keep in mind that rates will also vary by the year of your vehicle, since updates to models can bring changes in safety features and the price of parts and labor.

How to save on car insurance in California

California drivers pay, on average, higher rates for car insurance than drivers in many other states. However, the state of California also highly regulates how insurers can offer savings. For example, drivers in California cannot take advantage of telematics discounts or accident forgiveness programs. If you’re trying to lower your car insurance premium in California, here are some tips:

• Understand your coverage needs: More coverage means more financial protection, but it also generally comes with a higher price tag. While most insurance professionals advise that you buy higher-than-minimum limits, not every driver needs a deluxe policy. Understanding your needs can help you choose appropriate coverage.
• Maintain a clean driving record: Driving incidents like at-fault accidents, tickets and DUIs increase rates substantially. Practicing safe driving habits can help you maintain a lower premium.
• Shop around: Different car insurance companies have different rating structures, which means rates vary for even the same coverage. Getting quotes from several insurers could help you find the lowest rate.
• Utilize discounts: While California restricts some discounts like telematics programs, there are other ways to save. Bundling your auto and home insurance policies, being a good student and being loyal to a company are all solid ways to save on California car insurance.

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Frequently asked questions