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Average cost of car insurance in California for 2023
As one of the most expensive states to live in the country, it should come as no surprise that car insurance rates in California are higher than average. Drivers in the Golden State pay an average of $2,291 per year for full coverage car insurance and $636 per year for minimum coverage, according to Bankrate’s 2023 survey of quoted annual premiums.
Compared to the national average cost of car insurance, which is $2,014 per year for full coverage and $622 per year for minimum coverage, California auto insurance rates are quite a bit higher. Knowing the average cost of auto insurance in California may help you understand if your policy is competitively priced. Bankrate’s research could also help you find ways to lower your premium, which could potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year.
- According to Bankrate’s analysis, Geico offers the cheapest average minimum coverage auto insurance premium on our list at $415 per year, while Capital offers the most competitive rates for full coverage at $1,548 annually.
- Drivers in Venice pay the most by far for auto insurance, according to our research, with an average rate for full coverage insurance of $2,703 per year, 18 percent above the state average.
- California parents adding a 16-year-old driver to their full coverage auto insurance policy can expect an average premium of $5,360 per year.
How much does car insurance cost 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 2022, 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, keep in mind 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, as well as the coverage types and limits you select will also greatly affect your rate.
Compare auto insurance rates
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
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California car insurance rates by city
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 of minimum coverage in San Francisco is $48 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.
| City | Average annual minimum coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $725 | $2,545 |
| San Diego | $641 | $2,328 |
| San Jose | $596 | $2,239 |
| San Francisco | $670 | $2,488 |
| Fresno | $604 | $2,187 |
| Sacramento | $660 | $2,328 |
| Long Beach | $679 | $2,382 |
| Bakersfield | $565 | $2,144 |
| Oakland | $633 | $2,471 |
| Anaheim | $654 | $2,249 |
California car insurance rates by company
Car insurance companies in California use their own proprietary rating methods to determine premiums, so rates will vary between insurers. Additionally, each insurer has its own level of risk tolerance, so not all drivers will be eligible with all carriers. Below is a list of some of the largest car insurance companies in the Golden State and their average premiums.
| Car insurance company | Average annual minimum coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $545 | $2,630 |
| Capital | $539 | $1,253 |
| Chubb | $684 | $2,472 |
| Farmers | $534 | $1,598 |
| Geico | $373 | $1,353 |
| Kemper | $1,150 | $2,662 |
| Mercury | $541 | $1,547 |
| Nationwide | $567 | $1,422 |
| State Farm | $464 | $1,480 |
| Wawanesa | $593 | $1,612 |
California car insurance rates by age
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 driver’s license, are typically hit the hardest with expensive premiums. 16-year-old drivers in California typically increase their parents’ premium 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.
Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parent’s policy
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.
Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own 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.
California car insurance rates by driving record
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.
| Driving incident | Average annual full coverage premium | Percent increase in average annual premium |
|---|---|---|
| Clean driving record | $2,291 | 0 percent |
| Speeding ticket | $3,111 | 36 percent |
| Accident | $3,789 | 65 percent |
| DUI | $5,506 | 140 percent |
California car insurance rates by vehicle type
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.
| Vehicle | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|
| BWM 330i | $2,779 |
| Ford F-150 | $2,146 |
| Honda Odyssey | $2,010 |
| Toyota Prius | $2,382 |
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
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2021 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 16-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.
Model: To determine cost by vehicle type, we evaluated our base profile with the following vehicles applied: BMW 330i, Ford F-150, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry (base).