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Best car insurance in California for 2023

Bankrate’s analysis points to Geico, State Farm and Progressive as some best car insurance companies for California drivers.

Updated Sep 27, 2023
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Best car insurance companies in California

According to our research, California drivers pay an average car insurance premium of $2,291 per year for full coverage and $636 for minimum coverage. Bankrate’s insurance editorial team determined that Geico, State Farm, Progressive and Mercury are among the best car insurance companies in California. We first analyzed average annual quoted premiums, provided by Quadrant Information Services, for the largest insurance companies by market share in the Golden State. We also considered coverage options, discounts, digital tools and customer satisfaction scores from the 2023 J.D. Power U.S. Auto Insurance Study.

Based on our research, you might want to get quotes from the following national and regional companies if you are looking for the best auto insurance in California:

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
Average full coverage rate*
$1,841
Average min coverage rate*
$415
State Farm
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
Average full coverage rate*
$2,258
Average min coverage rate*
$547
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
Average full coverage rate*
$2,034
Average min coverage rate*
$559
Mercury
Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5
3.2
Bankrate Score
Info
Average full coverage rate*
$1,817
Average min coverage rate*
$557
*Displayed rates are average annual premiums
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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.

Best for digital policy management

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 830/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 1,841 for full coverage
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Why Geico made our list: Geico offers low average premiums across many driver profiles in California plus more than a dozen potential discounts. These savings opportunities include affiliation, good driver, military, multi-policy and safety and security device discounts. Although Geico has well-developed digital tools, it has no local agencies in California. Geico checks many of our boxes, which is why it tied for the 2023 Bankrate Award for Best Overall Car Insurance Company and won the Best Budget Auto Insurance award.

Who Geico may be good for: Geico may be the best carrier for budget-conscious drivers who value robust digital tool capabilities.

Read full Geico review

Best for local agencies

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 826/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 2,258 for full coverage
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Why State Farm made our list: The company offers a robust set of car insurance discounts that could help you save on your premium. Along with over 19,000 agents nationwide, the State Farm mobile app is highly rated, giving policyholders the best of both worlds. State Farm offers two telematics programs with one option geared specifically toward young drivers. Endorsement options are somewhat limited compared to other carriers, but a handful of add-ons may be available.

Who State Farm may be good for: State Farm, the largest U.S. auto insurer, has local agents in almost every major city in California, making the company a good choice if you want an in-person insurance experience.

Read full State Farm review

Best for discounts

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 809/1,000 AM Best: A+

Average annual premium

$ 2,034 for full coverage
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Why Progressive made our list: Progressive offers potential discounts for online quotes, homeownership, bundling, safe driving and more. Progressive’s digital tools could also save you time managing your account and filing claims. Although Progressive doesn't have the lowest average rates on our list, the carrier's The Name Your Price tool might be helpful if you are on a strict budget. The tool allows you to input your car insurance budget and then populates coverage options that fit your financial picture.

Who Progressive may be good for: Progressive's long list of discounts, including teen driver discounts, may appeal to drivers with less favorable personal rating factors.

Read full Progressive review

Best for supporting a local carrier

Rating: 3.2 stars out of 5
3.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 794/1,000 AM Best: A

Average annual premium

$ 1,817 for full coverage
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Why Mercury made our list: Mercury’s coverage options and discount opportunities for its auto policies are consistent with other carriers we reviewed, and it also offers rideshare insurance for drivers who work for transportation providers like Uber or Lyft. The insurer enables you to submit a claim online or by calling its 24/7, toll-free claims hotline.

Who Mercury may be good for: Mercury is a California-based insurance company, headquartered in Los Angeles, making it a potentially great choice for automobile owners who prefer doing business with a local company. Its RealDrive usage-based insurance program may help California low-mileage drivers save up to 20 percent.

Read full Mercury review

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How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in California

To choose the best car insurance companies in California, Bankrate analyzed average rate data from Quadrant Information Services, along with third-party financial strength ratings from AM Best, customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, coverage options, discounts and digital tools. We used these metrics to assign each carrier a Bankrate Score, out of 5 points.

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122
carriers reviewed
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ZIP codes examined
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quotes analyzed
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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

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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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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.

How to find the best car insurance in California

While price is important to many people, you might also want to consider other factors when choosing an auto insurance company. The best car insurance policy looks different for everyone and will depend on your needs, lifestyle and financial responsibilities. To see which car insurance company could provide the best coverage for your needs, consider these key steps.

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Industry news: California’s rate filing approvals are in full swing

In October 2022, California’s Department of Insurance began reviewing and approving auto insurance rate filings from many companies following a two-year pandemic rate filing freeze. In California, any rate increase request above 7 percent that is challenged by the public requires a public hearing. Most new rate filings are for 6.9 percent. Some of the largest carriers in the state with approved filings are Allstate, Geico, State Farm, Mercury and Farmers. All of these companies have already applied the increases, which have gone into effect on policy renewals dated on and after the proposed effective date, which is different with each provider.

Related content:

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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

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.

How much is car insurance in California?

The average annual cost of car insurance in California is $2,291 for full coverage and $636 for minimum coverage, according to 2023 premium data obtained from Quadrant Information Services. This is 14 percent higher than the national average premium for full coverage, which is $2,014 per year. California drivers pay more on average than drivers in many other states, including neighboring states like Oregon and Washington, which may be due to the state’s heavily congested roadways, leading to denser traffic and a higher likelihood of accident claims.

Estimate your car insurance cost in California

Comparing auto insurance quotes will show you which carriers offer the lowest rates for your unique rating factors and coverage needs. Get started with personalized estimates below.

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This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

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Why we're asking
Methodology

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.

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Written by
Natalie Todoroff
Writer, Insurance

Natalie Todoroff is an insurance writer for Bankrate, prior to which she wrote for a popular insurance comparison shopping app. After graduating with a B.A. in English, she initially pursued a career in book publishing. Now, she’s focused switching gears from professional reader to professional writer.

Edited by Editor, Insurance
Reviewed by Director of corporate communications, Insurance Information Institute