Best car insurance in California for 2023

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: 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.

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

• Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
• Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
• Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

If you’re looking for the best car insurance in California, it helps to first understand what your needs and situation are. Each driver has a unique driving record and their own coverage preference and needs, which means that the best car insurance company in California varies for every driver. By understanding what you want out of a policy — whether that is the cheapest premium, a local and licensed insurance agent, a range of coverage options or something else entirely — you may be able to more easily identify the best car insurance companies for you. Once you know which insurance companies may fit your needs, you can request personalized quotes to compare the cost of coverage.

Credit score is a common factor that car insurance companies consider while determining auto insurance rates, but not in California. The state of California is one of a handful that does not allow car insurance companies to consider your credit rating as a factor when calculating car insurance rates. What this means is that your credit score will not affect your car insurance costs in this state, whether your credit rating is poor, good or excellent.

California’s Low-Cost Automobile Program (CLCA) could be a potential solution for drivers that meet its low-income requirements and want savings on car insurance. However, it’s important to understand that auto insurance policies through the CLCA are not like standard car insurance policies. One such caveat is that its coverage is below state minimum requirements. For this reason, and because of its strict eligibility requirements, CLCA isn’t intended as an option for most drivers wanting cheap car insurance in California.

Self-insurance is possible in California, but car owners must meet several requirements. As part of California’s financial responsibility requirements, self-insurance can be done by providing a cash deposit of $35,000. Alternatively, you could purchase a surety bond of $35,000 from a qualifying company.