Cheap California Car Insurance Quotes – Compare Best Rates

Compare the lowest auto insurance rates in California and view the best offers from the top-rated companies in the Golden State. Save hundreds of dollars each month on required liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage for your vehicles. Both high-risk and preferred options are available. We shop so you can instantly view the policies in your area that feature the cheapest premiums. Bundling additional property and casualty products (home, rental property, RV, mobile home, and motor home) may help lower premiums.

Your rate depends on a variety of factors, including your age, the make, model, and year of vehicle to be covered, additional household members that will be operating the vehicle, available discounts (Senior, low-mileage, multi-policy, multi-car, good student, etc...) level of liability limits, and deductibles. Your zip code and county of residence will also impact the premium. Suburban areas often feature more competitive options than living in a downtown area. Good credit and low mileage can reduce your premium.

For example, some of the lowest  auto insurance rates in California are found in San Jose, Fresno, Oakland, Riverside, Modesto, Glendale, Santa Clara, and Santa Rosa. However, we are also able to find very affordable options in some of the largest cities, such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, San Jose, and Sacramento. Several counties with attractive prices include Kern, Sonoma, Merced, Shasta, Humboldt, Sutter, Yuba, and Tehama. In many parts of the state, Progressive, Esurance, Geico, AAA, Mercury, and State Farm offer extremely competitive pricing.

 

Mandatory State Liability Limits (Financial Responsibility)

Private passenger vehicles (cars and trucks) must be covered for a minimum of $15,000 bodily injury/death per person, $30,000 per occurrence, and an additional $5,000 of property damage. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in a fine and license suspension. Financial responsibility can be provided through an insurance policy issued by a licensed carrier (most common), self-insurance certificate, $35,000 surety bond, or depositing at least $35,000 with the Department of Motor Vehicles. The Financial Responsibility unit can provide additional details regarding self-coverage and cash deposits.

Vehicles that are financed or leased are typically required by the lending institution to have physical damage protection (collision and comprehensive). Although many deductible options are offered, the most popular and cost-effective options are $1,000 and $500 (collision) and $0, $100 and $500 (comprehensive). Once the vehicle no longer has a lien, "basic liability" coverage can be utilized. Leased vehicles often include a "Gap" rider, that protects the lessee from rapid depreciation if there is a total loss. A leased vehicle may be purchased at the end of the contract for the specified "residual value."

This rider, however, does not protect against exceeding the maximum number of driven miles allowed by the lease agreement. For example, 36-month 36,000 mile leases are the most common form of lease. A specified charge per exceeded mile is imposed at the end of the lease. It is also possible to negotiate with the vehicle dealership for alternative options. A disposition fee is typically charged following the completion of the lease. However, if you lease another vehicle, often the dealership will waive the charge. This fee is often $200-$400.

The DMV may require additional proof of financial responsibility including an ID from your insurer, an authorization letter if the driver is self-insured, an SR-22 (proof of insurance certificate), proof that a vehicle is leased or owned by a public entity, and proper certification for a motor carrier. A registration my be suspended if a replacement policy is not issued within 45 days of a policy cancellation. Also, providing false or fraudulent information during the registration process will result in a suspension. Carriers electronically report policy information to the Department of Motor vehicles. Business and commercial policies are not required to report their information.
 

Reinstatement of a vehicle registration requires paying a $14 fee and providing proof of existing coverage. Proof can be mailed to the DMV (PO Box 997405 Sacrament, CA 95899-7405) or calling the automatic voice system. Local kiosks may also be utilized along with email notifications. A form is also offered online. If the vehicle is no longer going to be driven, a PNO (Planned Non-Operation) status is available. However, a registered vehicle, even if not driven, must maintain liability coverage. Before a policy is terminated, the DMV must be notified. If the registered vehicle is not driven, an "Affidavit Of Non-Use" can be submitted.
 

Car Accident Coverage In California

Many Deductibles Are Available For Your Collision And Comprehensive Coverage

 

Since about 13% of California drivers operate an uninsured vehicle, we highly recommend adding uninsured motorists protection to your policy. Underinsured coverage can also help if the other party does not have adequate benefits to compensate you. Medical payments are an additional optional benefit that is fairly inexpensive. Regardless of your existing private or group healthcare benefits, additional medical coverage is always recommended. Typically, there is no deductible, and both inpatient and outpatient benefits are covered. And naturally, pre-existing conditions are not considered.

Evidence Of Financial Responsibility is required when you are driving or operating a vehicle. The glove compartment is typically where most persons keep a copy. Three common situations when you may need to show proof are when you renew a registration, are involved in an automobile accident, or when requested by a member of law enforcement (traffic stop etc...). An additional copy should always be kept at home.

California insurers can not use gender when determining the rate for drivers. Although male drivers (especially under age-25) typically have more accidents and claims, underwriting criteria must be based on other variables. More than $25 billion in premiums is collected each year by carriers in the state. Several other states also use the same criteria (Montana, North Carolina, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and Hawaii). Credit score, type of employment, and educational background also can not be used.

 

What Is CLCA?

CLCA is the California Low-Cost Auto Insurance program. Specific requirements must be met to be eligible for these lower rates. To qualify, you must have a current and valid CA driver's license, and  own a car or truck with a market value less than $25,000. Older vehicles with higher purchase prices may still qualify. Applicants must also be at least 16 years old and satisfy specific income requirements. An online eligibility questionnaire must also be completed and submitted. An additional option is meeting with a local agent. Basic liability limits are only $10,000 per person, $20,000 per accident, and $3,000 of Property damage. Billing options are payment in full or 20% down.

Additional CLCA Eligibility Requirements:

Total household income can not be greater than 250% of the FPL (federal poverty level).

Within the last 36 months, no at-fault accidents, bodily injury, or death, is allowed. If these occurred, the application will be rejected.

Can not be listed as a dependent on another federal tax return, or attending college.

An additional liability policy can not be in-force.

No misdemeanor or felony convictions that violate official Vehicle Code.

Vehicles used for business or commercial purposes are not eligible.

Proof of household income can be satisfied by providing one of the following documents: program card for Medicaid or Medi-Cal, EBT card for CalFresh, debit card for California Employment Development Department, recent bank statement for SSI, notification letter for CalWorks, phone company bill for California LifeLine, and administration letter for pension.

 

Only one vehicle is allowed for each policy, so multiple applications are needed if more than one vehicle is to be covered. The maximum 2023 household allowed income is shown below:

1 person --  $36,450

2 persons -- $49,300

3 persons -- $62,150

4 persons -- $75,000

5 persons -- $87,850

6 persons -- $100,700

7 persons -- $113,550

8 persons -- $126,400

9 persons -- $139,250

10 persons -- $152,100

Policies meet the state financial responsibility and minimum required liability laws and proof of income is typically required. Listed below are sample ANNUAL rates for selected Counties. The two assumptions made are that the driver is not a male between the ages of 19 and 24, and has been continuously licensed for three years (or more).

Alameda -- $317

Alpine -- $263

Butte -- $263

Colusa -- $263

Contra Costa -- $317

Del Norte -- $263

El Dorado -- $263

Fresno -- $244

Glenn -- $263

Imperial -- $263

Inyo -- $263

Kern -- $263

Kings -- $244

Lake -- $263

Lassen -- $263

Los Angeles -- $483

Madera -- $244

Merced -- $244

Monterey -- $244

Napa -- $263

Orange -- $483

Placer -- $263

Riverside -- $263

Sacramento -- $317

San Benito -- $244

San Francisco -- $317

Santa Barbara -- $244

Santa Clara -- $317

Santa Cruz -- $244

Shasta -- $263

Sierra -- $263

Sonoma -- $263

Trinity -- $263

Ventura -- $263

 

Get Auto Insurance quotes In Monterey And All Of California

Monterey Car Insurance Rates Are Very Affordable Through CLCA

 

CA Senate Bill 1273 expanded the number of applicants that can become eligible. For instance, if a driver is not able to provide proof that they reside legally in the US, they may still be able to obtain a state driver's license. If proper California residence and identity proof is shown, along with meeting all standard driving tests, a license can be granted.

19-year old persons with less than three years of driving experience will also be able to qualify for the program, although higher rates will apply. Also, vehicles valued up to $25,000 may now be covered. Previously, the maximum value was $20,000. Billing was enhanced with an option that only requires a 20% down-payment, with the balance of the policy premium divided into seven equal monthly amounts. If a payment is missed, two payments must be paid before the due date to avoid a possible cancellation.

With a 36-month assignment period, policyholders don't have to worry about qualifying multiple times after 12 months.  A copy of the title is now accepted instead of a copy of the registration. Renewing coverage is also very easy. Newer policies don't require an eligibility questionnaire to be sent. And existing customers that fail to respond to information requests, will receive a renewal based on previously-documented information. A 36-month assignment period ends the need for the policyholder to re-qualify for a low-cost policy.

 

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In California

We update prices from all major companies daily, so you are always comparing the lowest possible rates. However, prices change often, and there are many variables that impact the cost of coverage. Also, the carrier with the lowest prices in one area, may actually feature noncompetitive rates in a completely different area of the state. And of course, carriers will occasionally raise their premium, although the DOI must improve the increase.

Listed below are the companies that are likely to offer the most competitive policy options. Any carrier not listed may still feature low p[rices in selected cities or counties. All qualified drivers in the household can qualify for the coverage. NOTE: All companies must be approved by the California Department Of Insurance to write policies in the state. Each carrier is periodically reviewed.

 

USAA

Sterling Casualty

Amica

Esurance

Horace Mann

AAA Sterling Casualty

Allstate

Geico

Affirmative

California Capital

Mercury

Safeco

Unitrin

Nationwide

Progressive West

MetLife

Mercury

Western General

Victoria

Kemper

Hillstar

 

Large California Cities With The Lowest Auto Insurance Rates

Within almost every city, there are multiple zip codes. Prices can vary, depending on various factors, including the cost to repair your vehicle in the area, and the risk and cost of litigation (if needed). The number of uninsured drivers, and incidence of vandalism, theft, and collision will also have an impact. NOTE: You can find the best discounts for your car insurance throughout our website. New reduction ideas are added every year.

We have listed below (alphabetically) the most current data regarding 12 of the largest CA cities with the cheapest car insurance prices. Our research and comparisons are based on several scenarios, including single drivers, married drivers, single and multiple-car households, and no ticket/accident, one ticket/accident, and multiple ticket/accident households. Additional criteria may be added in 2020.

Bakersfield

Chula Vista

Fontana

Fremont

Fresno

Irvine

Oakland

Oxnard

Riverside

San Bernandino

San Jose

Stockton

 

Smaller Cities With The Cheapest Rates

Lewiston

Bishop

Yreka

Quincy

Calexico

Paso Robles

Lompoc

McKinleyville

Alturas

Red Bluff

Susanville

Lakeport

Santa Maria

Loyalton

Ridgecrest

Hanford

San Luis Obispo

 

California Auto Insurance Quotes Online

Our Cheap California Car Insurance Rates Will Make You Happy!

 

Auto Insurance Companies With The Best Rates In Selected California Cities

 

Alameda -- Geico and Nationwide

Anaheim -- Geico and Century National

Bakersfield -- Nationwide and Geico

Brentwood -- Nationwide and Geico

Costa Mesa -- Century National and Nationwide

Cypress -- Nationwide and Grange

Fresno -- Geico and State Farm

Huntington Beach -- Century National and State Farm

Long Beach -- Nationwide and Geico

Los Angeles -- Geico and Century National

Mission Viejo -- Century National and Nationwide

Modesto -- Geico and Grange

Napa -- Nationwide and Geico

Oakland -- Century National and Nationwide

Oxnard -- Geico and Grange

Riverside -- Nationwide and Geico

San Diego -- Geico and Nationwide

San Francisco -- Century National and Geico

Santa Clara -- Century National and Nationwide

Torrance -- Geico and Grange

Van Nuys -- Nationwide and Geico

Yucaipa -- Progressive and Bristol West

 

Sample Monthly Rates

Below, we have created five scenarios involving different drivers, vehicles, counties, cities, and driving record. Although, the premiums shown are estimates, the most recent price data has been used. Also, additional discounts could potentially reduce the rate (multi-car, multi-policy, good-student, completion of mature-driver course, alarm and anti-theft devices etc...).  Illustrated rates are monthly.

Scenario 1 -- Basic Liability, Almeda County (Berkeley), Single Male Licensed 10 Years, 10,000 Annual Driving Miles, No Violations. Vehicle -- Toyota Camry.

$69 -- USAA

$82 -- Geico

$86 -- Amica

$87 -- California Casualty

$89 -- Progressive West

$92 -- Horace Mann

$99 -- Pacific Property And Casualty

$99 -- AAA

$103 -- Allstate

$118 -- Safeco

$119 -- Metropolitan

$122 -- State Farm

Scenario 2 -- Basic Liability, Fresno County (Clovis), Single Female Licensed 20 Years, 10,000 Annual Driving Miles, No Violations. Vehicle -- Toyota Camry.

$32 -- Century National

$34 -- Western General

$36 -- USAA

$37 -- Geico

$39 -- CSAA Insurance Exchange

$41 -- Amica

$42 -- Mercury

$43 -- MAPFRE

$44 -- Access General

$47 -- Coast National

$53 -- Kemper

$53 -- 21st Century

 

Scenario 3 -- Basic Liability, Los Angeles County (Long Beach), Married Couple Licensed 12 Years, 15,000 Annual Driving Miles, No Violations. Vehicle -- Honda CR-V.

$72 -- USAA

$76 -- Wawanesa

$79 -- Geico

$82 -- California Casualty

$82 -- Lova

$85 -- Metropolitan

$86 -- Amica

$87 -- Alliance

$92 -- Progressive West

$93 -- Pacific Property And Casualty

$95 -- AAA

$105 -- Allstate

 

Scenario 4 -- Full Coverage, Orange County (Irvine), Married Senior Couple Licensed 40 Years, 7,000 Annual Driving Miles, No Violations. Vehicle -- Honda Camry.

$68 -- Century

$74 -- Pacific Property And Casualty

$78 -- California Capital

$78 -- Metropolitan Direct

$82 -- Amica

$85 -- California Casualty

$85 -- USAA

$85 -- State Farm

$91 -- Safeco

$95 -- Allstate

$99 -- 21st Century

$101 -- Encompass

 

Scenario 5 -- Full Coverage, San Diego County (Chula Vista), Married  Couple Licensed 14 Years, 15,000 Annual Driving Miles, No Violations. Vehicle -- Toyota Prius or Toyota Camry.

$134 -- Wawanesa

$162 -- Geico

$170 -- USAA

$170 -- Horace Mann

$181 -- Infinity

$187 -- Metropolitan Direct

$190 -- Century National

$202 -- Anchor General

$212 -- Progressive West

$214 -- Pacific Property And Casualty

$223 -- AAA

$225 -- Amica

 

Scenario 6 -- Full Coverage, Santa Clara County (Santa Clary), Married  Couple Licensed 40 Years, 7,600 Annual Driving Miles, No Violations. Vehicle -- Toyota Prius or Toyota Camry.

$86 -- Metropolitan Direct

$154 -- Anchor General

$172 -- California Capital

$173 -- Western General

$178 -- Mercury

$181 -- California Casualty

$184 -- CSAA

$197 -- Travelers

$199 -- CHUBB

$201 -- USAA

$206 -- Metromile

$212 -- IDS

 

What Is Proposition 103 And How Does It Help Consumers?

Proposition 103 requires that California's Department of Insurance approve (in advance) property and casualty rate changes. Also, when the legislation was passed in 1988, carriers were forced to reduce their premiums by 20%. Prior to 1988, prior approval was not a requirement to increase (or decrease)  consumer rates. Note: Use of credit can no longer be used as an underwriting factor.

Since the passage, California car insurance prices have remained fairly steady, while the remainder of the US has seen their rates increase by approximately 40%. Drivers in the state now receive the 20% reduction if, in the last three years,  they have been legally licensed, have not had any at-fault accidents, or have been forced to take traffic school two times (or more) or have two or more points on the driving record.

Insurance company rate filing requests are now posted weekly, and are fully accessible to consumers. Weekly email notifications are also provided to the general public upon request. The importance of consumer participation can not be under-emphasized, since it is partially responsible for maintaining affordable premiums in most California cities.

The types of policies that are impacted by this legislation include private passenger car and truck, homeowner's, earthquake, personal excess liability (umbrella), boat (inland marine, business owner, dwelling fire, medical malpractice, and several others.

 

California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan

State residents that are unable to secure conventional coverage can often obtain a policy through the California automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP).  Established in 1947 by the state government, the purpose of the program was to develop a method to match these drivers with carriers that may be able to offer coverage. Financial responsibility filings are also offered with the DMV. Brokers, drivers, and insurers work together to secure coverage, and ensure an affordable offer can be made. Coverage through the standard marketplace should always be attempted first, since rates, if offered and approved by underwriting, will be lower.

CAARP has their own advisory committee who recommends appropriate pricing that can be approved by the California DOI. The next step is the approval of policies by companies that, under the law, must actively participate in the program. The larger the market share of the carrier, the larger percentage of CAARP policies they must be approve, since the ratios must be proportionate. Rates must be set high enough so the program can sustain itself. NOTE: Applications are processed in Rhode Island. Lower-income drivers that don't necessarily have moving violations and at-fault accidents, can apply for coverage through the state's low-cost auto insurance program (CLCA), which was previously discussed.

Applicants that are ages 16, 17, and 18 are also eligible for coverage. Age 18 applicants that are financially independent can apply for a policy. Applicants ages 16 and 17 can apply if they are an emancipated minor that meets California statutes. Families with an adult driver, with additional drivers (ages 16-18), may qualify for the low-cost policy, although a surcharge will apply. Drivers are not permitted to be added to existing policies.

 

California Department Of Motor Vehicles Services

 

Renewal of Driver License -- An online account must be created by the vehicle owner listed on the renewal notice. Information, especially the address, should not have been recently changed. Online renewals are not permitted for changes to name, gender, or address. Also, applications for the following can not be completed online: commercial driver's license, Senior identification, first-time REAL ID, and no fee DL/ID.

 

Change Of Address -- A change of address is possible for and ID card, vessel, vehicle, or state driver license. Voter registration must also be changed for US citizens. To utilize the online service, a social security number is required with an address inside the US.

 

Renewal of Vehicle Registration -- Requirements include the last five digits of the VIN number and the license plate number. If required, a smog certification must be presented. Documentation of your current address may also be needed. The four-step process only takes a few minutes.

 

Temporary Driver License Extension -- If the renewal notice has been received, an extension can be processed online. Your current license will be needed. Fields that need to be completed are your email address, phone number, name and date of birth. If driving privileges are currently suspended, an extension will not be granted.

 

Replacement Sticker Or Registration Card -- A replacement may be ordered if the original has been lost, stolen, mutilated, or destroyed. The duplicate is sent by mail to the address on file. Information required is the license plate number, ownership information, last five digits of VIN, and the reason the replacement is requested. A credit card or debit card may be used to pay for the transaction.

 

Pay Traffic Tickets -- Tickets are processed by the county office where the ticket was originally given. You can pay or challenge the ticket in the appropriate county.

 

California Property And Casualty Loss Ratios

 

A loss ratio is the ratio of losses to earned premiums. Paid claims and associated expenses are divided by all earned premiums. Higher rations, especially in consecutive years may indicate financial concern and a likelihood that rates will be increasing. Steady lower ratios often result in more consistent premiums with fewer large rate increases. Listed below are the most recent loss ratios for major California property and casualty lines of business.

Commercial Auto Liability -- 75.45%

Commercial Auto Physical Damage -- 58.77%

Earthquake -- .43%

Farm Owners Multi-Peril -- 71.48%

Federal Flood -- 11.12%

Fire -- 164.22%

Group Auto And Home -- 48.04%

Homeowners Multi-Peril -- 170.08%

Inland Marine -- 50.32%

Ocean Marine -- 53.10%

Products Liability -- 106.77%

Private Passenger Auto Liability -- 68.00%

Private Passenger Auto Physical Damage -- 62.71%

Worker's Compensation -- 41.76%

 

California Autonomous Vehicle Testing

 

The program was created by the California Department of Motor Vehicles in 2014, so manufacturers can test autonomous vehicles with human drivers. Four years later, a tester program was created to test driverless technology. Several of the manufacturers with permits for testing with a driver include: Volkswagen Group Of America, Mercedes Benz, Delphi Automotive, Tesla, Nissan, BMW, Honda, Ford, NVIDIA, Subaru, Apple, TuSimple, WeRide, Nullmax, Samsung, Lyft, Intel, and Ridecell. Driverless testing has been approved for Nuro and Waymo LLC.

Regulations from the DMV are available in three pdf files (Final Statement of Reasons, Order to Adopt, and Adopted Regulatory Text). Workshops and open hearings are provided to educate the public, and videos can be viewed online. The Office of Administrative Law also approved revised legislation regarding deployment and testing of autonomous motor trucks (weighing less than 10,001 pounds) that deliver.

 

Driving With Medical Conditions

 

Although serious medical conditions can impact your ability to safely drive, not all major conditions will result in a restriction to your driving privileges. The seriousness of side effects can greatly vary. If a specific condition does impact driving, the Department of Motor Vehicles should be notified. Examples of common conditions are shown below:

Diabetes -- 30 million persons have diabetes in the US, and if blood glucose levels raise or lower too much, confusion is often a result. Loss of feeling in the hands or feet may also occur. When applying or renewing a license, additional information may be required, including a new driving test.

Dementia -- A medical evaluation is required if a driver is suspected (from a report) of having dementia. THe DMV will review the doctor's report before taking any action. Several of the affects of dementia include strength and coordination, consciousness, and cognitive processing.

Vision Impairment -- Although the DMV will issue a license to drivers with a vision condition, a failed vision test will result in a suspension or non-renewal of a license. Vision examination form DL-62 may also be required. A supplemental driving performance evaluation may also be requested. A restriction without a suspension of driving privileges could be imposed if skills can improve with additional training.

Seizure And Loss Of Consciousness -- Losing consciousness for only a short period of time can impact driving. Many medical conditions (such as epilepsy) can cause LOC. Sleep disorders can also be a cause.

Note: Common conditions that can result in a California DMV suspension are: vision problems, drug or alcohol addiction, pulmonary disease, diabetes, cardiac health, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and sleep apnea.