Cheapest Car Insurance in California for 2025
Quick Answer
The cheapest car insurance in California, from National General, costs on average $1,767 annually or $147 per month for minimum coverage. Mercury sells the cheapest full coverage car insurance in California, averaging $2,536 annually or $211 per month. However, your driving record, age and other factors can all affect the cost of auto insurance in California.
The cheapest car insurance in California is National General's minimum coverage policy, at $1,767 annually or $147 per month, according to Experian data from January 2025 and based on policies quoted through our automotive insurance marketplace.
The cheapest full coverage car insurance in California is offered by Mercury and costs $2,536 annually or $211 per month. On average, full coverage car insurance in California costs $3,215 annually or $268 per month.
Minimum coverage car insurance offers enough coverage to meet California's basic liability insurance requirements. If you'd like more protection, you can purchase full coverage car insurance; this includes comprehensive and collision coverage. If your vehicle is leased or financed, you are usually required to carry full coverage on your vehicle until your lease term ends or the vehicle is paid off.
Auto insurance premiums can vary depending on several factors:
- Your age (younger drivers generally pay more for car insurance)
- Your driving record (incidents and violations typically raise your rates)
- Your annual mileage (driving more can mean higher premiums)
- The type and amount of coverage you buy
Experian's data on the cheapest car insurance in California can offer a good general guidepost, but keep in mind that your premiums may differ. Before buying a car insurance policy, take the time to compare insurance quotes from several insurance companies.
Two things that won't affect your car insurance costs in California: your credit-based insurance score and your gender. California law prohibits insurance companies from considering either of these factors when determining your premiums or coverage eligibility.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in California
California, like most states, requires you to have a minimum amount of liability coverage to drive legally. Liability coverage includes bodily injury liability, which helps cover the cost if you injure another person in an accident, and property damage liability, which covers damages you cause to another person's car or property.
Purchasing only the minimum liability insurance is one way to keep your car insurance costs down, but it may not provide enough protection if you're involved in an accident. California's minimum insurance requirements of $30,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage and $15,000 per accident in property damage coverage.
However, the cost of an accident could be much higher, especially if the other driver decides to sue you. This is why insurance professionals generally advise buying insurance of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident for bodily injuries and at least $100,000 for property damage.
Learn more: How Much Car Insurance Do I Need?
The table below shows the carriers offering the cheapest minimum coverage auto insurance policies in California.
| Carrier | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| National General | $1,767 | $147 |
| Bristol West | $2,058 | $171 |
| Infinity RSVP | $2,304 | $192 |
| Dairyland Insurance | $2,474 | $206 |
| Kemper Auto | $2,794 | $233 |
Source: Experian data as of January 2025
Note: Costs above represent insurance quotes, not policy premiums
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in California
You can add more protection by purchasing full coverage auto insurance, which includes comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to liability insurance. Full coverage isn't required by state law, but if your car is leased or financed, your lessor or lender will require it to protect the vehicle.
- Collision coverage covers repairing or replacing your car if it's damaged by a collision with another car, an animal or an object (like your neighbor's mailbox).
- Comprehensive coverage covers repairing or replacing your car if it's stolen or damaged due to something other than driving, such as vandalism, hail or a tree branch that falls on your car.
Learn more: What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance?
The table below shows the insurance companies offering the cheapest full coverage auto insurance policies in California.
| Carrier | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Mercury | $2,536 | $211 |
| GEICO | $2,877 | $240 |
| Root | $2,984 | $249 |
| National General | $5,053 | $421 |
| Bristol West | $6,122 | $510 |
Source: Experian data as of January 2025
Note: Costs above represent insurance quotes, not policy premiums
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in California
As any parent of a teen knows, insuring new drivers can be expensive. Younger drivers typically pay higher rates for auto insurance because they're statistically more likely to have accidents, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). On average, teenage drivers pay an average of $3,512 annually for car insurance, according to Experian data.
In general, car insurance rates are highest for 16-year-olds and start to drop when your child turns 25. During the young adult years, putting your child on your auto insurance can save money compared to purchasing a separate policy for them. Being listed on your policy allows your teen to benefit from the lower rates you're likely to enjoy due to years of driving experience, being married or owning a home.
Your young driver may qualify for auto insurance discounts if they maintain good grades or attend college more than 100 miles from home without a car. Successfully completing a safe driving course could also help your teen earn a discount on car insurance.
Does your young driver have a lot of accidents or moving violations? If so, you may want to buy them separate car insurance coverage from an insurance company specializing in high-risk drivers. Otherwise, your own insurance premiums are likely to rise.
The table below shows the insurance providers offering the cheapest full coverage car insurance for California drivers ages 16 to 25.
| Carrier | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Root | $2,995 | $250 |
| Mercury | $3,900 | $325 |
| Infinity RSVP | $4,078 | $340 |
| Dairyland Insurance | $4,213 | $351 |
| GEICO | $4,624 | $385 |
Source: Experian data as of January 2025
Note: Young drivers include those ages 16 to 25; costs above represent insurance quotes, not policy premiums
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors in California
As you get older and become a more experienced driver, your auto insurance premiums usually drop, but around age 70 your insurance costs generally start to rise again. Drivers ages 70 and up are more likely to be involved in serious accidents, which can mean more insurance claims and higher premiums. However, seniors can still find cheap car insurance; some insurance companies even offer mature driver discounts once you reach a certain age.
The table below shows the auto insurance carriers offering the cheapest full coverage car insurance for seniors in California.
| Carrier | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,938 | $161 |
| Infinity RSVP | $1,969 | $164 |
| Dairyland Insurance | $1,974 | $165 |
| Mercury | $2,101 | $175 |
| National General | $2,939 | $245 |
Source: Experian data as of January 2025
Note: Senior drivers include those ages 65 and up; costs above represent insurance quotes, not policy premiums
It's common for our driving habits to change as we get older, so it may be wise to reevaluate your car insurance needs as you age. After you retire, for instance, you may be driving less than in your working years. In this situation, a low-mileage car insurance policy might be a good way to save some money. You might also earn a car insurance discount if you're a retired military servicemember or have been accident-free for a certain number of years.
Learn more: How to Buy Car Insurance as a Senior
Car Insurance for California Drivers With Prior Incidents
Driving safely can reduce your risk of having an accident or getting a traffic citation—and can pay off in lower insurance premiums. On the other hand, insurers might consider you a high-risk driver if your driving record includes moving violations or accidents (even if you weren't at fault). You may be charged higher car insurance premiums to compensate for the provider's increased risk. A driving record with several car accidents or serious infractions such as DUIs typically has a bigger effect on your premiums; your insurance company might even cancel your auto policy.
Learn more: How to Get Affordable Car Insurance as a High-Risk Driver
The table below shows how negative marks on your driving record could impact the average cost of car insurance in California. (Incidents include things like traffic accidents or insurance claims; violations include moving violations, such as speeding tickets.) A clean driving record with no incidents or violations will typically result in cheaper insurance.
| Driving Record | Annual Cost |
|---|---|
| Clean Record | $1,999 |
| 1 Incident | $2,442 |
| 1 Violation | $2,471 |
| 2 Incidents | $2,825 |
| 2 Violations | $2,638 |
| 3+ Incidents | $3,057 |
| 3+ Violations | $2,618 |
Source: Experian data as of January 2025
Note: Costs above are a blended average of full and minimum coverage policies sold through Experian's marketplace
Minimum Required Coverage in California
California requires the following minimum liability coverage to legally drive or park your car on public roads:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $15,000 property damage liability per accident
If the California Department of Motor Vehicles doesn't have proof of insurance for your vehicle, your car's registration will be suspended.
Low-Income Car Insurance Assistance Programs in California
Having trouble paying for car insurance in California? California's Low Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA) program helps income-eligible drivers get auto insurance that meets state minimum requirements. You may be eligible if you:
- Have a valid California driver's license
- Meet income eligibility guidelines
- Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less
- Have a good driving record or are a new driver
- Are at least 16 years of age (drivers under 18 must be legally emancipated to qualify)
A basic CLCA policy provides:
- Up to $10,000 per person coverage for bodily injury or death
- Up to $20,000 per accident coverage for bodily injury or death
- Up to $3,000 coverage for property damage
You also have the option to buy uninsured motorist and medical payments coverage.
To check eligibility, apply for coverage or get help from an agent, visit the CLCA website or call 866-602-8861.
How to Save Money on Car Insurance
You can't control all the factors affecting the cost of your California car insurance, but there are plenty of things you can do to save. Try these tips to lower your car insurance premiums.
Increase Your Deductible
When you file a car insurance claim, you have to pay a set amount called the deductible before your insurance kicks in. Insurance companies generally offer deductibles of $250 to $2,000 to choose from. Raising your deductible generally reduces your premiums.
However, don't raise your deductible unless you're sure you could pay the higher deductible in the case of an auto insurance claim. Evaluate the size of your emergency fund, as well as your other financial resources. Ask your car insurance carrier to show you how different deductibles would affect your premiums.
Look for Discounts
Check with your current auto insurance company to see if there are discounts you aren't already taking advantage of. Then visit other insurance carriers' websites to find out what discounts they have available.
Many car insurance companies offer discounts for bundling home and auto insurance, setting up autopay, paying your premium upfront or eliminating paper statements. You may also be able to save money by getting insurance quotes online or signing documents digitally. Check with your employer as well as any membership organizations you're part of; they may offer savings on car insurance too.
Cancel Unnecessary Coverage
Rental car reimbursement, windshield replacement, roadside assistance coverage and other auto insurance extras can be nice to have. But when you're trying to cut back, canceling unnecessary coverage may be a good way to save. For instance, you may not need rental car reimbursement if your family owns several cars.
You might also consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage if your car is paid off and not worth much money. The most that collision and comprehensive coverage will pay out is the vehicle's value. If your car is valued at a few thousand dollars, it might make more sense to skip comprehensive and collision coverage and start saving for a new car. Just be sure you could afford to replace or repair your vehicle out of pocket if it were totaled.
Learn more: Top Car Insurance Discounts
Reduce Your Mileage
The more time you spend driving, the greater your odds of having a car accident. That's why many car insurance companies give discounts to those who drive fewer than 12,000 miles per year. Walking, biking, taking public transportation or carpooling are good ways to reduce your mileage—and your insurance bill. You can also look into remote work if your employer offers this option.
Typically, low mileage car insurance policies monitor your mileage via self-reported or third-party odometer readings or devices installed in your vehicle. Low mileage drivers may also want to consider pay-per-mile car insurance. This type of policy charges a monthly base rate plus a per-mile charge for each additional mile you drive.
Drive Safely
You'll generally pay less for car insurance if you're a safe driver with no accidents or moving violations on your driving record. Make it a goal to keep your driving record clean and you could benefit from discounts for going accident-free. You can brush up on traffic rules—and possibly qualify for car insurance discounts—by taking a defensive driving or safe driving course.
Shop Around
Each insurance company has its own criteria for setting rates, which means the cost of your car insurance can differ widely from one insurance carrier to another. Comparing quotes from several insurers can help ensure you're getting the best rates possible. At least once a year or whenever your current policy is due for renewal, get quotes from a variety of companies to compare.
You can get auto insurance quotes at insurance carriers' websites or by contacting insurers directly. Experian's free car insurance comparison tool is an easy way to investigate your options. It collects car insurance quotes from multiple top insurance companies in your state so you can see which carrier has the lowest rates on the coverage you need.
Methodology
This analysis is based on a review of auto insurance policies and quotes provided through Experian's insurance marketplace. Policy premium and quote averages are based on driver data across all genders and ages unless otherwise noted.
Experian's insurance marketplace matches users with auto insurance coverage from more than 30 carriers across 50 states and Washington, D.C.
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About the author
Karen Axelton
Karen Axelton specializes in writing about business and entrepreneurship. She has created content for companies including American Express, Bank of America, MetLife, Amazon, Cox Media, Intel, Intuit, Microsoft and Xerox.
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