Get free quote in-app

(400K+)

Low Income Car Insurance California

The Better Way to Shop for Low Income Car Insurance in California

√ Free quotes from 150+ carriers in seconds

√ Lowest rate guaranteed

√ $971 savings per year on average

4.9/5 Rating on the App Store

consumerreports
lifehacker
nationwide
travellers
mapfre
safeco
kemper
national-general
anchor
still-water
bridger
alinsco
commonwealth
suncoast
aspire

Key Takeaways

  • Low-Income drivers in California can receive support through the state's car insurance assistance program.
  • Income and Claims: While income doesn't directly impact rates, lower-income drivers may face higher costs due to a higher likelihood of making claims and, subsequently, a potential history of claims.
  • Student Drivers: Young, lower-income drivers often experience higher insurance rates in California due to their relative inexperience, which increases the perceived risk of accidents.

Low-Income Car Insurance in California

In California, car insurance rates aren't influenced by income. Instead, key factors like adding a teen driver and your driving record have the most significant impact. We've assessed affordable options for both low-income individuals and families, considering various credit scores. By focusing on these factors, individuals can make informed choices to secure cost-effective car insurance coverage in the state.

Cheapest California Car Insurance Companies for Low-Income Families

While income typically doesn't directly impact car insurance rates, the credit scores of low-income families can influence the cost of their coverage. Insurers may consider credit scores as a factor, potentially affecting the overall expenses for car insurance despite the household's income level.

Rates for Single Parent w/ a Kid by Good Credit Score

Company Annual Rates Monthly Premium
USAA $1,650 $138
State Farm $6,105 $509
Progressive $1,550 $129
Travelers $2,278 $190
Esurance $1,840 $153
CSAA $1,625 $135
AAA $1,890 $158
Mercury $1,897 $158
MetLife $2,155 $180

See what you could save on auto insurance

Rates for Couple w/ a Kid by Good Credit Score

Company Annual Rates Monthly Premium
USAA $1,710 $143
State Farm $2,415 $201
Travelers $2,383 $199
Esurance $2,019 $168
CSAA $1,785 $149
AAA $2,075 $173
Mercury $2,085 $174
MetLife $2,370 $198
MetLife $2,155 $180

Cheapest California Car Insurance Companies for Low-Income Individuals

California's low-income individuals can find budget-friendly car insurance with providers like USAA, Erie, and Allstate. Offering affordable coverage, annual premiums range from $940 to $1,500 on average. These options ensure accessibility for those with limited financial resources to fulfill their car insurance requirements without straining their budget.

Rates for low-income Individuals by Good Credit Score

Company Annual Rates Monthly Premium
USAA $501 $42
State Farm $763 $64
Progressive $500 $42
Travelers $700 $58
Esurance $598 $50
CSAA $525 $44
AAA $615 $51
Mercury $613 $51
MetLife $695 $58

Rates for low-income Individuals by Poor Credit Score

Company Annual Rates Monthly Premium
USAA $550 $46
State Farm $778 $65
Progressive $525 $44
Travelers $715 $60
Esurance $608 $51
CSAA $550 $46
AAA $645 $54
Mercury $650 $54
MetLife $720 $60

Cheapest California Car Insurance Companies for Low-Income Students

In California, young student drivers pay higher car insurance rates due to their limited road experience, not their income. Despite typically having lower incomes, the significant portion of their budget allocated to car insurance emphasizes the financial impact. The rates reflect the perceived risk associated with their relative driving inexperience rather than their income level.

California Low-Income Car Insurance Rates for Students by Good Credit

Company Annual Rates Monthly Premium
USAA $1,056 $88
State Farm $1,593 $133
Progressive $1,053 $88
Travelers $1,465 $122
Esurance $1,240 $103
CSAA $1,109 $92
AAA $1,282 $107
Mercury $1,288 $107
MetLife $1,460 $122

Cheapest California Car Insurance Companies for Low-Income Seniors

the most affordable car insurance options in California for seniors with limited income. Companies like USAA, Erie, and Allstate offer reasonably priced coverage, making it easier for older individuals to meet their insurance needs without putting a strain on their finances.

California Low-Income Car Insurance Rates for Seniors by Good Credit

Company Annual Rates Monthly Premium
USAA $570 $48
State Farm $609 $51
Progressive $632 $53
Esurance $663 $55
CSAA $632 $53
AAA $695 $58
Mercury $696 $58
Hartford $718 $60
Allstate $780 $65

See what you could save on auto insurance

California's Low-Income Driver Assistance Program

California's Low-Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA) is a government initiative providing assistance to low-income individuals with good driving records. To qualify, applicants must have a household income below 250% of the federal poverty level. The program offers liability insurance with specific coverage limits for bodily injury and property damage, aiming to make essential car insurance more affordable and accessible to those in financial need.

  • $10,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $20,000 per car for bodily injury
  • $3,000 per accident for property damage

Does Income Affect Car Insurance Rates in California

In California, car insurance rates are not directly influenced by income. However, various income-related factors indirectly impact rates

Factors Explanation
Age and Inexperience Young drivers, often with lower incomes, pay higher rates due to inexperience and a higher likelihood of accidents.
Claims History Lower-income individuals may make more claims, leading insurers to charge higher rates for those with a history of claims.
Student Drivers Student drivers on family policies, often with limited incomes, may face higher rates as insurers consider the added risk associated with inexperienced drivers.
Driving Record A clean driving record, irrespective of income, can contribute to lower rates as it reflects a lower perceived risk for insurers.
Coverage Type Expanded coverage options, while not directly income-related, can affect rates, as comprehensive coverage tends to be more expensive, impacting those with limited budgets.

While income isn't a primary factor, these related elements highlight the nuanced dynamics impacting car insurance rates in California. Drivers with varying income levels may experience different challenges and considerations when seeking affordable coverage in the state.

INSURANCE AGENT EXPERTS

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Principal

View Profile

Anthony Luu

Anthony Luu

Sr. Director of Insurance Operations

View Profile

Ezra Peterson

Ezra Peterson

Sr. Director of Insurance

View Profile

Danny Herrera

Danny Herrera

Head of Commercial Insurance

View Profile

Auto Insurance Data Methodology

The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way.com’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes.

Quotes are typically based on a full coverage policy average unless otherwise noted within the content.

These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only — your own quotes will differ. Given this, it’s important to go through our insurance steps form to find how much you can save with way.com

Learn more by city and state for car insurance



Learn more by city and state for car insurance




Digital Insurance Card

Access your digital insurance card through the app. You no longer need to carry your physical insurance card with you.

Get reminders & quotes

Receive reminders before your renewal. Way.com will also send new quotes from up to 45 insurance companies with your renewal reminder.

Share with family

Keep everyone on your policy up to date by sharing your insurance information.

Manage your policy

Make changes to your policy right from the app (coming soon) and ask for expert advice.

Get the App:

Find the best Auto insurance rates on-the-go

For the best user experience, please download our Way app.

Please Enter A Valid Mobile Number!
Text Sent, Please download!

or

app store
google play