Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in California

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406,175 Policies Sold

California Car Insurance

^$ 47

/mo

Written by Sara Sam

Edited by Renee Martin

Why you can trust Way?

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

Table of Contents

How Much Is Car Insurance in California

The car insurance rate in California is $1108 for a six-month policy, which is $96 lower than the higher than the state average. Root Insurance Company offers the lowest rates in the city at $684, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers. Rates in California can vary depending on your age, driving record, and coverage level, so not every driver will pay the same amount. Choosing a higher deductible, maintaining a clean driving history, and comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find better deals and save money over time.

Avg. Car Insurance in California

$1108

Avg. Car Insurance in Maryland

$1204

National Average

$1278

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in California

1st place: Kemper

At $684 for a six month policy, Kemper offers the cheapest auto insurance rates in the city.

2nd place: USAA

USAA offers auto insurance rates at $754 for a six-month policy, making it one of the cheapest to insure with.

3rd place: Travelers

Travelers offers auto insurance rates at $787 for six months, making it the third cheapest auto insurance company in California.

California Car Insurance Rates by Company

Based on our research, the cheapest car insurance company in California, MD is Kemper, offering policies at just $684 for a six-month term. This is followed by USAA, which has an average six-month premium of $754.

At the higher end of the spectrum, Maryland Auto is the most expensive, with rates reaching $2202 for a six-month policy. Rates can vary widely by driver, but comparing quotes from multiple companies can help California drivers find the best deals.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies in California, MD

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
Kemper	$684	$116
USAA	$754	$127
Travelers	$787	$132
State Farm	$868	$146
Erie	$940	$158
Nationwide	$946	$159
Progressive	$1121	$189
Allstate	$1667	$278
Maryland Auto	$2202	$374

Key Takeaways

Way's key takeaways about car insurance in California

The auto insurance costs in California fall around $684 for six months.
The cheapest auto insurance company in California is USAA.
Teen drivers pay the highest rate in California at $1140 per month.

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Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in California

Since car insurance is a critical requirement for owning a car, you must have minimum liability car insurance. The cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in California are given below.

USAA provides the cheapest minimum car insurance coverage in California. Their Average 6 Month Premium is $279. Allstate is the most expensive at $874 for the same period.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in California, MD

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA	$279	$47
Travelers	$372	$63
Kemper	$388	$64
Erie	$410	$69
State Farm	$415	$70
Nationwide	$519	$87
Progressive	$535	$90
Maryland Auto	$765	$130
Allstate	$874	$145

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in California

One might think that minimum coverage is only required when insuring your car insurance. However, having full coverage car insurance in any city is certainly a wise choice as it offers better coverage and protection. Our best pick for the cheapest auto insurance quotes in California is Kemper at $116 per month and $684 for six months.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Quotes in California, MD

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
Kemper	$684	$116
USAA	$754	$127
Travelers	$787	$132
State Farm	$868	$146
Erie	$940	$158
Nationwide	$946	$159
Progressive	$1121	$189
Allstate	$1667	$278
Maryland Auto	$2202	$374

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Average Car Insurance in California by Rating Factor

The car insurance rates for two people under the same ZIP code will mostly be different. This is mostly because insurance rates are calculated based on several rating factors. These rating factors include the driver's age, gender, marital status, driving and claims history, credit score, location, type of vehicle, and coverage levels.

I have a clean driving record. Why is my car insurance rate here in California, MD increasing?

Despite maintaining a clean driving record, your car insurance rates in California, Maryland, may be increasing due to several external factors. Maryland has experienced significant rate hikes recently, with average premiums rising by 25.5% in 2023, largely attributed to higher claims volumes and inflation.

Additionally, California's high urban population density, raised auto theft rates, and frequent natural disasters contribute to increased insurance costs.

Car Insurance Premiums by Age in California

It is quite evident why teen drivers pay the highest car insurance rates in any city. Their lack of experience and increased accident rates make them a highly risky category. However, as you grow older, your car insurance rates will decrease. So, it is better to not have separate policies for teens; instead, add them to their parents' policies.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies Based on Age Group

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Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Teen Drivers in California,MD

If you are planning to get a car insurance policy for your teenage dependent, Kemper provides the cheapest car insurance in the California at $68 per month. At $6842 for a six-month premium, Allstate offers the most expensive rate for teen drivers.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
Kemper	$410	$68
Erie	$1279	$215
Travelers	$1361	$229
USAA	$1394	$235
State Farm	$2076	$350
Progressive	$2443	$411
Maryland Auto	$3727	$621
Nationwide	$4077	$686
Allstate	$6842	$1140

Teen Car Insurance Rates in MD by Age

Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score & Driving History

Similar to your driving history, your financial history also plays a key role in determining your auto insurance rates. A low credit score would mean a lapse in payment and increased chances of filing claims, which results in higher auto insurance rates. Therefore, the higher the credit score, the lower the car insurance rates will be.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit

For those with poor credit scores in California, USAA is the cheapest car insurance provider. At $983 for a six-month premium, they offer the best rates in the city. The most expensive auto insurance rate for drivers with bad credit in California is Allstate, offering rates of around $2552 for six months.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA	$983	$164
Progressive	$1098	$185
Nationwide	$1432	$241
Travelers	$1847	$314
Maryland Auto	$2202	$367
Erie	$2323	$395
State Farm	$5044	$841
Allstate	$2552	$434

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Car Insurance Rates with An Accident in California

Both accidents and the resulting increase in insurance rates are often beyond our control. When you’re involved in an accident, you become riskier to insure, consequently increasing the rates. In California, MD, accidents can lead to significant hikes in your premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies after an At-Fault Accident in California

The cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in California include Erie and USAA, offering $781 and $798, respectively. Allstate is an expensive provider with an average six-month premium of $3011.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
Erie	$781	$132
USAA	$798	$134
Travelers	$842	$142
State Farm	$946	$159
Progressive	$1126	$190
Nationwide	$1645	$277
Maryland Auto	$2880	$480
Allstate	$3011	$512

California Car Insurance Rates by Violation

Here is a list of driving violations that can increase your car insurance rates in California MD. For example, the car insurance in California after a DUI increases to $1038 for a six month policy. While the rate increases by $240 for a six-month policy in the case of a speeding ticket.

California auto insurance quotes by violations

Accident/Violation	Avg. 6 Mo Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
None	$1104	$184
One Med/PIP claim	$1142	$194
Not-at-fault accident	$1186	$198
One comp claim	$1191	$202
Two Med/PIP claims	$1213	$202
Failure to wear a seat belt	$1251	$213
Failure to show documents	$1284	$214
Child safety restraint	$1295	$220
Two comp claims	$1295	$216
Driving with expired registration	$1328	$225
Cell phone violation	$1344	$224
Driving too slowly	$1344	$228
Failure to stop at a red light	$1344	$224
Failure to yield	$1344	$228
Following too closely	$1344	$224
Illegal turn	$1344	$228
Improper passing	$1344	$224
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit	$1344	$228
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit	$1344	$224
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit	$1344	$228
Texting while driving	$1344	$224
Wrong way/wrong lane	$1344	$228
Speeding in school zone	$1361	$227
At-fault accident - less than $1000	$1388	$236
Passing school bus	$1394	$232
Driving without lights	$1399	$238
Open container	$1405	$234
Operating a vehicle without permission	$1420	$242
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit	$1470	$245
In 65 MPH zone	$1606	$273
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000	$1656	$276
At-fault accident - greater than $2000	$1656	$282
Reckless driving	$1891	$316
Racing	$2033	$346
Driving with a suspended license	$2065	$344
Refusal to submit to a chemical test	$2132	$362
DUI	$2142	$357
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run	$2158	$367

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Way Tip

Avoid Having A DUI On Your Driving Record.

A DUI can increase your car insurance rates—by $5,000 to $10,000 over five years. Speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents also raise rates, staying on your record for 3–5 years, while DUIs/DWIs can impact you longer.

Car Insurance Rates in California after a DUI

There may have been times when you drank but chose not to drive—a smart and responsible decision, as most states treat DUIs as a serious offense. Your car insurance rates can double after a DUI charge, making it harder to find affordable coverage in California.

The cheapest car insurance premiums in California are offered by Erie at $656 for a six-month policy. However, it can be as expensive as $3240 with companies like Maryland Auto.

California car insurance quotes with a DUI

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
Erie	$656	$110
Travelers	$902	$152
Progressive	$1213	$204
USAA	$1328	$224
Allstate	$1743	$291
State Farm	$2076	$350
Nationwide	$2842	$478
Maryland Auto	$3240	$551

Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket

One of the easiest ways to save money on car insurance is to stay within the speed limit. After a speeding violation, the cheapest car insurance premiums in California are offered by USAA at $673. However, it can be as expensive as $2230 with companies like Allstate for a similar six-month premium.

Cheapest Car Insurance in California after Speeding ticket

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
USAA	$673	$114
State Farm	$705	$119
Erie	$803	$135
Progressive	$978	$165
Travelers	$1301	$221
Nationwide	$2093	$349
Maryland Auto	$2202	$374
Allstate	$2230	$372

Car Insurance Price Trends in California, Maryland

Car insurance rates in California have fluctuated due to factors such as state regulations, inflation, and changing driving habits.

The average cost of full coverage in the California rose by $207 in January compared to $196 of December. In other words, there has been an increase by $11 when you compare January and December.

The average cost of liability insurance in the California rose to $72 in January, compared to $71 in December. This represents an increase of $1 when comparing January and December.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is car insurance in California?

The car insurance in California is $47 per month, which is lower than the national average.

What is the cheapest car insurance in California?

The cheapest car insurance in California is $116 per month for full coverage.

How much is car insurance in California for teenagers?

Car insurance for teenagers costs $410 per 6 months. The rates for teen drivers are higher due to their lack of experience as drivers.

What's the average cost of car insurance in California?

The average cost of car insurance is $1204 for a six-month policy. It will cost around $186 per month to insure your car in California.

Is car insurance expensive in California?

Car insurance can be expensive in California if your rating factors are not favorable. However, with a clean driving record and good credit score, car insurance rates in California can be affordable.

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in California

Why you can trust Way?

How Much Is Car Insurance in California

Avg. Car Insurance in California

Avg. Car Insurance in Maryland

National Average

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in California

1st place: Kemper

2nd place: USAA

3rd place: Travelers

California Car Insurance Rates by Company

Cheap Car Insurance Companies in California, MD

Way's key takeaways about car insurance in California

High Rates Shouldn’t Drive You Out of Pocket.

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in California

Cheapest Liability Coverage in California, MD

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in California

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Quotes in California, MD

Don't Let Hidden Costs Drive You Crazy

Average Car Insurance in California by Rating Factor

I have a clean driving record. Why is my car insurance rate here in California, MD increasing?

Car Insurance Premiums by Age in California

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies Based on Age Group

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Teen Drivers in California,MD

If you are in your twenties N/A is the best choice for car insurance in California.

Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score & Driving History

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit

Escape the Trap of Rising Insurance Costs.

Car Insurance Rates with An Accident in California

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies after an At-Fault Accident in California

California Car Insurance Rates by Violation

California auto insurance quotes by violations

Your Wallet Deserves Better. Seriously.

Avoid Having A DUI On Your Driving Record.

Car Insurance Rates in California after a DUI

California car insurance quotes with a DUI

Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket

Cheapest Car Insurance in California after Speeding ticket

Car Insurance Price Trends in California, Maryland

Average Car Insurance Cost in California by ZIP Code

Frequently Asked Questions

Tired of Insane Auto Insurance Bills? Us Too!

Find Car Insurance Rates in Cities Near California, MD

Car Insurance Rates by State in the USA (2025 Update)

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