Estimate your auto insurance rates in California for 2026
This free California car insurance calculator helps you estimate how much you'll pay for auto insurance in the Golden State. California has some of the highest car insurance rates in the country, about 20% above the national average.
The average cost of car insurance in California is about $2,100 per year ($175/month) for full coverage, and $780 per year for minimum coverage. Rates vary a lot by city: Los Angeles and San Francisco have the highest rates, while Fresno and Bakersfield are more affordable.
California requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance:
This is often called 15/30/5 coverage. Most lenders require full coverage (comprehensive + collision) if you have a car loan or lease.
For a 30-year-old driver with a clean record in Los Angeles:
California has the third-highest car insurance rates in the country, about 20% above the national average. There are several reasons for this. First, California has a large number of expensive cars on the road, especially in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco. When there's an accident, the cost to repair these vehicles is much higher than average.
Second, California has a high rate of uninsured drivers. About 15% of drivers in California don't have insurance, which means insured drivers end up paying more to cover the costs of accidents caused by uninsured motorists. California also has high medical costs, which increases the cost of liability claims.
Third, California's strict insurance laws and regulations also contribute to higher rates. The state requires insurance companies to offer certain coverages and limits, which adds to the cost. California also has a "no-fault" rule for some types of claims, which can increase the number of claims filed.
While California overall has high rates, some cities are much more affordable than others. If you live in one of these cities, you can save hundreds of dollars per year on car insurance:
On the other hand, the most expensive cities in California are:
There are several ways to save money on car insurance in California. The most important thing is to maintain a clean driving record. Even one ticket or accident can increase your rates by 20-30% for several years. If you have a clean record, you'll qualify for the best rates.
You should also shop around every year. Car insurance rates can vary by hundreds of dollars between different companies, even for the exact same coverage. Get quotes from at least 3-5 different companies before you renew your policy.
Bundling your home and auto insurance is another great way to save money. Most insurance companies offer a 10-15% discount if you buy multiple policies from them. You should also ask about other discounts: good student discounts for teen drivers, safe driver discounts, low-mileage discounts, and discounts for cars with safety features like anti-lock brakes and airbags.
The type of car you drive has a big impact on your insurance rates. In California, cars that are expensive to repair, have high theft rates, or are popular with young drivers will cost more to insure. The cars with the highest insurance rates in California include:
On the other hand, cars with the lowest insurance rates in California are usually cheaper, more reliable vehicles with good safety ratings:
If you've been convicted of a DUI, had too many points on your license, or been in an accident without insurance, you may be required to file an SR-22 form with the California DMV. An SR-22 is a certificate that proves you have the minimum required car insurance. It costs about $15-$25 to file, and it usually stays on your record for 3 years.
If you need an SR-22, your insurance rates will be much higher. A DUI conviction can increase your rates by 75-100% for 3-5 years. Make sure you shop around carefully if you need an SR-22, as rates can vary a lot between companies.
The best time to shop for car insurance in California is 2-4 weeks before your current policy expires. Don't wait until the last minute! You'll have more time to compare quotes and find the best deal. Also, try to avoid buying car insurance right after an accident or ticket, as rates will be higher. Wait until your driving record is clean again.
If you're buying a new car, you should shop for insurance before you buy the car. The cost of insurance is a big part of the total cost of owning a car, so you don't want to be surprised by high insurance costs after you buy.
California has a special low-cost auto insurance program for low-income drivers. If you make below a certain income level, you can get minimum liability insurance for as little as $20-$30 per month. This program is designed to help low-income drivers get the insurance they need without breaking the bank.
To qualify, you have to be a California resident, have a valid driver's license, and make below the income limit (which is about $35,000 per year for a family of four). You also have to drive a car that's worth less than $25,000. If you qualify, this is a great way to save a lot of money on car insurance.
The average cost is about $2,100 per year for full coverage, and $780 per year for minimum coverage. Rates vary by age, city, driving record, and car type.
California requires 15/30/5 liability coverage: $15,000 per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 property damage.
Yes, California has some of the highest rates in the U.S., about 20% above the national average. Rates are especially high in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland.
Maintain a clean driving record, bundle your home and auto insurance, ask about discounts (good student, safe driver), and shop around every year.