Compare Cheap Car Insurance in California

Low-cost car insurance options in California include Root, Mercury, and USAA.

In California, the typical monthly rate for full-coverage car insurance is $214, compared to the national average of $193. Your actual premium may vary based on several factors, such as age, driving history, and ZIP code. The best way to pinpoint your cost is by comparing quotes from various insurers.

Below, we highlight the most affordable car insurance choices in California based on coverage type, age group, and provider.

Affordable full-coverage car insurance in California

Drivers in California pay an average of $214 per month for full coverage, slightly more than the national average of $193. Root, Mercury, and USAA rank among the cheapest car insurance providers in the state.

	Average monthly full coverage cost
California average	$214
National average	$193
Root	$175
Mercury	$176
USAA	$196
GEICO	$260

Affordable liability-only car insurance in California

Root, Mercury, and USAA also offer some of the most affordable liability car insurance rates in California.

The average monthly premium for liability-only coverage in the state is $101, while the U.S. average is $102.

	Average monthly liability-only cost
California average	$101
National average	$102
Root	$100
Mercury	$104
USAA	$87
GEICO	$117

Cheap Car Insurance in California by age

Insurance costs fluctuate widely based on age. For instance, car insurance for teens tends to be the most expensive, averaging $411 per month in California due to their inexperience behind the wheel.

Once drivers reach their 20s, rates begin to drop, averaging $281 per month. The trend continues for drivers in their 30s and 40s, with rates around $211 and $190, respectively.

However, prices may rise again for older adults. Californians in their 60s typically pay $167, while those in their 70s average $183 monthly.

These shifts in cost reflect how insurers assess risk across different age brackets.

Age group	Average monthly full coverage cost	Average monthly liability-only cost
Teens	$411	$193
20s	$281	$132
30s	$211	$99
40s	$190	$90
50s	$185	$87
60s	$167	$79
70s	$183	$86

Cheap Car Insurance in California for high-risk drivers

If you have a history of traffic violations or accidents, your premiums may be higher. The table below shows average monthly rates in California for those with a speeding ticket, accident, or DUI, based on data from car insurance for bad driving records.

Violation	Average monthly full coverage cost	Average monthly liability-only cost
Accident	$272	$128
Speeding ticket	$275	$130
DUI	$315	$148

Cheap Car Insurance in California by credit score

In California, drivers with excellent credit tend to pay less, averaging $231 each month. On the other hand, those with poor credit can see rates beginning at $267 monthly.

Credit scores influence risk calculations and, in many states, affect your premium, though not legally used for rating in California.

Credit score	Average monthly cost of full coverage	Average monthly cost of liability-only
Excellent	$231	$109
Good	$203	$95
Average	$192	$90
Poor	$267	$126

FAQs

What are the minimum car insurance requirements in California?

As of January 1, 2025, California drivers must carry at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 in property damage liability.

Is car insurance mandatory in California?

Yes. To legally drive in California, maintaining active car insurance is required by law.

What is California's Low Cost Auto Insurance Program?

This program offers affordable coverage options to income-eligible residents with good driving records, helping them meet state insurance requirements.

How can I lower my car insurance premiums in California?

Improving your driving history, bundling policies, choosing higher deductibles, and requesting discounts can help lower your rate.

Does my credit score affect my car insurance rates in California?

No, California law bans insurers from using credit scores when calculating car insurance premiums.

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Bottom line

While these may be some of the most affordable insurance providers in California, they may not offer the best price for your unique situation. To find the best deal, compare quotes from several companies and evaluate their coverage and service.

Data throughout provided by Insurify.

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Author Details

Becca Borawski Jenkins

Becca Borawski Jenkins is the Vice President of Content Strategy for FinanceBuzz. She has well over a decade of experience leading teams producing content for finance, health, and fitness websites. She loves to write about saving money, planning for retirement, and credit cards. Her writing has been featured on Escapees.com, MobileRVing.com, and BoondockersWelcome.com.