The average car insurance rate in California is $1,227 for a six-month policy — 5% more expensive than the U.S. average.[1] But don’t be fooled — your location is just one piece of the puzzle. Car insurance rates in California are shaped by a variety of factors, including your age and driving history.
According to our data, 40% of Californians believe they’re overpaying for car insurance.[2] Yet, many are still open to paying a premium for exceptional customer service and more extensive coverage options.
Cheap liability insurance in California
The average cost for liability insurance in California is $423 for a 6-month policy.[1] For our user profile, CSAA offers the most affordable liability insurance options in the state.
If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism, or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in California, a full coverage insurance policy with a $500 deductible costs $1,227, considerably more than liability-only car insurance.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| CSAA | $229 | $38 |
| GEICO | $242 | $40 |
| USAA | $306 | $51 |
| National General | $353 | $59 |
| Progressive | $374 | $62 |
| Auto Club | $462 | $77 |
| California Capital | $479 | $80 |
| Allstate | $492 | $82 |
| Farmers | $513 | $86 |
| State Farm | $527 | $88 |
| Bristol West | $537 | $89 |
| Nationwide | $586 | $98 |
| Travelers | $613 | $102 |
| The Hartford | $646 | $108 |
| Pure Insurance | $691 | $115 |
Cheap full coverage insurance in California
In 2026, the average cost of full coverage insurance in California is $1,227 for a six-month policy. Full coverage is a popular choice here, with 49% of The Zebra’s California customers opting for quotes that offer this more comprehensive protection.[2]
While full coverage may cost more than basic liability insurance, it’s worth the investment for peace of mind. If you’re looking to get the best deal on full coverage, start by checking out quotes from GEICO — they’re known for offering some of the most competitive rates in the state.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $787 | $131 |
| National General | $940 | $157 |
| USAA | $1,101 | $183 |
| Progressive | $1,125 | $187 |
| California Capital | $1,253 | $209 |
| Auto Club | $1,290 | $215 |
| Allstate | $1,377 | $230 |
| Travelers | $1,465 | $244 |
| Farmers | $1,467 | $244 |
| State Farm | $1,572 | $262 |
| The Hartford | $1,595 | $266 |
| Nationwide | $1,755 | $292 |
| Bristol West | $1,880 | $313 |
| Pure Insurance | $1,976 | $329 |
Local insights
Drivers near you in California weigh in
“Wawanesa, Amica, 21st Century. They are usually good for drivers with good records in CA.”
-Reddit user on r/California
“If you have military background or your family has military background, I use USAA. I’ve found them to be cheaper than AAA, who I also hear isn’t bad. They have been super reliable and fantastic customer service.”
-Reddit user on r/California
What are the best car insurance companies in California?
We’ve named Wawanesa as California’s top car insurance provider. Our decision is based on a combination of consumer feedback, expert evaluations from sources like J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best, as well as a thorough review of their discounts and coverage options.
Below are other top companies in California aside from Wawanesa to consider.
Car insurance in popular California cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of California’s biggest cities.
