Updated December 24, 2025

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in California

California cheapest insurance

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in California

Jerry works with 11 different insurance companies in the Golden State, and this year alone we’ve helped 265,218 California drivers get competitive quotes and switch their coverage.

We understand that every driver has different needs, and since we’ve helped thousands of CA drivers just like you, we understand what’s important. We can show you real choices made by real people, and how other drivers in your state are choosing their top car insurance coverage.

Here’s what we’ve noticed:

  • GEICO is the single most-chosen insurer among Jerry customers in California.

  • Progressive and National General come in second and third place, with about half of the total market share.

  • The rest of our customers are spread across strong carriers like Aspire, Bluefire and others.

All of this really drives home that there isn’t just one “best” company for every single driver. But there is a best fit for you, based on your own driving profile, coverage needs and risk tolerance.

Most popular insurers in California
InsurerShare of Jerry driversJerry customer rating
GEICO20%4.7
Progressive16%4.8
National General15%4.7
Aspire8%No Rating
Bluefire6%No Rating

Based on the most frequently chosen carriers by Jerry customers in this state. Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers in this state.

Quick picks: Best California car insurance by driver profile

Here are the categories we chose when selecting our best insurance companies for California drivers, and why. Use this as a starting point, then let Jerry personalize the results for your exact details.

Select your driver type

Driver categoryMost popular in CA
Most driversGEICO, Progressive, National General
Homeowners who bundleGEICO, Progressive, National General
Budget-focused driversNational General, Aspire, GEICO
Families with teen driversAspire, Progressive, ROOT
College studentsGEICO, Progressive, ROOT
Drivers with violationsNational General, Progressive, Bluefire
Military driversUSAA, GEICO, Armed Forces Insurance
Senior driversProgressive, GEICO, National General
Honda1

Jerry pulls up to 20 quotes from top rated carriers.

How Jerry helps California drivers find their best insurance

Most quote sites stop at “here’s the cheapest.” Jerry goes further.

For California drivers, this is what happens when you shop with us:

  • Use real data from 265,218 recent California quotes to best compare your coverage options.

  • Analyze 11 top insurers in the state against our quality criteria and your specific needs.

  • Show you highly-rated options that balance coverage, claims and cost.

  • Explain why each option makes sense for your situation.

  • Handle all the paperwork — including cancellation and refund requests — and help you switch, so you never have a coverage gap.

  • Continue monitoring market rates so you always know when it’s time to shop for better pricing.

What does that mean for CA drivers? An average annual savings of $922 and high satisfaction rates among drivers who switch with Jerry.

Skip the quote chaos. Answer a few quick questions and we’ll do the heavy lifting, fast.

Best car insurance for most CA drivers

California drivers have 11 insurance companies to choose from when shopping through Jerry. Since carriers vary on coverage options, features, benefits and price, customers can shop around and find the right mix of affordability and protection.

Here are some of the most recent quotes that drivers have received in the state:

Recent quotes in California

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

For most good drivers in California who want full coverage and strong claims support, three companies tend to rise to the top as customer favorites: GEICO, Progressive and National General. Jerry can compare them (and more) side-by-side in just minutes, so you can focus on the one that works best for you.

Here’s a rundown of what each offers and why customers choose them as a top pick.

1. GEICO

4.6

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

20%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent quotes for CA drivers

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers in this state.

  • Why we recommend GEICO:

2. Progressive

4.6

Jerry Score

4.8

Customer Rating

16%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent quotes for CA drivers

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers in this state.

  • Why we recommend Progressive:

3. National General

3.9

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

15%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent quotes for CA drivers

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers in this state.

  • Why we recommend National General:
Lifestyle14

Get CA quotes in as little as 2 minutes.

Best CA car insurance for bundling home and auto

Homeownership comes with enough surprises already. The right auto policy should do the opposite, providing financial protection for your household when accidents happen and bills get messy. That’s one reason many homeowners consider bundling auto and home insurance, which can simplify what you manage and open up discounts.

Even if you keep home and auto with different insurers, though, homeownership may still earn you benefits. Some carriers reward it with special discounts or higher coverage limits that better suit homeowner needs. In California, Jerry sees most home-owning customers choosing GEICO, Progressive and National General for their auto coverage, with or without bundling those policies.

Here’s what each top carrier offers and why Jerry customers pick them most often.

1. GEICO

4.6

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

25%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent quotes for homeowners

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records, who own a home and found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based average rating by Jerry customers that are homeowners in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend GEICO:

2. Progressive

4.6

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

24%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent quotes for homeowners

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records, who own a home and found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based average rating by Jerry customers that are homeowners in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Progressive:

3. National General

3.9

Jerry Score

4.8

Customer Rating

14%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent quotes for homeowners

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records, who own a home and found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based average rating by Jerry customers that are homeowners in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend National General:
Lifestyle4

Jerry helps you bundle home and auto for less in just minutes.

Best value for budget-focused CA drivers

If you’re trying to keep your monthly payment in check without watering down your coverage, carrier choice matters a lot more than most people think. In California, our data show that National General, Aspire and GEICO often deliver the strongest value for drivers who want solid protection at a manageable price. That’s not always the absolute cheapest insurance in California, but it’s the best balance of cost and coverage.

Over the past 12 months, Jerry has helped 105,577 California drivers find coverage under $100/month, without dropping to bare-minimum limits.

Here’s a look at what each top carrier offers and why Jerry customers say they’re a top pick.

1. National General

3.9

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

22%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent price-friendly quotes

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers with below-average credit profiles in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend National General:

2. Aspire

3.5

Jerry Score

No

Customer Rating

15%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers with below-average credit profiles in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Aspire:

3. GEICO

4.6

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

14%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers with below-average credit profiles in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend GEICO:
CTA1 1

Jerry helps you save on car insurance fast.

Best car insurance for CA families with teen drivers

Adding a teen driver to your policy in California can be a shock. Between limited experience behind the wheel and higher risk factors, rates often jump fast, even if your household has a clean driving record. The good news is you’re not stuck with the first number you see. Jerry has helped 638 CA families with teen drivers save an average of $1,666 annually, primarily with Aspire, Progressive and ROOT.

Here’s a look at what those carriers offer and why Jerry customers choose them most often.

1. Aspire

3.5

Jerry Score

No

Customer Rating

28%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers that have children of driving age in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Aspire:

2. Progressive

4.6

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

18%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers that have children of driving age in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Progressive:

3. ROOT

4.4

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

16%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers that have children of driving age in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend ROOT:
JERRY EXPERT INSIGHT
When adding a teen to the policy, it often helps to compare two versions: one that’s super budget-friendly and one that offers sleep-at-night coverage. It might be more affordable than you expect.
Rebekah Bahruth
Rebekah Bahruth
General Lines Agent (Florida Property & Casualty)

Best car insurance for CA college students

College drivers are the definition of “it depends.” One semester you’re living on campus without a car, the next you’re commuting, parking on the street or taking long weekend trips. Those shifts affect everything from your rate to your risk profile, and not every carrier handles them the same way.

Jerry has helped 38,154 college students in California find affordable coverage that still protects them on and off campus. GEICO, Progressive and ROOT are the top choices for Jerry college students in this state. Here’s what each carrier offers and why it stands out.

1. GEICO

4.6

Jerry Score

4.6

Customer Rating

24%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent college driver quotes

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records, between ages 17-24, who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers that have children of driving age in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend GEICO:

2. Progressive

4.6

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

13%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent college driver quotes

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records, between ages 17-24, who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers that have children of driving age in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Progressive:

3. ROOT

4.4

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

10%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent college driver quotes

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with clean driving records, between ages 17-24, who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers that have children of driving age in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend ROOT:
Audi2

Fast track your CA insurance with Jerry.

Best CA car insurance for drivers with violations

Violations can really change the math on insurance premiums. A speeding ticket might sting, and an at-fault accident or DUI can hit even harder, quickly putting you in a higher-risk tier that raises premiums and limits which carriers will offer you coverage. But your record isn’t a life sentence, and your policy shouldn’t be priced like it is.

Jerry has helped 1,177 California drivers with violations find coverage this past year at affordable prices. We also monitor rates and let you know when to shop again after those violations fall off your record, so you can potentially save even more.

The carriers Jerry customers with violations land with most often are National General, Progressive and Bluefire — companies that are typically more willing to insure California drivers with violations on their record.

1. National General

3.9

Jerry Score

4.8

Customer Rating

19%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent quotes post-violation

Last Updated Dec. 24, 2025

Based on Jerry customers with one or more accidents and violations on their records who found savings in the past 18 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers with violations in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend National General:

2. Progressive

4.6

Jerry Score

4.7

Customer Rating

14%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers with violations in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Progressive:

3. Bluefire

3.1

Jerry Score

No

Customer Rating

11%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers with violations in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Bluefire:
JERRY EXPERT INSIGHT
Buying just minimum coverage can be tempting after a ticket or accident, but it’s rarely a smart move in the long-term. Instead, price out a few different coverage levels, adjust your deductible and compare the options.
Rebekah Bahruth
Rebekah Bahruth
General Lines Agent (Florida Property & Casualty)

Car insurance options for CA military families

Whether active-duty, reservist, guard, or veteran, military life changes the way you drive, store your car and move across states. Jerry has helped California military families find coverage that fits deployments, PCS moves and everything in between.

If you qualify for military-focused insurers, they should always be part of the conversation. At the same time, many standard insurers offer strong military discounts and flexible policies that Jerry can quote and compare for you.

Here’s how to think about your options.

Some companies are built specifically for military members and their families. These include USAA, Navy Federal, Armed Forces Insurance and similar providers.
If you’re eligible, they at least belong on your short list. That’s because they’re designed around deployments, PCS orders and frequent moves. These insurers often have storage or reduced-use options when your car sits on base or at home during deployment. Additionally, their customer service teams understand military pay, orders and timelines in a way civilian-focused insurers sometimes don’t.

Because of how these insurers work, Jerry can’t always show live quotes or internal ratings for them. If you qualify, the smart move is to:
1. Use Jerry to see how strong your options are with standard insurers, then
2. Get a direct quote from one or more military-only insurers and compare.

That way, you’re not guessing. You’re stacking their offer against real, competitive market pricing.

On top of military-only providers, there are national insurers that offer military discounts, handle deployments and out-of-state moves, and are already deeply integrated with Jerry’s quoting and switching flow.

For many CA military families, GEICO, State Farm and Progressive are often in the conversation.

1. GEICO

Best for: Flexible deployment-friendly coverage and strong discounts

Why it often works well for service members:

  • Military discounts and options to adjust coverage when you deploy or your mileage drops.

  • 24/7 support that works across time zones when you’re OCONUS or on irregular schedules.

  • Easy app-based policy access for quick proof of insurance, claims or changes between duties.

2. State Farm

Best for: Families moving between bases and states

Why it often works well for service members:

  • Massive nationwide agent network, useful if you PCS and want continuity of service.

  • Familiar, local agents near many bases and military communities.

  • Simple bundling if you buy a home or condo near base and want to protect everything under one roof.

3. Progressive

Best for: Tech-forward, frequently changing situations

Why it often works well for service members:

  • Competitive pricing across a wide range of driver profiles, including frequent movers.

  • Strong digital tools for updating addresses, mileage and garaging as life changes.

  • Good add-ons (like rental and roadside) that matter when you’re far from home support.

Jerry can’t claim to “rank” USAA or Navy Federal against these carriers, but we can show you in minutes how GEICO, State Farm, Progressive and other standard insurers price your situation in California.

lifestyle2

Get personalized car insurance rates now.

Best car insurance for senior drivers in California

If you’ve been driving for decades, you’ve earned the right to expect more from your insurer. Many California drivers over 65 want predictable coverage, responsive service, and a carrier that doesn’t nickel-and-dime them. Jerry often recommends Progressive, GEICO and National General for that reason.

In the last 12 months, we’ve helped 10,611 California seniors find coverage designed around how they actually drive now, not assumptions.

1. Progressive

4.6

Jerry Score

4.8

Customer Rating

25%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent senior driver quotes

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers 65+ with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers of age 65+ in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend Progressive:

2. GEICO

4.6

Jerry Score

4.5

Customer Rating

25%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent senior driver quotes

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers 65+ with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers of age 65+ in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend GEICO:

3. National General

3.9

Jerry Score

5.0

Customer Rating

18%

of Jerry drivers in CA chose this insurer

Recent senior driver quotes

Last Updated Dec. 23, 2025

Based on Jerry customers 65+ with clean driving records who found savings in the past 12 months. Savings depend on coverage and other factors. Potential savings will vary.

Customer rating based on average rating by Jerry customers of age 65+ in the past 12 months.

  • Why we recommend National General:
Lifestyle9

See coverage options for your car.

How Jerry picks the best insurers in California

Most sites just sort companies by price. Jerry does more. 

No one wants to overpay for insurance, but Jerry knows that other factors matter, too. We use our own proprietary Jerry Score to grade each insurance company. Built from real California driver data, this score evaluates insurers on:

Customer satisfaction

What customers say after they’ve filed a claim or made changes, not just when they first buy.

Value for your money

The best balance of price and protection, not just the lowest premium on the page.

Claims experience

How quickly and fairly claims get paid, especially after real crashes and storm damage.

Financial strength

Whether the company has the backing to pay out when major events hit.

Quality of coverage

How easy it is to get high liability limits, comprehensive and collision, and useful add-ons like rental reimbursement and roadside.

Product availability

Where coverage is offered, the protections available and what sort of add-ons customers can choose from to truly customize their policy.

The result? We show you a short list of options tailored to how you actually drive and what you actually own.

Lifestyle1

Drivers who switch with Jerry save an average of $54/mo on car insurance.

Expert-driven. Built for you.
Our experts
meet-experts-thumbnail
Stephanie Colestock

Stephanie Colestock is a professional writer, CFEI®, and licensed insurance agent specializing in personal finance. With over 14 years of experience, she crafts insightful and accessible content on a wide range of financial topics, including insurance, loans, credit/debt, investing, retirement planning, and banking.

Her bylines appear in top-tier publications such as TIME, Fortune, MSN, Business Insider, USA Today, Money, Fox Business, and CBS. Stephanie’s deep understanding of complex financial concepts and her ability to communicate them clearly have made her a trusted voice in the industry.

When she’s not writing, Stephanie enjoys SCUBA diving, reading a good book, and traveling the world with her family.

Over the past 12 months, 25% of drivers who switched with Jerry paid $89 or less per month. Not all customers find savings. Savings depend on state, policy features, coverage, driving history and other factors.
Editorial Note: This article was written by a paid member of Jerry’s editorial team. Statements in this article do not constitute advice or recommendations. You should consult with an insurance professional about your specific circumstances and needs before making any insurance decisions.
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