Jerry SummarySafeco offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in California at $73 per month, according to Jerry’s September 2025 data analysis. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in California is $265 per month. You’ll find affordable coverage by comparing quotes, leveraging discounts, practicing safe driving habits and increasing your deductible if you can afford the higher amount.
To find cheap car insurance in California, Jerry analyzed quotes from real customers.
Our analysis found that the absolute cheapest insurer in California is Safeco, which has an average monthly cost of $73 per month for full coverage. But car insurance quotes vary from person to person, so the cheapest option for you could come from a different insurer.
Here’s a deeper dive into the cheapest car insurance companies in California for a variety of ages and driving profiles.
To find the best car insurance in California, compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers.
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Cheap full coverage car insurance in California for September 2025
The cheapest full coverage car insurance in California comes from Safeco, with an average cost of $73 per month, according to Jerry’s data analysis of quotes for drivers with clean records and good credit.
In California’s dense traffic and high-cost repair environment, the state-mandated liability minimums may not even cover the cost of a minor fender-bender. Full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance, can help pay for your own vehicle’s repairs or replacement from damage after a crash, theft, wildfire or flood.
These are the cheapest car insurance companies in California for full coverage, according to Jerry’s data analysis.
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Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|
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Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
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|---|---|---|
| Safeco | $73 | $874 |
| Commonwealth Insurance | $167 | $2,003 |
| Aspire Advantage | $189 | $2,272 |
| Clearcover | $223 | $2,679 |
| Anchor General | $227 | $2,730 |
| Mercury | $236 | $2,834 |
| ROOT | $237 | $2,844 |
| Assurance America | $243 | $2,914 |
| Progressive | $247 | $2,969 |
| National General | $251 | $3,008 |
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Average monthly quote:Methodology
Jerry's editorial team analyzed Jerry customer quotes to find the median full coverage quote, by ZIP code. We looked at customers driving popular vehicles, including the Ford-150, Honda Accord, Nissan Altima, RAM 1500, Toyota Camry and Toyota RAV4 . We also used the following base driver profile:
- 35-45 years old.
- Clean driving record.
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability, per person.
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability, per accident.
- $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision insurance.
Cheap liability car insurance in California for September 2025
The cheapest liability car insurance in California comes from Safeco, with an average cost of $37 per month, according to Jerry's analysis of quotes for drivers with clean records and good credit.
Liability-only car insurance in California satisfies the state’s minimum car insurance requirements, but it won't pay to repair or replace your own vehicle after a crash, theft, wildfire or flood. If you drive an older, lower-value car, or are on a tight budget, a liability-only policy will get you the lowest premium. But be prepared to pay out of pocket for your own repair or replacement costs, or for others' injuries and property damage if you cause a bad crash with costs that exceed your policy's minimal liability limits.
These are the cheapest liability car insurance companies in California.
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Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|
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Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|---|---|
| Safeco | $37 | $447 |
| Aspire Advantage | $78 | $940 |
| National General | $90 | $1,085 |
| Bluefire | $95 | $1,143 |
| Mercury | $100 | $1,198 |
| Commonwealth Insurance | $100 | $1,199 |
| Progressive | $106 | $1,273 |
| ROOT | $107 | $1,287 |
| Gainsco | $113 | $1,361 |
| Electric | $116 | $1,388 |
Risks of choosing liability-only car insurance: You'll get the cheapest coverage possible if you buy only California's state-mandated coverage, but the liability limits may not be high enough to cover injuries and property damage you cause in a crash. If your limits aren't high enough, you'll be faced having to pay the difference out of pocket. Liability-only coverage also won't include coverage types that pay out if your own car is damaged. To find cheap car insurance with more coverage, read Jerry's analysis of cheap full coverage insurance.
How much is car insurance in California?
California car insurance costs an average of $265 per month, according to Jerry's data analysis of full coverage quotes.
In California, insurers weigh dozens of variables to determine how much you'll pay for auto insurance. Some of the most important factors include your ZIP code, driving record and the type of vehicle you drive, including its age, repair cost and safety features. Younger drivers typically pay higher premiums, on average, until they get more experience on the road.
Here are average full coverage car insurance costs in California, by age group.
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Age Group
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|
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Age Group
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|---|---|
| 18-20 | $384 | $4,609 |
| 21-24 | $327 | $3,922 |
| 25-34 | $274 | $3,290 |
| 35-44 | $234 | $2,810 |
| 45-54 | $210 | $2,520 |
| 55-64 | $198 | $2,373 |
| 65+ | $194 | $2,334 |
| $107 | $1,287 | |
| $113 | $1,361 | |
| $116 | $1,388 |
Cheap car insurance in California by age
Your age is one of the most important factors in determining how much you'll pay for coverage. In California, the cheapest rates are typically given to drivers in their 30s to 50s, due to people in that age range having more experience on the road. Meanwhile, prices spike for teens and drivers under 25, whose limited experience and higher accident statistics drive up costs. Rates begin rising again once you're in your 70s.
Here are the cheapest auto insurance companies in California, broken out by age.
Cheapest car insurance in California for young drivers
The cheapest car insurance in California for young drivers come from New York Central Mutual, with an average monthly rate of $82, according to Jerry's data analysis of full coverage car insurance quotes for ages 18 to 29.
Young California drivers typically pay more for car insurance than older drivers due to having less driving experience and a higher likelihood of getting into a crash.
Here are the cheapest full coverage car insurance companies in California for young drivers.
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Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|
|
Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|---|---|
| New York Central Mutual | $82 | $987 |
| Say Insurance | $177 | $2,123 |
| Embark General | $186 | $2,234 |
| Metlife | $200 | $2,402 |
| Encompass | $206 | $2,476 |
| Allstate | $209 | $2,504 |
| Lone Star | $217 | $2,600 |
| Oregon Mutual | $219 | $2,628 |
| Safeco | $219 | $2,629 |
| First Chicago Insurance | $220 | $2,636 |
Cheapest car insurance in California for 30-64 year olds
The cheapest car insurance in California for mature drivers between the ages of 30 to 64 comes from Grange, with an average monthly rate of $104, according to Jerry's data analysis of full coverage car insurance quotes.
Mature drivers typically pay the least for car insurance due to having more experience on the road. Below are the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers between the ages of 30 to 64.
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Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
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|---|
|
Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
|---|---|---|
| Grange | $104 | $1,251 |
| Embark General | $124 | $1,490 |
| Encompass | $157 | $1,886 |
| Travelers | $169 | $2,023 |
| Clearcover | $171 | $2,047 |
| Kemper | $175 | $2,096 |
| Mapfre | $175 | $2,102 |
| Allstate | $178 | $2,139 |
| State Auto | $180 | $2,165 |
| Safe Auto | $190 | $2,279 |
Cheapest car insurance in California for older drivers (65+)
The cheapest car insurance in California for drivers over the age of 65 comes from State Auto, with an average monthly rate of $53, according to Jerry's data analysis of full coverage car insurance quotes.
Older, more senior drivers typically pay more for car insurance than younger drivers. But older drivers may qualify for discounts by taking an approved defensive driving course, or switching to a pay-per-mile policy if they drive infrequently.
Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in California for drivers over the age of 65.
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Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|
|
Insurance Company
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Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
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|---|---|---|
| State Auto | $53 | $630 |
| Plymouth Rock | $63 | $750 |
| Assurance America | $65 | $775 |
| Metlife | $104 | $1,252 |
| Embark General | $113 | $1,362 |
| Kemper | $135 | $1,620 |
| Encompass | $136 | $1,627 |
| AAA | $138 | $1,659 |
| Acceptance | $142 | $1,704 |
| Travelers | $144 | $1,725 |
Cheapest car insurance after an accident
Getting into an accident will likely cause your car insurance premium to increase. You may be able to find cheaper coverage by comparing quotes from other insurers.
Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in California after an accident.
|
Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
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|---|
|
Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
|---|---|
| Safeco | $89 |
| Aspire Advantage | $245 |
| Anchor General | $268 |
| Mercury | $304 |
| National General | $341 |
| Kemper | $135 |
| Encompass | $136 |
| AAA | $138 |
| Acceptance | $142 |
| Travelers | $144 |
Cheapest car insurance with a speeding ticket
Getting a speeding ticket will likely increase your rate. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in California after a speeding ticket violation.
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Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
|---|
|
Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
|---|---|---|
| Aspire Advantage | $163 | $1,961 |
| Anchor General | $187 | $2,241 |
| ROOT | $218 | $2,616 |
| Bluefire | $231 | $2,767 |
| National General | $231 | $2,777 |
| Kemper | $135 | $1,620 |
| Encompass | $136 | $1,627 |
| AAA | $138 | $1,659 |
| Acceptance | $142 | $1,704 |
| Travelers | $144 | $1,725 |
Cheapest car insurance with a DUI
DUIs typically cause car insurance rates to rise significantly, and can stay on your driving record for at least three years in California. If you have trouble getting coverage from an insurer, you may need to turn to a "high risk" company to get a policy.
Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in California after a DUI.
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Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
|---|
|
Insurance Company
|
Avg Monthly Quote
|
Avg Annual Quote
|
|---|---|---|
| Embark General | $103 | $1,239 |
| The General | $112 | $1,349 |
| Clearcover | $113 | $1,361 |
| Infinity | $149 | $1,793 |
| Aspire Advantage | $150 | $1,795 |
| Kemper | $135 | $1,620 |
| Encompass | $136 | $1,627 |
| AAA | $138 | $1,659 |
| Acceptance | $142 | $1,704 |
| Travelers | $144 | $1,725 |
Average auto insurance costs for California drivers with other violations
Here are the average car insurance costs for California drivers with other violations on their driving record.
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Violation Summary
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|
|
Violation Summary
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Avg Monthly Quote
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Avg Annual Quote
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|---|---|---|
| Careless Driving | $266 | $3,189 |
| Cell Phone | $267 | $3,203 |
| Defective Equipment | $205 | $2,466 |
| Driving on Sus. License | $256 | $3,071 |
| Eluding Police | $281 | $3,367 |
| Failure to Obey Traffic Sign | $278 | $3,332 |
| Homicide | $198 | $2,370 |
| Illegal Turn | $268 | $3,213 |
| Improper Passing | $294 | $3,528 |
| Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run | $237 | $2,846 |
| Motorcycle Violation | $206 | $2,475 |
| Open Container | $213 | $2,556 |
| Other | $265 | $3,182 |
| Passing School Bus | $197 | $2,361 |
| Racing/Drag Racing | $287 | $3,447 |
| Reckless Driving | $271 | $3,254 |
| Seat Belt | $199 | $2,386 |
| Suspension | $262 | $3,140 |
| Vehicle Theft | $121 | $1,457 |
| Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $273 | $3,274 |
Minimum car insurance requirements in California
The minimum car insurance requirements in California are:
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury liability.
- $60,000 for bodily injury per accident for multiple persons injured.
- $15,000 for property damage liability per accident.
How to get cheap car insurance in California
You can get cheap car insurance in California buy comparing quotes from multiple insurers, since every insurer has their own way of pricing rates. Here are some other ways to save:
Ask for discounts. Check with your agent or insurer to make sure you're getting all available discounts.
Drive safely. As violations fall off your record and time passes without new ones, you’ll become the kind of driver insurers reward with low rates.
Stay insured. A lapse in car insurance will result in higher premiums later, even if you were out of the country or not driving at all.
Compare quotes with and without bundles. If you have home or renters insurance, a bundling discount might not offset two other companies' cheaper, separate rates.
Raise your deductibles. If you can afford to pay more out of pocket in the event your car needs repairs, raising comprehensive and collision deductibles will decrease your car insurance rate.
Consider smaller companies. While it may be comforting to go with a name brand company, rates may not be cheaper — a local insurer may cater best to your demographics.
Low-income auto insurance in California
If you can't afford car insurance, you can buy a policy through California's Low Cost Auto Insurance program. To qualify, you must:
- Have a valid California drivers license.
- Meet income eligibility requirements.
- Own a vehicle that's valued at $25,000 or less.
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Have a good driving record or be a new driver.
FAQs
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Cheapest car insurance data methodology
To find the cheapest car insurance in each state, we use proprietary, real-world quotes from drivers — not third-party estimates. Each shopping journey includes multiple rounds of quotes, with information verified along the way.
At every stage, we aggregate and anonymize data to protect privacy and ensure accuracy. Because Jerry has delivered millions of quotes, often with multiple offers per driver, our datasets are large enough to avoid bias toward any one region, carrier or driver type.
Unlike other sites that rely on modeled rates, Jerry is a licensed insurance broker in 48 states, giving us firsthand visibility into how quotes are generated and validated.
On this page
Unless otherwise stated, rates reflect the last six months of verified full-coverage quotes for clean-record drivers. Data involving accidents or credit uses the last 18 months to ensure reliability.
Read more about Jerry’s data gathering and verification processes
Ben Moore is a writer and editor at Jerry and an auto insurance expert. He previously worked as a writer, editor and content strategist on NerdWallet’s auto insurance team for five years. His work has been published in The Associated Press, Washington Post, Chicago Sun-Times, MarketWatch, Nasdaq and Yahoo News. He also served as a NerdWallet spokesperson, with appearances on local broadcast television and quotes in Martha Stewart and Real Simple magazine.
Ben has an extensive background in digital marketing, working on affiliate and programmatic advertising campaigns for brands like Cabela’s, H&R Block and Sears. He holds a bachelors degree in marketing from Olivet Nazarene University.
Lacie Glover is a Lead Writer and Editor with sixteen years’ experience in the insurance category. Prior to Jerry, she spent more than a decade on NerdWallet’s content team writing, editing and then overseeing the auto insurance category, as well as dabbling in other insurance and automotive topics. Prior to her career in the online personal finance content space, Lacie spent time in the hard sciences, in clinical research and chemistry labs. She has a bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University.
