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Auto Insurance · State Guide

Updated: May 1, 2026Written byRai AntonioReviewed byDavid KrugData byFelix Lucero
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California Auto Insurance

Average auto insurance rates in California, minimum requirements, and the cheapest carriers.

  • State: California (CA)
  • Avg annual rate: $2,065

Auto insurance in California

California drivers pay an average of $2065 a year for full-coverage auto insurance. California rates run above the national average due to dense urban areas, higher repair costs, and a regulatory environment that limits credit-based pricing. Major carriers including GEICO, Wawanesa, and Progressive consistently offer some of the most competitive rates.

For drivers looking for the cheapest auto insurance in California, the savings spread between carriers can exceed several hundred dollars a year for the same coverage. Comparing quotes from multiple carriers is the single biggest lever you have to lower your premium.

California minimum coverage requirements

California requires drivers to carry at minimum 15/30/5 liability (bodily injury per person/per accident plus property damage) in liability coverage. Most drivers should carry significantly more than the minimum — serious accidents routinely exceed those limits and leave drivers personally liable for the excess.

If you’re financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender will also require comprehensive and collision coverage.

Best carriers in California

GEICO, Wawanesa, and Progressive consistently rank among the cheapest in California. State Farm has a wide local agent network. USAA leads in customer satisfaction for military families. Avoid carriers with limited California presence — quote experience and claims handling suffer.

Get quotes from at least three carriers — the cheapest carrier for one California driver isn’t necessarily the cheapest for the next, since rates vary by ZIP code, driving record, credit, and vehicle.