Average cost of car insurance in California for 2024

How much is car insurance in California?

Full coverage car insurance costs an average of $2,835 per year in California. The average cost for state minimum coverage is $670 per year. Nationally, full coverage costs $2,458, and minimum coverage costs $678 on average per year, so California is an expensive place to buy insurance. To determine the average cost of car insurance in California, our insurance editorial team reviewed average rates provided by Quadrant Information Services for a range of driver profiles.

Keep in mind that you are unlikely to pay a rate that matches the averages. Your insurer uses a handful of rating factors to determine what you will pay for your policy. Some of these, like your age or location, may be beyond your control. But others, such as your driving record and the type of car you drive, could be factors you can influence to help keep your rate low. Maintaining a clean driving record, with no moving violations or accidents, is one of the best ways to keep your premium reasonable.

Key takeaways

• The average monthly premium for minimum coverage in California is $56. The average monthly premium for full coverage is $236 in California.
• Drivers in Los Angeles, according to our research, pay an average rate for full coverage insurance of $3,885, 37 percent more than the state average.
• California parents adding a 16-year-old driver to their full coverage auto insurance policy can expect an average premium of $6,605 per year.
• Drivers with a DUI on their license pay an average of $6,990 annually, which is 147 percent more than the state average

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California car insurance rates by city

Car insurance rates in California vary by city. Drivers in densely populated areas tend to have higher rates. For example, drivers in Los Angeles pay 37 percent more than the state average for full coverage, and the average cost in San Francisco is 13 percent more than the state average. There are several reasons why urban customers may pay more than rural customers, namely that driving in dense traffic increases the likelihood of an accident. Other factors, such as the costs for vehicle repairs, parts and medical expenses can also impact how much drivers in a given city pay for coverage.

Average car insurance costs by age and gender in California

Your age is one factor that is likely to impact your car insurance rate. Young drivers, especially those still in their teens, are statistically the age group that is involved in the highest number of accidents. Young drivers don't have as much experience behind the wheel, and are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as texting while driving. Because of this, they are more likely to file claims, and those increased claims lead insurers to raise their rates to protect themselves financially. As drivers enter their twenties, all other factors being equal, they will probably see their rates start to drop—a trend that is likely to continue until they reach their seventies.

Unlike most states, California does not allow car insurance companies to consider gender when determining rates. As a result, your gender should not play a role in determining your California car insurance premium.

Cost considerations for young drivers in California

Teen drivers generally pay some of the highest car insurance rates due to their lack of experience. Until a child is legally an adult at 18, in most cases they must share a car insurance policy with a legal adult. The rates below are for a married couple adding one child to their car insurance policy.

At age 18, drivers can choose to purchase their own car insurance policy, but the cost will generally be higher than if they were still listed on their parents’ policy. By age 25, most drivers likely have established their own household and have their own policies. The rates below are for California drivers of various ages who have their own auto insurance policies after the age of 17.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in California?

Your motor vehicle record is one of the biggest influences on your car insurance premiums. In California, your auto insurance could cost 38 percent more after a single speeding ticket. The table below demonstrates the average premium increases for a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident and a DUI conviction. Any one of these infractions could cause you to be viewed as a high-risk driver. If you have multiple incidents on your driving record within a three- to five-year time period, your rates will likely be even higher. Only full coverage rates are presented here, as riskier drivers may want to consider more coverage for greater financial protection.

California car insurance rates by vehicle type

The type of vehicle you own plays a large role in determining your insurance premium. Luxury cars and those that are imported can sometimes cost more to insure because parts are higher-end or need to be imported, and repairs are more expensive. Different models also have statistically different rates for accidents, which can impact the cost of your policy. The table below shows the average rates for a range of vehicles in California. Note that a luxury car such as a BMW costs more to insure than the more standard Ford and Honda. The age of your vehicle also matters, as newer models may have safety updates or more complex parts and features that impact repair rates.

Estimate your car insurance cost in California 

When you are looking for the best car insurance for your needs, it can be helpful to have a benchmark figure to start out. That's why Bankrate created this handy calculator. By inputting a few simple data points, you will be given an average monthly payment for someone in your situation. This is only an estimate, since each insurer assesses you differently when determining your premium, but it gives you a good starting point to keep in mind while searching.

How to save on car insurance in California

California drivers pay, on average, higher rates for car insurance than drivers in many other states. However, the state of California also highly regulates how insurers can offer savings. For example, drivers in California cannot take advantage of telematics discounts or accident forgiveness programs. If you’re trying to lower your car insurance premium in California, here are some tips:

• Understand your coverage needs: More coverage means more financial protection, but it also generally comes with a higher price tag. While most insurance professionals advise that you buy higher-than-minimum limits, not every driver needs a deluxe policy. Understanding your needs can help you choose appropriate coverage.
• Maintain a clean driving record: On average, drivers with incidents on their record, like at-fault accidents, tickets and DUIs, see higher car insurance rates, so it’s worth it to practice safe driving habits. Some insurers may forgive certain infractions such as a speeding ticket the first time they occur, while others will increase your rate at your next renewal.
• Shop around: Different car insurance companies have different rating structures, which means rates vary for even the same coverage. Getting quotes from several insurers could help you find the lowest rate.
• Utilize discounts: While California restricts some discounts like telematics programs, there are other ways to save. Bundling your auto and home insurance policies, being a good student and being loyal to a company are all solid ways to save on California car insurance.

Frequently asked questions