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Cheapest Car Insurance In California_ Your Complete Reference

Cheapest Car Insurance In California_ Your Complete Reference

Cheapest Car Insurance in California: Your Complete Reference

Discover the most affordable car insurance options in California for 2025, tailored to various driver profiles and coverage needs.​

Overview of Car Insurance Costs in California

California drivers face some of the highest car insurance premiums in the U.S., with average full coverage policies costing around $2,975 annually and minimum coverage averaging $861 per year . However, rates can vary significantly based on factors like driving history, age, location, and the insurance provider.​Bankrate

Top Affordable Car Insurance Providers in California

1. Wawanesa Insurance

2. GEICO

  • Average Monthly Premium: $124 (full coverage), $42 (liability-only)

  • Highlights: Offers the cheapest liability-only policies and competitive full coverage rates .​Compare.com+2ValuePenguin+2Policygenius+2

3. USAA

  • Average Monthly Premium: $88

  • Eligibility: Available to military members, veterans, and their families

  • Highlights: Provides the lowest average rates with high customer satisfaction .​ValuePenguin+1Forbes+1

4. Mercury Insurance

  • Average Monthly Premium: $127

  • Highlights: Offers affordable rates, especially for drivers with accidents or DUIs .​Policygenius+1Forbes+1

5. National General

Cheapest Car Insurance by Driver Profile

For Good Drivers

For Young Drivers (18-25 years)

  • State Farm: $114/month (liability-only), $311/month (full coverage)

  • GEICO: $130/month (liability-only), $322/month (full coverage)

  • Mercury: $148/month (liability-only), $340/month (full coverage) .​Zebra Insurance QuotesValuePenguin

After a Speeding Ticket

After an At-Fault Accident

  • Mercury: $226/month

  • Progressive: $240/month

  • GEICO: $315/month .​

After a DUI

  • Mercury: $252/month

  • GEICO: $313/month

  • Progressive: $350/month .​

Cheapest Car Insurance by City

Car insurance rates can vary widely across California cities. Here are some examples:​

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Premiums

  1. Compare Multiple Quotes: Use online tools to compare rates from different insurers.

  2. Bundle Policies: Combine auto insurance with home or renters insurance for discounts.

  3. Maintain a Clean Driving Record: Avoid traffic violations and accidents.

  4. Increase Deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles can lower premiums.

  5. Take Defensive Driving Courses: Some insurers offer discounts for course completion.

  6. Utilize Telematics Programs: Programs like State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save can offer significant discounts based on driving behavior .​Policygenius+1ValuePenguin+1Kiplinger

Impact of New California Insurance Laws

Starting January 1, 2025, California’s minimum auto insurance coverage requirements have increased to:​

  • Bodily Injury Liability: $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident

  • Property Damage Liability: $15,000​

This change, enacted through Senate Bill 1107, aims to provide better protection but may lead to higher premiums, estimated to increase by $80 to $400 annually .​San Francisco Chronicle

Conclusion

While California’s car insurance rates are among the highest in the nation, numerous affordable options are available. By comparing quotes, maintaining a good driving record, and understanding the impact of new laws, drivers can find coverage that fits their needs and budget.​