Average Car Insurance Cost in California (2025)
Drivers in California pay an average of $150 per month for car insurance.
Excellent
Why you can trust Insurify: Comparing accurate insurance quotes should never put you at risk of spam. We earn an agent commission only if you buy a policy based on our quotes. Our editorial team follows a rigorous set of editorial standards and operates independently from our insurance partners. Learn more.
The overall average cost of car insurance in California is $150 per month, which makes it more expensive than the national average.
The state previously froze car insurance rates because of the pandemic, but lifted the freeze a couple of years ago, which has caused rates to increase. Other factors that may contribute to California’s above-average rates include its dense cities and its high rate of uninsured drivers.1
With California’s rising rates, it’s important to understand how various factors affect your premiums and how you can save money on your car insurance. Here’s what you need to know about car insurance rates in California.
How much is car insurance in California?
The average cost of car insurance in California is $150 per month, according to Insurify data. But your rates will depend on the policy you choose.
California drivers pay an average of $94 per month for liability-only coverage, totaling about $1,127 per year. For full coverage, drivers pay $206 per month, totaling $2,466 annually.
Your rates may vary depending on your unique situation, so it’s important to shop for personalized quotes.
How California car insurance rates have changed over time
The average yearly price for full-coverage car insurance in California rose to more than $2,500 in 2024, up significantly over rates from just a few years ago. Full-coverage rates also rose nationally, though not nearly as much as in California.
See how California car insurance prices have changed over the past two years below.
Average California car insurance rates by city
Car insurance rates often vary by city and ZIP code. Rates may be higher in areas with greater population density, more car accidents, a higher crime rate, or other risk factors. The table below shows the average cost of car insurance in several major California cities.
Average California car insurance rates by age and gender
In most states, both age and gender can affect your car insurance rates. Historically, women have paid lower insurance rates because they tend to get into fewer accidents and have less severe crashes than men.2 But recent data suggests that in many states, women are actually paying more for car insurance.3
Since 2019, California law bars insurers from using gender as a rating factor for private passenger car insurance premiums.6
Your age can also have a significant effect on your premiums. Younger drivers, especially teens, usually pay the highest premiums. Meanwhile, older drivers, such as those in their 50s and 60s, often enjoy some of the lowest rates (though they sometimes increase again around age 70).
The table below shows average car insurance rates by age and gender in California.
Average cost to insure popular vehicles in California
Another factor that can affect your insurance rates is the type of vehicle you drive. While newer vehicles are more expensive to repair and replace, they often come with safety features that can reduce the frequency and severity of accidents.
California drivers may choose Teslas because of their cutting-edge technology and eco-friendly reputation. Toyota and Honda models may appeal to drivers who want reliability, fuel efficiency, and lower emissions.
See the table below for the average insurance premiums for the most popular vehicles in California, according to Edmunds.
How your driving record affects car insurance rates in California
One of the most important factors that affects your insurance rates is your driving record. Generally speaking, drivers with clean records get the lowest insurance rates, while those with violations, such as accidents, speeding tickets, or DUIs, often pay higher rates.
The rate increase after a driving violation differs depending on its severity. For example, you’ll likely see a larger rate increase after a DUI than you would after a speeding ticket or a minor accident.
The table below compares average quotes for a sample California driver profile with an incident on their record.
How to lower your insurance costs in California
No matter how your insurance quote compares to the average rate in California, you can take some steps to lower your premiums:
In most states, you could get lower insurance premiums by maintaining good credit. But keep in mind that California bans insurance companies from using credit history as a rating factor for insurance. That means you don’t have to worry about poor credit making your insurance more expensive.4
California average car insurance cost FAQs
Finding affordable car insurance in California doesn’t have to be hard. Here are a few more things to know about car insurance and the average rates in California.
What is the average cost of car insurance in California?
California drivers pay an average of $2,466 per year for a full-coverage policy and $1,127 per year for a liability-only policy. But remember, your rates can vary significantly depending on the coverage you choose and other factors, like your driving history.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in California?
USAA has the cheapest car insurance rates in California, with a liability coverage average of $80 per month.
But National General also offers affordable coverage, at $90.
How much is car insurance per month in California?
California car insurance costs an average of $150 per month. The average monthly cost of liability-only coverage is $94, while the average monthly cost of full coverage is $206.
What are the best auto insurance companies in California?
The best car insurance company for you depends on your personal situation, budget, and other factors. Our research shows that State Farm, Metromile, and USAA are some of the best insurers in California. State Farm is best for most drivers, Metromile is best for drivers looking for low-mileage drivers, and USAA caters to military members and eligible families.
What are the car insurance requirements in California?
Drivers in California must carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident of bodily injury liability insurance and at least $15,000 of property damage liability insurance. Unlike some states, California’s minimum coverage doesn’t include uninsured motorist coverage.5
)
)
)