Cheapest Liability Car Insurance in California (2025)
California drivers can find the cheapest liability-only car insurance from USAA, with rates starting at $80 per month.
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Liability coverage is the most basic form of car insurance. It covers other people’s bodily injury and property damage expenses if you cause an accident. California — like most states — requires all drivers to carry liability insurance at certain minimum limits before they can hit the road.
Keep reading to learn exactly how much coverage you need in the Golden State.
Cheapest liability car insurance in California
The average cost of car insurance in California is $150 per month, according to Insurify data. Drivers pay $94 per month for liability coverage and $206 for full coverage, on average.
But your exact premiums will likely differ, as each insurer determines rates differently based on a number of factors, including your driving record, age, location, gender, and even credit history.
Take a look at the table below to get an idea of the cost of liability-only insurance from some of California’s top car insurance companies.
What does liability car insurance cover in California?
Liability insurance covers bodily injuries and property damage to other drivers and their passengers after an accident you cause. The bodily injury portion of liability insurance pays for injuries or deaths of the other driver and their passengers, up to your chosen limits.
The property damage portion pays up to your chosen limit for damage to the other driver’s car or someone else’s damaged property, such as a fence or mailbox.
But liability car insurance doesn’t cover any injuries or damage to you, your passengers, or your vehicle. To get protection for these damages, you’ll need to buy medical payments, collision, and comprehensive coverages. The combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage is also called full-coverage car insurance.
For example, if you cause an accident and have only the state’s minimum liability coverage, none of your or your passengers’ injuries would be covered, nor would any damages to your car. But if you’re carrying full coverage and have medical payments coverage, it would cover all these expenses up to your chosen limits.
Pros and cons of having liability-only car insurance
How much liability coverage does California require?
As of Jan. 1, 2025, California has newly increased minimum car insurance requirements.1 But the types of coverage remain the same. You’ll need to carry the following coverages in at least the stated amounts before getting behind the wheel:
How to find cheap liability car insurance in California
While the cost of car insurance can seem daunting, you can still find cheap liability car insurance in California in numerous ways. Consider the following tips when trying to keep your rates down:
Keep your driving record clean. A clean driving record is the best way to keep your rates low. If insurers have no reason to consider you a risky driver, then your premiums should remain relatively affordable.
Apply for discounts. Car insurance discounts are your best friend when it comes to getting cheap car insurance. Just about every insurance company offers multiple discounts, so apply for as many as you qualify for. For example, bundling your home and auto insurance with the same company can save you quite a bit.
Raise your deductible. Increasing your car insurance deductible will automatically lower your monthly premium, as the two are inversely related. But you should only raise your deductible to an amount that you can afford to pay out of pocket in the event of a claim.
Compare car insurance quotes. Always compare car insurance rates from multiple insurance companies before settling on a policy. Every insurer determines rates differently, so you could find a cheaper rate for the same policy if you take the time to compare. You should compare quotes at least every six months. Insurance comparison sites are generally a good place to start.
Take advantage of California’s Low Cost Auto (CLCA) insurance program. California offers reduced rates for low-income drivers who meet certain vehicle and income requirements.2
Additional car insurance coverages to consider in California
While liability insurance is enough to satisfy California’s legal requirements, most insurance professionals recommend buying additional coverage. And if you lease or finance your car, your lender will likely require you to have full coverage anyway.
These are some additional coverages to consider in California:
Liability car insurance in California FAQs
If you’re still not sure what kind of policy is right for you, check out this additional information about liability car insurance in California.
How much does liability insurance cost in California?
Liability insurance costs an average of $94 per month in California, according to Insurify data. USAA offers the cheapest rates, starting at $80 per month.
Do you need liability insurance in California?
Yes, you need liability insurance in California. Drivers must carry at least $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, along with $15,000 per accident in property damage liability insurance.
Is California a no-fault state?
No. California is an at-fault state for car insurance.3 The state uses “comparative negligence,” meaning the fault can be shared by both drivers in an accident. Typically, the driver deemed more at fault will bear a higher percentage of the costs.
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