Last Updated on January 25, 2026

California requires drivers to maintain financial responsibility (usually auto insurance) to legally drive—and even to park a vehicle on public roads. If you’ve shopped lately, you’ve probably noticed premiums can be steep. Average costs vary a lot depending on your ZIP code, driving record, annual mileage, vehicle, and the limits/deductibles you choose. Some estimates put California’s average premium in the $2,000–$3,000+ per year range, but plenty of drivers pay more (or less) based on coverage choices and local claim trends.

This guide breaks down the best car insurance companies in California, what coverage you’re required to carry, how tickets and DUIs affect rates, and practical ways to save.

Key Takeaways

1. California Minimum Limits Increased: California’s required liability minimums are now 30/60/15, so double-check your policy limits at renewal.
2. Rates Vary Wildly by ZIP and Driver Profile: The “best” insurer is usually the one that gives you the best price for the coverage you need—so compare at least 3–5 quotes.
3. Proof Matters as Much as Coverage: California requires proof of financial responsibility, and not having proof during a stop can still trigger a ticket even if you’re insured.
4. DUI and SR-22 Can Raise Costs for Years: A DUI can spike premiums and may require an SR-22 filing—shopping carriers and avoiding lapses is key to reducing long-term costs.

Top 10 Auto Insurance Companies in California

Important: In California, availability and pricing can change by ZIP code, driving record, and insurer capacity. If one company won’t quote you today, move on to the next—comparing 3–5 quotes is usually the fastest way to find your best rate.

Quick tip: When you compare quotes, keep the coverage identical (same liability limits + comp/collision deductibles). Otherwise the “cheapest” quote may just be less coverage.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in California

California rates vary dramatically by city, ZIP code, commute patterns, and claim trends. But as a general baseline, many recent studies place California’s averages around:

• Minimum coverage: often close to $900/year (give or take)
• “Full coverage” (liability + comp/collision): commonly $3,000+/year depending on deductible choices

Your rate will depend heavily on the factors California allows insurers to emphasize—especially your driving record, annual mileage, years of experience, location, and the vehicle you drive. If your premium jumped at renewal, it can also be related to California’s higher required minimum limits (more on that below).

California Car Insurance Requirements

California requires drivers to carry liability insurance (or another approved method of financial responsibility). As of now, the minimum required liability limits are:

• $30,000 bodily injury or death per person
• $60,000 bodily injury or death per accident (more than one person)
• $15,000 property damage per accident

Insurers often shorthand this as 30/60/15. These are legal minimums—not “recommended” limits. If you have assets, a newer vehicle, or simply want better protection, you’ll usually want higher liability limits and additional coverage.

If you’re comparing options, it helps to understand what people usually mean by “full coverage” and how it differs from liability-only. Here’s a clear breakdown: liability vs. full coverage.

Alternatives to Traditional Auto Insurance in California

Most drivers simply buy an auto policy. But California also allows other ways to meet financial responsibility requirements—typically used only in special situations:

• Cash deposit: $75,000 deposited with the DMV
• Surety bond: $75,000 from an approved company (learn more about whether a surety bond can replace actual car insurance)
• DMV-issued self-insurance certificate: typically used by fleets and certain qualifying owners

Regardless of which method you use, you must be able to show valid proof when required (traffic stops, registration renewal, and after an accident). In California, proof can generally be shown electronically on a mobile device.

Driving Without Insurance or Proof in California

California treats “I had insurance but couldn’t show proof” differently than “I didn’t have coverage at all.” The legal backbone here starts with Vehicle Code 16028, which requires drivers to provide evidence of financial responsibility when an officer demands it.

Good news: California allows you to show proof on your phone. Under Vehicle Code 16028, evidence of financial responsibility may be provided using a mobile electronic device (and the officer is only supposed to view the proof, not other content on your device).

Ticket for No Proof of Insurance

If you had valid coverage but couldn’t show proof during a stop, this is often treated as a correctable issue once you provide documentation that your policy was active at the time. The practical outcome depends on the court, but many drivers can resolve it by presenting valid proof.

Here’s what to expect in terms of typical costs and how it usually gets handled: how much is a ticket for no proof of insurance.

Driving Without Insurance (No Coverage)

If you were actually uninsured, the penalty framework is spelled out in Vehicle Code 16029. The base fine for a first conviction is $100–$200 (plus penalty assessments). A subsequent conviction within three years is $200–$500 (plus penalty assessments).

Those penalty assessments and fees can push the real out-of-pocket total much higher than the base fine—so if you’re uninsured, getting coverage in place quickly is usually far cheaper than letting a ticket escalate.

Cheapest Cars to Insure in California

The make and model you drive can have a huge impact on your premium. Insurers price vehicles based on factors like repair costs, safety technology, theft rates, crash performance, and claim frequency.

Below are 10 vehicles that tend to come in on the lower end for full-coverage premiums compared to many other popular models. Use this list to spot “cheaper-to-insure” vehicles—then confirm pricing with real quotes for your ZIP code.

Methodology (how to read these estimates): The monthly/annual figures below are directional estimates meant to compare vehicles against each other—not guaranteed quotes. “Full coverage” here means liability + comprehensive + collision. Actual premiums can vary significantly based on your ZIP code, driving record, age/experience, annual mileage, vehicle year/trim, deductibles, coverage limits, insurer, and discounts.

Assumptions for comparison: single-driver profile with a clean record, typical annual mileage, and a common deductible setup (e.g., $500 comp/collision deductibles). If your deductibles/limits are higher or your area has higher claim frequency/theft, your price may be higher—even for the same vehicle.

Car Insurance in California With a DUI

A DUI is one of the biggest premium drivers in California. A single conviction can raise your rate substantially and may impact you for years. California also keeps DUI convictions on your driving record for 10 years, and insurers commonly price accordingly.

If you’re wondering what kind of increase is typical, start here: how much does insurance go up after a DUI.

How to lower costs after a DUI: shop multiple carriers, consider a higher deductible if you can afford it, avoid lapses, and ask specifically whether an insurer will file your SR-22 (if required) before you bind coverage.

Car Insurance in California With At-Fault Accidents

At-fault accidents typically cause a meaningful premium increase—especially if there was significant damage or injuries. In California, insurers place heavy weight on your driving history and loss history, so a single accident can change your pricing tier.

If you’re trying to understand what insurers consider and how long it can affect you, see: how driving history affects insurance rates.

Tip: If you’ve been with your insurer for a long time, ask whether they offer any accident forgiveness or loyalty pricing—then still compare quotes elsewhere. In California, the “best rate” often changes after an incident.

Car Insurance in California With Speeding Tickets

Speeding tickets can increase your rate, but the impact depends on the severity of the violation, your overall record, and the insurer’s underwriting rules. Some carriers treat a minor first ticket as a small change, while others re-tier you immediately.

For a practical baseline on what drivers often see, review: how much a single speeding ticket can increase your rates.

Car Insurance in California for Young Drivers

Young drivers usually pay more because insurers see them as higher-risk (less experience and higher claim frequency). In California, mileage and experience matter a lot—so a teen commuting long distances can cost far more than a teen who drives occasionally.

If you’re trying to understand why premiums are so high statewide, this explains the major cost drivers: why car insurance is so expensive in California.

Ways young drivers can save: stay on a family policy when eligible, choose a safe (and cheaper-to-insure) vehicle, keep annual mileage accurate, ask about good student discounts, and consider a telematics/usage-based program if it truly reflects safe driving.

Car Insurance in California With Poor Credit

California is different from many states: auto insurers generally can’t use your credit score to set auto insurance rates. That means your premium is far more influenced by driving record, mileage, experience, and location than by credit-based insurance scoring.

For a state-by-state breakdown of how credit works in auto insurance (and where it’s restricted), see: does credit score affect your car insurance rates?

SR-22 Insurance in California

An SR-22 is not a special type of policy—it’s a form your insurer files to prove you carry at least the required coverage. In California, SR-22 filings are common after certain serious violations (including many DUI-related suspensions) and certain uninsured driving situations.

In many cases, California drivers are required to maintain an SR-22 for about 3 years (your exact situation can vary). The filing fee is usually small, but the premium can be much higher because the violation puts you in a higher-risk tier.

If you need help lowering costs, start here: is it possible to find cheap SR-22 insurance?

How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in California

Want a lower premium without taking on dangerous gaps in coverage? These are the strategies that most consistently work in California:

• Compare at least 3–5 quotes every renewal (rates can change quickly by carrier).
• Adjust deductibles strategically (raise them only if you can comfortably pay them after a loss).
• Verify your annual mileage (overstated mileage can inflate premiums).
• Right-size coverage (older cars may not need comp/collision if the premium outweighs the vehicle value).
• Ask about discounts (multi-car, bundling, safe driver, good student, defensive driving, anti-theft, pay-in-full).
• Avoid lapses whenever possible—continuous coverage often prices better than restarting.

If You Can’t Afford Car Insurance in California

If you’re struggling to afford even basic liability coverage, California has a few official “safety net” options worth knowing about. These programs won’t be the right fit for everyone, but they can help you stay legal and avoid expensive penalties for driving uninsured.

1) California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA)

The California DMV specifically points drivers who can’t afford liability insurance to the California Low Cost Automobile Insurance Program (CLCA). It’s designed to help income-eligible California drivers get affordable liability coverage so they can meet the state’s financial responsibility requirement.

You can check eligibility and learn how to apply at mylowcostauto.com (the state’s CLCA site). The California Department of Insurance also explains the program and how it works here: California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program.

2) Can’t get insured anywhere? CAARP (Assigned Risk) is the “last resort”

If you’re being denied by insurers in the normal (“voluntary”) market, California also has an assigned risk option called the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). It exists to provide liability insurance to drivers who are entitled to coverage but can’t obtain it through ordinary methods—and it’s generally intended as a last resort.

Most drivers access CAARP through an agent/broker who submits an application. You can read the plan overview here: California ARP (CAARP).

Quick takeaway: If affordability is the main issue, start with CLCA first. If the problem is eligibility (you can’t get anyone to write you), ask an agent about CAARP as the fallback.

FAQs on Car Insurance in California

Conclusion: Finding the Best Auto Insurance in California

The best car insurance in California is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer. The fastest way to find your best option is to compare multiple carriers, choose sensible limits and deductibles, and make sure you’re taking every discount you qualify for. If you’re struggling to afford coverage at all, consider shopping minimum coverage first, then improving your limits when your budget allows.