California Car Insurance [Rates + Cheap Coverage Guide]

Who has the cheapest CA car insurance? How much is car insurance in California? To find cheap CA car insurance rates in record time just enter your ZIP code into the FREE toolbox on this page today!

Cheap car insurance in CA is offered by CSAA, Allstate, and State Farm. The CA minimum liability coverage requirements are 15/30/5, which are lower than most states.

California is famous for fame itself. From the entertainment industry in Hollywood to the tech and media giants of Silicon Valley to the 55 electoral college votes it boasts, California has a knack for always being at the forefront of the conversation in contemporary American dialogue.

The Eureka State sure knows how to grab and keep our attention. And why shouldn’t we pay attention to a state that is home to so many iconic brands? Warner Brothers Studios, MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Disneyland, Apple, Google, Facebook, UCLA Men’s Basketball, USC Football, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Dodgers, the Golden State Warriors, the San Francisco 49ers, and so many more.

With so many titans of tech, sports, media, and entertainment laying roots in the Golden State, it’s no wonder California gets so much love (and hate).

From Oakland to Sactown (Sacramento), the Bay Area and back down, everyone is on a mission to find the most affordable car insurance for their situation.

Want to find cheap car insurance in California? We’ve got you covered! Enter your ZIP code now to get the best auto insurance rates.

What do you need to know about California insurance coverage and rates?

Rummaging through all the data to find the most pertinent nuggets of information on all the car insurance companies in California can hardly be described as a glamorous task.

The good news is we’ve taken all the pomp and circumstance out of the research process for you. By using this helpful guide, you’ll ensure that you can get quality car insurance that’s right for you.

We’ll help you to know what the Golden State requires, what you may desire, and where you can get it at the best rates possible for your circumstance.

California Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage

California is a fault state (also commonly known as tort), meaning the person who is found to be responsible for causing the auto accident is also legally and financially responsible for any subsequent damages.

All drivers in California are required to carry minimum liability insurance levels of 15/30/5 to satisfy basic coverage. This means that car owners must carry the following minimum levels of liability insurance:

• $15,000 for bodily injury or death of one person in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle

• $30,000 for total bodily injury or death in an accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle

• $5,000 for property damage per accident caused by the owner of the insured vehicle

Drivers in California have the option to purchase medical payments coverage (Med Pay) of at least $1,000 to cover medical expenses after a crash regardless of who causes the car crash.

As long as you weren’t at fault in an automobile accident, insurance companies can’t raise your insurance rates for activating your insurance benefits, including Med Pay coverage.

The state of California doesn’t require drivers to have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage as part of the minimum coverage requirement.

The responsibility is on each motorist to determine how much risk they’re willing to assume. A person must decide if the extra dozens of dollars a month they save from foregoing uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is worth the potential tens of thousands of dollars of personal liability to which one would be exposed in litigation in the case of an at-fault accident.

You can see what these minimums might cost you in California and other states in the table of average rates below.

If a driver has substantial assets that he or she desires to protect, they should consider increasing their liability coverage.

The experts at the Wall Street Journal advise that if you do choose to purchase liability coverage, make sure to increase the limits to 100/300/50.

You should also keep in mind that liability insurance only pays for other people’s damages after an accident you caused. If you want your own damages covered, you will need to add collision and comprehensive insurance to your auto policy. A policy featuring liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage is called full-coverage car insurance.

Next, we will explore how much money drivers in California spend on average for their car insurance. The amount you will actually pay will more than likely differ from these stated amounts; however, this data should serve as a helpful blueprint that you can apply to your current situation with confidence.

Premiums as a Percentage of Income

The late comedian Fred Allen once bemoaned, “An income tax form is like a laundry list — either way, you lose your shirt.”

This kidding-not-kidding joke captures America’s love-hate (and really only hate) relationship with income taxes because of how they affect one’s disposable personal income (DPI), which is the amount of money left over after paying taxes.

You’re mandated by law to carry at least the basic coverage. A full-coverage policy includes liability, comprehensive, and collision insurance. Here’s a peek at the average cost of each:

Now that we have sorted through some data about auto insurance costs to the individual consumer, let’s take a look at some important statistics about the insurance companies themselves.

Loss Ratio

First, let’s examine loss ratio and what it means for your insurance. What exactly is a loss ratio? How and why does it affect your premiums?

The insurance loss ratio is the proportionate relationship of incurred losses to earned premiums expressed as a percentage. A high loss ratio means that an insurance company has too many customers filing claims, which will subsequently lead to a rise in future premiums for all consumers.

For example, an auto insurer collects $100,000 of premiums in a given year and pays out $25,000 in claims, the company’s loss ratio is 25 percent ($25,000 incurred losses/$100,000 earned premiums).

Add-ons, Endorsements, Riders

Just over 15 percent of drivers in California (15.2 percent to be precise) are driving without insurance, which ranks as the 12th highest percentage in the nation.

The California Department of Insurance has created the Automobile Insurance Information Guide as a thorough and useful reference of all the insurance enhancements available to you, complete with tips and tidbits on how to select from among the many options.

Pay-by-the-mile auto insurance plans offered by companies like Metromile are increasingly popular and available in the California Commonwealth.

Other usage-based insurance programs (UBIs) are active and available to drivers in California. Programs such as SmartRide from Nationwide or Drive Safe & Save from State Farm offer discounts to drivers based on your driving acumen. Ask your auto insurance company if they offer a similar program, as it could save you money if you’re a safe driver.

In addition to the add-ons already noted, there are several additional coverage options that you can consider adding to your auto insurance policy:

• Guaranteed auto protection (GAP)
• Personal umbrella policy (PUP)
• Rental reimbursement
• Emergency roadside assistance
• Mechanical breakdown insurance
• Non-owner car insurance
• Modified car insurance coverage
• Classic car insurance

Male vs. Female Rates in California

California boasts scores of leading men and leading ladies as permanent residents of the state. If you’re as curious as we are, you may catch yourself, from time-to-time, about the following question: Which group gets the cheapest auto insurance quotes?

Only one way to find out. Let’s take a look at the data for California’s car insurance rates by gender.

Here’s a look at the most expensive demographic rates in the Golden State. Where do you fit in the grand scheme of things? Which company is the best value for you and your family?

While you can’t ever put a price on independence, if you’re an independent woman who is single and 17 in California, you’re going pay over four times as much to be insured with USAA than a married 35-year-old woman.

California Insurance Rates by ZIP Code

Which area has better car insurance rates, the Hollywood Hills or San Fernando Valley? East Bay or Palo Alto? La Jolla or Rancho Bernardo?

Let’s find out by taking a look at the most expensive ZIP codes in California. Here is a chart with the most expensive average annual premiums in California by ZIP code:

California Insurance Rates by City

Wondering what the most expensive city for car insurance is?

One of the most famous cities in California, Beverly Hills is also the most expensive city for car insurance. Now let’s see which cities are the cheapest.

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What do you need to know about California car insurance companies?

Choosing the correct auto insurance coverage for your budget is an important decision. That decision can become even more difficult to make when you try to compare and contrast the hundreds of different companies vying for your business.

How can you possibly do enough research on each one to feel good about your choice? Well, we’ve combed through all the data and have determined what’s most helpful to you in making your choice on the best car insurance company for you.

You should seriously take into account the public reputation and perception of any company from which you’re considering purchasing auto insurance.

An insurer’s public reputation can be a clear indication of the kind of rates it offers to its consumers. We’ll show how the largest companies rate in the areas of financial stability and customer satisfaction.

Financial Ratings

A.M. Best is a credit rating agency. It evaluates insurance companies and grades them based on their financial stability. The table below shows the 10 largest insurance companies in California as measured by direct premiums written with their A.M. Best rating.

Customer Satisfaction Ratings

Companies in California with the Most and Least Complaints

In the ever-growing world of materialism and consumerism, long-term brand loyalty and customer satisfaction can be hard to come by. It takes effort, clear communication, courteous customer service, and consistent delivery of quality service and goods to achieve high customer retention and satisfaction.

If a company cuts corners and leaves the consumer dissatisfied more often than not, that company runs the risk of its customer base moving on to a competitor.

When the consumer is left with a bad taste in their mouth from an unpleasant experience with an insurer, they can file a complaint. Those complaints, justified or not, are factored into a company’s complaint ratios.

The complaint ratio is how many complaints a company receives per $1 million of business written.

If you wish to file a complaint against an auto insurer in the state of California, use this online form.

Largest Car Insurance Companies in California

This chart gives a visual representation of the car insurance companies with the largest market share in California.

Complaint Ratios for California’s 10 Largest Auto Insurers

There are just under 770 auto insurance companies registered in the state of California. Of the 770, 99 of them are homegrown; while 671 are transplants.

California Car Insurance Rates by Company

Now, we’re going to compare and contrast the top car insurance companies to see which of them gives the best rates on average in California. So, what are the cheapest car insurance companies in California?

California Rates by Carrier and Commute

California Rates by Carrier and Coverage Level

California Rates by Carrier and Driving Record

Accumulating points on your license will have a negative impact on your car insurance rates. How severely depends on the company. Each company uses its own underwriting metrics when assessing risk. Here’s a quick look at how the best car insurance companies in California price various driving infractions in their annual rates:

California Rates by Carrier and Demographic

Note: Focus on the company that best suits your specific circumstance.

A single 25-year-old male will pay $2,523.86 on average with USAA, compared to the $4,428.83 a 17-year-old single male would pay with the same company.

The only way to ensure that you’re getting the best quotes for your specific circumstance is to compare rates from multiple carriers. Start with the most affordable car insurance companies for your demographic based on the rates above.

When you’re comparing providers, make sure to ask about auto insurance discounts. Most companies offer a safe driver discount, good student discount, multi-vehicle discount, and defensive driving discount, but you’ll likely find more. These discounts can add up to a major reduction in your auto insurance premium.

Remember, those with clean driving records always pay the lowest rates. Keeping a clean record requires knowing the rules of the road and adhering to them. We’ll review the traffic laws in California so that you can keep a 24-carat driving record.

What do you need to know about California laws?

Memorizing every traffic statute in California would be virtually impossible and not an effective use of your time or brain capacity. We’ll help you to sift through the most relevant rules and regulations for most California motorists.

Car Insurance Laws

State insurance commissioners have ample authority on the auto insurance industry in their respective states. Each state determines the type of tort law and threshold (if any) that applies, the type and amount of liability insurance required, and the system used for approval of insurer rates and forms.

Insurance companies in California are subject to the regulations set by that state insurance commissioner. Ultimately, all rates and regulations must meet the fair competition standards set by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).

California High-Risk Insurance

An SR-22 form must be filed by drivers who have committed violations or have multiple infractions, as well as uninsured drivers and others. If your license has been revoked or suspended, you may need to file an SR-22 to have it reinstated.

SR-22 coverage may be required after committing the following infractions in California:

• A DUI or reckless suspension/revocation
• Being involved in an accident when you were uninsured
• Having your driving privileges suspended/revoked by DMV because it declared you a negligent operator (getting too many points on your driving record within a specific time frame)

You can read the DUI Reportability Requirements in California and FAQs.

Traffic violations in California are broken down into one-point violations and two-point violations. Here is a list of some common infractions that can earn you points in the state of California:

• DUI/alcoholic beverage or any drug: 2 points
• Speed contest/aiding or abetting: 2 points
• Reckless driving/injury: 2 points
• Driving while suspended or revoked: 2 points
• Speed/too fast or over the speed limit: 1 point
• Disobedience to law enforcement officer: 1 point
• Following too close: 1 point
• Erratic driving/suddenly changing speeds: 1 point

Racking up too many points on your driving record will cause your premiums to skyrocket. Going to traffic school is usually the best way to remove points from your driving record.

Windshield Coverage

California has no specific laws requiring insurance companies to offer special glass coverage or no-deductible windshield replacement. Your insurance company may require you to use a specific repair shop to receive coverage. As a consumer, you have the right to choose a repair vendor, but you may be required to pay the difference in the quote.

Aftermarket parts are allowed to be used by insurance companies with written notice to the consumer and at least equal in terms of fit, quality, performance, and warranty as the OEM.

Automobile Insurance Fraud in California

Insurance fraud is the second-largest economic crime in America. Premium rates are raised dramatically by insurance companies and passed on to the consumers in attempts to combat fraud.

There are two classifications of fraud: hard and soft.

• Hard fraud – A purposefully fabricated claim or accident
• Soft Fraud – A misrepresentation of information to the insurance company

Soft fraud is more common than hard fraud. Twenty to 40 percent of consumers admitted to lying to their insurer about one of the following:

• Number of annual miles driven
• Number of drivers in the household
• How the vehicle would be used

Insurance fraud is a crime no matter how you slice it. Even the little white lie you tell to get a lower rate can lead to harmful consequences. That kind of willful misrepresentation of facts is called known as rate evasion and is a $16 billion annual expense to auto insurers.

If you suspect insurance fraud or have been the victim of fraud, you can contact the California Department of Insurance to report such activity.

Statute of Limitations

California’s statute of limitations for filing a claim is two years for personal injury and three years for property damage.

Vehicle Licensing Laws

California’s DMV has an online portal where residents can perform tasks such as renewing their registrations and driver’s licenses, update or change their address, and retrieve their driving history. Vehicle registration and insurance information can be easily accessed through the state database.

Proof of Financial Responsibility

Read about proof of financial responsibility requirements in California.

Teen Driver Laws

The State of California DMV wants to ensure that all teenage drivers are equipped with all the tools and resources to be safe and knowledgeable behind the wheel.

The following video shows you what you need to do to get a California driver’s license.

The state of California has put the following restrictions on intermediate drivers:

Cellphone Use Laws

California does not take cellphone use behind the wheel lightly. It was one of the first six states in America to adopt a comprehensive texting ban.

Older Driver License Renewal

• Elderly drivers in California must get their licenses renewed every five years just like every other driver in the general population.
• Senior drivers must show proof of adequate vision at every renewal once they reach age 70, while the general population must only do so when renewing in person.
• Senior drivers 70 and older are not permitted to renew online or by mail, while the general population is only permitted to do so for two consecutive renewals.

New Resident Licensing

Read about the residency requirements for recent transplants in California.

What are the rules of the road in California?

Keep Right and Move Over Laws

California law requires that you keep right if driving slower than the average speed of traffic around you.

California released an updated memo to its Move Over law on July 11, 2011. The California DMV, the California Highway Patrol, and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) teamed up to form the legislation and launch a statewide media campaign that implores motorists to move over when safe to do so or slow down when they see amber flashing lights on Caltrans vehicles.

“This traffic safety campaign isn’t about writing citations, it’s about providing a safer work environment for everyone who does business along the side of a highway,” said CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow. “The only way to prevent tragedies from occurring on the side of the road is by giving emergency personnel, highway workers, and the public adequate space.”

Speed Limits

Seat belt Laws

Car Seat Laws

Ridesharing

The following companies offer ridesharing protection in California:

• Allstate
• Farmers
• Liberty Mutual
• Mercury
• MetLife
• Metromile
• State Farm
• USAA

Automation in California

Safety Laws

Promoting safety and preventing chaos are the ultimate goals of any traffic laws. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has developed the Highway Safety Improvement Program to provide tips, facts, and interactive maps and guides of which all drivers are encouraged to take advantage.

In accordance with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), California released its most recent Strategic Highway Safety Plan as an additional resource for drivers.

DUI Laws

The blood-alcohol content (BAC) limit in California is 0.08 percent; the high BAC limit is between 0.15 to 0.20 percent.

The DUI penalties in the state of California are listed as follows:

Drug-Impaired Driving Laws

California has no marijuana-impaired specific laws.

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Driving in California

In this section, we’ll discuss vehicle thefts and fatalities in the Golden State.

Vehicle Theft in California

Whether it happens to your little deuce coupe (or your 409) or your little red corvette, being the victim of car theft is no laughing matter. This chart below reveals which cars in California are most susceptible to such larceny.

Vehicle Theft by City

The table below gives a breakdown of the top cities for auto theft within the state.

Risky and Harmful Behavior

For your information, we’ve compiled a list of all driving-related fatalities in California.

Fatality by County (Speeding and Drunk Driving)

Fatality Rates Rural Vs. Urban

Fatalities by Person Type

EMS Response Time

Transportation

So, how bad is the commute look for the drivers of California? In a word: Very. How does rush-hour traffic compare to the rest of the nation? Depending on your proximity to a SoCal metropolis or NorCal metropolis, the answer will differ only by degree. Both ends of the state are notorious for congestion.

Car Ownership

Commute Time

At 27.7 minutes, drivers in California surpass the national average of 25.3 minutes of commute time. A whopping 4.06 percent of drivers in California experience a “super commute” of 90 minutes or more.

These cities in California are the worst culprits for traffic:

Commuter Transportation

Now you have all gold coins of wisdom about California driving laws and insurance requirements. Make sure to put all that wealth of knowledge to good use by getting yourself the best insurance quotes possible.

Get rate quotes from multiple carriers so that saving money on your car insurance premiums won’t have to be California Dreaming; it can be a reality. Enter your ZIP code to start saving right now.

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Where can I get cheap car insurance in California?

• Who has the cheapest California car insurance? While there are many choices when it comes to car insurance in California, there are three main insurance providers that service over 50 percent of California’s drivers
• CSAA, Allstate, and State Farm write more policies in California than all other licensed agencies
• These three companies are able to offer lower rates because they have a large volume of customers

If you reside in California, your driving history, years of experience and annual mileage dictate your rates.

In the past, car insurance providers considered geographical location and type of vehicle as well.

Who has the cheapest CA car insurance? How much is car insurance in California? To find cheap CA car insurance rates in record time just enter your ZIP code into the FREE toolbox on this page today!

CSAA

The CSAA is affiliated with AAA, the Automobile Association of America. They handle car insurance in sections of California, Utah, and Nevada.

Members of AAA receive great discounts when they apply for car insurance with the CSAA.

Even if you do not have a membership with AAA, you still have better options than with other companies because the CSAA has tremendous benefits.

The CSAA looks for ways to better serve their customers.

Although AAA and CSAA both made changes in 2011, they still offer multiple coverage options which helps their new customers save as much money as their long-time members.

Allstate California Auto Insurance

Allstate has over 75 years of auto insurance experience. They also care about their customers and show it by being a socially responsible company.

Allstate focuses on retaining their customers through inexpensive rates. They balance this with unparalleled service and attention to detail.

One of the ways they consistently provide cheap rates is by their intelligent investments.

In California, there are over 50 agents that donate a specific percentage to their foundation. They use this money in various ways to benefit their customers.

Allstate wants to be more than an auto insurance provider and thus has spent time thinking of ways to enhance the customer experience.

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State Farm California Auto Insurance

State Farm has the largest customer base in California. They write more policies than CSAA and Allstate combined which is how they keep their rates so cheap.

However, unlike some car insurance companies, they do not implement changes frequently.

State Farm is stable and consistent. They earned their reputation by working with each customer as an individual.

Understanding that everyone has unique needs helps their customers trust them. Statistics show people use State Farm as their comparison company as most think of it is the ideal insurance model.

Their honest business practices mean their customers rarely need to shop around for a better deal.

Be a Smart Car Insurance Shopper

You must be responsible and exercise caution when choosing your coverage. Make sure you know what you need for your situation. Luckily, these companies are very trustworthy.

What is the minimum required auto insurance in California? The California Department of Insurance states the minimal requirement is 15/30/5 for liability bodily injury with property damage, which is lower than most states.

Additionally, most car insurance providers in California recommend standard coverage. The reality is most consumers need more than the minimal amount but may not require standard coverage.

Make sure you take the time you require to read and understand their terms. If you agree to standard levels, you can always change your mind later.

Rather than put yourself through unnecessary stress, ask questions.

Standard Auto Insurance Coverage in California

Minimum and standard coverage levels vary greatly in the state of California.

If you select the very basic levels, you are probably one of the following:

• Over the age of 50
• Drive an older vehicle
• Drive less than 10,000 miles annually
• Have a safe driving record with very few violations or incidents

Liability coverage does not protect your vehicle. It does make sense in many cases, however, especially if the value of your vehicle is low. Should an accident occur, you probably will simply purchase another car. It may not be to your advantage to pay for more than you need.

Adversely, standard auto insurance coverage is the most common level in California. The majority of customers require an extra level of assurance.

Comprehensive and collision coverage can pay for any damage including theft, fire or flood damage.

Comprehensive will pay for repairs. If the problem is too severe, the payment can go towards a new vehicle.

Standard coverage also includes uninsured/underinsured motorists. There are too many drivers on the road today with insufficient insurance or none at all.

Statistic Brain shows that in California, 25 percent of their residents drive without proper proof of insurance.

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Negative Implications of SR-22 and CA Car Insurance

All registered vehicles to have proof of insurance in California.

During the course of your driving history, you may violate a law or two. If the violation(s) are serious, the court may require you to obtain an SR-22.

The SR-22 form is also called the California Proof of Insurance Certificate.

The reasons some drivers need an SR-22 include:

• DUI or DWI convictions
• driving without valid car insurance
• driving with a suspended license
• receiving excessive tickets

Any of these issues can land you in a bad situation.

When you apply for auto insurance, the company you select has the right to make inquiries. One of the most important queries surrounds your driving history.

An SR-22 proves that you are a high-risk driver and your car insurance rates will reflect your higher risk. In California, if the SR-22 requirement results from a DUI or DWI, it remains on your record for 10 years.

Click here to find cheap car insurance rates instantly when you enter your ZIP code into the FREE rate finder!

Male vs. Female California Car

• Not only do California insurance companies have vastly different prices between them but they also have different prices between males and females
• Because insurance quotes can be so different, it is important drivers shop around to find the best rate possible on the coverage they need
• During a controlled test, the only reason quotes may vary is because of the gender of the person who is requesting the quote

Gender inequality is a big issue in the United States and around the world. The topic of genders being treated differently comes up often and can even affect things like the cost of auto insurance.

Because of all the issues that can come from car insurance coverage options and the total price of the coverage, it is more important than ever to look at the differences males and females face when they are shopping for the best car insurance for them.

Since it’s a state that is very progressive, many people may be surprised to find they do not have gender equality when it comes to California’s car insurance coverage.

The state also does not have any major laws that govern how prices can vary on auto insurance for males and females. One gender almost always ends up paying more money for the car insurance coverage they need.

Compare car insurance quotes using our FREE tool above to make sure you find the very best rates for the coverage you need.

Method Used to Receive California Car Insurance Rates

To determine the cost of insurance for males and females in California, a controlled environment was set up. During each quote, a male and a female had the same exact credentials:

• Both were single
• Both were 25 years old
• Each was a homeowner
• Each was employed
• They had identical cars that they purchased new five years ago
• Both drivers had one speeding ticket they received in the last year
• They had both been insured for three or more years

The amount they received on the quote was for monthly payments for the cheapest coverage options possible. You can check out our data sheet on this page.

They did not take any discounts other than what the insurance company automatically put onto the quote and they didn’t include any uninsured motorist property damage. The companies that had quotes for insurance in California were Allstate, Geico, and Progressive.

Allstate California Car Insurance Rates

Overall, females paid less for insurance from Allstate in California. The coverage was for a $1,000 deductible, comprehensive and collision on the economy plan. The coverage was for a $500 deductible, comprehensive and collision on the standard and enhanced plans.

Female quotes:

• Economy plan:  $255 down payment plus $130 per month. The cost for six months would be $777.
• Standard plan: $299 down payment with $153 per month. The six-month total cost for the standard plan was $910.
• Enhanced plan: $338 down plus $172 per month. For six months, the cost would be $1,026.

Male quotes:

• Economy plan: $277 down payment with $142 per month. The cost for a six-month period is $844.
• Standard plan: $327 down payment and $166 per month, $993 total for the six months.
• Enhanced plan: $363 in the down payment plus $185 for each month. He would have to pay $1,101 for the total six months.

The enhanced plan would cost a male $75 more than a female.

The cost of insurance was surprising because many people may think females pay more for insurance than males, but that was not the case with Allstate in California.

Males pay significantly more money than females for each tier of the Allstate insurance plans. While surprising, this is common for Allstate in every state.

Geico California Car Insurance Rates

The cost for insurance quotes from Geico in California does not include collision or comprehensive coverage. They only include two different quote options.

Geico’s questions were different because they did not ask if the driver had been driving for three or more years, but instead, asked if the driver had been driving for two or more years. The prices of insurance for Geico were very close but were not perfectly equal.

Female quotes:

• First option: $103.81 plus three payments of $102.93. The total cost of the six months plan would be $392.58.
• Second option: $132.08 once plus three payments of $131.20. She would have to pay $505.68 for the full six months.

Male quotes:

• First option: $103.08 one time and $102.20 three times. The total cost would be $389.68 for six months.
• Second option: $131.26 one time and $130.38 for the other three payments. The total cost would be $502.38.

The male would pay around three dollars less if paying for six months up front.

Progressive California Car Insurance Rates

Progressive is often considered an equal insurance coverage option. The coverage between males and females does not vary much in other states, but it was actually not the most equal in California.

While the prices were close, the company did have some differences where males paid more than females.

The basic plan was a $1,000 deductible with no coverage on comprehensive and collision.

Female quotes:

• Basic plan: $66.60 plus five months of $82.88 for females. The six-month paid plan was $410.
• Choice plan: $120.68 plus five months of $150.48 or $748 for the full six months.
• Recommended plan: $500 deductible for comprehensive and collision. $163.24 plus five months at $203.68. The cost would be $1,014 for six months.

Male quotes:

• Basic plan: $68.52 for one month and $85.28 for five. He would pay $422 for six months.
• Choice plan: $128.52 for one month, $160.28 for five months or $797 for the full six months.
• Recommended plan:  $500 deductible for comprehensive and collision.  $173.32 for one month and $216.28 for five months. He would pay $1,077 for six months.

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Getting Car Insurance in California

Even though California was not a completely equal state for female and male car insurance coverage, they were one of the ones that had the closest costs for the insurance coverage.

Females who were insured with Progressive and Allstate paid less than males who were insured with the same company. While Geico had lower rates for males, the rates were less than $10 over a six-month period which made the rates very similar.

Comparing car insurance quotes is a great way to find the best deal on the coverage you desire. Enter your ZIP code into our FREE comparison tool below to get started.

Best Car Insurance Rates in California

California requires a minimum of 15/30/5 for bodily injury and property damage coverage. CSAA, Geico, and Liberty Mutual have the best rates in California for drivers with a recent accident.

• California Car insurance quotes vary according to each driver because several factors determine insurance rates
• The Internet may be the fastest way to get insurance quotes, but there are other ways to gather quotes as well
• Contacting specific California auto insurance companies can be a way to ensure they can cover your specific insurance needs
• California car insurance brokers are sometimes used to gather insurance quotes because they do most of the work for you
• Whatever method you use to obtain insurance rates, make sure you compare several companies before choosing one

If you live in California, car insurance quotes are easy to find online.

Start right now to find FREE quotes for car insurance rates by filling in your ZIP code!

Use a Third Party Quote Site

There are many different options for getting quotes in California.

The fastest way to get free quotes in California is on one of the many websites that provides quotes from many different car insurance providers.

These websites are not insurance companies; rather, insurance companies pay to be affiliated with them. You simply enter your ZIP code, as insurance rates vary according to your location and neighborhood.

You will then be asked more specific questions about:

• How much you drive
• Driving record
• Credit history
• Types of coverage requested

After analyzing this information, you will be contacted by representatives from different insurance companies. They will usually try to reach you by phone or email with a quote as well as information on how to proceed.

Visit Individual Insurance Companies

If you already have an idea of one particular company that you would like to get quotes from, you can contact them directly. If there is a local office in your area, you can make an appointment with an agent and sit down face to face to discuss your insurance needs.

You will need to provide the same information as online in order to receive a free quote.

You can also call the company and speak to either an agent or representative to receive a quote.

The majority of insurance companies will have a website that you can visit. Most insurers offer the ability to get a quote online, which can be done at your convenience.

Contact the California Department of Insurance

One way to find contact information for all car insurance providers in the state of California is through the California Department of Insurance.

Since 2005, the state has mandated that any company that sells personal car insurance has to maintain either a website and/or a toll free phone number.

The ability to get quotes must be available through either or both of these avenues.

Use a California Car Insurance Broker

There are many face-to-face options for quotes as well.

An insurance broker is another avenue that you can take to get a car insurance quote in California.

A broker is different from an agent in that he or she does not work for one particular provider. A broker has access to multiple providers that can be beneficial to you. A car insurance broker can negotiate with different companies and policies to provide you with multiple quotes.

You have the benefit of working with an actual person while choosing from more than one company to find the best policy for you.

Working with a broker will not cost you any more money than not using one. Brokers are paid by the insurance company that they bring business to. If you like the ability to get multiple quotes but with a more personal touch, a broker may be the best way to go.

No matter how you get your car insurance quote, you should not choose a policy based on price alone.

If you can find a good price from a good company, go with it. However, make sure that you investigate a few different companies and compare them to be confident you are making a good choice.

Research Consumer Feedback

You should always research when you are trying to decide upon a car insurance policy. One way to base your decision is through other drivers’ experience. A good resource is JD Power and Associates.

J.D. Power is an independent company that collects and collaborates surveys from consumers about different products and services.

For car insurance companies, it rates each company based on different factors according to consumer feedback. J.D. Power also gives an award to the company that has received the highest ratings across the board.

The current 2012 J.D. Power award recipient is Wawanesa Insurance Company, which is based out of California.

As J.D. Power publishes results from all over the country, you will want to make sure that the companies that catch your eye are able to sell insurance in California, as not all of them are.

You can also ask your neighbors and friends who they use for their car insurance needs and if they have any insight or opinions on any particular company.

Choosing a car insurance company that comes highly recommended from people you know and trust is often the best way.

Other California Car Insurance Resources

Insurance rules and regulations vary according to which state you reside in. The rules may also be different for car insurance companies from one state to another, such as what types of coverage are offered and what the minimum requirements are.

If you live in California, you want to make sure you understand what your state requires in terms of insurance.

How CA Car Insurance Rates are Determined

When you request a quote from a car insurance company, you will be asked for some information that will help the company determine your rate quote. Insurance companies, no matter which state you live in, base your rate off risk value.

Risk is determined by the following factors:

• Driving record
• Vehicle worth
• Where you live
• Type of car you drive
• History of accidents, speeding tickets, or other traffic violations
• Credit history

You will also be asked for the types of insurance coverage that you would like to have on your policy.

If you are unsure what each one means and have questions about choosing a deductible and liability limits, you would be smart to contact an agent or insurance representative to have your questions answered.

Each coverage type is priced separately, so the more coverage you have the higher your rate quote will be. Although having less coverage will be cheaper, it may be more expensive for you in the long run if you are ever in an accident.

Although using the Internet is the best way to get car insurance quotes in California, there are other options. Choose the one that works best for you.

After getting a few quotes, make sure you do some additional checking on each of the companies to make sure you are going with a trustworthy company. Talk to independent insurance agents if you still have questions.

Begin your quote hunt immediately placing your local ZIP code in the FREE tool on this page!