Cheap Car Insurance in California

Cheapest Car Insurance in California for all Cars and Drivers

At approximately 163,696 square miles, California is a grand state with many places to explore. The glorious coastline to drive along, and roads take you past the larger-than-life Hollywood sign. California practically screams adventure and road trips, but before you get into your journey, have you considered car insurance?

All California drivers deserve affordable car insurance. But just because coverage is mandatory doesn’t mean you need to break the bank trying to get a policy.

Outlined below is how you can get Cheap Car Insurance in California.

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California minimum Car insurance requirements

Every driver in California must carry car insurance to operate their vehicle on the road legally. Like other states, California has a mandatory minimum amount of coverage you must meet.

Failure to carry at least the specified minimums can result in severe penalties. Below are the mandatory minimum amount of car insurance every California driver must have.

California Minimum Liability Auto Insurance coverage:

• $15,000 for bodily injury insurance coverage per person
• $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $5,000 for property damage insurance coverage

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What are the penalties for Driving uninsured in California?

California drivers who fail to carry the required car insurance face severe penalties. After your first offense, you could face a fine ranging from $100 to $250. There is also the possibility that the court will have your vehicle impounded.

After a California driver’s second conviction (within three years of your first), the fine goes up to $200-$500, and, again, your vehicle can get impounded. Drivers should also be aware of the reinstatement fees and court costs. There will also be costs to regain possession of your vehicle. You may also be required to have an SR22 insurance requirement.

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California Low-cost auto insurance program

While car insurance is mandatory for every driver in California, it can get a bit pricey. Even the cheapest of policies may fall outside what you can afford. For this reason, California runs an affordable car insurance program, California’s Low-Cost Automobile Program (CLCA), for drivers who struggle to pay for coverage.

Costs are low, with premiums ranging from $300-$500. Coverage limits are also low if your purchased coverage falls below the California state-mandated minimum.

However, you are still considered covered and can legally drive. To qualify, drivers must meet the following requirements:

• Age 16 and older
• Hold a valid California driver’s license
• Own a vehicle worth less than $25,000
• Good driving record
• Income below the state-specified limit

California Car insurance alternatives

A rare thing for states, California offers drivers alternatives to carrying traditional car insurance coverage. These alternatives come with hefty price tags, but if you can afford them, they may be worth considering.

These insurance alternatives require a one-time fee and allow you to opt out of traditional car insurance practically. If conventional coverage is not the route for you, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offers these alternatives:

• $35,000 cash deposit with the California DMV
• Self-insurance certificate issued by the California DMV (also comes with its own payment)
• $35,000 surety bond from a California-licensed business

Essentially, through all the methods above, you are deciding to be self-insured. The certificates and payments are to officiate the process with the state.

However, California drivers should be cautious about taking this route. Your $35,000 cash deposit can deplete quickly if you end up in a severe accident. That is also a lot of money compared to your monthly car insurance payments. Many drivers in California still choose to take the car insurance route.

How much does Cheap car insurance cost in California?

A lot goes into determining the cost of a driver’s auto insurance in California. Every driver is different, meaning every cheap car insurance quote will differ. However, trying to establish a baseline for the average cost of auto insurance in California can be helpful for insurance shoppers to see where they fall in comparison.

According to rough estimates, on average, California drivers pay around $1,700 annually for California car insurance coverage. Remember that this is just an estimation, and your quoted rate can easily be above or below the average. Insurance premiums are personalized for all drivers, and your rate will differ from your neighbor’s.

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What factors determine your Auto insurance premiums in California?

A variety of personal factors determine your car insurance rates. Since every California driver is different, each car insurance policy is unique. Aspects like your age and where you live in California are considerations in determining your insurance premiums.

It is essential to understand what is looked at by California insurers so you have some idea of areas you can improve to lower your auto insurance rates. Below are some common factors affordable car insurance providers look at when figuring a driver’s annual premiums.

How does age affect your Auto insurance premiums in California?

A driver’s age will be a significant factor in determining your car insurance rates in California. The general rule is that the younger you are, the more expensive a driver rate will be. Young drivers usually have less experience behind the wheel.

There is little to no driving record available for insurers to judge your insurability risk. You could be a fantastic driver, but there is no valid proof, meaning California insurance companies must prepare for the worst.

As your age increases and you accumulate more hours on the road, California driver rates will decline. Car insurance rates start to go down at 25 years old. Your insurance rates will rise again in your late 50s or early 60s. Senior drivers are more high-risk than middle-aged drivers.

When you are older, your reaction time starts to slow down, which can lead to more accidents. Age is one area of your car insurance premiums that drivers have no control over. However, they should still be mindful of it when evaluating your rates.

How does location affect your Car insurance premiums in California?

Not only does the state you live in determine your car insurance rate, but something as specific as your zip code and address in California will also be taken into consideration by providers. They have to look at this to determine the population and crime rates in the area where a driver resides.

Highly populated, dense cities have higher crime rates than rural towns, which can mean vehicle vandalism and theft. There is also the fact that more people means more traffic and thus more vehicle collisions.

Living in a populated city in California like Los Angeles puts drivers at a higher insurability risk than drivers living in the California countryside. Affordable car insurance is still obtainable in the area where you live in California, but it just might take more research.

How does your Car insurance history affect your Auto insurance premiums in California?

You’ll need car insurance coverage once you obtain your California driver’s license. It applies even if a driver doesn’t own a vehicle. Suppose California insurance companies find you have a driver’s license but no car insurance. In that case, they may assume you have been driving uninsured, which is illegal and dangerous. They may consider them a high-risk driver, which will raise a driver’s car insurance premiums.

California Insurance companies never want to see any gaps in your coverage history. Having unexplainable lapses in insurance coverage can make drivers appear financially irresponsible. Insurers are less likely to offer drivers car insurance coverage if this is the case.

How does marital status affect your Car insurance premiums in California?

Shockingly, a driver’s relationship status will affect their car insurance premiums in California. Married drivers pay less for coverage than single drivers.

Statistically, married drivers are more financially stable and practice cautious driving habits. Married drivers may also bundle their insurance policies, which can contribute to lower car insurance rates.

How does car type affect your Auto insurance premiums in California?

The type of vehicle you have will impact your insurance premiums pretty significantly. A new vehicle will be more expensive to insure than your everyday sedan or minivan.

Your vehicle’s make, model, and year will be a consideration when determining your car insurance rates in California. Remember that the newer your vehicle is, the more it will cost to insure.

Some insurance companies are concerned about drivers who own fast vehicles like sports cars. They believe a driver with a sports car is more likely to speed than someone driving a run-down sedan. It’s best to keep this in mind if you are shopping for a new vehicle.

How does your driving record affect your Car insurance premiums in California?

The cleaner your driving record is, the lower your car insurance rates will be. Drivers with multiple infractions, such as speeding tickets or moving violations, will be considered high-risk drivers in California, resulting in higher insurance premiums.

If this is the case, you may struggle to find coverage or insurance at a reasonable price point. It’s not impossible, as insurance companies offer coverage for high-risk drivers in California. However, it still can be an annoying process.

You should also expect your insurance rates to be higher than the average driver, no matter where you go. Practicing safe driving habits is a lifesaver and a money saver.

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Credit score, gender, and California Car insurance laws

It is illegal for car insurance providers in California to consider your gender and credit score when determining your car insurance rates.

Typically, Insurers consider a driver’s gender because, statistically, men drive more recklessly than women. Male drivers usually will see higher premiums than women. However, for California drivers, their gender will not be a factor they must worry about when getting car insurance quotes.

At the same time, credit scores are not allowed as a factor in establishing a driver’s car insurance premiums in California. Insurance providers usually look at credit scores to determine how financially responsible a driver is.

The poorer the credit score, the less financially responsible you are and, thus, the more likely you are to file an insurance claim. Insurers in California cannot consider your credit score, but this does not mean they can’t judge how financially responsible you are.

Other factors like auto insurance history and marital status are a factor in determining a California driver’s car insurance premiums. It’s good to keep this in mind when you are shopping for coverage. Hence, you better understand what can and cannot be improved to get a better auto insurance rate.

Cheapest minimum car insurance in California

Basic car insurance is when a driver purchases only the California state-mandatory minimum liability car insurance coverage. California mandates drivers to carry liability insurance. As previously mentioned, there are certain coverage limits you must at least meet to be considered a legal driver in California.

While it is not recommended that drivers in California only carry liability insurance, it is still legal for them to do so. California’s cheapest basic car insurance policy is around $400 annually.

Still, basic auto policies can get as high as $1,000 per year, depending on your driving circumstances and how your provider prices coverage.

Cheapest full coverage car insurance in California

Full coverage car insurance refers to policies with comprehensive and collision car insurance coverage on top of the state-mandated liability insurance coverage.

Full coverage insurance also tends to exceed the coverage limits required for California drivers. While liability covers the other party’s damages, comprehensive and collision coverage will pay for repairs to your vehicle.

Due to this extended protection, full coverage car insurance will naturally cost more than basic car insurance. In California, on average, drivers may pay anywhere from $1,000-$1,500 per year for a policy.

However, full coverage policies can easily cost you up to $2,000 annually, depending on various personal factors. But try not to be scared off by the prices.

Basic car insurance can be appealing, thanks to the lower premiums. However, it does not provide the amount of protection for California drivers that full coverage car insurance does.

Car insurance rates and traffic violations in California

Getting a ticket for a traffic violation can harm your car insurance premiums in California. While one ticket may not hike up a California driver’s rate immediately, accumulating several violations incredibly quickly will seriously impact a driver’s premiums.

Exactly how much it will affect your insurance rates depends on several factors, like the severity of the violation and an insurance company’s pricing algorithm.

For example, a reckless driving conviction comes with the possibility that a California driver’s insurance premiums will increase by 170%. A racing ticket in California can raise a driver’s rate by 164%. There are some severe consequences for these equally serious violations.

California does not take traffic violations lightly. Handling speeding ticket fees and court costs is only just the beginning. Traffic violations can stay on a driver’s record for a few years or the rest of their life, depending on their severity.

These estimated numbers show that practicing safe and smart driving behaviors could save you thousands of dollars yearly on cheap car insurance in California.

Cheapest car insurance for good drivers in California

Your insurance provider in California will consider you a good driver when you have no blemishes on your driving history. California drivers of such pristine status are clear of speeding tickets, DUI citations, and at-fault vehicle accidents.

For drivers in California, having a clean driving record can not only keep your insurance rates low, but you can also receive an additional discount. California mandates that all car insurance companies provide a 20% discount on car insurance premiums if you meet California’s good driver standards.

Good California drivers should be able to get some of the cheapest car insurance policy rates in California if they drive carefully. Car insurance premiums range between $500-$1,200 per year, depending on the driver’s circumstances.

Some requirements for good drivers in California include:

• You have had a California driver’s license for the past three years.
• No more than one driving pound on your records in the last three years
• You have not taken traffic school following a violation

When looking at how much you will be paying for car insurance coverage as a good driver, on average, California drivers can pay as little as $500 per year for coverage. But be mindful of your personal factors and policy details.

Some California drivers may pay more than $1,200 per year for car insurance. Either way, it seriously pays to be a safe, competent driver. Practicing good driving habits will save you on auto insurance, no matter where you drive in California.

Cheapest car insurance in California for young drivers

Car insurance providers consider you a “young” driver between 16 and 25. Young drivers pose significant risks for car insurance providers.

It is mainly because young drivers have no driving record and can be reckless. Insurance providers must assume the worst since you may have little to no driving history.

Due to this, California drivers may be paying tens of thousands of dollars per year for teenage car insurance. However, low-cost car insurance is still available even if you are a driver under 25.

On average, California’s cheapest car insurance for young drivers ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 per year. But these policies can easily cost you over $4,000 per year for coverage. Do not be alarmed if you have difficulty finding cheap car insurance in California. It’s what comes with being an inexperienced driver.

As your age increases, your insurance premiums will start to decline, so long as you stay relatively claim-free slowly. It would be wise to have your parents add you to their car insurance policy for a lower rate if you can.

Cheapest car insurance in California for seniors

Much like the case with young drivers, senior drivers in California can expect to be paying higher premiums for coverage than adult drivers.

It is because insurance companies assume that the older you are, the less of a skilled driver you are. Reaction times can decrease as you age, which may lead to more auto accidents. Older drivers are responsible for various collisions every year on the road.

In California, senior drivers pay around $1,400 annually for car insurance coverage. However, cheaper car insurance policies in California are available for senior drivers, with average premiums as low as $500 per year.

But do not be surprised if California auto insurance policies you come across are around $1,000 per year. It would be beneficial to look around for any senior discounts providers may offer to help lower your premiums even further. Taking a California driving safety course in your older years can also help you save on Senior Auto insurance rates.

Cheapest SR-22 insurance in California after a DUI

As with pretty much any state, receiving a DUI conviction in California is a serious matter. Not only will a driver’s insurance premiums rise, but they could also face severe penalties like expensive fines or possible jail time. You will also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your suspended drivers license.

A DUI conviction makes you very unappealing to car insurance providers, many of whom will refuse coverage due to your infraction. If an insurance provider offers you DUI insurance, you will likely be considered a high-risk driver in California.

Due to this, your insurance premiums will be pricey. Finding affordable car insurance following a DUI conviction in California will be tricky. On average, affordable auto insurance policies in California for drivers with a DUI can be anywhere from $1,000-$3,000 per year.

Some policies may even be up into the $4,000 range for annual coverage. Always be prepared for a high quote if you have a DUI conviction on your record in California. A DUI is a serious traffic offense that affects your insurance policies and other life factors.

Cheapest auto insurance in California for drivers with speeding tickets

Accumulating traffic tickets in California will result in your insurance rates going up. While it will not be as much as with a violation like a DUI conviction, it will still be noticeable to both you and your wallet. But panicking may not be necessary as your premiums tend to go back down following a set number of years after the ticket.

Typically, after three to five years, your rates will decrease. However, that is still a long time to pay high insurance premiums. It would be helpful for you to shop around and get multiple car insurance quotes.

Cheap car insurance in California is still available even if you have some traffic violations, like speeding tickets. While your premiums will never be as low as those of someone considered a good driver, you can still try to save some money here and there.

Regarding affordable car insurance for drivers with speeding tickets in California, policies can cost anywhere from $700-$1,300 per year. Remember that insurance providers have their methods for setting rates, so you may even receive quotes in the $2,000 range.

Cheapest auto insurance in California after an accident

Like traffic tickets and DUI convictions, causing a collision will raise your car insurance premiums in California. Also, like traffic tickets, your insurance premiums will only be affected for three to five years after an at-fault accident.

Once the established time has passed, your rates will go back down. However, paying high insurance premiums still takes a pretty long time. For cheap California car insurance, drivers with at-fault accidents on their records, on average, pay around $700-$2,600 per year for coverage.

Some reports have found that California’s cheapest policy may be around $3,000 per year, so you should be mindful of that when shopping. Car insurance rates depend on more than just your driving record, although it is a significant factor.

Having an at-fault accident on your record will also label you as a high-risk driver in California, making purchasing insurance even more tricky. Shopping around for a policy and price that best suits you is best.

Cheapest car insurance rates in California cities

Where you reside in California will impact your car insurance rates significantly. Being from California alone has already been considered by your insurer. However, they will also look at your address and zip code. Like other states, California cities and towns have average car insurance rates.

As outlined in a previous section, highly-populated cities have higher insurance rates than suburban or rural towns. High populations mean a greater chance of accidents and crimes. You’ll find the most expensive insurance rates in California cities such as Glendale and Los Angeles.

On average, California drivers in these cities spend around $2,200-$2,800 per year for coverage. Cities in California, such as Santa Marie and Chula Vista, are on the other end of the spectrum. On average, drivers from these California towns pay around $1,000-$1,700 for car insurance per year.

If you live in one of these California cities, know these rates are not likely for every driver. What you pay for coverage can easily be below these averages due to your other personal factors.

Best cities for Cheap car insurance in California

*The cheapest annual rates for car insurance in California’s largest cities and towns

How to find Cheap car insurance in California

Getting an affordable car insurance policy in California is a reasonable goal, no matter your driving situation. It may not always be the most affordable rate possible, but finding something that can nestle into your budget just right is an achievable task.

Below are some tips and tricks to help you find good car insurance in California at an even better price.

Get quotes from multiple insurance companies

You must shop around and get car insurance quotes from the best insurance companies. Expanding your search to include local California providers can be very beneficial. It can be helpful if you have driving violations, as local California insurance companies are more likely to provide coverage for high-risk drivers.

National insurance companies typically do not want the risk on their plate. As you get auto insurance quotes, you can also get an idea of what the insurance rates are in your area. Don’t forget also to analyze the policies insurers offer. Low rates are significant but may not be worth it if the coverage is terrible.

Car insurance premium factors

Some factors affect your car insurance premiums that you can change to get a better car insurance quote. For example, moving out of California may not be a reasonable option. However, you can keep a clean driving record to help your insurance rates.

Making sure to stay on top of the payments for the insurance coverage you currently have is also crucial in keeping your rates low. Knowing what affects your California car insurance rates will help you learn what areas can be adjusted to get a more appealing quote.

Car insurance lapses

Do your best not to let your insurance coverage lapse. If California insurance providers see significant gaps in coverage, they have more reason to increase your rates. Gaps in your insurance history may portray you as financially irresponsible, making insurers label you a high-risk driver.

California drivers who are unstable financially statistically make more insurance claims than other drivers. It is also important to remember that in California, you need insurance even if you do not own a vehicle. Not having a vehicle is not an excuse to not have coverage.

Car insurance coverage needs

Every year or before your policy is due to renew, reevaluate your car insurance policy and ensure you still need all the coverage you are paying for. Liability insurance is necessary in California, but other types, like comprehensive and collision coverage, may not be beneficial as your vehicle ages.

Just be mindful of what kinds of coverage you are dropping. You never want to be skimping on insurance in California. It is also worth considering your insurance deductible and deciding whether to increase it. Raising your deductible will decrease your insurance premiums and vice versa. If you are in the position to do so, maybe consider tweaking your car insurance policy.

Car insurance discounts

Car insurance companies offer various discounts to help California drivers save some money on coverage. Discounts relate to personal factors like being a good driver or homeowner.

There are also discounts available for California drivers who have clean driving records. As you shop for coverage, be aware of any discounts companies list on their websites.

It would help to ask your California insurance agent about them, as many providers do not disclose every discount they offer. Policy discounts are some of the easiest ways to reduce your annual premiums.

Get the Cheapest car insurance quote in California from Insurance Navy™

Insurance Navy can help you get the cheapest car insurance, whether you live in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, or one of their suburbs.

Call an Insurance Navy Insurance Agent at 888-949-6289 or get a free quote online. We’ll get back to you with a Cheap California auto insurance quote in three minutes or less.