10 Best Auto Insurance Companies in California for 2025 (Top CA Providers)
American Family, State Farm, and AAA are the best auto insurance companies in California. The cheapest car insurance in California starts at $51 a month, but AmFam and AAA offer exceptional customer service and comprehensive roadside assistance for higher premiums. State Farm stays competitive at $55 monthly.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
Licensed Insurance Agent
UPDATED: Jul 20, 2025
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We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
UPDATED: Jul 20, 2025
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right legal decisions.
We strive to help you make confident insurance and legal decisions. Finding trusted and reliable insurance quotes should be easy. This doesn’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own.
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Full Coverage in California
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2,235 reviews
18,155 reviewsCompany Facts
Full Coverage in California
A.M. Best
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
18,155 reviews
3,027 reviewsCompany Facts
Full Coverage in California
A.M. Best
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
3,027 reviewsThe best auto insurance companies in California are American Family, State Farm, and AAA. State Farm auto coverage in California starts as low as $55 per month.
Our Top 10 Picks: Best Auto Insurance Companies in California| Company | Rank | Claims Satisfaction | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | 672 / 1,000 | A+ | Customer Service | American Family |
 | #2 | 658 / 1,000 | A++ | Reliable Claims | State Farm |
 | #3 | 642 / 1,000 | A+ | Senior Focused | AAA |
 | #4 | 635 / 1,000 | A+ | Coverage Options | Progressive |
 | #5 | 634 / 1,000 | A++ | Policy Flexibility | Safeco |
 | #6 | 634 / 1,000 | A+ | Discount Variety | Allstate |
 | #7 | 627 / 1,000 | A+ | Balanced Value | Nationwide |
 | #8 | 626 / 1,000 | A++ | Low Rates | Geico |
 | #9 | 617 / 1,000 | A | Local Expertise | Farmers |
 | #10 | 596 / 1,000 | A | Custom Coverage | Mercury |
State Farm also earns high marks for reliable claims handling and financial strength, making it a trusted choice for many drivers. AAA is ideal for seniors, offering tailored discounts and benefits designed to meet their unique needs.
This guide covers the types of coverage available, including state-required liability protection, and highlights valuable discounts offered by top California providers. Browse more success stories from people who got auto insurance right for more ways to save.
- American Family stands out as the top pick for service and overall value
- AAA is a top CA insurance company for its roadside assistance
- Geico has the cheapest car insurance in California at $51 per month
Finding cheap auto insurance rates can be difficult for California drivers, so enter your ZIP code to find the most affordable quotes in your area.
Auto Insurance Rates in California
While American Family, State Farm, and AAA aren’t the cheapest options in California, they stand out in key service areas that justify their slightly higher premiums. American Family, starting at $71 per month for minimum coverage, leads in customer service, offering responsive support and high satisfaction rates.
California Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Coverage| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| $78 | $242 |
| $102 | $312 |
| $71 | $216 |
| $85 | $261 |
| $51 | $157 |
| $62 | $187 |
| $73 | $223 |
| $68 | $207 |
| $76 | $235 |
| $55 | $169 |
State Farm, at $55 per month, delivers unmatched reliability in claims handling and boasts superior financial strength, ensuring long-term policy stability. AAA, though priced at $78 per month, is tailored to senior drivers with specialized benefits, roadside assistance, and strong retention due to its trusted member service.
These companies prioritize quality, dependability, and driver-specific needs, providing more value than just the lowest price to help California drivers buy auto insurance with confidence.
California Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Auto insurance rates in California vary significantly by age, with 16-year-olds paying the highest premiums across all providers. Geico offers the best car insurance in California for young adults at $215 per month for 16-year-olds.
California Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Age| Insurance Company | Age: 16 | Age: 25 | Age: 35 | Age: 45 | Age: 55 | Age: 65 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $460 | $125 | $108 | $98 | $93 | $97 |
| $437 | $121 | $105 | $102 | $96 | $100 |
| $330 | $89 | $76 | $71 | $67 | $69 |
| $511 | $110 | $95 | $85 | $80 | $85 |
| $215 | $60 | $52 | $51 | $49 | $50 |
| $390 | $102 | $85 | $78 | $75 | $78 |
| $324 | $94 | $78 | $73 | $69 | $72 |
| $562 | $94 | $74 | $68 | $64 | $66 |
| $405 | $107 | $89 | $82 | $78 | $80 |
| $240 | $70 | $60 | $55 | $52 | $55 |
Premiums drop steadily with age, and companies give drivers in their mid-30s to mid-50s the cheapest car insurance. However, American Family stays low across all ages at just $67 a month for 55-year-olds.
California Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Driving history has a major impact on California auto insurance rates. Just one accident or ticket can raise rates by 30–60%.
California Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Driving Record| Insurance Company | Clean Record | One Accident | One DUI | One Ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $78 | $116 | $135 | $95 |
| $102 | $144 | $172 | $119 |
| $71 | $107 | $117 | $83 |
| $85 | $122 | $119 | $107 |
| $51 | $85 | $139 | $67 |
| $62 | $92 | $107 | $75 |
| $73 | $102 | $150 | $88 |
| $68 | $119 | $89 | $89 |
| $76 | $113 | $132 | $93 |
| $55 | $66 | $72 | $61 |
State Farm and Geico offer the cheapest rates for clean drivers, at $55 and $51 per month, respectively, but American Family keeps post-violation costs more reasonable.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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California Auto Insurance Claims
Filing a claim in California can lead to a noticeable increase in your auto insurance rates, especially if you’re found at fault. This is the state’s higher average claim sizes, like $4,000 for rear-end collisions or $7,500 for theft, push costs up across the board.
California Report Card: Auto Insurance Premiums
| Category | Grade | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Weather-Related Risks | A | Low risk, mild overall weather |
| Average Claim Size | B | Slightly higher due to repair costs |
| Traffic Density | B | Urban traffic varies, moderate overall |
| Uninsured Drivers Rate | C | Above average uninsured driver rate |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | C | High theft in specific regions |
Even common incidents like parking lot accidents or single-vehicle crashes can result in rate hikes of 20% or more, particularly for drivers with multiple claims on record.
California Annual Traffic Accidents & Claims by Major City
| City | Annual Accidents | Annual Claims |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 3,500 | 4,200 |
| San Diego | 2,500 | 2,900 |
| San Francisco | 1,200 | 1,400 |
| Sacramento | 1,100 | 1,300 |
| Oakland | 1,000 | 1,200 |
| Fresno | 900 | 1,100 |
| Riverside | 900 | 1,050 |
| Long Beach | 800 | 950 |
| Santa Ana | 700 | 850 |
| Anaheim | 600 | 750 |
Drivers in densely populated or high-risk areas like Los Angeles, Oakland, and San Francisco often pay more due to increased traffic, accident frequency, and theft rates.
5 Common Car Insurance Claims in California
| Rank | Claim Type | Portion of Claims | Cost per Claim |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rear-End Collisions | 25% | $4,000 |
| #2 | Parking Lot Accidents | 18% | $2,500 |
| #3 | Single Vehicle Accidents | 15% | $6,500 |
| #4 | Weather-Related Damage | 12% | $3,000 |
| #5 | Vandalism/Theft | 10% | $7,500 |
Cities with more annual claims and vehicle damage tend to carry higher premiums, even if the state’s overall weather risk is low.
California Auto Insurance Requirements
To drive legally in California, you must carry at least the state’s minimum liability insurance. Meeting these limits keeps you legal, but they may not cover the full cost of a serious accident.
California Minimum Auto Insurance Coverage Requirements
| Coverage | Limits |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident |
| Property Damage Liability | $5,000 per accident |
Many California drivers choose to go beyond the basics with higher limits or added protection with full coverage to cover the increased risk of theft or rear-end collisions in the state (Learn More: Liability vs. Full Coverage Auto Insurance).
There are several optional coverages available in California that can strengthen your policy, covering everything from vehicle repairs to medical bills and rental cars.
California Auto Insurance Coverage Options
| Coverage | Factors |
|---|---|
| Liability | Legally required; minimum limits apply. |
| Collision | Needed for vehicle damage repair. |
| Comprehensive | Protects against theft, fire, vandalism. |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Covers hit-and-run, uninsured drivers. |
| Medical Payments (MedPay) | Adds coverage for medical costs. |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Optional; not required in California. |
| Roadside Assistance | Helps with breakdowns or towing. |
| Rental Reimbursement | Covers rental after covered accident. |
| Gap Insurance | Needed for leased or financed cars. |
These optional coverages can be especially valuable if you have a newer vehicle, live in a high-theft area, or want more complete peace of mind. Tailoring your policy to fit your needs can save you money in the long run.
Read More: Medical Payments Coverage
Ways to Save on Auto Insurance in California
Several top car insurance companies in California offer generous discounts that can significantly lower your auto insurance premiums. Nationwide leads with the highest good driver discount at 40%, rewarding safe driving behavior more than any other company.
Top Auto Insurance Discounts in California| Insurance Company | Accident- Free | Bundling | Good Driver | Loyalty | New Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% | 15% | 30% | 12% | 3% |
| 25% | 25% | 25% | 15% | 10% |
| 25% | 25% | 25% | 18% | 15% |
| 20% | 20% | 30% | 12% | 12% |
| 22% | 25% | 26% | 10% | 10% |
| 18% | 20% | 25% | 10% | 10% |
| 20% | 20% | 40% | 8% | 15% |
| 10% | 10% | 30% | 13% | 10% |
| 30% | 15% | 20% | 10% | 12% |
| 17% | 17% | 25% | 6% | 15% |
American Family, Allstate, and Geico also stand out by offering well-rounded savings across multiple categories, including bundling, loyalty, and new vehicle discounts, each offering up to 25% or more in several areas.
Farmers and Progressive provide strong good driver and accident-free discounts, while Safeco boasts a standout 30% accident-free discount. These discounts can add up quickly, especially when combined with other savings opportunities available through each provider.
Beyond discounts, California drivers can also save by taking additional steps. Use these expert tips to help reduce your CA auto insurance rates:
- Clean Driving Record: Maintain a ticket- and accident-free history to avoid rate increases.
- Low Annual Mileage: Drive less to qualify for low-mileage or pay-per-mile discounts in California.
- Defensive Driving Courses: Complete an approved course to earn defensive driving insurance discounts from select insurers.
- Higher Deductibles: Raise your deductible to reduce monthly premiums, if financially manageable.
- Continuous Coverage History: Avoid gaps in insurance to keep your rates stable and affordable.
These strategies, paired with the right discounts, can help California drivers secure quality coverage at a more affordable price, no matter where you live in the state.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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10 Best Auto Insurance Companies in California
American Family, State Farm, and AAA lead the list of the best car insurance companies in California, offering reliable service and competitive rates. And when it comes to the California insurance market, these top three providers lead the pack.
Even mid-sized players like Safeco and Progressive hold significant shares, indicating a competitive landscape where a few key companies serve the majority of California drivers. That’s why it’s important to compare multiple insurance companies.
Just because a company is the largest auto insurer doesn’t mean it’s the best fit for every driver. Always compare quotes online to find the insurer that's right for you.
Leslie Kasperowicz Farmers CSR for 4 Years
Each provider on this list has been evaluated for key strengths and weaknesses. Review the pros and cons below to see which California insurer is the best fit for you.
#1 – American Family: Top Overall Pick
Pros
- Customer Support Excellence: American Family is known for high-touch claims assistance and policyholder support, especially in high-traffic regions like Los Angeles and San Diego.
- Competitive CA Rates: Minimum coverage starts at $71 a month in California, beating major competitors like Allstate and AAA while maintaining solid policy value.
- Strong CA Discounts: Offers up to 25% for safe driving, bundling auto and home, and loyalty, which are stackable for greater savings in California. See full details in our American Family review.
Cons
- Limited Agent Reach: American Family has fewer agent offices in Northern California and rural Central Valley, which can reduce access to personalized service.
- Not the Absolute Cheapest: While competitive, it’s still $20 a month more than Geico’s $51 a month minimum coverage in California.
#2 – State Farm: Best for Reliable Claims
Pros
- Claims Dependability: State Farm consistently ranks above average for fast, responsive claims service in CA, especially for rear-end and weather-related incidents.
- Low CA Rates: Minimum liability policies start at just $55 per month, one of the lowest for major carriers in California. See more in our State Farm auto insurance review.
- Financial Strength: With an A++ rating and extensive agent network, State Farm ensures claim payments and support throughout all of CA’s 58 counties.
Cons
- Fewer Discounts: Maximum loyalty and bundling discounts in California cap at 17%, while competitors like Nationwide and Farmers offer 20% or more.
- Basic Online Tools: The CA mobile app lacks customization tools like Progressive’s Name Your Price or Geico’s coverage calculator.
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#3 – AAA: Best for Senior Focused
Pros
- Senior Benefits: AAA offers exclusive mature driver training discounts and enhanced medical payments options for seniors in CA. Our AAA auto insurance review provides full policy details.
- Roadside Assistance: Every auto policy in California includes free roadside coverage with lockout, towing, and battery service, making it ideal for older drivers.
- Established Service Reputation: With minimum coverage at $78 a month, AAA has high retention rates among senior members in metro areas like Sacramento and Riverside.
Cons
- Higher Base Rate: AAA costs more than Geico, State Farm, or Mercury for minimum CA coverage, even with discounts applied.
- Membership Requirement: CA drivers must pay an annual membership fee (typically $60–$120) to access auto insurance services.
#4 – Progressive: Best for Coverage Options
Pros
- Policy Customization: Progressive offers unique tools like Name Your Price, allowing CA drivers to personalize deductibles, coverage limits, and add-ons.
- Affordable CA Rate: With minimum coverage priced at $68 a month, Progressive is budget-friendly without sacrificing online features or claims ease.
- Snapshot Program: CA drivers can use Progressive’s UBI program to earn up to 30% off by tracking safe driving behaviors over 6 months. Read everything you need to know about Progressive Insurance.
Cons
- Below-Average Claims Score: At 635/1,000, Progressive ranks lower than State Farm or American Family in CA for claims satisfaction, especially for collision repairs.
- Limited Agent Interaction: California customers relying on in-person support may be disappointed, as Progressive prioritizes digital-first service.
#5 – Safeco: Best for Policy Flexibility
Pros
- Policy Flexibility: Safeco allows CA drivers to choose between six different deductible tiers, varying liability limits, and optional gap coverage.
- Financial Security: With an A++ A.M. Best rating and backing from Liberty Mutual, Safeco ensures reliable claims payments in all CA regions. Browse more ratings in our expert Safeco review.
- Solid CA Pricing: Minimum coverage averages $76 a month, offering mid-tier affordability and useful customization tools via its mobile platform.
Cons
- Mixed Claims Experience: Some CA drivers report longer claim resolution times, particularly in high-volume cities like Oakland and San Jose.
- Limited Discount Depth: California bundling and loyalty savings typically max out at 15%, which is lower than top rivals like Farmers or Nationwide.
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#6 – Allstate: Best for Discount Variety
Pros
- Discount Variety: CA drivers can combine up to five discount types—accident-free, bundling, loyalty, new vehicle, and good driver—for total savings of nearly 25%.
- Agent Access: Allstate has one of the largest agent networks in CA, with over 700 representatives, including in smaller cities like Bakersfield and Oxnard.
- Digital Claims Process: CA policyholders benefit from Allstate QuickFoto Claim, which allows app-based photo submissions for damage assessments.
Cons
- High Entry Cost: Minimum coverage costs $102 per month, the highest among all the top 10 providers in California.
- Post-Claim Increases: Many CA drivers report 20–30% rate hikes after just one at-fault accident. Discover policy benefits and savings in the Allstate auto insurance review.
#7 – Nationwide: Best for Balanced Value
Pros
- Safe Driver Savings: Offers up to 40% off with SmartRide for Californians who maintain safe braking, speed, and mileage habits. See more discounts in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
- Strong CA Rates: At $73 per month, Nationwide sits in the middle of the pack for minimum coverage while offering robust policy perks.
- Easy Online Access: The CA customer portal allows drivers to manage billing, policy changes, and telematics all from one dashboard.
Cons
- Weak Loyalty Discount: Loyalty savings in CA are only 8%, less than half of what American Family and Allstate offer.
- Limited High-Risk Coverage: Nationwide isn’t ideal for CA drivers with a DUI, multiple violations, or lapse in coverage history.
#8 – Geico: Best for Low Rates
Pros
- Cheapest Rate: At just $51 per month, Geico offers the cheapest car insurance in California to drivers with clean records.
- Highly Rated Mobile App: Geico’s insurance app in California includes real-time roadside help, ID cards, and accident photo reporting tools.
- Strong Discounts: CA customers can save up to 26% with good drivers, 25% with bundling, and 10% on new vehicles. Learn everything you need to know about Geico.
Cons
- Few Local Offices: Geico has minimal brick-and-mortar support in California; most customer service is handled online or by phone.
- Large Premium Spikes: Geico’s premiums can increase by 50% or more after a DUI or accident in CA, depending on severity.
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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#9 – Farmers: Best for Local Expertise
Pros
- Strong Agent Network: With over 900 agents statewide, Farmers excels in personalized service across suburban and rural parts of CA.
- Decent CA Pricing: Minimum coverage averages $85 a month, with higher value in areas prone to traffic accidents like Stockton and Fresno.
- Robust Discount Suite: CA drivers can save up to 30% with good driving and 20% with multi-policy bundling. Find everything you need to know about Farmers Insurance in one place.
Cons
- Slower Claims Turnaround: Claims satisfaction is below average at 617/1,000, with delays in body shop coordination noted in CA reviews.
- Basic Mobile Tools: Farmers’ CA mobile app lacks advanced features like live agent chat or real-time claims tracking.
#10 – Mercury: Best for Custom Coverage
Pros
- Flexible Policy Add-Ons: Mercury offers optional roadside assistance, ride-hailing endorsements, and mechanical breakdown insurance tailored for CA drivers.
- Low Cost Option: With minimum coverage at $62 per month, Mercury is among the most affordable in California. Delve more details in our Mercury insurance review.
- Strong Safety Discounts: Safe CA drivers may qualify for up to 25% in premium reductions, plus 20% off when bundling renters or homeowners insurance.
Cons
- Poor Claims Experience: Mercury has the lowest CA claims satisfaction at 596/1,000, with frequent complaints about communication and delays.
- Limited Reach Outside Cities: Rural Californians may struggle to find agents or local service centers under the Mercury brand.
Getting Affordable Auto Insurance in California
California has more expensive premiums than many other states, but American Family, State Farm, and AAA stand out for their balance of service, reliability, and tailored benefits, whether it’s exceptional customer support, strong claims handling, or cheap auto insurance for seniors.
Discounts are key to lowering California auto insurance costs. Look for safe driving, loyalty, and new vehicle discounts for the best rates.
Jimmy McMillan Licensed Insurance Agent
Buying from the best auto insurance companies in California ensures you stay protected while getting the most value for your money. Get fast and cheap CA auto insurance coverage today with our quote comparison tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the best auto insurance company in California?
The best auto insurance companies in California are American Family, State Farm, and AAA. American Family ranks highest for customer service, State Farm is known for reliable claims handling, and AAA offers senior-focused perks.
Who is the largest auto insurer in California?
What insurance company is most used in California? State Farm is one of the most widely used auto insurance companies in California due to its strong claims reputation, wide agent network, and competitive pricing. Explore your auto insurance options by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool today.
Who is the second-largest insurance provider in California?
Farmers is considered the second-largest among the top car insurance companies in CA, with 15% of the market share (Read More: Farmers vs. USAA auto insurance review).
Who is the highest-rated auto insurance company in CA?
State Farm holds an A++ financial strength rating from A.M. Best and consistently scores high in customer satisfaction and claims reliability, making it one of the highest-rated providers in California.
Which car insurance is cheaper in CA?
Geico offers the cheapest minimum coverage in California, starting at just $51 per month, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers. Discover ways to pay less for car insurance.
What is the recommended auto insurance coverage in California?
While California requires minimum liability coverage of 15/30/5, most experts recommend adding uninsured motorist coverage and full coverage with collision and comprehensive auto insurance for better protection.
Who has the best coverage in California?
Progressive, Safeco, and Mercury have the most flexible auto insurance coverage in California, which drivers can customize based on budget, driving habits, and vehicle type.
Does California have the highest car insurance rates?
California has higher-than-average rates, but it doesn’t have the highest in the U.S. Rates vary by location, driving history, and coverage level, with cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco seeing the highest premiums. Get details about car insurance discounts you can’t miss to make it easier for CA policyholders to lower premiums.
How many insurance companies operate in California?
California has over 100 licensed auto insurance companies. Some of the top companies in California include American Family, State Farm, AAA, Geico, Progressive, Allstate, Farmers, Mercury, Nationwide, and Safeco. See which companies have the cheapest minimum auto insurance rates by entering your ZIP code into our free comparison tool.
Is Allstate leaving California?
No, Allstate car insurance is still available in California, but drivers living in certain coastal areas or with high-risk records may not have their policies renewed (Read More: Geico vs. Allstate Auto Insurance Review)
Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap insurance rates.
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Scott W. Johnson
Licensed Insurance Agent
Scott W Johnson is an independent insurance agent in California. Principal Broker and founder of Marindependent Insurance Services, Scott brings over 25 years of experience to his clients. His Five President’s Council awards prove he uses all he learned at Avocet, Sprint Nextel, and Farmers Insurance to the benefit of his clients. Scott quickly grasped the unique insurance requirements of his...
Licensed Insurance Agent
Editorial Guidelines: We are a free online resource for anyone interested in learning more about insurance. Our goal is to be an objective, third-party resource for everything legal and insurance related. We update our site regularly, and all content is reviewed by experts.
