How Much is Car Insurance in California?
- The average cost of car insurance in California is $1,116/year for full coverage.
- According to our data, Wawanesa is the cheapest company in California at $557/year.
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California car insurance rates — quick facts
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The average auto insurance cost in California is $1,713 per year — 20% more than the national average.
- Drivers in their 60s have the cheapest car insurance rates in California on average.
- A DUI will raise your insurance rates by nearly $3,000 per year.
- California is one of the few states that doesn't use credit score as a rating factor.
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How are insurance rates determined in California?
Your car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise myriad factors, including a driver's age and driving history. We reviewed average California car insurance rates by each of the most common rating factors. Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in your state — or submit your zip to receive personalized quotes from popular insurers.
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Average Car Insurance Expenditure in California by Age Bracket
It’s a fact of life: as you age, your auto insurance premiums change. Typically, auto insurance is pricier for young drivers and teens, as auto insurance companies see newer drivers as less responsible. Rates are cheapest for California drivers in their 60s. Have a look at average rates by age below.
CALIFORNIA CAR INSURANCE RATES BY AGE
| Age | Average Yearly Premium |
| 16 | $7,175.12 |
| 17 | $6,853.99 |
| 18 | $6,021.14 |
| 19 | $4,428.57 |
| 20s | $2,416.70 |
| 30s | $1,618.56 |
| 40s | $1,563.19 |
| 50s | $1,449.50 |
| 60s | $1,408.62 |
| 70s | $1,568.61 |
Rates by age in California
In California, auto coverage costs $7,175 annually for a 16-year-old driver, compared to $1,450 per year for a driver between 50 and 59 years of age. It's worth noting, however, that a 16-year-old added to a parent's insurance plan will not be as expensive as a teenager getting their own policy.Â
If you're facing the pricey prospect of insuring a teen driver, it's worth noting California is the 34th cheapest state in which to purchase car insurance for a 16-year-old.
Average Car Insurance Rates in California by Marriage Status
One benefit of getting hitched — aside from the honeymoon — is the better deal you may receive on your car insurance policy. In the state of California, married drivers save $73 per year on car insurance policies. This is less than the national savings of $76.
CALIFORNIA CAR INSURANCE RATES BY MARITAL STATUS
| Marital Status | Average Annual Rate |
| Single | $1,649.21 |
| Married | $1,576.40 |
| Divorced | $1,649.21 |
| Widowed | $1,582.65 |
Car insurance coverage for divorced drivers in California is the 9th most expensive in the nation. If you are paying too much for your car insurance policy, don't be afraid to shop around. You never know what savings you'll find!
Average Auto Insurance Costs in California by Credit Score
Car insurance companies use credit score to get an idea of a potential customer's reliability. Data trends show drivers with good credit histories are often more dependable car insurance customers: they are less likely to file claims covered by auto insurance. However, California outlaws the use of credit score as an insurance rating factor, meaning you'll pay the same car insurance rate no matter your credit history.
CALIFORNIA AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY CREDIT SCORE
| Credit Tier | Average Annual Rate |
| Very Poor (300-579) | $1,649.21 |
| Fair (580-669) | $1,649.21 |
| Good (670-739) | $1,649.21 |
| Very Good (740-799) | $1,649.21 |
| Exceptional (800-850) | $1,649.21 |
Median Car Insurance Costs for High-Risk Drivers in California
If you’re determined to be at fault in a car accident or found guilty of a driving infraction, your auto insurance premiums are bound to rise. The more red flags you rack up, the pricier your auto insurance becomes.
In California, your first minor at-fault crash leads to a penalty of $862.80 per year in auto insurance premiums. A DUI — considered among the most grievous driving violations — may grow your insurance rates in California by as much as $2,977.05.
CALIFORNIA AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS WITH VIOLATIONS
| Violation | Average Yearly Premium |
| DUI or DWI | $4,689.59 |
| Reckless Driving | $4,689.59 |
| At-Fault Accident (<$1,000) | $2,575.34 |
| At-Fault Accident ($1,000-$2,000) | $2,676.87 |
| At-Fault Accident (>$2,000) | $2,575.34 |
| Open Container | $3,130.47 |
| Speeding (21-25 MPH > limit) | $2,324.98 |
| Speeding (16-20 MPH > limit) | $2,324.98 |
If you're facing above-average car insurance payments, consider insurance shopping to find inexpensive coverage that suits you.
Median Auto Insurance Prices by Coverage Amount in California
How much you pay per month for car insurance depends on the tier of coverage you purchase. Liability-only coverage typically costs less, while low-deductible comprehensive coverage costs more. In California, the rate difference between state-minimum liability-only coverage and comprehensive coverage with a $500 deductible is $908.
CALIFORNIA AUTO INSURANCE RATES BY COVERAGE LEVEL
| Coverage Level | Average Annual Premium |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — Liability-Only | $802 |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,527 |
| $100K/$300K/$100K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,710 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — Liability Only | $718 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,443 |
| $50K/$100K/$50K Bodily Injury/Property Damage — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,626 |
| State Minimum — Liability Only | $573 |
| State Minimum — $1,000 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,297 |
| State Minimum — $500 Comprehensive/Collision | $1,481 |
If you're facing above-average auto insurance costs, think about comparing policies to get inexpensive coverage that covers your vehicle appropriately.
Find affordable auto insurance in California today!
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.