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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent — Property and Casualty

Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Nathan Foster

Agency Trainer

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  • Licensed Insurance Agent - Property and Casualty

Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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  • 5+ years in the Insurance Industry

Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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How much does car insurance cost in Irvine?

The current going rate for auto insurance in Irvine is $971 for a six-month policy, which is approximately $162 per month on average. It is highly recommended to compare rates from different insurance companies to find the best deal for you.

Residents of Irvine pay more than the state average for California ($966) every six months and significantly more than the US average of $880. Of our customers in Irvine, 35% used our service because they were paying too much for car insurance. Keep reading to get more information about what fair rates in Irvine look like and how these costs are calculated.

Car Insurance in Irvine vs. California

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Car Insurance in Irvine vs. California Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Irvine Average $971
California Average $966

Source: The Zebra

The cheapest car insurance companies in Irvine

1st place medal
1st place: Wawanesa

Wawanesa is the cheapest company at $92 per month or $553 for a six-month policy.

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

GEICO came in as a close second and costs $115 per month.

3rd place medal
3rd place: Capital Insurance Group

Capital Insurance Group, a regional company serving only select Pacific Northwestern states, takes third place with six-month policies at $791 on average ($132 per month). 

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Irvine:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Irvine is $971 per six-month policy — or $162 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Irvine is Wawanesa ($553 every six months).
  • 35% of Zebra customers in Irvine stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Irvine car insurance rates by company

Based on our latest 2022 data, Irvine residents can acquire cheap full coverage car insurance from Wawanesa, with a monthly cost of $92 or $553 for a six-month policy. GEICO is the second least expensive option, with an average monthly cost of $115 or $692 for a six-month policy.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Below, discover which car insurers have the best ratings according to The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

 

Cheapest car insurance companies in Irvine, CA
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Irvine, California

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $553
GEICO $692
Capital Insurance Group $791
USAA $804
Progressive $968
Nationwide $1,073
Allstate $1,094

Source: The Zebra

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


Finding inexpensive coverage that suits your needs is best accomplished through comparison. Insurance providers have differing rates, and it's essential to do your research. Let The Zebra handle the task - enter your ZIP code to view rates from top insurers like Progressive, GEICO, Allstate, and numerous others in Irvine.

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Average car insurance in Irvine by rating factor

Many details are considered by insurance companies when calculating individual rates. These rating factors are typically used by all auto insurance providers, but the weight they assign to each factor can vary. For instance, one insurer may emphasize credit score more, whereas another might place greater importance on your claims history.

Remember that the best insurance company for you can vary over time. As your circumstances change and your insurance needs evolve, make it a priority to obtain quotes from different providers every so often to ensure that you're getting the best rates and coverage possible in Irvine.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: End-of-year earnings heavily influence the amount you'll pay for auto insurance. You may be an outstanding driver with a flawless driving record, but the rising cost of doing business in Irvine may cause you to pay a higher premium to one insurance company over another.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Irvine

Irvine's car insurance rates are largely determined by age. Insurance companies use data to evaluate the risk level of drivers and their probability of filing a claim or getting into an accident. Teens drivers, in particular, are more susceptible to accidents, which is why they typically have the highest insurance premiums to help offset the cost of their claims. Drivers in their teens in Irvine pay an average of $1,286 more than those in their 20s, representing the largest gap between any two age groups at 104%.

Teen drivers and their parents may be taken aback by the high cost of insurance, but it's crucial to bear in mind that insurance companies are primarily focused on risk management. Despite the initial expense, the cost will decrease as the teen driver accumulates more experience on the road and exhibits a safe driving record.


Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Irvine, CA
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Teen Drivers in Irvine, CA

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $927
GEICO $1,638
USAA $1,776
Capital Insurance Group $1,846
Progressive $2,421
Allstate $2,442
Nationwide $3,443

Source: The Zebra

Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Wawanesa $606
30s Wawanesa $499
40s Wawanesa $499
50s Wawanesa $499
60s Wawanesa $499
70s Wawanesa $490

Zebra Tip: The cheapest company for Irvine drivers across all age groups is Wawanesa


Irvine's driving population is predominantly comprised of individuals aged 20 to 40. Generally, this demographic pays an average of $1,109 every six months, but by electing to go with Wawanesa, they could potentially save up to 54%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Irvine

Irvine drivers' selection of coverage levels is a crucial determinant of their car insurance premium. Our research reveals that 36% of Irvine drivers carry the basic level of coverage. 

Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (also known as "full coverage" when combined) to your insurance policy in Irvine will come at a higher cost, as well as require a deductible. However, a deductible can serve as a money-saving tool. Increasing your deductible will reduce your premium since the two are inversely proportional.

In Irvine, insurance providers also offer additional benefits such as roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage that can provide coverage in the event of a collision with an underinsured driver. Although these features may raise your overall rates, The Zebra still recommends carrying them as a means of securing additional financial protection and peace of mind.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

If you are leasing or financing your car, your lender may have insurance requirements that must be met. However, if you own your vehicle, you may be considering dropping comprehensive or collision insurance to save money. The Zebra suggests using a resource such as Kelley Blue Book to determine the actual cash value of your car before deciding if it's worth reducing your insurance coverage. A good rule of thumb is that if your car is worth less than $4,000, you can probably eliminate your collision coverage, but remember that you would be responsible for repairs after a collision.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Irvine, CA
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Minimum Coverage in Irvine, CA

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $195
USAA $235
Wawanesa $251
Progressive $278
Capital Insurance Group $311
Nationwide $351
Allstate $401

Source: The Zebra

Most of our customers in Irvine opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand this is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. California's 15/30/5 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

Learn more about insurance laws in California.

Irvine car insurance rates by credit score

Using a driver's credit score to influence premiums is considered discriminatory in California and is therefore not used as a rating factor when determining how much you'll pay for auto insurance each year. 59% of The Zebra's Irvine customers have a good (680-719) credit score.

car insurance in irvine by credit score

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

Collision-type accidents and at-fault violations are the most common types of insurance claims in Irvine. These types of incidents can significantly increase your rates. In 2024, an at-fault accident raised the average car insurance rates in Irvine by a difference of $162 to $280 per month. Wawanesa is the cheapest insurance company in Irvine after an at-fault accident, with USAA a close second.

To keep your insurance rates affordable in Irvine, your best bet is to drive safely and avoid violations. While some things are beyond our control, do your best to avoid charges such as speeding citations, DUIs or DWIs, and reckless driving. Your car insurance rates will likely be impacted by these incidents for three to five years, and some of the more serious violations can follow you for even longer periods.


Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Irvine, CA
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies After an At-Fault Accident in Irvine, CA

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $833
USAA $1,143
Capital Insurance Group $1,161
GEICO $1,258
Nationwide $1,568
Progressive $1,919
Allstate $2,371

Source: The Zebra

Irvine car insurance rates by violation

Below, check out how different violations and claims will affect your rate in Irvine.

 

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Irvine, CA
Car Insurance Rate Increases After Violations and Citations in Irvine, CA

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Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $971 0% $0
None $971 0% $0
One comp claim $971 0% $0
Two comp claims $971 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $971 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $976 0% $5
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $992 2% $22
Failure to show documents $1,281 32% $310
Driving with expired registration $1,289 33% $318
Driving without lights $1,289 33% $318
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,291 33% $320
Child safety restraint $1,296 33% $325
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,354 39% $383
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,354 39% $383
In 65 MPH zone $1,358 40% $387
Speeding in school zone $1,358 40% $387
Driving too slowly $1,358 40% $387
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,358 40% $387
Failure to stop at a red light $1,358 40% $387
Illegal turn $1,358 40% $387
Following too closely $1,358 40% $387
Failure to yield $1,359 40% $388
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,360 40% $389
Texting while driving $1,362 40% $392
Cell phone violation $1,362 40% $392
Improper passing $1,375 42% $404
Passing school bus $1,398 44% $428
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,618 67% $647
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,680 73% $709
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,680 73% $709
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,683 73% $713
Open container $1,801 86% $830
Driving with a suspended license $2,059 112% $1,088
Reckless driving $2,423 150% $1,452
Racing $2,441 151% $1,470
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,460 153% $1,490
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,533 161% $1,562
DUI $2,533 161% $1,562

Source: The Zebra


Why is car insurance in Irvine so expensive?

Auto insurance in Irvine can be a major expense, especially if you're a younger driver or have a spotty driving history. There are many reasons why insurance rates in this area are so high, including the overall cost of living and the prevalence of accidents and thefts. Additionally, insurance companies in Irvine often have to charge more to cover their expenses, which can include everything from office rent to employee salaries. All of these factors can make it difficult to find affordable car insurance in this part of California.

location
Location

Drivers in Irvine may find that their auto insurance rates vary depending on where they live within the city. Areas with higher crime rates or an increased risk of accidents or thefts can be more expensive to insure, as insurers must account for the added risk. This can make auto insurance a significant expense for drivers in some parts of the city, while those in safer neighborhoods may be able to find more affordable coverage. Ultimately, your location can play a big role in the cost of your car insurance.

Expensive Irvine ZIP codes: 92697, 92612, 92603

Cheap Irvine ZIP codes: 92604, 92620, 92617

weather
Weather risk

While California is famous for its mild, pleasant weather, the state is still susceptible to natural disasters, especially wildfires. With over 9,200 fires and two million acres burned in 2021, California tops the list nationally for wildfire events.[2]

In the past, catastrophic damage caused by weather and other natural disasters has bankrupted insurance companies. While this is less likely to occur in California — and Irvine, in particular — insurance companies will raise their rates to anticipate further weather-related losses. In fact, many companies have pulled out of the California homeowners insurance market due to wildfire risks.

drivers
Number of drivers

With its high population and busy roads, Irvine is a city that sees its fair share of accidents and violations. When there are more claims in an area, insurance companies often have to pass on the added costs to drivers in the form of higher premiums. For drivers in Irvine, this can make auto insurance a significant expense, especially if they're involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Irvine's proximity to Los Angeles also contributes to commuter traffic and its high cost of living. 

Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Irvine


When it comes to protecting your vehicle against weather-related damage, comprehensive coverage can be a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy. This coverage can help cover the cost of repairs or replacement if your vehicle is damaged by floods, hurricanes, or other weather-related incidents. By adding comprehensive coverage to your policy, you can have greater peace of mind knowing that you're covered in case of unexpected weather-related damage.

Uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) can also be a valuable addition to your auto insurance policy, particularly if you live in an area with a high rate of uninsured drivers. This coverage can help protect you in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver, covering damages to your vehicle or medical bills resulting from any injuries sustained. UMPD coverage is often less expensive than collision coverage and filing a claim under this coverage typically has less of an impact on your insurance rates in the long run.


Bundling insurance policies in Irvine

With car insurance premiums on the rise, it's no surprise that drivers are looking for ways to save money. One effective strategy is to bundle your policies with a single insurance company. By combining your auto insurance with a renters or homeowners policy, you may be able to take advantage of discounts that could significantly reduce your premiums. Some insurers offer savings of up to 10% for policyholders who bundle their home and car insurance.

Combining your car and home insurance policies with a single insurer can be a great way to save money on your premiums. If you currently have separate policies, it's worth reaching out to your agent to see if bundling is an option for you. And if you're shopping around for a new insurance company, be sure to ask about bundling discounts. Many insurers offer special rates for policyholders who bundle their home and auto coverage. The companies below are known for offering some of the best deals on bundled coverage.

bundling home and auto insurance in irvine
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Irvine, CA
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bundling Home and Auto Insurance in Irvine, CA

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Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $553
Capital Insurance Group $670
GEICO $692
USAA $727
Nationwide $810
Progressive $829
Allstate $1,074

Source: The Zebra

While there are factors that influence your car insurance premium that are outside of your control, you can still take steps to find an affordable rate. One of these steps is shopping around for auto insurance quotes from different companies. By comparing rates and coverage options, you can find the most cost-effective policy that provides the protection you need when you're behind the wheel.

If you're looking to save money on your car insurance, it's important to be aware of potential rate changes that may occur after significant life events or financial changes. Improving your credit or celebrating a milestone birthday can lead to lower premiums. And if you find that your current insurance company is too expensive, don't hesitate to do your research and switch to a provider that better fits your budget and coverage needs.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

With an average six-month policy cost of $966, or $162 per month, car insurance rates in Irvine are higher than both the national and state averages. To ensure you're getting a fair price for your coverage, compare quotes from different insurance providers and consider making changes to your policy.

Irvine car insurance is expensive for a variety of reasons, but most prominently because of its proximity to Los Angeles. Cities that surround major metropolitan areas tend to be more expensive than those further removed due to the likelihood of commuter traffic, number of drivers on the road and cost of living.

According to our data, the cheapest insurance company in Irvine is Wawanesa ($92/month). Another viable option is GEICO, costs just marginally more at $115 per month. Capital Insurance Group, which serves only select states, came in third place.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Irvine, CA

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.