Car Insurance Comparison: Massachusetts vs. California

Moving from Massachusetts to California? Remember to update your car insurance.

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By Ross Martin
Updated May 27, 2022
Edited By Renata Balasco

Comparing auto insurance in Massachusetts and California

If you are planning to move from Massachusetts to California, you are probably paying attention to the obvious expenses and concerns: locating a reliable long-distance moving company, getting a new apartment or house in your new state, and setting your move-in schedule.

Amidst the stress of a big move, it can be easy to forget the details. Car insurance is often just an afterthought, but it’s critical. In order to stay legal and find a good deal, plan to reevaluate your policy — or purchase a new policy — when you move.

Check out our guide to car insurance in Massachusetts and California and plan your next steps accordingly. We'll cover the following:


  1. Insurance cost comparison
  2. Rates by coverage level
  3. Affordable companies by state
  4. Rates in major cities
  5. Additional resources


Massachusetts vs. California car insurance — which state's rates are cheaper?

Expect to pay more for car insurance once you move. The typical annual car insurance rate in California is $259 pricier than in Massachusetts. The precise cost will depend on your coverage choice, insurance history, and your choice of car insurance company.


AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN MASSACHUSETTS VS. CALIFORNIA
State Average Annual Rate
Massachusetts $1,448
California $1,707


Average car insurance premiums by coverage level

How much you can expect to pay for an auto policy depends on how you use your vehicle and how much protection you want from your policy.

If you elect your state's minimum liability coverage, you will get medical payment, bodily injury, and property damage liability coverages, along with uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP) in some states.


AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR STATE MINIMUM COVERAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS vs. CALIFORNIA
State Period Premium
Massachusetts Annual $484
California Annual $573
Massachusetts 6-Month $242
California 6-Month $286
Massachusetts Monthly $40
California Monthly $48


Upgrading to full-coverage car insurance will cost substantially more, but you'll receive comprehensive and collision coverages, as well as perks like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance protection. The most notable benefit of full coverage is that it insures you and your car more comprehensively than does minimum liability coverage. If you are willing to spend more up front to protect your investment, consider bumping up your policy to full coverage.


AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR FULL COVERAGE IN MASSACHUSETTS vs. CALIFORNIA
Location Time Period Premium
Massachusetts Annual $1,269
California Annual $1,626
Massachusetts 6-Month $634
California 6-Month $813
Massachusetts Monthly $106
California Monthly $135


Cheap car insurance companies in Massachusetts and California

A major contributor to your auto insurance costs is the insurer you choose. Auto insurance companies set premiums in a variety of ways, resulting in major price variations. Geography matters, too: some car insurance companies have limited geographic range, while bigger insurance companies' rates differ by state.

When moving across state lines, it’s important to find the best cheap car insurance company in your new location. Get started below with our list of the five cheapest auto insurance companies in Massachusetts and California.


AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN MASSACHUSETTS
Insurer Average Annual Rate
State Farm $726
Grange $815
GEICO $859
Commerce $893
OneBeacon $894


See other cheap auto insurance companies in Massachusetts.


AFFORDABLE CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN CALIFORNIA
Company Average Annual Rate
USAA $1,132
Wawanesa $1,169
Century National $1,202
CSAA $1,210
Nationwide $1,238


View more inexpensive auto insurance companies in California.


Car insurance rates by city in Massachusetts and California

While car insurance is legislated at the state level, insurance companies price rates by ZIP code to account for unique factors such as density and the likelihood of a crash. The specific location to which you move plays a big part in deciding your auto insurance rates.

See below car insurance rates in major cities in California and Massachusetts.


CAR INSURANCE RATES BY CITY IN MASSACHUSETTS
City Average Annual Rate
Boston $1,770
Worcester $1,712
Springfield $1,889
Lowell $1,542
Cambridge $1,476


View a longer list of Massachusetts cities.


CAR INSURANCE RATES BY CITY IN CALIFORNIA
City Average Annual Rate
Los Angeles $2,125
San Diego $1,354
San Jose $1,409
San Francisco $1,728
Fresno $1,487


Looking for rates in another city? View car insurance rates in other California cities.


More information on relocating from Massachusetts to California

When relocating from Massachusetts to California, you'll face unfamiliar driving laws, different FR-44 or SR-22 requirements, and more. Make sure your move is seamless with our data on your new home:

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Ross MartinManager, Content Quality

As a licensed insurance agent, Ross researches and writes insurance content intended to help users make informed decisions.

Ross's background is in writing and education. He holds a master's degree from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Ross's work has been cited by The New York Times, Investopedia, The Simple Dollar, The Balance, Car and Driver and Fox Business. He has been quoted by CNET, I Drive Safely and Kin Insurance. 

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