See California’s new and used car insurance costs, by auto values and deductibles. What coverage you need, how your car’s value affects your rate, and where you can cut costs without leaving yourself exposed.
California drivers pay about 20-28% more for car insurance than the national average.The state also doubled its minimum coverage requirements in 2025, the first increase in over 50 years.
Once ready, see the best local and statewide car insurers.
California’s Liability Minimums
California New Car Insurance Costs
California Used Car Insurance Costs
Driving Record Is Used Instead of Credit Score
New Car vs. Used Car: Choosing Right Coverage
What factors influence California Rates
How to Lower Your California Car Insurance Costs
Curious about car financing? See real California car loan rates shared by our community. Also find California Best car loan lenders in your area (also community recommended).
California’s Liability Minimums
California raised its minimum liability requirements on January 1, 2025. The new minimums are:
- $30,000 for injuries to one person (up from $15,000).
- $60,000 for injuries to multiple people in one accident (up from $30,000).
- $15,000 for property damage (up from $5,000).
These limits apply to new and renewed policies. If your policy renewed before January 2025, you may still be on the old 15/30/5 limits until your next renewal date.
California is an at-fault state. If you cause an accident, you’re responsible for the other party’s losses. If your insurance limits run out, you pay the difference — or face a lawsuit.
MFP Tip: The minimums will increase again in 2035 to 50/100/25. Even the new limits may not cover a serious accident, so treat 30/60/15 as a legal floor, not a recommendation.
California New Car Insurance Costs
Your new car monthly premium depends on three main factors: the value of your car, how much coverage you carry, and your driving record. The table below show estimated monthly costs across different scenarios.
| Car Value | Coverage | 750+ (Excellent) |
700–749 (Good) |
650–699 (Fair) |
600–649 (Below Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over $60K | Full | $267 | $310 | $338 | $546 |
| Standard | $224 | $260 | $284 | $458 | |
| Liability only | $122 | $142 | $155 | $250 | |
| $40K-$60K | Full | $226 | $262 | $286 | $462 |
| Standard | $188 | $218 | $238 | $384 | |
| Liability only | $105 | $122 | $132 | $214 | |
| $25K-$40K | Full | $197 | $229 | $250 | $403 |
| Standard | $163 | $190 | $207 | $335 | |
| Liability only | $93 | $108 | $118 | $190 | |
| Below $25K | Full | $173 | $201 | $219 | $354 |
| Standard | $142 | $165 | $180 | $291 | |
| Liability only | $82 | $95 | $104 | $167 |
California Used Car Insurance Costs
Your used car monthly premium depends on three main factors: the value of your car, how much coverage you carry, and your driving record.
| Car Value | Coverage | 750+ (Excellent) |
700–749 (Good) |
650–699 (Fair) |
600–649 (Below Fair) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Over $40K | Full | $202 | $234 | $255 | $412 |
| Standard | $168 | $195 | $213 | $344 | |
| Liability only | $94 | $109 | $119 | $191 | |
| $15K-$40K | Full | $168 | $195 | $213 | $344 |
| Standard | $139 | $162 | $177 | $285 | |
| Liability only | $79 | $92 | $100 | $162 | |
| Below $15K | Full | $141 | $164 | $179 | $289 |
| Standard | $115 | $134 | $146 | $236 | |
| Liability only | $67 | $78 | $85 | $138 |
Understanding Coverage Levels
Full Coverage: Pays to repair or replace your car (collision and comprehensive) plus covers damage and injuries you cause to others, with higher limits (typically $100,000 per person / $300,000 per accident for injuries, $100,000 for property). Best for newer cars, financed vehicles, or anyone who couldn’t afford to replace their car out of pocket.
Standard Coverage: Same protections as full coverage but with lower limits and higher out-of-pocket costs when you file a claim. A middle-ground option that balances protection and cost.
Liability Only: Covers damage and injuries you cause to others, but nothing for your own vehicle. Makes sense for older cars where the yearly premium would exceed the car’s value over a few years.
Driving Record Is Used Instead of Credit Score
Unlike most states, California prohibits insurers from using your credit score to set premiums. This is one of only a few states with this protection.
Instead, California insurers focus heavily on:
- Driving record: One at-fault accident can raise your premium by 40-50%. A DUI can nearly triple your rates.
- Years of driving experience: New drivers pay far more than experienced drivers with clean records.
- Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher your risk — and your premium.
Drivers with clean records pay the lowest rates across every coverage level. Those with accidents or violations on their record can pay $500-$1,000+ more per year than drivers without incidents.
MFP Tip: A clean driving record is worth more in California than almost any discount. One ticket or accident stays on your record for 3-5 years and affects every renewal.
New Car vs. Used Car: Choosing Right Coverage
New Cars
If you finance or lease a new car, your lender requires full coverage until you pay off the loan. You don’t have a choice here.
Even if you buy outright, full coverage makes sense for new vehicles. A totaled $45,000 car with only liability coverage means you absorb the entire loss.
Gap insurance is worth adding for new cars. If your car is totaled, standard insurance pays the current market value — which drops the moment you drive off the lot. Gap insurance pays the difference between what you owe on your loan and what the insurer pays out. Most lenders offer this at purchase, but standalone policies from insurers often cost less.
Used Cars
The decision gets more nuanced with used vehicles. The key question: does paying for collision and comprehensive coverage make financial sense given your car’s value?
Here’s a simple test. Look up your car’s current market value (check Kelley Blue Book or similar). Multiply by 10%. If your annual collision and comprehensive premium exceeds that number, liability-only coverage may be the better bet.
Example: Your car is worth $8,000. Ten percent is $800. If your collision and comprehensive costs $900/year, you’re paying more than 10% of the car’s value just to insure against total loss. At that ratio, you’d break even in less than nine years of premium payments — and cars depreciate faster than that.
MFP Tip: Reassess your coverage each year. A car worth $25,000 three years ago may only be worth $15,000 today. The coverage that made sense at purchase might not make sense now.
Minimums Are Just Minimums
The new minimums are better than the old ones, but they still leave gaps.
When You Damage Someone’s Property
The $15,000 property damage limit sounds reasonable until you rear-end a Tesla or BMW. A moderate collision with a luxury vehicle can easily exceed $20,000-$30,000 in repairs. Your insurance pays $15,000. You pay the rest.
If You Injure Someone
Medical costs in California are among the highest in the country. A single ER visit with imaging and treatment can exceed $15,000. A serious injury involving surgery, hospitalization, and rehabilitation can reach six figures. Your $30,000 per-person limit won’t come close.
Without enough coverage, your personal assets — savings, home equity, future wages — are on the table.
About 1 in 6 California Drivers Has No Insurance
Roughly 16-17% of California drivers carry no insurance at all — over 4 million people. If one of them hits you, your liability coverage doesn’t help. Uninsured motorist coverage fills this gap.
California insurers are required to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but you can decline it in writing. Given the odds, declining is a risk.
MFP Tip: California’s Proposition 103 protects you from rate increases when you file an uninsured motorist claim for a no-fault accident. You won’t be penalized for using coverage you paid for.
What Factor Influence California Rates
At-Fault State
California follows an at-fault system. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party’s damages. This means your liability coverage gets used when you’re at fault, and you can sue (or be sued) for damages beyond insurance limits.
Nation’s Highest Vehicle Theft Rate
California leads the country in vehicle thefts — over 200,000 stolen in 2023. If you drive a commonly stolen vehicle (Honda Civics, Toyota Camrys, and full-size pickups top the list), expect higher comprehensive premiums. Where you park matters too: urban areas with higher theft rates mean higher costs.
Wildfire and Natural Disaster Risk
Comprehensive coverage pays for fire damage, falling debris, and flood. In California, wildfire risk affects insurance availability and pricing in many areas. If you live in a high-risk zone, verify your comprehensive coverage includes wildfire damage and check whether your insurer has any restrictions.
Where You Live Changes Everything
Rates vary dramatically by ZIP code. Los Angeles area suburbs consistently rank among the nation’s most expensive for car insurance. Rural areas in Northern California or the Central Valley pay significantly less for identical coverage — sometimes $100-$150 less per month.
How to Lower Your California Car Insurance Costs
Bundle home and auto. Most insurers offer 10-25% discounts when you carry multiple policies. If you rent, renters insurance bundled with auto often qualifies for the same discount.
Maintain a clean driving record. This matters more in California than in most states since credit scores can’t be used. A clean record is your biggest leverage for lower rates.
Ask about low-mileage discounts. If you drive under 7,500 miles per year, many insurers offer reduced rates. Remote workers and retirees often qualify.
Compare quotes from multiple carriers. California’s market includes both national carriers and regional specialists like Wawanesa and Mercury. Rates for identical coverage can vary by hundreds of dollars per year. Get at least three quotes before deciding.
Raise your deductible. Moving from a $500 to a $1,000 deductible (the amount you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in) typically lowers your premium by 15-20%. Just make sure you can cover the higher amount if you need to file a claim.
Check eligibility for the California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program. If your income is below certain thresholds, you may qualify for basic liability coverage at reduced rates ($20-$30/month). Visit MyLowCostAuto.com to check eligibility.
Buying a Car in California? Here’s What to Do
Get Insurance Before You Drive
California requires proof of insurance before you can legally drive. If you’re buying from a dealer, they won’t release the car without it. If you’re buying private-party, you’re uninsured the moment you take the keys without a policy in place.
Call your insurer before finalizing the purchase. Most can add a vehicle to your policy within minutes and email proof of insurance immediately.
Register and Title Your Vehicle
Within 10 days of purchase (for private sales) or when the dealer processes the paperwork, your vehicle must be registered with the California DMV. Bring:
- Proof of California insurance.
- The signed title or dealer documentation.
- A valid ID.
- Payment for registration fees and use tax.
You can complete some registration steps online at dmv.ca.gov.
Review Coverage Annually
Your car loses value every year. The full coverage that made sense for a new $40,000 car may not make sense when that car is worth $22,000 five years later. Check your coverage at each renewal and adjust based on your car’s current value.
California Best Car Insurance
Find California best local insurers by metro areas, and online, based on community recommendations
Los Angeles, San Diego, San Jose, San Francisco, Fresno, Sacramento, Long Beach, Oakland, Bakersfield, Anaheim, Santa Ana, Riverside, Online Lenders.
Los Angeles Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Los Angeles’s area are Gaspar Insurance Services, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
Gaspar Insurance Services (89% Recommend)
- Gaspar Insurance Services scores 4.7 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Los Angeles’s top 3.
- Drivers can work with a local agency that compares companies and helps explain coverage before they choose a policy.
Mercury Insurance (85% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, with the strongest Easy Application among the top 3 insurers.
- Mercury is a strong California option for drivers who want local agent access and competitive auto coverage.
Wawanesa Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among Los Angeles’s top 3.
- Wawanesa works well for drivers who care most about price satisfaction and steady policy service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaspar Insurance Services | Agency | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 89% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 85% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 84% |
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 74% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 73% |
| National General | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Acceptance Insurance | Agency | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
San Diego Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in San Diego’s area are California Brokerage Insurance Associates, Beach Break Insurance Agency and Wawanesa Insurance.
California Brokerage Insurance Associates (89% Recommend)
- California Brokerage Insurance Associates scores 4.7 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among San Diego’s top 3.
- Drivers can get local help comparing companies and asking coverage questions before picking a policy.
Beach Break Insurance Agency (87% Recommend)
- Beach Break Insurance Agency has 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, only 0.1 below California Brokerage Insurance Associates on support.
- Beach Break works well for drivers who want a local agency to compare options and explain the tradeoffs.
Wawanesa Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, matching Beach Break on Terms & Premium Satisfaction.
- Wawanesa is a strong fit for San Diego drivers who care about price satisfaction and steady policy service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California Brokerage Insurance Associates | Agency | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 89% |
| Beach Break Insurance Agency | Agency | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 87% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 84% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 83% |
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 74% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 73% |
| National General | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
San Jose Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in San Jose’s area are San Jose Insurance Agency, The J. Morey Company and Mercury Insurance.
San Jose Insurance Agency (89% Recommend)
- San Jose Insurance Agency scores 4.7 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among San Jose’s top 3.
- Drivers can work with a local agency that compares companies and helps make the policy choices easier to understand.
The J. Morey Company (86% Recommend)
- The J. Morey Company has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, only 0.1 below San Jose Insurance Agency on support.
- The agency is useful for drivers who want local help comparing coverage instead of shopping one company at a time.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, matching The J. Morey Company on Easy Application and Terms.
- Mercury works well for California drivers who want agent access and competitive auto insurance options.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose Insurance Agency | Agency | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 89% |
| The J. Morey Company | Agency | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 86% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| CSAA Insurance Group | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 74% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 73% |
| National General | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
San Francisco Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in San Francisco’s area are Newfront Insurance, CSAA Insurance Group and Mercury Insurance.
Newfront Insurance (88% Recommend)
- Newfront Insurance scores 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among San Francisco’s top 3.
- Drivers can use the broker to compare options and get help understanding policy choices before buying.
CSAA Insurance Group (85% Recommend)
- CSAA Insurance Group has 4.4 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.6 Support & Guidance, with stronger support than Mercury.
- CSAA works well for drivers who want a California-focused insurer with local service support.
Mercury Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance scores 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, matching CSAA on Terms & Premium Satisfaction.
- Mercury is a practical choice for drivers who want agent access and competitive California auto coverage.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newfront Insurance | Broker | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 88% |
| CSAA Insurance Group | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 85% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 83% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 74% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 73% |
| National General | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Acceptance Insurance | Agency | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Fresno Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Fresno’s area are DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers (89% Recommend)
- DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers scores 4.7 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Fresno’s top 3.
- Drivers can work with a local broker that compares companies and helps explain coverage before they choose.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, with the easiest application score among Fresno’s top 3.
- Mercury is a solid California option for drivers who want agent access and competitive auto insurance.
Wawanesa Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among the top 3.
- Wawanesa works well for drivers who care about price satisfaction and steady policy service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers | Broker | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 89% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 74% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 73% |
| National General | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Acceptance Insurance | Agency | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Sacramento Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Sacramento’s area are Bender Insurance Solutions, Mercury Insurance and CSAA Insurance Group.
Bender Insurance Solutions (89% Recommend)
- Bender Insurance Solutions scores 4.7 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.9 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Sacramento’s top 3.
- Drivers can use the agency to compare companies and get help understanding what coverage is worth buying.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, with the strongest Easy Application among Sacramento’s top 3 insurers.
- Mercury works well for California drivers who want agent access and competitive auto insurance options.
CSAA Insurance Group (83% Recommend)
- CSAA Insurance Group scores 4.4 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.6 Support & Guidance, the strongest Support & Guidance among the top insurers.
- CSAA is a good fit for drivers who want a California-focused insurer with local service support.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bender Insurance Solutions | Agency | 4.7 | 4.6 | 4.9 | 89% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| CSAA Insurance Group | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 83% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Nationwide | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 74% |
| Liberty Mutual | Insurer | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 73% |
| National General | Insurer | 4.2 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Acceptance Insurance | Agency | 4.3 | 3.9 | 4.0 | 72% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Long Beach Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Long Beach’s area are Adriana’s Insurance, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
Adriana’s Insurance (87% Recommend)
- Adriana’s Insurance scores 4.6 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Long Beach’s top 3.
- Drivers can get local help comparing companies and finding a policy that fits their budget.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, matching Adriana’s Insurance on Terms & Premium Satisfaction.
- Mercury is a good fit for drivers who want a California insurer with agent access and competitive auto coverage.
Wawanesa Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among Long Beach’s top 3.
- Wawanesa works well for drivers who care most about price satisfaction and steady service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adriana’s Insurance | Agency | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.8 | 87% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Oakland Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Oakland’s area are CSAA Insurance Group, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
CSAA Insurance Group (85% Recommend)
- CSAA Insurance Group scores 4.4 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.6 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Oakland’s top 3.
- CSAA works well for drivers who want a California-focused insurer with local service support.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, the easiest application score among Oakland’s top 3.
- Mercury is a practical choice for drivers who want agent access and competitive California auto coverage.
Wawanesa Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among the top 3.
- Wawanesa is a good fit for drivers who care about price satisfaction and steady policy service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSAA Insurance Group | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 85% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Bakersfield Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Bakersfield’s area are DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers (88% Recommend)
- DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers scores 4.6 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.8 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Bakersfield’s top 3.
- Drivers can work with a local broker that compares companies and helps explain what coverage makes sense.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, with the easiest application score among the top 3 insurers.
- Mercury works well for drivers who want a California insurer with local agent access.
Wawanesa Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among Bakersfield’s top 3.
- Wawanesa is a good fit for drivers who care about price satisfaction and reliable policy support.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DiBuduo & DeFendis Insurance Brokers | Broker | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.8 | 88% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 82% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Anaheim Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Anaheim’s area are Auto Club of Southern California, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
Auto Club of Southern California (86% Recommend)
- Auto Club of Southern California scores 4.4 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.6 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Anaheim’s top 3.
- Auto Club works well for drivers who want local service support and a familiar Southern California insurance option.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, the easiest application score among Anaheim’s top 3.
- Mercury is a practical fit for drivers who want agent access and competitive California auto coverage.
Wawanesa Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among the top 3.
- Wawanesa works well for drivers who care about price satisfaction and steady policy service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 86% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Allstate | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 76% |
| Travelers | Insurer | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 76% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Santa Ana Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Santa Ana’s area are Auto Club of Southern California, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
Auto Club of Southern California (86% Recommend)
- Auto Club of Southern California scores 4.4 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.6 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Santa Ana’s top 3.
- Auto Club is a good fit for drivers who want local service support and a familiar Southern California insurer.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, with the easiest application score among Santa Ana’s top 3.
- Mercury works well for drivers who want agent access and competitive California auto coverage.
Wawanesa Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among the top 3.
- Wawanesa is a strong option for drivers who care about price satisfaction and reliable policy service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 86% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
Riverside Best Car Insurers
MFP’s Community Car Insurance Survey most recommended auto insurance companies in Riverside’s area are Auto Club of Southern California, Mercury Insurance and Wawanesa Insurance.
Auto Club of Southern California (86% Recommend)
- Auto Club of Southern California scores 4.4 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.6 Support & Guidance, the highest Support & Guidance among Riverside’s top 3.
- Auto Club works well for drivers who want a Southern California insurer with local service support.
Mercury Insurance (84% Recommend)
- Mercury Insurance has 4.5 Easy Application, 4.5 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.4 Support & Guidance, giving it the easiest application score among Riverside’s top 3.
- Mercury is a practical option for drivers who want agent access and competitive California auto coverage.
Wawanesa Insurance (83% Recommend)
- Wawanesa Insurance scores 4.3 Easy Application, 4.6 Terms & Premium Satisfaction and 4.5 Support & Guidance, the strongest Terms & Premium Satisfaction among the top 3.
- Wawanesa is a good fit for drivers who care about price satisfaction and steady policy service.
| Insurer | Type | Easy Application | Terms & Premium Satisfaction | Support & Guidance | Recommend % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Auto Club of Southern California | Insurer | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 86% |
| Mercury Insurance | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 84% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 83% |
| State Farm | Insurer | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 80% |
| Progressive | Insurer | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 79% |
| GEICO | Insurer | 4.8 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 78% |
| Farmers Insurance | Insurer | 4.3 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 77% |
| Freeway Insurance | Agency | 4.4 | 3.8 | 4.0 | 71% |
End Note
California’s new 30/60/15 minimums are a step up from the old requirements, but they still leave you exposed in any serious accident. Base your coverage decisions on your car’s actual value, your ability to absorb a loss, and the real costs of accidents in California — not just state minimums.
Use the rate tables above to estimate what you’ll pay, then shop around. A few hours comparing quotes can save you hundreds per year without sacrificing the protection you need.