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Car Insurance Cost Estimator

Car Insurance in California

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See what California drivers pay, what the legal minimum is and who offers the lowest rates.

  • $141.Average monthly cost for full coverage.
  • The minimum liability limits are 30/60/15.
  • This state ranks 14th of 51 for cost (1st = highest).

Car insurance prices in California

Full coverage for the average California driver costs $1,690 each year, or about $141 monthly. A policy with just legal minimum cover averages $760 a year. The US average is $1,613 a year, so this is 5% more.

Coverage in CaliforniaPer yearPer month
Liability$760$63
Collision$718$60
Comprehensive$211$18
Full coverage (all three)$1,690$141

Source: NAIC 2024 Auto Insurance Database Average Premium Supplement (PDF).

California's legal minimum

In California, the minimum is 30/60/15 liability. Limits are $30,000 per hurt person, $60,000 for all hurt in one crash and $15,000 to cover damage to other people's property.

In California, the driver responsible for a crash pays through their liability cover

Although insurers must offer uninsured motorist coverage in most states, it isn't required.

Source: California DMV, Insurance Requirements.

What each part of the California minimum car insurance limit pays for: one injured person, everyone hurt in a crash, and damaged property

How many California drivers lack insurance?

In 2023, roughly 20% of California drivers lacked car insurance, placing the state at the 8th highest share among the 51. If an uninsured motorist hits you, this cover pays your bills.

Source: Insurance Information Institute, Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists (Insurance Research Council estimates).

More about car insurance in California

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