Well, California drivers pay some of the highest premiums in the country, and yet most of us have no idea why our bill seems so steep. California’s statewide average premium is about $2,479 per year; NerdWallet pegs the average full‑coverage cost at $2,298. Part of that price tag comes from congested roads, high repair costs, and natural disasters. The good news? Rates vary dramatically between insurers, and with a bit of homework you can land the cheapest full coverage car insurance in CA. Factors like your age, ZIP code, and driving record matter more than you’d think, and switching carriers at the right time can save hundreds.
“Full coverage” isn’t a magical package – it simply means a policy that includes both comprehensive and collision coverage. These add‑ons repair or replace your car if it’s stolen, vandalized or damaged in an accident you cause. Insurance nerds call that “full” coverage, but it doesn’t cover everything.
Top Insurers and Rates in California: who’s really cheapest?
The list of “cheapest companies” changes depending on who you ask. NerdWallet’s 2025 analysis names GEICO as the lowest full‑coverage provider in California, with a average annual rate of $1,342. Mercury and Kemper follow closely behind, at around $1,431 and $1,557 per year. Meanwhile, US News says Progressive is the cheapest overall at $1,641 annually, beating the statewide average by more than $800. Wawanesa is the bargain choice for teen drivers, while USAA often undercuts the field for military families.
That split illustrates an important point: insurers view risk differently, so the cheapest full coverage car insurance in CA for you might not match the state rankings. A thirty-something teacher in Los Angeles might be paying $220 per month with a national brand. However, after using an online comparison tool, you may discover a regional carrier offering the same full coverage package for $150, representing an annual savings of nearly $800. In other words, there’s no need to sacrifice service; just compare prices.
Full‑Coverage Quotes from Major Carriers
| Company (2025 data) | Est. monthly full‑coverage premium | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | ~$112 | Cheapest in NerdWallet’s CA analysis, strong telematics discounts |
| Mercury | ~$119 | Competitive rates but fewer bells and whistles |
| Kemper | ~$130 | Good for drivers needing SR‑22 filings |
| Progressive | ~$137 (≈$1,641/yr) | Cheapest overall in US News study; strong accident forgiveness |
| Wawanesa | Varies | Lowest car insurance rates for teen drivers; limited membership criteria |
| USAA (military) | ~$70–$90 | Among the cheapest nationally; members only |
A quick glance shows how varied premiums can be. That’s why the first step to finding the right carrier is gathering multiple quotes; a difference of a few dollars per month adds up over a year.
Rates by Age and Driving Record
According to MoneyGeek’s national analysis, young drivers (ages 16–25) pay around $232 per month, even with a clean record; seniors pay roughly half that at $121. If you have teenage children, ask about good‑student and driver‑training discounts – they can trim 5‑20% off your premium. Seniors benefit too: some providers extend “mature driver” discounts once you hit 55.
Driving record is another huge factor. A single speeding ticket can boost your premium by hundreds. US News notes that Progressive remains the cheapest insurer for high risk drivers with a DUI, though rates still rise significantly. Kemper is often the cheapest after a speeding ticket. Some drivers learn this the hard way. Below is a real case that shows it.:
After a late‑night speeding ticket, a driver’s old insurer raised his monthly bill from $140 to $240. Desperate, he shopped around and found a smaller regional carrier willing to insure him for $185. Still higher than before, but shopping saved him nearly $660 a year.
Location Matters: Comparing California Cities
Where you live within California influences your full‑coverage rate as much as your age. Drivers in Los Angeles face high rates because of dense traffic, higher theft rates and expensive repairs. San Francisco adds congestion and steep accident costs, while San Diego benefits from fewer collisions. Fresno, though smaller, sees a surprising number of accidents and thefts.
To illustrate, here’s a simplified comparison (median annual full‑coverage rates) drawn from NerdWallet’s August 2025 data:
| City | Clean driving history | After a DUI | After an accident | After a speeding ticket |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fresno | GEICO – ~$1,349 | Mercury – ~$2,595 | Grange – ~$2,182 | Kemper – ~$1,788 |
| Los Angeles | CSAA – ~$1,835 | Grange – ~$3,891 | CSAA – ~$2,322 | CSAA – ~$2,322 |
| Sacramento | GEICO – ~$1,421 | Mercury – ~$2,981 | CSAA – ~$2,304 | Kemper – ~$1,922 |
| San Diego | GEICO – ~$1,196 | Mercury – ~$2,386 | GEICO – ~$2,146 | Kemper – ~$1,670 |
As you can see, coastal cities like San Diego enjoy slightly lower premiums, while large metro areas absorb higher accident and theft risks. If you’re moving within the state, get quotes for your new ZIP code before finalizing your budget.
California Insurance Requirements and Low‑Cost Programs
Before shopping for the cheapest full coverage car insurance in CA, make sure you understand what you must carry. Under California law, drivers must carry minimum liability coverage with the following limits (renewed since January 1, 2025):
- $30,000 per person for bodily injury,
- $60,000 per accident for total bodily injury (if multiple people are hurt), and
- $15,000 for property damage.
Liability coverage pays for injuries and damage you cause; it doesn’t cover your own car. That’s why lenders typically require full coverage on financed cars.
California also offers a Low‑Cost Auto Insurance program for income‑eligible drivers. Participants receive bare‑bones liability coverage at reduced rates. It’s a lifeline for low‑income residents who might otherwise go uninsured, but it doesn’t include comprehensive or collision – meaning your car isn’t protected. If you can afford even a modest full‑coverage policy, you’ll sleep easier knowing you’re covered against theft and storm damage.
How to Get the Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in CA
Saving on car insurance isn’t about magic; it’s about strategy. Here are some tried‑and‑true tips:
- Shop around every year. Rates shift. What’s cheapest today might not be next year. Compare at least three quotes.
- Bundle policies. Insurers often give 5–25% discounts when you combine auto with home or renters insurance.
- Raise your deductible. Increasing a $500 collision deductible to $1,000 can cut premiums by 10–15%, but make sure you can pay the higher out‑of‑pocket cost.
- Leverage discounts. Ask about good‑driver, good‑student, defensive‑driving, telematics, and military discounts. Installing anti‑theft devices or taking a driver’s‑ed course can shave more off your bill.
- Adjust coverage on older cars. Dropping collision and comprehensive on a 15‑year‑old vehicle might make sense if the car’s value is low.
Another story drives the point home: A Sacramento driver with a spotless record was quoted $180 per month for full coverage. She added her homeowner’s policy, enrolled in a telematics program that tracks safe driving, and raised her deductible to $1,000. Her premium fell to $115. Sure, she had to drive cautiously, knowing she was being monitored, but saving $780 a year was worth it.
Final Takeaways on the Cheapest California Full Coverage
Finding the cheapest full coverage car insurance in CA isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. It depends on your age, driving history, ZIP code and the carrier’s appetite for risk. GEICO and Progressive may top a lot of charts, while Travelers rules the national averages. Whichever company you choose, remember the bigger picture: adequate coverage protects your finances when life goes sideways. Keep your policy current with California’s changing minimums, take advantage of discounts, and revisit your quotes regularly. That way, your insurance will work for you — not against your wallet.
Start comparing free online quotes at Young America Insurance today, and save hundreds on your auto insurance.