Fact CheckedNerdWallet’s editorial team collected data on 21 auto insurers in California and scored them for a variety of factors, including customer experience, online features and discounts. We chose GEICO for the top spot in California, but plenty of other car insurance companies also earned high ratings.
Our February 2026 picks for the best car insurance companies in California are:
Category winner | NerdWallet star rating |
|---|---|
Best overall and most affordable: GEICO | |
Best for customer complaints: Travelers | |
Best coverage options: Progressive | |
Best for new drivers: State Farm | |
Best regional insurer: Auto Club of Southern California |
For our list of the best car insurance companies in California, we considered only insurers that achieved a minimum NerdWallet star rating of 4.5. As we continue to evaluate more insurance providers and receive fresh market data, our list of best car insurance companies may change.
NerdWallet’s editorial team considers these factors when choosing the best auto insurance companies:
Financial strength. We use AM Best ratings to confirm an insurer’s long-term financial stability and ability to pay claims.
Consumer experience. These ratings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). We also look at survey data from J.D. Power’s yearly national and regional studies.
Digital ease of use. This category looks at how easily consumers can interact with an insurer through its mobile app and website. This includes the quality of information offered online, mobile app scores based on Apple and Google Play store ratings, and whether a user can start and track a claim, or get a quote online.
Ways to save. We look at the kinds of discounts a company offers and the total number of discounts available.
You can read our full auto insurance methodology to learn more.
Strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage.
Thorough rating guidelines for evaluating auto insurance companies.
More than 120 million rates analyzed by our team of specialists.
More than 130 insurance companies analyzed in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
You can trust the prices we show because our data analysts take rigorous measures to eliminate outliers and inaccuracies in pricing data, which includes rates from every locale in a state where coverage is offered and data is available. When comparing rates for different coverage amounts, ages and backgrounds, we change only one variable at a time, so you can easily see how each factor affects pricing.
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Best car insurance company in California: GEICO
Best overall in california
GEICO
- Received fewer customer complaints than expected for auto insurance.
- Lots of coverage options for auto insurance.
- One of the largest insurance providers in the nation.
- Rideshare insurance is not available in California.
Why GEICO is the best: We think GEICO is the best car insurance for most drivers in California. One area where GEICO stands out is its customer experience. GEICO receives fewer complaints for its size than expected. The insurer also ranks near the top of the California segment of the J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study, which measures customer satisfaction.
GEICO is also a great choice for affordability. We found that on average GEICO often has some of the cheapest car insurance in California for good drivers and those with a driving violation or accident on their records. Besides its rates, GEICO has a slate of discounts that could make it even more budget-friendly.
Don’t pick GEICO if: You want to add coverage to a basic policy. GEICO offers a few basic add-ons, including mechanical breakdown coverage, but other insurers may have a greater number of options.
How much is GEICO car insurance in California? The average cost of car insurance from GEICO for someone with a clean driving record is $113 per month, or $1,358 per year in California. That’s compared to the statewide average of $1,940 per year.
» Read the full review: GEICO auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $1,358 $286 One speeding ticket, good credit $2,117 $460 One at-fault crash, good credit $2,398 $562 One DUI, good credit $3,407 $743 Clean driving record, poor credit $1,358 $286
Best for customer complaints: Travelers
Best for customer complaints
Travelers
- Website available in Spanish.
- A lot of coverage options and discounts.
- Far fewer than expected complaints about auto insurance to state regulators.
- Some coverage options may not be available to all California drivers.
Why Travelers is the best: We named Travelers in this spot because the insurer earns fewer complaints from policyholders than expected for its size. In fact, Travelers has the best complaints-to-size ratio of top-rated insurers in California.
Travelers also offers more coverage options than many of its competitors. Add-ons like gap insurance, new car replacement, rideshare insurance and one of two accident forgiveness plans could all improve a basic policy.
Don’t pick Travelers if: Low rates are your main focus. We found that in California Travelers car insurance may cost more than average for good drivers and those with a past accident or violation on their records.
How much is Travelers car insurance in California? The average cost of car insurance from Travelers for someone with a clean driving record is $188 per month, or $2,261 per year in California. That’s compared to the statewide average of $1,940 per year.
» Read the full review: Travelers auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $2,261 $774 One speeding ticket, good credit $3,206 $1,123 One at-fault crash, good credit $3,544 $1,257 One DUI, good credit $4,816 $1,627 Clean driving record, poor credit $2,261 $774
Best for coverage options: Progressive
Best for coverage options
Progressive
- Numerous discounts offered, including two programs — one for safe driving and the other for young drivers.
- Generous rental car and travel expenses coverage.
- Above average customer satisfaction rating for buying auto insurance among large insurers, according to J.D. Power.
- Doesn't offer gap insurance.
Why Progressive is the best: Progressive offers a range of coverage add-ons that could help strengthen a basic policy. Coverage options may include gap insurance, custom parts coverage and protection for your car’s mechanical systems. Also, a full coverage policy may include up to $1,000 in coverage for your pet’s injuries following an accident.
Progressive’s great set of discounts could help to put its coverage options in reach for cost-conscious drivers. Some discounts may be fairly easy to qualify for, including discounts for shopping and signing up for coverage online, and for receiving your policy documents electronically.
Don’t pick Progressive if: You want the absolute lowest rates in California you can find. While Progressive does tend to have lower rates than some other insurers in California, there are companies that might have cheaper rates.
How much is Progressive car insurance in California? The average cost of car insurance from Progressive for someone with a clean driving record is $136 per month, or $1,630 per year in California. That’s compared to the statewide average of $1,940 per year.
» Read the full review: Progressive auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $1,630 $512 One speeding ticket, good credit $2,491 $748 One at-fault crash, good credit $2,588 $816 One DUI, good credit $3,423 $980 Clean driving record, poor credit $1,630 $512
Best for new drivers: State Farm
Best for new drivers
State Farm
- Generous rental car and travel expenses coverage.
- Above-average customer satisfaction rating for buying auto insurance among large insurers, according to J.D. Power.
- Doesn't offer gap insurance.
Why State Farm is the best: State Farm is a great choice for new drivers in California looking for ways to lower their insurance costs. For starters, we found that, on average, State Farm may have better car insurance rates for new drivers with good records in California than some other insurance companies.
Another reason State Farm is our pick for new drivers is that, if you’re under 25, you may be able to participate in State Farm’s safety education course in exchange for a discount on your insurance policy. In California, State Farm also offers a good student discount, and a discount if you attend school away from home.
Don’t pick State Farm if: You’re looking to bundle home and auto insurance. State Farm has paused issuing new homeowners insurance policies in California. Other insurers may still offer home insurance in the state, but you’ll need to look elsewhere.
How much is State Farm car insurance in California? The average cost of car insurance from State Farm for someone with a clean driving record is $172 per month, or $2,068 per year in California. That’s compared to the statewide average of $1,940 per year.
» Read the full review: State Farm auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $2,068 $579 One speeding ticket, good credit $3,110 $918 One at-fault crash, good credit $3,208 $964 One DUI, good credit $7,309 $2,087 Clean driving record, poor credit $2,068 $579
Best regional insurer: Auto Club of Southern California
Best local insurance company
Auto Club of SoCal
- Mobile app available to manage your policy.
- Generally receive an auto insurance discount for being a member of AAA.
- Not available in all states.
- May have to switch insurers if you move states.
Why Auto Club of SoCal is the best: Auto Club of SoCal, which is a part of the AAA family, offers auto insurance coverage in Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego, San Luis Obispo and some other counties across California. Despite its name, Auto Club of SoCal operates in other states, too.
Auto Club of SoCal earned its spot in part because of its customer experience. The insurer scored better than average in the J.D Power Claims Satisfaction Study. It's also at the top of the California segment of the Auto Insurance Study for overall customer satisfaction.
We found that Auto Club of SoCal has some of the best rates on average for good drivers in the Golden State. It also remains relatively affordable compared to other insurers for drivers who have an at-fault accident or speeding ticket on their records.
Don’t pick Auto Club of SoCal if: You want to maximize savings opportunities with lots of discounts. Auto Club of SoCal has an average number of discounts according to our analysis, and other insurers may offer far more.
How much is Auto Club of SoCal car insurance in California? The average cost of car insurance from the Auto Club of SoCal for someone with a clean driving record is $127 per month, or $1,528 per year in California. That’s compared to the statewide average of $1,940 per year.
» Read the full review: AAA auto insurance review
Driver profile Full coverage rate Minimum coverage rate Clean driving record, good credit $1,528 $413 One speeding ticket, good credit $2,096 $578 One at-fault crash, good credit $2,388 $689 One DUI, good credit $4,759 $1,490 Clean driving record, poor credit $1,528 $413
Full list of the top car insurance companies in California
There’s no such thing as a single best car insurance company that works for everyone. Instead, each person’s own coverage needs, personal details, driving history, vehicle and location all play a part in determining their best insurance option.
These are our picks for the top-rated car insurance companies in California for different types of drivers:
Company | Star rating |
|---|---|
Best overall car insurance company: GEICO | |
Best for customer complaints: Travelers | |
Best coverage options: Progressive | |
Best for new drivers: State Farm | |
Best regional car insurance company: Auto Club of SoCal | |
Best for high-risk drivers: Mercury | |
Best for senior drivers: The Hartford | |
Best for military families: USAA* | |
*USAA is available only to active-duty military members, veterans and their families. | |
What to know about car insurance in California
Car insurance in California works mostly the same as it does in other states. One key difference from nearly every state is California’s low-cost auto insurance option, which could be a big help if you’re having trouble affording your car insurance.
The California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program is a state-sponsored plan that helps some drivers meet the state’s insurance requirements. You may qualify for the program if you:
Have a valid California driver’s license.
Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less.
Are at least 18 years old, or have been legally emancipated.
Have had no accidents in the last three years.
Have no points on your license.
Your eligibility depends also on the size of your household and your income. The income limit for single drivers is $39,900, and it increases for every person who’s a part of your household.
Policies can cost up to $920 per year depending on the county where you live. Coverage is less than what California requires other drivers carry — and might not cover the cost of even minor accidents. But the Low Cost Auto Insurance Program will allow you to avoid serious penalties for driving without insurance.
Drivers in California need to have the following types of insurance:
Bodily injury liability insurance. Your liability insurance pays for the injuries that you cause to other people in a car accident.
Property damage liability insurance. This coverage helps pay for the damaged property of others after an at-fault accident.
We recommend getting more than the minimum amount of car insurance. The injuries and damage from a serious accident could far exceed what a basic policy in California would cover. And, after an accident, you would receive no coverage for damage to your own car, since liability insurance covers only the damage you cause to others’ property.
Most people could benefit from considering these other types of car insurance:
Comprehensive and collision insurance. Covers theft and most other types of damage to your own car, even if you were at fault.
Uninsured motorist coverage: Helps pay for injuries and damage that a driver without insurance causes.
Underinsured motorist coverage: Similar to uninsured coverage, this type of insurance helps pay for damage that’s caused by someone who doesn’t have enough insurance to cover the entire cost of an accident.
The average cost of car insurance in California is $1,940 a year, but it depends on how much coverage you have and your driving record. Other details like your age, where you live, your car and your insurance company can also affect your price.
If you’re interested in seeing what you might pay for car insurance in your area, you could estimate your insurance costs by using our calculator.
Estimate full coverage rates by ZIP codeEnter your ZIP code to find the average monthly car insurance rate for your area. Rates are for policies that include full coverage for a 35-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving record.
Average monthly car insurance rate in your ZIP code:
$0It may be hard to find car insurance on your own if you’ve had multiple accidents or driving violations. You may have to get coverage through the California Automobile Assigned Risk Plan (CAARP). CAARP isn’t an insurance company; it’s an association set up by the state that helps high-risk drivers get car insurance.
How to get the best auto insurance in California
There are many more insurance companies in California than the ones we’ve called out here. If you’re still not sure which one is right for you, or you want to do some research on your own, you can follow these steps to find the best car insurance in California for you.
Understand the coverage you need. Car insurance is already expensive. While NerdWallet recommends getting more insurance than what California requires, you don’t want to pay more than you have to for coverage you don’t need.
Know the type of company that you’re looking for. Some insurers are best suited to drivers looking for cheap rates; others are better for drivers who want robust coverage options or consistently reliable service. Having a handle on what you prefer can help you decide on an insurer.
Consider other factors. One particular detail can greatly influence which insurer is the best for you. Your list of top companies may change if you work from home and almost never drive, want to bundle policies or need coverage for a new driver in your family.
Shop around at least once a year. The cost of car insurance changes regularly. Before you buy a policy, shop around and compare rates from a few car insurance companies to be sure that yours is still the best choice for your budget.
Don’t shy away from smaller insurers. A small, regional insurance company in California may line up best with your coverage needs and budget. An agent or broker could help you find local insurance companies in your area.
Learn more about California insurance |
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For more information about California car insurance, check out these articles: |
We nerd out on car insurance
Our goal is to give you what you need to make smart decisions about your car insurance.
Here’s why you can trust NerdWallet:
We do our homework. We regularly evaluate and review many of the insurance companies we write about. And all of our content is fact-checked before publication. This means the star ratings you see on our reviews are accurate and up-to-date.
We analyze the data. We update our average car insurance rates every month. To do that, we analyze more than 500 million rates from across the country. These rates are provided by Quadrant Information Services.
We are unbiased. NerdWallet’s content is never influenced by our business partners and advertisers. Learn more about how we write in our editorial guidelines.
NerdWallet writers are subject matter authorities who use primary, trustworthy sources to inform their work, including peer-reviewed studies, government websites, academic research and interviews with industry experts. All content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. You can learn more about NerdWallet's high standards for journalism by reading our editorial guidelines.
- 1.J.D. Power. 2025 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
- 2.J.D. Power. 2025 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
- 3.California's Low Cost Auto Insurance. Homepage for California's Low Cost Auto Insurance. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
- 4.California Department of Motor Vehicles. Insurance Requirements. Accessed Feb 26, 2026.
Auto insurance ratings methodology
NerdWallet’s auto insurance ratings reward companies for customer-first features and practices. Ratings are based on weighted averages of scores in several categories, including financial strength, consumer complaints and discounts. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim. Using our editorial discretion, we also consider customer satisfaction surveys. These ratings are a guide, but we encourage you to shop around and compare several insurance quotes to find the best rate for you. NerdWallet does not receive compensation for any reviews. Read our editorial guidelines and full ratings methodology for auto insurance.
Here’s how we evaluated each car insurance company and the weights we placed on each category:
Financial strength (30%).
Consumer complaints (30%).
Ease of use (20%).
Affordability (20%).
The best auto insurers excel at all of these categories. They provide the information people need to make a purchase without any surprises along the way. They offer insurance at a fair price and provide more than one way to buy and manage a policy. They're financially strong and able to keep their customers happy throughout the relationship.
Insurer complaints methodology
NerdWallet examined complaints received by state insurance regulators and reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners in 2022-2024. To assess how insurers compare to one another, the NAIC calculates a complaint index each year for each subsidiary, measuring its share of total complaints relative to its size, or share of total premiums in the industry. To evaluate a company’s complaint history, NerdWallet calculated a similar index for each insurer, weighted by market shares of each subsidiary, over the three-year period. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC. Ratios are determined separately for auto, home (including renters and condo) and life insurance.
Average rates methodology
NerdWallet averaged rates based on public filings obtained by pricing analytics company Quadrant Information Services. We examined rates for men and women for all ZIP codes in any of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. Although it’s one of the largest insurers in the country, Liberty Mutual is not included in our rates analysis due to a lack of publicly available information.
In our analysis, “good drivers” had no moving violations on record; a “good driving” discount was included for this profile. Our “good” credit rates are based on credit score approximations and do not account for proprietary scoring criteria used by insurance providers.
These are median rates, and your rate will vary based on your personal details, state and insurance provider.
Sample drivers had the following coverage limits:
$100,000 bodily injury liability coverage per person.
$300,000 bodily injury liability coverage per crash.
$50,000 property damage liability coverage per crash.
$100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per person.
$300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage per crash.
Collision coverage with $1,000 deductible.
Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible.
In states where required, minimum additional coverages were added. We used the same assumptions for all other driver profiles, with the following exceptions:
For drivers with minimum coverage, we adjusted the numbers above to reflect only the minimum coverage required by law in the state.
For drivers with one at-fault crash, we added a single at-fault crash costing $10,000 in property damage.
For drivers with a DUI, we added a single drunken-driving violation.
For drivers with a ticket, we added a single speeding violation for driving 16 mph over the speed limit.
We used a 2023 Toyota Camry LE in all cases and assumed 12,000 annual miles driven. We analyzed rates for 35-year-old drivers.
These are rates generated through Quadrant Information Services. Your own rates will be different.
