Before you hit the road in the Golden State, make sure you're protected with the right car insurance. We can help you find affordable coverage that meets state laws and your personal needs.
Let's explore what you need to know about car insurance in California.
How much is car insurance in California?
Car insurance rates in California can vary widely based on factors specific to you, like:
Your driving history: A clean record typically leads to lower rates, while accidents or violations can increase premiums.
The type of vehicle you drive: Expensive or high-performance cars often cost more to insure than economy models. Safety features and anti-theft devices can help lower costs.
Where you live in California: Urban areas with higher traffic and/or crime rates generally have higher premiums than rural areas.
Coverages and limits: Minimum liability coverage is cheaper but may leave you financially vulnerable following an accident. Higher limits and additional coverages increase your payments but provide better overall protection.
Your age and driving experience: Drivers under the age of 20 typically pay more than more experienced motorists. Once drivers reach their 60s, their rates may begin increasing again.
Your annual mileage: Less driving typically means less opportunity to be involved in an accident, which can lead to cheaper rates.
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What are the minimum car insurance requirements in California?
California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance. Bodily injury liability and property damage liability can help protect you financially if you're at fault in an accident. Here are the minimum required coverage limits:
Bodily injury liability insurance in California
$15,000 per person
$30,000 per accident
Property damage liability insurance in California
$5,000 per accident
Keep in mind, these are just the minimum requirements—you can purchase higher limits for additional protection. Minimum coverage may not be enough in serious accidents. For example, if you’re at fault in an accident and the other driver’s vehicle sustains $10,000 in damage, but you only carry the minimum $5,000 in property damage liability coverage, you could be responsible for paying the remaining $5,000 out of pocket.
Optional car insurance coverages in California
While California requires only liability coverage, many drivers choose to add extra protection to their policies. These optional coverages can provide valuable financial safeguards in a variety of situations. Here are some of the most common:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury and uninsured motorist property damage: These coverages can help protect you from significant out-of-pocket costs if you're involved in an accident with an at-fault driver with no insurance or insufficient bodily injury insurance coverage.
Collision: Collision insurance can help pay for damage to your car from a collision with another vehicle or a stationary object, regardless of fault.
Comprehensive: This coverage can help pay for damage to your car from non-collision events, like a tree falling on your parked car during a storm or hitting an animal.
Medical payments: Medical payments coverage (also sometimes referred to as MedPay) can help pay medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who was at fault in the accident.
Ask your agent about other coverages that you may be able to apply to your policy:
Lienholder deductible
Special equipment
Rental reimbursement
Named non-owner
Car loan protection
Collision damage waiver
Roadside assistance
Mexico limited auto coverage
Millions of Californians cross the border each year between San Diego and Tijuana. Regardless of where you cross between California and Mexico, you may want to consider how often you’ll be making those trips and if your auto insurance will still cover you.
Dairyland® auto insurance includes Mexico limited coverage on all California policies. Like its name suggests, there are limitations for the coverage. It’s designed to help protect drivers who travel infrequently to Mexico and remain near the U.S. border. Here are the coverage details:
Coverage extends within 25 miles of the U.S. border when driving in Mexico
Insureds have spent 10 or less days and made five or fewer trips in Mexico during a 30-day period
Includes only vehicles and drivers listed on the policy
Consider additional car insurance coverage in Mexico to help ensure you’ve got the coverage you need.
SR22 insurance in California
If you've been convicted of certain driving offenses in California, you may need to file an SR22 form to drive legally in the state. An SR22 isn't actually insurance—instead, it’s a certificate that proves you have the minimum required coverage. We can help you with SR22 filings at no additional cost.
Common reasons for needing an SR22 include:
DUI convictions
Multiple traffic violations in a short period
License suspension or revocation
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Car insurance discounts in California
When looking for cheap California car insurance, discounts can make a significant difference in your premiums. Here are some discounts we offer in California you might be eligible for:
Multi-car
Good driver
Mature driver course
Who has the cheapest car insurance in California?
While everyone wants cheap car insurance, the cheapest option isn't always the best. Get quotes from multiple car insurance providers, read customer reviews and testimonials, and find the right balance between budget-friendly rates and reliable, trustworthy service and reputation.
Also, remember to routinely:
Ask about all available discounts
Review your policy to ensure your coverages and limits make sense for you
Need more than California car insurance?
Being a responsible driver in California involves more than just meeting insurance requirements. Understanding the state's driving laws and having access to important resources can help you stay safe and compliant on the road. Here are some things to keep in mind:
California driver requirements and laws
Like every state, California has its own set of rules and regulations for drivers. You can find the complete list in the California Driver Handbook; here are a few to keep in mind:
Texting and handheld cell phone use while driving are illegal
DUI limit is 0.08% BAC for drivers 21 and over and zero tolerance for drivers under 21
All vehicle occupants must wear seat belts
Children under 2 must be in a rear-facing car seat unless they weigh 40+ pounds or are 40+ inches tall
Driver resources
California Department of Transportation
The California Department of Transportation (DOT) manages the state's highway system, provides real-time traffic information, and oversees road maintenance and construction projects.
California Department of Motor Vehicles
California’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) handles driver's licenses, vehicle registration, and provides information on state driving laws and regulations.
California Office of Traffic Safety
The California Office of Traffic Safety focuses on reducing traffic deaths and injuries through education, enforcement, and engineering programs. They also offer resources on safe driving practices and current traffic safety initiatives.
If you need California car insurance, we can help
Whether you’re new to the Golden State, had a recent life change, or just haven’t compared coverages lately, we can help you figure out the best and most affordable car insurance coverage for you in California.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.
