Auto Insurance Quotes in California

Scenic costal highway with cars driving along the beach, to depict the importance of reliable car insurance in California for safe travel.

If you just moved to California and need auto insurance coverage, or you've been here for a while and are looking for affordable car insurance that doesn't cut corners, you'll be glad you got a quote with GEICO. How much is car insurance in California for your ride? You can get a free car insurance quote with GEICO online to find out. California also has some unique car insurance laws that make insuring a vehicle here different than other states, so read on to stay up to speed.

California Car Insurance Requirements

California requires drivers to carry at least the following auto insurance coverages:

Coverage Type California Minimum Requirement
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability Coverage $15,000
Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage* $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
Uninsured Motorist Property Damage Coverage* $3,500

*Uninsured motorist coverages may be rejected in writing

While these are the minimum coverages California requires you to have, everyone's insurance needs are unique. Visit our Coverage Calculator to get a personalized recommendation.

Additional Auto Insurance Coverages in California

In California, drivers are required to carry minimum liability insurance, but there are several optional coverages available that can offer additional protection and peace of mind, including:

  • Comprehensive Coverage: Covers non-collision incidents such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and falling objects. You will likely be required to have this coverage if you lease or finance your vehicle.
  • Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your vehicle in the event of an accident, regardless of who is at fault. You will likely be required to have this coverage if you lease or finance your vehicle.
  • Mechanical Breakdown Insurance (MBI): Covers the cost of repairs to major vehicle systems, such as the engine or transmission, outside of normal wear and tear, similar to an extended warranty.
  • Rental Car Reimbursement: Pays for a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired due to a covered incident.
  • Emergency Roadside Service: Provides help if your car breaks down, offering services like towing, tire changes, or battery jump-starts.

Save on California Car Insurance with GEICO Discounts

GEICO offers a variety of car insurance discounts in California that may help drivers lower their auto insurance premiums. Discount availability and eligibility can vary based on your driving history, vehicle, and coverage selections. Here are some common ways California drivers may be able to save:

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  • Good Driver Discount: California drivers who maintain a clean driving record and meet state-defined Good Driver criteria may qualify for reduced auto insurance rates.
  • Good Student Discount: Students in California who maintain good grades may be eligible for lower car insurance premiums.
  • Vehicle Safety Discounts: Vehicles equipped with certain safety features may qualify for car insurance discounts in California.
  • Multi Policy Discount: Bundling auto insurance with other GEICO policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, may result in additional savings.

Not all discounts are available in all situations or in every part of California.

California Car Insurance Laws for New Residents

If you are moving to California, the California Driver Handbook is a valuable resource. Published by the Department of Motor Vehicles, it provides guidance on registering your vehicle, obtaining a California driver’s license, and understanding state driving laws that can affect your auto insurance needs. GEICO helps new California residents navigate these requirements with flexible coverage options, competitive rates, and a straightforward online quote process designed to make getting insured simple.

Learn more about California auto insurance requirements and get a free GEICO car insurance quote today.

What is the California Deductible Waiver?

If you carry collision coverage on your car, then you may be eligible for the California Deductible Waiver. With this waiver, your insurance company will pay the collision deductible on your car if an uninsured driver causes an accident.

California Registration Information

California may require you to register your vehicle starting from the date it enters the state. To avoid penalties, you must pay registration fees within 20 days, which is an important step when establishing car insurance in California and maintaining legal auto insurance coverage.

You will need to:

  • Complete an Application for Title or Registration (REG 343)
  • Submit your out-of-state registration certificate
  • Submit your out-of-state title (If you have it)
  • Provide evidence of the California Smog Certification
  • Provide an odometer mileage certification (If your vehicle is less than 10 years old)
  • Bring your vehicle to a DMV office for verification of the vehicle's identification number (For your convenience, we recommend that you schedule an appointment by calling your local DMV)
  • Pay the fees
  • Provide a weight certificate for commercial vehicles, including pickup trucks

Existing law imposes a use tax on a vehicle purchased outside of California and brought into California within 12 months of purchase. New legislation requires payment of use tax on a vehicle purchased outside California and brought into California within 365 days of the purchase date.

What do I do if I get a California Intent to Suspend Registration letter?

  • If the state of California cannot confirm that you have insurance on your vehicle, you may receive a letter stating that it plans to cancel your car's registration. This can happen if the state doesn't have the correct vehicle identification number (VIN) on file, if your California (or out-of-state) insurance coverage has lapsed, or if there's an error in the information that the state of California received.
  • If you are a current GEICO policyholder and the California DMV has informed you that providing proof of insurance is enough, you can easily obtain the documents through our GEICO Mobile app.
  • If you are not a GEICO policyholder and would like to know how much it would be to obtain California car insurance, you can get a quote today.

California Teen Driving Laws & Car Insurance

If you are the parent of a teen who is approaching driving age, understanding California teen driving laws is an important part of keeping them safe and getting the right car insurance in California. Licensing requirements and driving restrictions can affect auto insurance coverage options and premiums for new drivers.

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  • Before becoming fully licensed, California teen drivers must complete driver training and get a provisional permit, which they must be at least 15½ years of age to obtain.
  • Before applying for a license, drivers in California must be 16 years of age and have had a provisional permit for at least six months.
  • Applicants must then pass the DMV-administered driving test before receiving a provisional driver's license.
  • During the first 12 months of the provisional license, they may drive between 5:01 AM and 10:59 PM and only transport passengers over age 21. After that provisional period ends, they're granted full driving privileges.

For the most up-to-date information on teen driving rules and how they may impact auto insurance in California, check with your local California DMV for more info.

California Driving and Car Insurance Resources

Check out how we're making insurance in California easier in the app with 1 click bill pay, digital ID cards, access to emergency roadside service, and more. Download GEICO Mobile today. We make insurance easy.

Get a California Car Insurance Quote with GEICO

Ready to protect your vehicle with the right coverage? Get a fast, free California car insurance quote from GEICO today! Visit our website, download our app, or call us at (800) 207-7847 to get started. Simply provide some basic information about your vehicle and driving history, and we’ll help you find the best coverage at an affordable rate.

California Auto Insurance FAQs

  • How Much Is Car Insurance Per Month in California?

    Car insurance premiums in California vary based on several factors, including your driving history, the type of vehicle you drive, your location, and the coverage options you choose, to name a few. To get an accurate estimate, it's best to request a personalized quote.

  • What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in California?

    In California, driving without auto insurance can result in fines, vehicle impoundment, and suspension of your driver's license. In more severe cases, your vehicle's registration may be revoked.

  • Do I Need to Have Car Insurance Before I Register my Car in California?

    You must have car insurance before you can register your vehicle in California. The state requires proof of insurance that meets the minimum liability coverage requirements to complete the registration process.

  • Is California a No-Fault State?

    California is not a no-fault state. This means the driver found responsible for an accident is liable for the damages. Injured parties can file claims with the at-fault driver's insurance or pursue legal action to recover compensation.

  • Why is it Difficult to Get Car Insurance in California?

    It can be difficult to get car insurance in California due to high accident rates, traffic congestion, and the state's exposure to natural disasters, contributing to higher risk for insurers.

  • How Does Car Insurance Differ Depending on Where I Live in California?

    Car insurance rates in California can vary significantly depending on where you live, with urban areas like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Oakland typically having higher premiums due to higher traffic density and accident rates. Drivers in smaller cities or rural areas, such as Fresno or Bakersfield, may pay lower rates because of reduced traffic and fewer claims.

  • Can I legally use out-of-state car insurance as a California resident?

    California residents are generally expected to carry car insurance that meets California’s minimum coverage requirements. Out-of-state policies may not meet these requirements once residency is established, so drivers should update their auto insurance when moving to California.

  • How long do I have to insure a recently purchased vehicle in California?

    California law requires vehicles to be insured when they are driven. If you purchase a vehicle, you should arrange car insurance as soon as possible, ideally before taking possession or driving it. Timing and requirements may vary depending on the transaction and your existing coverage.

  • Does car insurance follow the driver or the car in California?

    In California, car insurance generally follows the vehicle rather than the driver. This means coverage is tied to the insured car. Drivers who are not listed on the policy may be covered in some situations, unless they are specifically excluded from coverage under the policy terms.

  1. Uninsured Motorist coverages can be waived.
  2. As defined by CIC § 1861.025
  3. As defined by California Code of Regulations Title 10 § 2632.13
  4. California Vehicle Code, per CIC § 1861.025