California car insurance
Whether driving through the Redwoods, stuck in traffic on the 10 Freeway, or navigating the hills of San Francisco, Progressive has you covered. Learn about California car insurance minimums, available coverages, and discounts to keep your insurance costs down.
Explore Progressive Answers' auto editorial guidelines to find out why you can trust the car insurance information you find here.
What are California's minimum auto insurance requirements?
Drivers in California are required to have auto liability coverage (BI liability and PD liability), at the following minimum limits:
| Coverage | What it covers | Minimum amount |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | What it coversInjuries you cause to others in an accident | Minimum amount$15,000 per person $30,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | What it coversDamage you cause to other people's property in an accident | Minimum amount$5,000 per accident |
California also requires insurers to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) bodily injury coverage with the following limits, though you may reject this coverage if you don't want it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Minimum amount |
|---|---|---|
| UM/UIM bodily injury | What it coversYour medical expenses an uninsured or underinsured driver causes | Minimum amount$15,000 per person $30,000 per accident Note: This coverage can be rejected. |
While these are California's minimum required car insurance limits, higher coverage amounts may better protect your family's financial wellbeing. Learn how much car insurance you may need based on your circumstances and preferences.
Is California a no-fault state?
No. California is an at-fault state, which means the party responsible for an accident must cover the injuries of the other driver and their passengers. Learn more about what happens if you're at fault in an accident.
How much is car insurance in California?
The average cost of a six-month liability-only policy in a low-cost state like California is $80 per month.* Keep in mind that your rate varies based on many factors, including your ZIP code, driving history, coverage selection, and the number of vehicles on your policy. Learn more about the factors behind car insurance rates.
Ready to make the switch? Drivers nationwide who switch and save with Progressive save over $800 on average.† Get an auto insurance quote today.
What is the best car insurance in California?
Finding the best car insurance in California means taking the time to compare equal coverages, limits, deductibles, and discounts. Progressive offers plenty of incentives to help drivers in California get the best car insurance. Our auto insurance customers earn an average of seven discounts, and we're the #1 combined personal and commercial auto insurance company.**
If you're looking for the cheapest car insurance in California, here's how much drivers countrywide who save after switching to Progressive save on average compared to their previous auto insurer:
- Allstate customers who switch and save with Progressive save $775 on average††
- GEICO customers who switch and save with Progressive save $740 on average§
How do I lower my car insurance cost in California?
To lower your car insurance cost in California, you may qualify for the following discounts through Progressive:
- Multi-car
- Multi-policy
- Vehicle recovery device
- Good driver
- Driver improvement course
- Occasional operator
See all our auto insurance discounts.
Pro tip:
Save when you bundle! One way to get cheap car insurance in California is to combine your auto and home policies with Progressive — new customers who save bundling home and auto insurance save over 20% on average nationwide.†
Additional car insurance coverages to consider
If you're leasing or financing a vehicle, most lenders require you to carry comprehensive auto coverage and collision coverage in addition to California's state-required coverages. Comprehensive and collision pay to repair or replace your car regardless of fault, if it's in an accident, gets stolen, or is otherwise damaged due to a covered accident. It also makes sense to add these physical damage coverages if you're not sure you can afford a new car or major repairs after an accident.
Explore all our car insurance coverages and our car insurance calculator to find which ones are recommended for you.
California driving resources
From San Diego to Redwood City, get to know California's driving laws and resources. These resources apply to Oakland, Oceanside, and everywhere in between. Local municipalities may have additional laws and resources.
- California Department of Motor Vehicles: Find out how to get or renew your California license and registration.
- California Driver's Handbook: Review California's traffic and parking regulations.
- California driving fast facts: Learn about driver training and education, driver's licenses, identification cards, and car insurance requirements.
- Car insurance resource center: Learn more about how car insurance works, from terms and definitions to savings tips.
How to get car insurance in California
Quote car insurance online or give us a call
Learn more about car insurance policies.
