How to Get the Best California Car Insurance Quote: A Step-by-Step Guide
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California drivers pay some of the highest car insurance rates in the country. There are many reasons for that, including the high population density, traffic congestion in the many major cities, and the frequency of natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes. But just because insurance premiums are high doesn't mean you have to accept exorbitant annual insurance costs.
With so many auto insurance companies on the market, you can find a California car insurance quote that works for your vehicle and budget. We'll help you do it in this step-by-step guide.
Gather your driver and vehicle information
The first step to getting an insurance quote anywhere is to gather your driver and vehicle information. California car insurance quotes — and all states, for that matter — require the following information from you:
- Full name
- Address
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number
- Vehicle make, model, and year
- Vehicle mileage
- Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
An insurance company will use this information to check your driving record and credit score to give you a quote.
Understand your coverage needs
Most insurance agents or companies will propose coverage for you based on your information and common types of coverage, but it's your responsibility to know what you need.
Liability coverage explained
Most states require minimum liability coverage, which compensates the other drivers for damages to their vehicle and medical expenses if you cause an accident. This minimum liability coverage is often referred to as a "vehicle financial responsibility requirement." The requirements in California as of January 1, 2025 are:
- $30,000 for injury/death to one person
- $60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $15,000 for damage to property
Auto insurance companies always include the legally required minimum liability insurance in any California car insurance quote. However, legally mandated minimums are often much lower than you'll need if you actually get into a serious accident with another vehicle.
Collision coverage explained
Collision coverage is an optional coverage that most drivers get. Collision insurance pays for damage to your vehicle caused by physical contact with an object, like another vehicle or a guardrail. Regardless of who is at fault, collision coverage pays for the damage to your car. It's vital for auto insurance in California as having so many drivers on the road creates many possibilities for accidents.
You should ensure your coverage limits are enough to cover significant damage to your car, which may be higher if you drive a luxury or electric vehicle.
Comprehensive coverage explained
Comprehensive coverage goes beyond collision insurance to cover damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events. This could include vandalism, theft, fire, or natural disasters. As the name suggests, comprehensive coverage gives you an extensive range of protection from unpredictable things that can harm your vehicle.
Car insurance quotes in California often include comprehensive coverage because of the high incidence of natural disasters like wildfires and earthquakes.
Review the insurance requirements of your state:
Look for potential discounts
There are many ways to get discounts on your California car insurance quote. Some of the best ways to do so include:
- Bundling: Many insurance companies offer discounts if you bundle home and auto insurance policies.
- Ask an insurance agent about discounts: Depending on the company, you can get discounts for insuring multiple cars, installing a vehicle recovery device, or passing a safe driving course. This is another reason why shopping and comparing California car insurance quotes is essential.
- Maintaining a good credit score: Insurance companies use your credit score to assess your premiums, so paying off debts and controlling your credit situation can help you save on premiums.
- Safe driving: Driving records are a significant factor in determining insurance rates, so it literally pays to avoid accidents and traffic violations.
Companies don't always advertise discounts, so it's important to use comparison tools like EverQuote and ask your insurance agents questions. Stay up to date with insurance news, as insurance providers sometimes support special discounts with marketing campaigns or press releases.
Select the best policy for your needs
Every California driver is different. We all have different budgets and risk tolerances, drive different cars, and may live in very different environments. California is a vast state, and there are many factors that impact insurance rates, including urban vs. rural location, driving record, vehicle type, and coverage levels. The best insurance policy for you is one that fits into your budget and provides enough coverage to repair or replace your car after a covered incident.
Consider premium costs and deductibles
The average cost for car insurance in California is $2,645 per year, one of the most expensive rates in the US. However, as we've mentioned, many factors affect your annual premiums, and there are ways to get discounts.
When shopping for car insurance, you'll need to compare premium costs (which tend to be higher in high-traffic areas like Los Angeles) based on how much coverage you need. Generally, the higher the coverage limits, the more you pay. However, you'll have lower monthly premiums if you're willing to have a higher deductible and pay more out of pocket in case of a covered accident.
Shop around for the best quotes
The only way to ensure the most affordable rates is to shop around for California car insurance quotes. Gather the information you need to get a quote, consider how much coverage you need, and prepare to ask about discounts for bundling, safe driving, and more.
Utilize online comparison tools
Rather than calling one company after another, shopping for car insurance is much easier using online comparison tools like EverQuote. Using EverQuote's comparison tools, you can gather multiple quotes and choose the best option for your needs.