With so many options, finding the best car insurance in California can be tricky.
The Golden State requires all drivers to have a minimum liability coverage, but experts recommend getting more than just the minimum.
This article will highlight California’s 15 best car insurance companies based on customer reviews, coverage options, price, and financial strength ratings.
We’ll review what coverage you need, what affects your rates, and provide tips for getting the best deal.
The 15 Best Car Insurance Companies in California
Now let’s look at the best insurance companies in the state based on customer service, coverage options, and affordability.
1. State Farm
State Farm is the largest auto insurer in the country. It’s a great choice for California drivers thanks to competitive pricing, stellar financial strength, and excellent claims handling.
Customer service highlights:
- 18,000 agents provide personalized local service
- High customer satisfaction ratings
- Online, phone, and in-person support options
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage as well as rideshare coverage
- Rental reimbursement and roadside assistance
- Usage-based “Drive Safe & Save” program
Discounts offered: Steer clear, defensive driving course, good student, anti-theft, multiple autos, and more
2. GEICO
GEICO is one of the largest insurers in California and is known for very low rates. It offers extensive coverage and high customer satisfaction.
Customer service highlights:
- Easy quoting and claims filing on an award-winning mobile app
- 97% customer satisfaction rating on claims handling
- 24/7 support by phone or online chat
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverages plus rideshare and mechanical breakdown insurance
- Emergency roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and custom parts coverage
Discounts offered: Multi-vehicle, anti-theft, good student, federal employee, and more
3. AAA
AAA is one of the best options for drivers in California who want a trusted brand. It excels in customer service and claims handling.
Customer service highlights:
- Over 100 offices in California for in-person service
- Strong customer satisfaction and rating on the claims process
- Perks like DMV services, travel assistance, etc.
Coverage highlights:
- All standard coverages plus accident forgiveness
- High coverage limits available
- Roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and emergency transport
Discounts offered: Multi-car, multi-policy, anti-theft, good student, AAA membership savings
4. Progressive
Progressive is affordable for high-risk drivers and offers plenty of ways to customize your policy.
Customer service highlights:
- Quote and buy policies 24/7 online or by phone
- Mobile app and online tools to manage your policy
- Claims can be started by phone or online
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverages plus rideshare coverage
- Usage-based program Snapshot can save you money
- Name Your Price tool lets you pick policy limits and premium
Discounts offered: Multi-policy, continuous insurance, good student, and more
5. Esurance
Esurance is an excellent choice for tech-savvy drivers who want a policy completely online. Owned by Allstate, it offers affordable rates.
Customer service highlights:
- Quote, buy, and manage your policy all through the mobile app
- File claims 24/7 through the app
- Customer support by phone, email, app messaging
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverages plus rideshare insurance
- Roadside assistance, rental reimbursement
- Accident forgiveness insurance
Discounts offered: Multi-car, safe driver, homeowner, pays-in-full
6. Allstate
Allstate is one of the largest insurers in California with affordable rates and plenty of discounts.
Customer service highlights:
- Contact local agents or access support 24/7 by phone or online
- Fast claims handling with over 13,000 repair shops in network
- Allstate Roadside Assistance app for help on the go
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverages with add-ons like custom parts coverage
- Usage-based Drivewise program for policy discounts
- Rideshare insurance available in California
Discounts offered: Anti-lock brakes, anti-theft, new car, safe driving bonus, and more
7. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual is an excellent choice for highly customized policies and add-ons.
Customer service highlights:
- In-person local service from agents
- 24/7 support by phone and through Liberty Mutual app
- Claims filed by phone, online, or with app
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverages plus rideshare and mechanical breakdown insurance
- Accident forgiveness to keep rates level after first at-fault accident
- Lots of add-ons like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement
Discounts offered: Homeowner, military, multi-vehicle, safe driver, and more
8. Nationwide
Nationwide has comprehensive coverage options paired with good customer service.
Customer service highlights:
- Contact agents in person or access support 24/7 by phone/online
- Quote and manage your policy through Nationwide app
- Fast claims handling with over 5,500 adjusters
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus rideshare, accident forgiveness, and gap insurance
- Usage-based SmartRide program rewards safe driving
- Add-ons like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement
Discounts offered: Multi-policy, anti-theft, good student, defensive driver, and more
9. Mercury Insurance
Mercury Insurance is a top choice in California for affordable rates and customer satisfaction.
Customer service highlights:
- Agents available for personalized local support
- Customer support by phone and online
- Claims can be started by phone 24/7
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus rideshare coverage
- Usage-based program that rewards safe driving
- Optional add-ons like roadside assistance
Discounts offered: Multi-car, anti-theft device, good driver, mature driver, and more
10. Safeco Insurance
Safeco is ideal if you want low rates along with outstanding claims service.
Customer service highlights:
- Quote and buy policies 24/7 through an agent or online
- Claims can be reported 24/7 by phone or through the mobile app
- High customer satisfaction with the claims process
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus rideshare insurance
- Diminishing deductible program
- Add-ons like roadside assistance and new car replacement
Discounts offered: Safe driver, low mileage, anti-theft devices, multi-car
11. Travelers
Travelers insurance provides great coverage options and financial stability.
Customer service highlights:
- Quote and start a claim 24/7 through a local agent or online
- Mobile app and online portal for account management
- Auto claims valuation tool on app
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus gap insurance and rideshare
- Accident forgiveness to keep your rates level
- New car replacement coverage
Discounts offered: Continuous insurance, good payer, safe driver, anti-theft
12. CSAA Insurance Group
Part of AAA, CSAA is a top choice for customer satisfaction and claims handling.
Customer service highlights:
- Local AAA agents provide personalized service
- Emergency roadside assistance through AAA
- High marks for claims process and resolution
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus rideshare insurance available
- Diminishing deductible reward program
- Add-ons like roadside assistance, rental reimbursement, and extra liability coverage
Discounts offered: AAA membership, multi-vehicle, mature driver, and more
13. Farmers Insurance
Farmers has affordable coverage options and lots of ways to save for California drivers.
Customer service highlights:
- Local agents provide personalized service
- Quote and manage your policy through Farmers app
- Claims can be started 24/7 through agents or Farmers claims center
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus rideshare insurance and gap coverage
- Usage-based program rewards safe driving with discounts
- Add-ons like roadside assistance and car rental coverage
Discounts offered: Good driver, defensive driver, homeowner, multi-car
14. The Hartford
The Hartford offers well-rounded coverage options, great service, and high financial strength.
Customer service highlights:
- Quote and policy management through local agents or online/app
- Claims process is highly rated by customers
- Claims can be started 24/7 by phone or through app
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus diminished value protection
- Accident forgiveness included on all policies
- Add-ons like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement
Discounts offered: Anti-theft, airbags, retiree, adaptive equipment
15. Wawanesa
Wawanesa is a smaller company known for excellent customer service and claims handling.
Customer service highlights:
- Agents provide personalized local service
- Positive customer feedback on claims experiences
- Claims can be started 24/7 by phone
Coverage highlights:
- Standard coverage plus rideshare coverage
- Usage-based program provides a policy discount for safe driving
- Add-ons like roadside assistance and rental reimbursement
Discounts offered: Multi-vehicle, anti-theft, mature driver, defensive driver
What Car Insurance Coverage Do You Need in California?
California is an at-fault state, meaning if you cause an accident, you are responsible for damages.
The minimum liability limits are:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability
This coverage only protects other drivers if you cause an accident. It does not cover damage to your vehicle or injuries to your passengers.
Experts recommend getting more than just the minimum liability, including:
Comprehensive and Collision Coverage
This covers damage to your vehicle from theft, vandalism, fire, flooding, animal collisions, etc.
It also covers repairs to your vehicle if you’re at fault for an accident. This is required if you have an auto loan/lease.
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with little or no insurance. California has a high rate of uninsured drivers.
Medical Payments or Personal Injury Protection
Covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault. This can protect you from high medical bills after an accident.
What Affects Your Car Insurance Rates in California?
Insurers look at many factors when determining your premiums, including:
- Driving record – tickets, accidents, DUIs will increase your rates.
- Credit score – drivers with poor credit pay more in California.
- Location – living in urban areas like Los Angeles costs more.
- Age and gender – rates are higher for young drivers and single males.
- Marital status – married couples get lower rates.
- Annual mileage – the more you drive, the more you’ll pay.
- Car make/model/year – expensive cars, sports cars, or new cars cost more to insure.
- Coverage levels – higher liability limits and full coverage increase rates.
Ask your insurer for all available discounts to offset some of these rate factors. Common discounts include good driver, low mileage, good student, anti-theft devices, multi-policy, and more.
Tips for Finding the Best Car Insurance Rates in California
Follow these tips to make sure you’re getting the lowest insurance rates possible in California:
- Compare quotes from at least three insurance companies
- Ask about all available discounts
- Boost your credit score
- Take a defensive driving course for a discount
- Increase your deductibles to lower premiums
- Limit your mileage to qualify for low-mileage discounts
- Ask about usage-based programs to save money for safe driving
- Shop rates again when you have any major life changes
Conclusion
Finding the best auto insurance in California for your needs takes work. But you can secure an affordable policy with solid coverage if you shop around and compare options.
Consider the top companies in this article as you start your search. Just make sure to get more than the minimum required coverage.