California • Auto insurance • Company shortlist
Ten Auto Insurance Companies in California
These ten auto insurance companies in California are among the largest writers of car insurance in the state. This is a shortlist for comparison, not a ranking or a cheapest-company table. The right company is the one that will write your ZIP code, drivers, and vehicles at limits you can live with after a crash.
California has rating rules that make it different from almost every other state. Proposition 103 requires insurers to weigh your driving record, annual mileage, and years of experience most heavily, and California does not allow credit-based insurance scores for auto rates. Minimum liability limits also rose in 2025. Blake Insurance Group is an independent agency licensed in California; which companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, and inclusion on this list does not mean a company works with us.
Get a California auto insurance quote
Tell us about your drivers, vehicles, and annual mileage, and a licensed agent will follow up. Submitting the form does not bind coverage.
If the form does not load, call 888-387-3687, Monday through Friday, 9:00 to 5:00, or email info@blakeinsurancegroup.com.
Prefer to quote online yourself?
Start an auto insurance quote online, without waiting for a call back.
Start an online quote with BOLT →Auto, home, and renters quotes through our secure BOLT online portal.
Sponsored. Each link opens the partner’s website in a new tab, where its terms and privacy policy apply. Blake Insurance Group may be compensated if you buy.
California rules that change the quote
National "cheapest company" articles can mislead California drivers, because the inputs that drive prices elsewhere are restricted here. The table below summarizes the rules that matter most when you compare quotes.
| Rule | What it means | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| 30/60/15 minimum liability | The legal floor for private-passenger policies since January 1, 2025 | Treat it as a floor; most drivers benefit from higher limits |
| Proposition 103 rating factors | Record, annual mileage, and years licensed must carry the most weight | Report mileage accurately and keep your record clean |
| No credit-based scoring | Credit cannot be used to set auto rates | Quotes that assume a credit factor do not apply in California |
| Good Driver Discount | Qualified good drivers must be offered at least 20% off | Confirm each quote applies the discount if you qualify |
| Low Cost Auto program | Basic liability coverage for income-eligible drivers | Check eligibility through the program if budget is the main concern |
Sources: California Department of Insurance; California Insurance Code and Proposition 103. Program rules and limits can change.
Because mileage is a mandatory factor, underreporting it to save money can backfire if the insurer verifies it later. Use your real commute and annual miles on every quote.
The ten companies, in brief
The companies below appeared among the ten largest private-passenger auto insurance groups in California in NAIC premium data for 2021, as published in 2024. They are listed alphabetically, and some sell under more than one brand.
| Company or group | How it typically sells | Points to compare |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | Exclusive agents and online | Bundling, telematics terms, claims service |
| Auto Club of Southern California (AAA) | Club membership required; through its own agents and offices | Membership cost, roadside benefits, regional availability |
| CSAA Insurance Group (AAA Northern California, Nevada & Utah) | Club membership required | Membership requirements, roadside benefits, regional availability |
| Farmers Insurance | Exclusive agents | Agent service, bundling, coverage options |
| GEICO (Berkshire Hathaway group) | Direct, online and by phone | Price for clean records, digital service |
| Kemper | Through agents, including brands focused on drivers who need flexible underwriting | Options for drivers with violations or limited history |
| Mercury Insurance | Independent agents and brokers | Agent comparison, pricing, bundling |
| Progressive | Direct and through independent agents | Pricing for different risk profiles, SR-22 filings |
| State Farm | Exclusive local agents | Local agent service, bundling |
| USAA | Direct, for eligible military members, veterans, and families | Eligibility first |
Source for the company list: National Association of Insurance Commissioners data (2021 premiums) as analyzed by Insurify and published by Stacker in February 2024. Sales channels are general descriptions and can change.
Two of the names are auto clubs that require membership, and their availability depends on where you live in California. Captive-agent and direct companies are quoted through their own channels, while companies that sell through independent agents and brokers can be compared side by side by an agency appointed with them.
Coverages that matter in California
- Liability above 30/60/15. Injury claims and vehicle repair costs in California can exceed minimum limits quickly, especially the $15,000 property damage minimum.
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage. California insurers must offer it, and you can reject it only in writing. It protects you when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. See uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage.
- Collision and comprehensive on financed, leased, or valuable vehicles. Comprehensive covers theft, vandalism, fire, and falling objects.
- Medical payments coverage for medical bills regardless of fault.
- Rental reimbursement and roadside assistance, which are inexpensive add-ons on many policies.
If you need proof of financial responsibility after a violation, our SR-22 insurance in California page explains the filing.
How to compare California quotes fairly
- Use the same drivers and vehicles, with VINs, on every quote.
- Use accurate annual mileage, because it is a mandatory rating factor.
- Set identical limits and deductibles, including UM/UIM and medical payments.
- Confirm the Good Driver Discount is applied if you qualify.
- Check the legal company name on the quote, since many groups sell through several companies with different rates.
- Compare service, claims handling, and any telematics program terms.
Our California auto insurance quotes page explains how we gather and compare California quotes.
What drives California premiums
Within Prop 103's rules, insurers also consider other approved factors, such as the vehicle, the coverage selected, and where the vehicle is garaged. Practical levers you control include:
- Keeping a clean driving record, the most heavily weighted factor.
- Reporting accurate, and where possible lower, annual mileage.
- Choosing deductibles you can afford rather than reducing liability limits.
- Bundling auto with renters or homeowners insurance.
- Asking about multi-vehicle, good student, and other approved discounts.
- Maintaining continuous coverage, since a lapse can affect future pricing.
Shopping in a changing California market
California's insurance market has seen rate increases and underwriting changes in recent years as repair, medical, and litigation costs have risen. Some companies have tightened eligibility or slowed new business in certain lines or areas. That makes it more important to compare several companies and to start shopping before your renewal date, rather than waiting until the last week. If a company declines to quote, it does not necessarily reflect on you; it may simply not be writing new business for your profile or area at the moment.
For a broader view of the market, see our page on auto insurance companies in California and our California auto insurance overview.
Young and newly licensed drivers in California
Because Proposition 103 makes years of driving experience a mandatory, heavily weighted factor, newly licensed drivers of any age pay more in California until they build a record. Teens usually pay the most. A few strategies help:
- Stay on a family policy where possible, which usually costs less than a separate policy.
- Ask about good student discounts and approved driver training, where insurers offer them.
- Choose a modest vehicle. High-performance cars cost more to insure for new drivers.
- Keep the record clean. Violations and at-fault accidents weigh heavily and stay on the record for years.
- Report mileage accurately. A student who leaves the car at home while at school may drive fewer miles, which can matter in California's rating.
Drivers who recently moved to California should also ask whether an insurer will consider prior driving experience from another state or country, and bring documentation.
What you need for a California auto quote
California quotes rely heavily on record and mileage, so have these details ready.
- Driver licenses and history. License numbers, years licensed, and any violations or accidents for every driver.
- Annual mileage. Commute distance and total yearly miles for each vehicle.
- Vehicle VINs. For accurate rating of trim and safety equipment.
- Current declarations page. To match limits, UM/UIM, and deductibles.
- Garaging address. Where each vehicle is kept overnight.
California auto insurance company FAQs
What is the minimum car insurance in California?
For policies issued or renewed since January 1, 2025, it is 30/60/15: $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage.
Can California insurers use my credit score?
No. California does not allow credit-based insurance scores for auto insurance rates.
What is the Good Driver Discount?
Drivers who meet California's good driver criteria must be offered a policy priced at least 20% below the company's rate for the same coverage.
Is this list a ranking of the best companies?
No. The companies are listed alphabetically from NAIC market data as a starting point for comparison.
Do I need a AAA membership to buy AAA auto insurance?
The auto club insurers generally require club membership. Check the requirements for your region.
Is there low-cost auto insurance in California?
The California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program offers basic liability coverage to income-eligible drivers who meet its rules.
Why did a company decline to quote me?
Companies sometimes limit new business in certain areas or for certain profiles. Comparing several companies helps you find one that is writing your situation.
Does California require uninsured motorist coverage?
Insurers must offer it, and you can decline it only in writing. Many drivers keep it because it protects them when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
Related guides
Important information
Compensation. Links in the partner quote box near the top of this page are sponsored, and Blake Insurance Group may be paid if you make a purchase. Sponsored placement does not affect the other information on this page.
Independent agency. Blake Insurance Group LLC is an independent insurance agency. Licensed insurance producer NPN 16117464. Licensed states: AZ, AL, TX, CA, NY, OH, FL, NC, VA, GA, OK, NM, IA, KS, MI, NE, SC, SD, WV, IL, NJ, PA, TN, and WA. Which insurance companies we can quote depends on our current appointments, the product, and your state. Mentioning a company on this page does not mean we represent it.
Independent comparison. Company names are trademarks of their owners and are used for identification only. The list is drawn from public market-share data and is not a ranking or an endorsement. Inclusion does not mean a company is available for every driver or that Blake Insurance Group represents it.
Availability. Coverage, discounts, and prices vary by company, driver, vehicle, and location, and are subject to underwriting and California Department of Insurance rules. The issued policy and current law control. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Your next step
Gather your licenses, mileage, VINs, and current declarations page, then request a quote with matching limits on every option. We will compare the companies we can quote for your situation.
