10 Best Auto Insurance Companies in California
Your car is one of your most valuable assets, and you should give it the best protection that it deserves. The fact that you live in California is evidence that you should buy the best auto insurance coverage for your cars.
Did you know California is like the most populated state in the US? It’s got over 39 million people, even more than Canada. As a matter of fact, California comes in second for having the most drivers in the United States.
States with a large population are often faced with traffic, theft, accidents, and other things that might impact your car.
How much does car insurance in California cost?
The average cost of auto insurance premiums in California depends on whether you want to buy full coverage or minimum coverage.
Having said that, the average insurance rate for full-coverage auto insurance in California is $2,089 per year, or $174 per month (almost 21% higher than the national average). On the other hand, minimum auto insurance coverage in California costs, on average, $636 per year, or $52 per month (similar to the national average).
10 Best Auto Insurance Companies in California
You visited our blog to get the list of the best auto insurance companies in California, and here you have it. Note that we didn’t collect a dime from any of these insurance companies to put them on our list.
We came up with the list after our personal research and what Californians are saying about them. Please do research on them before you choose the company that’s best for you. The 10 car insurance companies in California include the following:
1. State Farm
State Farm, founded in 1922 by George J. Mecherle, is one of the largest and most well-established insurance companies in the United States. State Farm has a massive presence in California. They’ve got this awesome network of local agents all over the place.
These agents are not here to joke. They offer personalized insurance services to both new and old customers and help them choose the right coverage. They won’t only help you choose; they will also guide you through the whole process of registration and filing for claims.
State Farm’s got it all—from the must-have liability coverage to meet state requirements to collision coverage and even comprehensive coverage. That’s not all; they also offer additional options like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. So, with all these options from State Farm, you can basically create a policy that’s just right for you.
State Farm is all about top-notch customer service—it’s like their trademark. Since they have several local insurance agents in California, customers can now build a good working relationship with them and get assistance whenever they have issues.
State Farm is also helping customers save money on their premiums by offering discounts. These include multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, safe driver discounts, and discounts for certain safety features in vehicles.
2. GEICO
The Government Employees Insurance Company, popularly known as GEICO, founded back in 1936, has grown into a major player in the insurance scene. They’ve been making waves in the industry across the country for quite a while now.
GEICO is that insurance company with the cool gecko in their ads! Beyond the cute mascot, they’re known for having competitive rates and a super easy-to-use online platform.
GEICO’s popularity among individuals is due to their competitive rates. If you’re on the lookout for cost-effective insurance, they’re like your go-to. Furthermore, GEICO’s online platform is easy to use! You can easily get quotes, handle your policies, and file claims without breaking a sweat.
If you are looking for discounts on your insurance, GEICO has got you covered. Their discounts include safe driving, military service, and multi-vehicle policies. No wonder they’re a hit in California; these discounts are part of why everyone there loves them.
3. Progressive
Progressive Insurance was founded in 1937 and became popular for its forward-thinking approach to insurance. Two out of three people that I asked about the company’s services described the company as a trailblazer because they introduced usage-based insurance and a seamless online experience to the system.
Have you ever heard of Progressive’s Snapshot program? This program allows drivers to get discounts on their premiums because of their driving habits. This means that you will pay a lower premium rate for being a safe driver.
Progressive insurance uses tools like telematics to monitor drivers’ speed, braking, and time of day in order to determine the amount of discounts that will be given to the customer.
Progressive goes beyond the usual coverage options; they offer unique features such as pet injury coverage and gap insurance to add more protection for customers.
Progressive’s online tools make handling policies and filing claims easy for customers. The company is committed to digital innovation, which will increase convenience and efficiency, which is exactly what consumers of nowadays want.
4. Allstate
Allstate Insurance was founded in 1931, and it is one of the oldest and largest insurance companies in the United States.
The insurers are popular in the USA, especially in California, and offer different insurance coverages. If you know them well, then you will understand that they are committed to customer satisfaction.
Allstate is one of the best auto insurance companies in California. Their car insurance coverage includes liability, collision, comprehensive, and roadside assistance. They understand that our insurance needs are different; hence, they have a way of making policyholders customize their policies based on what they need.
A notable feature offered by Allstate is accident forgiveness. This means that, for eligible customers, the first at-fault accident will not result in a rate increase. Drivers who value long-term relationships with their insurers will definitely enjoy this feature.
As a promoter of safe driving habits, Allstate recently introduced Drivewise. The objective of this program is to reward safe drivers with mouth-watering discounts. I hope you have seen why it is good to drive safely.
5. Farmers Insurance
Our list wouldn’t be complete without the prestigious Farmers Insurance. Farmers Insurance Group was founded in 1928 and is popular in California. The top insurance company employs hundreds of agents in the state for proper representation across the board. These are responsible for offering personalized services to thousands of customers in California.
At Farmers Insurance, they’re all about that personalized touch! Their agents work closely with customers to know their unique insurance needs inside and out.
Farmers is all about helping customers save some cash; they offer discounts to make sure you get a good deal on your policies. There are discounts for bundling policies, safe driving, and loyalty. Those discounts are the reason why Farmers Insurance is an affordable choice for a lot of customers.
Moreover, whether you’re into basic liability or need something more specialized like rideshare insurance, this company’s got the whole range. They’ve got you covered from A to Z.
6. AAA
The American Automobile Association (AAA) is not just an insurance provider but a membership organization that offers auto insurance as part of its services. AAA is well-established and known for its roadside assistance programs.
If you are thinking of becoming a member of AAA, please do that as soon as possible because it will qualify you for some benefits, including roadside assistance, travel discounts, and insurance services.
For individuals and families that are looking for comprehensive coverage with additional benefits, I suggest that you consider AAA.
AAA auto insurance offers coverage for liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Apart from their excellent insurance services, they are known for reliability and assistance on the road.
7. Mercury Insurance
The name Mercury Insurance is a popular brand among the people in California and those who want to buy auto insurance online. Mercury Insurance was founded in 1961 and has grown to become one of the best insurance companies in California.
This company’s a hit for a reason: they offer competitive premium rates and customer support that’s customized to fit the needs of policyholders. They’re holding it down in a select few states, and California is where they’ve got a really strong presence.
Affordable coverage without skimping on quality—that’s Mercury Insurance for you. It shouldn’t be a thing of surprise that they’ve built up a positive reputation, especially in California.
Mercury Insurance covers standard coverage with liability and comprehensive options, but the cool part is that they give customers the flexibility to customize policies to match their unique needs.
Furthermore, with top-notch customer service and smooth claims handling, Mercury Insurance racks up those positive reviews. It’s this kind of feedback that adds up to keeping policyholders happily satisfied.
8. Esurance
Esurance, founded in 1999 and acquired by Allstate in 2011, stands out as an online-focused insurance provider.
Technology has taken over the insurance industry, and Esurance is not left out. The company is making the most of these technologies to help customers buy and renew policies online.
It is now easier for customers to get quotes and manage policies online without needing to visit their physical offices in California. People who enjoy buying things online will definitely like Esurance.
Esurance is all about that tech-savvy customer experience. They use online tools and features in their mobile app to amp up the entire insurance process.
9. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual, founded in 1912, is one of the oldest and largest insurance companies globally. Furthermore, Liberty Mutual is popular in California, and they offer different coverage to satisfy their numerous clients.
Talking about coverage options, I can confirm that Liberty Mutual has a wide range of options, such as standard coverages like liability and comprehensive coverage for potential, new, and existing customers. These options allow you to get the policy that matches your needs at a particular time.
Liberty Mutual is not lagging behind in the area of discounts. They offer diverse discounts to both new and existing customers, such as safe driving, multi-policy discounts, and more. The reason for these discounts is to let people know that they have the best car insurance rates in California.
Liberty Mutual emphasizes accessibility with 24/7 claims assistance and customer support. Responding quickly like this can really assist customers when things get hectic or urgent.
10. Wawanesa Insurance
Wawanesa Insurance, founded in 1896, is a mutual insurance company, meaning it is owned by its policyholders. I was shocked when I learned that the company had been in operation since 1896; that’s a long time. Judging by the year of establishment, the company is one of the oldest insurers in California.
Aside from the number of years the company has been existence, Wawanesa Insurance is popular among individuals and businesses in California. They are known for having competitive premium rates and customer satisfaction.
Being a mutual company sets Wawanesa apart. Policyholders are also the owners, which can create a customer-centric approach. This structure means that the company will focus on long-term relationships and customer satisfaction, since both policyholders are the owners.
Wawanesa has one of the cheapest auto insurance rates in California; their customers in the state can attest to this. A customer told me that one of the things that attracted him to the company was their ability to offer affordable coverage and maintain financial stability at the same time.
How Can You Save Money on Car Insurance in California?
You can save money on car insurance in California by doing the following:
- Shop Around: Compare quotes from different insurers to find the most competitive rates.
- Bundle Policies: Consider bundling your car insurance with other policies like home or renter’s insurance for potential discounts.
- Maintain a Good Driving Record: Safe driving can lead to lower premiums over time.
- Increase Deductibles: Choose a higher deductible if you can afford it, as this often results in lower monthly premiums.
- Take Advantage of Discounts: Inquire about discounts for good grades (if applicable), safe driving courses, and multi-car policies.
- Drive Less: Some insurers offer discounts for low mileage, so if you don’t drive much, make sure to mention it.
- Maintain Good Credit: In many states, including California, a good credit score can positively impact your insurance rates.
- Choose a Safe Vehicle: Safety features and a low likelihood of theft can contribute to lower insurance costs.
Conclusion: The best Auto Insurance Companies in California
You have now seen the list of the best auto insurance companies in California, and I believe it’s time to take action. Since all customers don’t have homogeneous needs, these companies have services that cater to their individual needs.
While some may prioritize the personal touch of a local agent, others may lean towards the convenience of online platforms and innovative features.
Therefore, if you have made up your mind to buy from any of the insurers that we listed, you must conduct thorough online and offline research, get multiple quotes from at least five companies, and read customer reviews to make an informed decision.
Secure your journey with peace of mind! Discover the best auto insurance companies in California today. Drive confidently with the best coverage tailored to your needs. Don’t settle for less; choose excellence for your car insurance.
