California, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Recent findings reveal that drivers in California can find affordable car insurance options with providers like CSAA offering liability insurance for $26 per month. Other options include USAA at $43 and Progressive at $49. The state shows a wide variation in prices based on location, with Mount Shasta having the cheapest average premiums. This article outlines available options and the impact of traffic violations on rates, providing insight for consumers looking to save on auto insurance.
California has some of the highest car insurance rates in the United States, but recent findings by Way.com reveal opportunities for drivers seeking more affordable options. The cheapest liability insurance in California is provided by CSAA at an average cost of $26 per month, significantly lower than the state’s average annual premium of approximately $1,910.
Following CSAA, USAA offers the second cheapest liability insurance priced at $43 per month, with Progressive coming in third at $49 per month. AAA NorCal is fourth at $50 per month, while Wawanesa rounds out the top five with rates of $51 per month. For drivers seeking full coverage insurance, AAA provides the most affordable option at $81 per month, while CSAA follows with coverage priced at $112 per month.
When considering full coverage from other providers, Capital Insurance Group charges $119 per month, National General at $121 per month, and State National at $123 per month.
Location plays a critical role in determining insurance rates, with Mount Shasta recognized as the city with the cheapest average car insurance premiums at just $126 per month. Other cities presenting low rates include Weed and Yreka at $128, Montague at $131, and Dunsmuir at $132.
In contrast, the most expensive places for car insurance in California are Beverly Hills at $269, followed closely by Glendale at $266 and Tarzana at $264.
Traffic violations can critically impact car insurance costs. Average rates after various violations illustrate this impact starkly. For example, both a no violation and a not-at-fault accident result in an average premium of $183. More serious violations increase rates significantly, with a DUI averaging $476 and reckless driving averaging $452. Other incidents such as speeding and driving with a suspended license can cause premiums to soar, indicating that maintaining a clean driving record is essential for cost-effective auto insurance.
Looking ahead, anticipated tariffs on imported auto parts could further increase California’s insurance rates by up to 7% in the latter part of 2025, potentially affecting overall prices for consumers.
For eligible low-income drivers, California offers a Low Cost Auto Insurance program, where individuals with good driving records can pay around $450 per year. Eligibility requirements include income limits of $39,125 for individuals and $80,375 for families of four, making affordable insurance accessible to more residents.
As auto insurance rates vary significantly across different providers and cities, consumers are encouraged to take the time to shop around for the best rates. Comparing different coverage policies offers a great strategy for accurately assessing options and finding potential savings.
FAQ
What is the cheapest auto insurance in California?
The cheapest auto insurance in California is offered by CSAA at $26 per month for liability coverage.
How does location affect car insurance rates in California?
Location significantly impacts car insurance rates; for instance, Mount Shasta is the cheapest city for auto insurance at $126 per month, while Beverly Hills is the most expensive at $269 per month.
How do traffic violations influence auto insurance premiums?
Traffic violations can increase auto insurance premiums significantly, with a DUI raising the average rate to $476, compared to $183 for a clean record or not-at-fault accident.
What is the average cost of auto insurance in California?
The average annual auto insurance premium in California is approximately $1,910, although low-income drivers may pay around $450 through the state’s Low Cost Auto Insurance program.
Comparison of Car Insurance Rates in California
| Provider | Liability Coverage (Monthly Rate) | Full Coverage (Monthly Rate) |
|---|---|---|
| CSAA | $26 | $112 |
| USAA | $43 | N/A |
| Progressive | $49 | $119 |
| AAA NorCal | $50 | $81 |
| Wawanesa | $51 | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KEYT: Car Insurance Rates in California – August 2025
- Wikipedia: Car Insurance
- Santa Fe New Mexican: Car Insurance Rates in California – August 2025
- Google Search: Car Insurance California
- NBC Bay Area: Car Insurance Premium Going Up
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Insurance
- Axios: Car Insurance Rates California – Tariffs 2025
- Google News: California Car Insurance 2025
- SFGATE: Why California Car Insurance Rates Climb – 2025
- Google Scholar: California Car Insurance Rates
- LAist: Ballot Initiative Effect on California Insurance
Author: Anaheim Staff Writer
The Anaheim Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREAnaheim.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Anaheim, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as major conventions at the Anaheim Convention Center, including NAMM and VidCon, exciting games at Angel Stadium and Honda Center, and developments at Disneyland Resort Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Anaheim Chamber of Commerce and Visit Anaheim, plus leading businesses in hospitality, entertainment, and innovation that power the local economy As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECostaMesa.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERESantaAna.com, and HERELosAngeles.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
