California Insurance Agencies by County

How to Lower Your Car Insurance in California (And How Insurance Companies Score You)

Trying to cut the cost of car insurance in California? Whether you’re commuting in Los Angeles, the Bay Area, Sacramento, or driving long distances across the state, there are smart ways to keep your premiums low. This overview explains how California insurers evaluate drivers — and what you can do to save money.

How Car Insurance Companies in California Score You

California insurers use a mix of personal history, risk factors, and vehicle data when calculating your premium. Key factors include:

• Driving history – Accidents, speeding tickets, DUIs, and prior claims can raise your rate.
• Annual mileage – The more you drive, the more exposure you have. Low-mileage drivers may qualify for discounts.
• Years of driving experience – More experience generally means lower risk and better pricing.
• Location – Dense traffic areas can have higher claim frequency, theft risk, and repair costs.
• Vehicle type – Cars with higher repair costs or higher theft risk typically cost more to insure.
• Coverage choices – Higher liability limits and full coverage cost more; higher deductibles usually lower monthly costs.
• Credit score – California generally does not use credit-based insurance scoring for auto rates the way many other states do.

10 Ways to Lower Your Car Insurance in California

1. Compare quotes from multiple companies. Rates can vary a lot—shopping around can save a lot.
2. Bundle home/renters and auto. Many carriers offer discounts when you combine policies.
3. Reduce annual mileage if possible. If you work remote or drive less, report accurate mileage for a better rate.
4. Raise your deductibles. If you can afford a higher deductible, you can often lower your monthly bill.
5. Ask about telematics programs. Safe drivers may earn discounts based on real driving behavior.
6. Check for hidden discounts. Ask about safe driver, good student, multi-car, homeowner, paid-in-full, and autopay discounts.
7. Consider dropping collision on older cars. For low-value vehicles, full coverage may not be cost-effective.
8. Choose a cheaper-to-insure vehicle. Before buying, get an insurance quote—repair costs and theft risk matter.
9. Avoid coverage lapses. A lapse can cause rates to jump even if it’s short.
10. Re-shop every 6–12 months. Rates and underwriting change—new discounts or better offers can appear.

California Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements

California generally requires at least 30/60/15 in liability coverage — that’s $30,000 bodily injury per person, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 property damage per accident. Many drivers choose higher limits for better protection.

Theft, Wildfires, and Comprehensive Coverage

California drivers may face higher theft risk in some areas, plus wildfire smoke/ash and other non-collision hazards. Comprehensive coverage can help protect your vehicle from non-collision damage such as theft, vandalism, falling objects, and certain weather-related damage (coverage varies by policy).

Use the county list above to explore local insurance agencies in your area and compare options side-by-side.