Car Insurance Cost in California (2026)
Car insurance in California costs $2,436 a year for full coverage on average ($203 a month), 9% more than the U.S. average of $2,244. Minimum (liability-only) coverage averages $1,176 a year.
California vs the national average
The average California driver pays $2,436 a year for full coverage, which is 9% more than the national average of $2,244. Over five years that adds up to about $12,180 at today's rates (our calculation), so it pays to shop around at every renewal.
| State | Full coverage / yr | Minimum / yr | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mississippi | $2,232 | $1,068 | 33 |
| Kentucky | $2,328 | $1,452 | 34 |
| California | $2,436 | $1,176 | 35 |
| Texas | $2,448 | $1,320 | 36 |
| Virginia | $2,484 | $1,416 | 37 |
| U.S. average | $2,244 | $1,188 | - |
Source: Insurify, Average Car Insurance Rates as of October 2026, published Oct 8, 2026. Insurify publishes monthly averages (data through September 2026). Annual figures here are the published monthly figure times 12. Minimum is Insurify's liability-only average. Washington, D.C. is listed as District of Columbia. Monthly and five-year figures are our calculation. Your own quote depends on your age, record, car and ZIP code.
How to pay less in California
Get at least three quotes for the same coverage, raise your deductible if you have the savings to cover it, ask about bundling and safe-driver discounts, and check whether you still need collision coverage on an older car. Our car insurance cost guide explains each step, and the car loan calculator shows the payment side of the budget.
Common questions
How much is car insurance in California?
Full coverage averages $2,436 a year ($203 a month) in California, and minimum coverage $1,176 a year, per Insurify data published Oct 8, 2026.
Is car insurance expensive in California?
California ranks 35 of 51 (1 = cheapest), making it pricier than most states. Full coverage there costs 9% more than the national average.