Best Auto Insurance Company In California: Who's Number One?

California is one of the most expensive states for car insurance, with quotes up to 24% higher than the national average. The best car insurance company depends on your needs and budget. Some of the top-rated car insurance companies in California include CSAA, Chubb, Capital Insurance Group, State Farm, GEICO, and Wawanesa. These companies offer a range of coverage options, competitive rates, and high customer satisfaction ratings. When choosing a car insurance company, it is important to consider factors such as cost, customer service, coverage options, and discounts.

Best car insurance in California for young drivers

Insurance for young drivers tends to be expensive, as they are considered high-risk motorists. However, there are still some competitive rates available from companies such as Geico, Progressive, and Travelers, which were rated highly by WalletHub's editors.

Geico is a good option for young drivers, with an average annual rate of $2,328 for full coverage in California. This is around 23% less than the state average. Geico also offers a good student discount, which most major insurance companies provide.

USAA is another good option for young drivers, especially those with a military connection. USAA tends to offer some of the cheapest car insurance rates and has the highest customer satisfaction score from J.D. Power.

For young drivers with a history of accidents, DUIs, or speeding tickets, Mercury Insurance is a good option. Their rates are about 20% cheaper than the state average.

For young drivers who are considered high-risk but want a more tech-savvy option, Progressive is a good choice. They have an app that can save you up to 30% on your premium.

Wawanesa General also offers the lowest average annual auto insurance premium for California drivers at $1,214. They also have the best rates for teen drivers, at $2,490 for female and male teen drivers.

First Acceptance Insurance Company is ideal for young drivers who want the lowest rate. They specialize in coverage for high-risk motorists, young drivers, and those with bad credit.

Young drivers should compare quotes from multiple providers to ensure they get the best rate. They should also consider what discounts they are eligible for, such as good student discounts.

Best car insurance in California for families

California is one of the most expensive states for car insurance, with quotes up to 24% higher than the national average. The average cost of car insurance in California is $153 per month, or $1,837 per year.

When it comes to the best car insurance in California for families, there are several providers that offer competitive rates and comprehensive coverage. Here are some of the top options:

Wawanesa

Wawanesa is consistently rated highly for customer satisfaction in California and offers coverage for custom parts and optional add-ons such as repairs with original manufacturer parts. They have an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and have been rated highly by J.D. Power. Wawanesa is also one of the cheapest options, with an average cost of $80 per month or $959 per year.

GEICO

GEICO offers low average premiums and more than a dozen potential discounts, including for affiliation, good driving, military service, and safety features. They have well-developed digital tools and a highly-rated mobile app. GEICO's average cost is $122 per month or $1,465 per year.

USAA

USAA is available to active-duty military members, veterans, and their families and offers low rates and discounts for those who are deployed or store their vehicles on base. They have excellent customer satisfaction scores and a strong financial strength rating. USAA's average cost is $125 per month or $1,502 per year.

Mercury

Mercury offers affordable rates, rideshare coverage, and a low-mileage discount. They also provide the convenience of online quotes and claim filing. However, they have received lower-than-average customer satisfaction scores. Mercury's average cost is $127 per month or $1,520 per year.

National General

National General is a good option for high-risk drivers who may have a hard time finding affordable coverage due to their driving record. They offer an emergency expense allowance of up to $500 and affordable rates, but their coverage options are more limited. National General's average cost is $XX per month or $X,XXX per year.

When choosing the best car insurance for your family, it's important to consider not only the cost but also the coverage, customer service, and any additional features that may be important to you. It's recommended to get quotes from multiple providers and compare their offerings to find the best fit for your needs.

Best car insurance in California for seniors

When it comes to auto insurance for seniors in California, there are several factors to consider, including cost, coverage, availability, and customer service. Here are some of the best options for senior citizens in the state:

Geico:

Geico is a good choice for seniors in California due to its low premiums, strong customer service, and high ratings. According to WalletHub, Geico has the cheapest premiums for senior drivers, with an average annual cost of $461. Geico also offers a variety of coverage options and discounts, making it a cost-effective option.

USAA:

USAA is another excellent option for seniors, especially those with a military background. USAA offers competitive rates, a wide range of discounts, and strong customer service. According to WalletHub, the average annual cost for seniors is $500. However, it's important to note that USAA is only available to retired veterans, active-duty military members, and their families.

Travelers:

Travelers insurance is known for its affordable rates, particularly for senior citizens. According to MarketWatch, Travelers offers the cheapest full-coverage insurance for seniors, with an average annual cost of $1,753. They also provide a range of coverage options and add-ons, such as roadside assistance and rental car coverage.

Progressive:

Progressive is a good choice for seniors in California due to its low rates and wide range of coverage options. According to WalletHub, the average annual cost for seniors is $588. Progressive also offers various discounts and has a usage-based program called Snapshot, which can provide additional savings for safe drivers.

Mercury:

Mercury insurance is worth considering for seniors in California. According to WalletHub, the average annual cost for seniors is $620. Mercury offers good rates for senior customers, but it's important to note that their coverage is only available in 11 states, including California.

When choosing auto insurance, it's important to compare quotes from multiple providers, as rates can vary significantly. Additionally, look for companies that offer discounts specifically for seniors, such as those for completing a defensive driving course or having certain safety features in your vehicle.

Best car insurance in California for customer service

When it comes to customer service, Chubb is the best car insurance option in California. Chubb stands out due to its superior customer satisfaction and claims handling scores, which are the biggest contributors to its near-perfect MoneyGeek score. Although Chubb's rates are higher, customers are paying for a more consistent and premium service experience.

In California's competitive car insurance market, companies vary greatly in customer satisfaction and claims experiences. Exceptional customer service and a smooth claims process are paramount because they translate to less stress and more efficient resolution for policyholders during some of their most challenging times. Insurance companies that prioritise these qualities ensure that their customers feel supported and valued, essential in an industry that revolves around reliability and trust.

Chubb Insurance garners a high satisfaction score of 44 (out of 45) and a perfect claims handling score of 30 (out of 30), ensuring its appeal to discerning car insurance customers looking for tailored, high-quality protection. However, it lacks the convenience of Roadside Assistance despite offering common coverages like Rental Car and/or Travel Reimbursement.

Chubb's rarer coverages include Antique/Classic Car Insurance and Diminished Value Coverage, both of which cater to niche but essential client needs. Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Coverage stands out for its practicality, ensuring that car repairs utilise original, not aftermarket, parts.

Another option for car insurance in California is CSAA, which has the highest MoneyGeek score, measuring affordability and customer satisfaction. CSAA offers identity theft coverage, which is a security layer that monitors and protects your personal information. Clients also have access to roadside assistance and rental car/travel reimbursement.

According to WalletHub, the best car insurance companies in California are The General, Direct Auto, and PURE Insurance, based on user ratings. The General offers solid coverage options and nine discounts for policyholders. Direct Auto Insurance specialises in insurance for high-risk drivers. PURE Insurance is a property and casualty insurer specialising in coverage for customers with a high net worth.

Best car insurance in California for military personnel

If you are a member of the military or a veteran, you might be eligible for some of the best car insurance rates in California. Here are some of the top car insurance companies for military personnel in California:

USAA

USAA offers auto insurance exclusively to veterans, active-duty military, and their families. They have some of the cheapest rates for military personnel, with an average annual cost of $1,053. USAA also provides excellent customer service and is highly rated in J.D. Power's survey for shopping experience, claims processing, and overall satisfaction. They offer a 15% discount if you live on a military base and up to 60% off when deployed or storing your car.

Geico

Geico is a good option for retired service members and those not deployed. They offer a military discount of up to 15% for current and former military members, and their rates are already quite low, averaging $96 per month. Geico also has a dedicated customer service line for military personnel and veterans, staffed by veterans. However, they have lower customer satisfaction ratings than USAA.

State Farm

State Farm does not have a nationwide discount for military members, but their rates are competitive in some states, including Texas. They offer various discounts, including a good driver discount and an online driving course discount for drivers under 25.

Armed Forces Insurance

Armed Forces Insurance provides auto insurance for veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. They can give you quotes from multiple insurers within their network, allowing you to find the best rate and coverage for your needs.

Farmers

Farmers Insurance offers nearly two dozen discounts, including a 10% discount for current and former military personnel. They have below-average NAIC complaints and are available in most states.

When choosing car insurance as a member of the military or a veteran, it's important to consider your specific needs and circumstances. Compare rates and discounts offered by different companies, and don't forget to look at customer satisfaction ratings and the ease of filing claims.

Frequently asked questions