Best Car Insurance for New Drivers in California (2025)
Some of the best companies for new drivers in California include AAA, GEICO, and Progressive.
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Written byJacqueline DeMarco
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13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
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Edited bySara Getman
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Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
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Reviewed byDavid Marlett
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David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.
Updated
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Table of contents
Finding the right insurer matters when it comes to affordability. On top of learning how to drive, new drivers need to secure affordable car insurance, which is easier said than done. The average rate for car insurance in California for new drivers is $279 per month. Progressive, AAA, and GEICO are a few California insurers that offer new drivers affordable rates plus ways to save.
Where you live, your ZIP code, your driving record, and other factors influence car insurance rates. Here’s how to find cheap car insurance in California for new drivers.
Quick Facts
California follows a 30/60/15 minimum liability coverage requirement.
New drivers can expect to see rates drop as they age and demonstrate safe driving behavior.
Good student and defensive driving discounts are great ways for young drivers to save.
Best car insurance for new drivers in California
How much you spend on car insurance can vary depending on your age and other key factors, like car type, location, and mileage. To help you narrow down your search for an affordable car insurance policy, here are some of the top car insurance companies for new drivers in California.
Auto Club of Southern California (AAA): Best for customer experience
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 684 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | NR |
Best For
Best For
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
684NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.28A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
When you’re a new driver, it’s understandable if you worry about getting into accidents. If you need to file a claim, you want to know your car insurance company is there to offer the support you need. AAA earned the highest J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction in the U.S. Auto Insurance Study for California insurers. Additionally, having AAA membership is helpful if you break down, get a flat tire, or need a jump.
Pros
Top J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction in California
Bundling discount available
Good student discount
Cons
Rental car coverage not guaranteed
Must print your insurance card
Must also buy AAA membership for roadside assistance
GEICO: Best for discounts
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $117/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $207/mo |
3.9
A solid optionBased on 12,479 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
How drivers feel about GEICO
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Teen drivers
Cheap rates
Accident forgiveness
Reviews (6,601)
Pamela
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Reviewed in on October 2025
Excellent. They work with you and are very efficient. Would highly recommend.
Adrian
Verified Purchase
Changed my price when I agreed to policy
Reviewed in on October 2025
When I agreed to accept the policy, my price went up $20 a month instantly. I wasn’t happy.
Maria
Verified Review
Lowest for the Elderly with Minimum Miles
Reviewed in New York on October 2025
Very good for the elderly.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
626NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
New drivers often look for ways to lower their high car insurance rates. Luckily, GEICO offers more than 30 potential discounts. GEICO also offers a wide range of insurance products, allowing you to bundle policies and potentially reduce your overall premium.
Pros
Offers a wide range of discounts
Allows bundling with all major insurance types for added savings
Provides coverage for motorcycles, ATVs, and RVs
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score in California
No gap insurance
Customer support isn’t easily accessible
Progressive: Best for streamlining coverage
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 635 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.7 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $101/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $176/mo |
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
How drivers feel about Progressive
Customers appreciate the insurer’s good customer service and initial affordability but dislike the consistent price increases and complex claims process.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Easy buying process
Telematics program
Reviews (7,201)
James
Verified Review
OK and a bit cheaper than others
Reviewed in Washington on October 2025
No claims yet.
Jacky
Verified Review
Rate Increases
Reviewed in California on October 2025
My monthly rate keeps going up, never down.
Cookie
Verified Review
Raise your premiums and you lose valued customers!!
Reviewed in Connecticut on October 2025
Progressive is one of the higher-priced insurance companies, and they don't offer valued customers any discounted loyalty options. In fact, they increase your premium over time. I'm 61 years old with no violations, no DUIs, no accidents, and before my current policy expired, I contacted them to see if they could give me a better rate. NOPE! In fact, my premium increased, which is why I've been shopping for an alternative insurance company before my next payment is due. Would I suggest Progressive to family, friends, or others? Only if they want to pay more than they should for coverage. I believe they are running close to GEICO for insurance premiums. GEICO has taken first on that. So, Progressive isn't where I plan to stay in the future.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
635NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.97A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Many parents take on the responsibility of insuring their teen or young adult drivers before they hit the open road. To make managing their insurance policies simpler, they can turn to Progressive, which offers more than 30 insurance products and bundling discounts.
Pros
Teen driver, good student, and distant student discounts available
A+ (Superior) financial strength rating from AM Best
24/7 customer support
Cons
Can only bundle auto with home, renters, or condo insurance
Poor Trustpilot reviews
Some users report bad mobile app experience
Who’s considered a new driver in California?
You can be a new driver at any stage of life. While teenagers are often new drivers, young adults who learned to drive after high school and first-time immigrants in the country with a U.S. driver’s license are also considered new drivers.
Teen drivers with a learner’s permit need to obtain a car insurance policy to drive legally while practicing. Anyone looking to practice driving before they have their license also needs a valid auto insurance policy.
All new drivers can experience the growing pains that come with high insurance rates while they prove they’re responsible. Budgeting for higher car insurance rates before getting a car is a good idea.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in California
Liability quotes for new drivers start at $152 per month
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 7,669+ reviews
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Cheapest car insurance for new drivers in California
New drivers lack experience behind the wheel, which makes them a risk to insure. But that’s not the only reason car insurance companies charge young drivers more. For example, teen drivers are notorious for getting distracted and making risky driving decisions.
To help teens save, parents can add them to their policy, which can result in savings like a multi-policy or loyalty discount. It also helps to pursue an affordable policy. The following table outlines the cheapest car insurance rates for teen drivers in California from popular auto insurance companies.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, October 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company  | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA | $152 | $350 | 9.1 |
| Dairyland | $162 | $566 | 7.7 |
| Sun Coast | $177 | $446 | 0.0 |
| Root | $181 | $333 | 7.9 |
| National General | $186 | $534 | 7.0 |
| Mercury | $200 | $378 | 7.5 |
| Anchor | $208 | $336 | 5.7 |
| GEICO | $215 | $380 | 9.2 |
| Allstate | $224 | $514 | 8.9 |
| Bristol West | $226 | $529 | 6.7 |
| Farmers | $227 | $523 | 8.5 |
| Direct Auto | $233 | $620 | 8.3 |
| State Farm | $244 | $557 | 9.3 |
| 21st Century | $264 | $606 | 7.3 |
| Travelers | $270 | $620 | 8.5 |
| Nationwide | $348 | $798 | 9.0 |
| Chubb | $472 | $1,085 | 7.1 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile. Insurify hasn't yet assigned Sun Coast an Insurify Quality (IQ) score.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
How much car insurance should new drivers in California buy?
To drive legally in California, you must adhere to certain car insurance coverage standards — no matter how old you are.[1]
$30,000 for injury/death to one person
Covers medical expenses or compensation for a single injured or deceased person in an accident you cause
$60,000 for injury/death to more than one person
Covers medical expenses or compensation for multiple people injured or killed in an accident you cause
$15,000 for property damage
Pays for repairs or replacement of someone else’s property damaged in an accident you cause
Liability insurance protects other parties but doesn’t cover your damages. To better protect themselves, new drivers should consider comprehensive and collision coverage for their vehicles and roadside assistance for emergencies.
State minimums often fall short in severe accidents, leaving drivers financially vulnerable. You may want to consider higher coverage limits or additional policies that can prevent out-of-pocket expenses for medical costs or repairs that exceed liability limits.
Car insurance discounts for new drivers in California
New drivers pay more for car insurance than more experienced drivers, but they can take steps to reduce their car insurance rates. In addition to keeping their driving record clean, new drivers can also see if they qualify for any of these popular auto insurance discounts.[2]
Good student discount: Many insurers reward students with good grades, so teen drivers have some extra motivation to study.
Defensive driving course discount: Completing a certified defensive driving course demonstrates to your insurer that you’re knowledgeable about safe driving habits.
Low-mileage discount: Most teens don’t drive long distances, and some insurers offer reduced premiums for people who don’t drive as often.
Bundling discount: Combining auto insurance with renters or home insurance can lead to multi-policy savings.
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How to get cheap car insurance as a new driver in California
If you’re a new driver looking for cheap car insurance in California, consider these helpful tips for finding a policy that meets your coverage needs and budget.[3]
Comparison shop
Compare at least three quotes of the same type and coverage amount to find the best rate. Each company calculates premiums differently, so shopping around can save you a lot of money.
Choose a higher deductible
Opting for a higher deductible lowers monthly premiums. Just make sure you choose a deductible you can afford out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
Look for discounts
Seek out discounts like a good student discount, defensive driving course discount, or multi-policy bundling discount.
Drive a safe, affordable car
Cars with high safety ratings and lower repair costs often have lower insurance premiums.
Car insurance for new drivers in California FAQs
New drivers can check out the additional information below to learn more about how car insurance works in California.
How much is car insurance for a new driver in California?
Car insurance for a new driver in California costs an average of $279 per month. A handful of factors affect car insurance premiums, like age, car type, ZIP code, and driving record.
Do you need car insurance before registering a car in California?
Yes. You need to have a valid insurance policy that meets the minimum requirements to be able to register a car in California. Any time you get behind the wheel in California, you must have a valid car insurance policy.
Do you need car insurance for a teen with a learner’s permit in California?
If your teenager wants to drive legally, they must have a valid car insurance policy before they hit the road. This rule applies even if they only have a learner’s permit.
What is the best insurance for new drivers in California?
There’s no one best car insurance company for all new drivers in California. When buying car insurance, it’s best to look for a reputable company like State Farm, GEICO, or Allstate that offers the types of coverage you need. Spend some time reading reviews from policyholders to get an idea of the customer service experience from each auto insurer you’re considering.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- California DMV. "Insurance Requirements for Vehicle Registration."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- III. "Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs."
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Jacqueline DeMarco
During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.
Jacqueline has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.
Sara Getman is an Associate Editor at Insurify and has been with the company since 2022. Prior to joining Insurify, Sara completed her undergraduate degree in English Literature at Simmons University in Boston. At Simmons, she was the Editor-in-Chief for Sidelines Magazine (a literary and art publication), and wrote creative non-fiction.
Outside of work, Sara is an avid reader, and loves rock climbing, yoga, and crocheting.
David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.