Best Car Insurance in California – When it comes to securing the best car insurance in California, the sheer number of options can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a detailed guide on the top 20 car insurance companies in California. We will cover their website addresses, contact information, rates, pros and cons, and customer reviews.
1. State Farm
Website: State Farm
Contact Info: 1-800-STATE-FARM (1-800-782-8332)
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,500
Pros: Excellent customer service, numerous discounts, financial stability
Cons: Higher premiums for younger drivers
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “State Farm has always been reliable and quick to process claims.”
- Negative: “The rates are a bit high for younger drivers.”
2. GEICO
Website: GEICO
Contact Info: 1-800-207-7847
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,200
Pros: Competitive rates, extensive discounts, easy online quotes
Cons: Mixed customer service reviews
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Great rates and easy to manage policy online.”
- Negative: “Customer service can be hit or miss.”
3. Progressive
Website: Progressive
Contact Info: 1-800-PROGRESSIVE (1-800-776-4737)
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,400
Pros: Usage-based discounts, wide range of coverage options
Cons: Rates can be higher than competitors
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Love the Snapshot program for discounts.”
- Negative: “Rates increased without clear reason.”
4. Allstate
Website: Allstate
Contact Info: 1-800-ALLSTATE (1-800-255-7828)
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,600
Pros: Strong financial stability, numerous local agents
Cons: High premiums
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Very responsive and helpful agents.”
- Negative: “Premiums are quite high compared to other companies.”
5. Farmers Insurance
Website: Farmers Insurance
Contact Info: 1-888-327-6335
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,650
Pros: Good customer service, variety of coverage options
Cons: High premiums, especially for young drivers
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Excellent service and comprehensive coverage.”
- Negative: “Rates are a bit steep for what you get.”
6. Liberty Mutual
Website: Liberty Mutual
Contact Info: 1-800-290-8711
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,500
Pros: Various discounts, user-friendly website
Cons: Higher than average rates
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “User-friendly website and good discounts.”
- Negative: “Premiums are on the higher side.”
7. USAA (Available only to military personnel and their families)
Website: USAA
Contact Info: 1-800-531-USAA (1-800-531-8722)
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,100
Pros: Excellent customer service, low rates, tailored to military members
Cons: Only available to military personnel and their families
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Best rates and amazing customer service.”
- Negative: “Limited to military members only.”
8. AAA Auto Insurance
Website: AAA
Contact Info: 1-800-222-1134
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,550
Pros: Great roadside assistance, member discounts
Cons: Membership required
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Roadside assistance is a lifesaver.”
- Negative: “You need to be a member to get insurance.”
9. Mercury Insurance
Website: Mercury Insurance
Contact Info: 1-800-503-3724
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,350
Pros: Competitive rates, good customer service
Cons: Limited online services
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Affordable rates and helpful customer service.”
- Negative: “Not much can be done online.”
10. Nationwide
Website: Nationwide
Contact Info: 1-877-669-6877
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,550
Pros: Variety of discounts, solid customer service
Cons: Rates can be high for some drivers
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Good discounts and helpful agents.”
- Negative: “Rates are higher than I expected.”
11. Esurance
Website: Esurance
Contact Info: 1-800-378-7262
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,450
Pros: Easy online management, competitive rates
Cons: Limited agent network
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Great rates and easy to manage policy online.”
- Negative: “Lack of physical agents can be a downside.”
12. Travelers
Website: Travelers
Contact Info: 1-866-336-2077
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,500
Pros: Comprehensive coverage options, good customer service
Cons: Higher premiums
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Great coverage options and customer service.”
- Negative: “Rates are a bit high.”
13. Safeco Insurance
Website: Safeco Insurance
Contact Info: 1-800-332-3226
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,450
Pros: Various discounts, solid customer service
Cons: Rates can be higher than average
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Helpful agents and good discounts.”
- Negative: “Rates are not the cheapest.”
14. The Hartford
Website: The Hartford
Contact Info: 1-888-413-8970
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,500
Pros: Tailored for AARP members, good customer service
Cons: Higher premiums for non-AARP members
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Great for AARP members.”
- Negative: “Not ideal if you’re not an AARP member.”
15. Amica Mutual
Website: Amica
Contact Info: 1-800-242-6422
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,400
Pros: High customer satisfaction, various discounts
Cons: Limited local agents
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Excellent customer service and satisfaction.”
- Negative: “Not many local agents available.”
16. MetLife Auto & Home
Website: MetLife
Contact Info: 1-800-438-6388
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,550
Pros: Comprehensive coverage, strong financial stability
Cons: Higher premiums
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Great coverage and financially stable.”
- Negative: “Rates are higher than some competitors.”
17. Hanover Insurance
Website: Hanover Insurance
Contact Info: 1-800-628-0250
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,600
Pros: Customized coverage options, good customer service
Cons: Higher premiums
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Customizable policies and good service.”
- Negative: “Rates are a bit high.”
18. Kemper Insurance
Website: Kemper
Contact Info: 1-866-860-9348
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,550
Pros: Various discounts, good customer service
Cons: Rates can be higher than average
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Good customer service and discounts.”
- Negative: “Rates are not the cheapest.”
19. Infinity Insurance
Website: Infinity Insurance
Contact Info: 1-800-782-1020
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,600
Pros: Various discounts, bilingual support
Cons: Mixed customer service reviews
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Good discounts and bilingual support.”
- Negative: “Customer service could be better.”
20. MAPFRE Insurance
Website: MAPFRE
Contact Info: 1-877-224-5677
Rates: Average annual premium of $1,500
Pros: Competitive rates, good customer service
Cons: Limited online tools
Customer Reviews:
- Positive: “Competitive rates and good service.”
- Negative: “Lack of online tools is a drawback.”
FAQs
1. What factors affect car insurance rates in California?
Car insurance rates in California are influenced by various factors, including your driving record, age, gender, location, type of vehicle, and credit history. Additionally, the level of coverage you choose and your deductible amount can impact your premium.
2. Can I get discounts on my car insurance?
Yes, most insurance companies offer a variety of discounts. Common discounts include safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, good student discounts, and discounts for installing safety features in your car.
3. What is the minimum car insurance requirement in California?
California law requires drivers to carry a minimum of 15/30/5 liability coverage. This means $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.
4. How can I find the best car insurance for my needs?
To find the best car insurance, compare quotes from multiple insurers, consider the coverage options they offer, check customer reviews, and look for discounts that you may be eligible for. It’s also helpful to consult with an insurance agent.
5. What should I do if I get into an accident in California?
If you get into an accident, make sure everyone is safe and call the police. Exchange information with the other driver(s), take photos of the scene, and contact your insurance company to report the incident and start the claims process.
