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If you’re a driver in California, you probably know the importance of having car insurance. But finding the right coverage at a price that fits your budget isn’t always easy. That’s where our California car insurance calculator comes in.

Our auto insurance calculator estimates your average annual and monthly costs in California based on your vehicle’s make and model, helping you make smarter coverage decisions.

How to use our car insurance calculator to estimate your rates in California:

  • Step 1: Choose the model year of your car.
  • Step 2: Choose the make and model of your car.
  • Step 3: Choose your state.
  • Step 4: Click on the “Get My Rates” button to get a car insurance estimate.
  • Step 5: Expand your options by adding more vehicles, or take the next step by clicking the “Get quotes” button to compare policies and prices.
Data last refreshed in 2025
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Does your vehicle model affect car insurance rates in California?

Your car’s make and model play a big role in determining insurance rates. Insurers account for multiple factors – including your vehicle’s make and model – to calculate premiums.

For example, insuring a Honda Accord LX around $2,987 per year for a full coverage policy. On the other hand, coverage for a Honda CR-V costs $2,322, a difference of $665.

Does your car’s model year affect insurance rates in California?

In California, as in most states, your car’s model year can impact your insurance rate. For example, the average annual premium for a 2023 Honda Accord LX is $3,539, compared to $2,875 for the 2024 model.

Quick tip: Know your state’s minimum insurance requirements before you buy

Car insurance requirements vary by state. In California, you must have at least the minimum liability coverage to drive legally. This typically includes:

  • Bodily injury liability per person and per accident
  • Property damage liability

These limits are just the minimum required by law-many drivers opt for higher coverage to ensure better financial protection after an accident. Driving without the required coverage in California can result in fines, license suspension or vehicle impoundment.

Auto insurance premiums vary significantly from city to city, so drivers need to be sure they’re getting the best deal. Insure.com has done the research for you. Get more information on auto insurance rates by city below.

Our agents make it hassle-free to get the right quote.

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How your car’s trim affects insurance rates in California

Your car’s trim level plays a big role in determining your insurance premium. Insurers consider the vehicle’s value, repair costs, safety features and theft risk when setting rates. Higher trims with upgraded technology or powerful engines often have higher premiums since they’re more expensive to repair or replace.

For example, a 2023 Honda Accord LX costs $3,539 per year to insure in California, whereas the EX-L trim costs $2,854, a difference of $685 annually.

Trims that include luxury upgrades, like a premium sound system, often cost more to insure because they raise the vehicle’s overall value. Similarly, performance-focused trims with larger engines may increase premiums due to a greater risk of accidents or speeding.

Car insurance estimate in California

Drivers in California pay an average of $3,010 per year or $251 per month for full-coverage car insurance. Your exact premium could differ based on the level of coverage you choose. The table below shows estimated rates for various coverage limits in California. However, your actual rate may vary depending on your driving history, vehicle type and other personal factors.

Coverage levelAverage annual rateAverage monthly rate
Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll$3,010$251
Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD$1,016$85
State Minimum BI/PD$751$63
Non-Owners$394$33
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Car insurance costs in California by city

Car insurance rates in California vary significantly depending on the city you live in. Factors like traffic congestion, accident frequency, weather conditions and crime rates all influence how much drivers pay for coverage. For instance, drivers in West Hollywood pay $4,876 annually for full coverage, while those in Mount Shasta pay closer to $2,258 per year.

Top 20 cities with cheapest car insurance rates in California

CityAvg. Annual PremiumAvg. Monthly Premium
Mount Shasta$2,258$188
Yreka$2,294$191
Weed$2,304$192
Los Osos$2,360$197
Red Bluff$2,361$197
Pacific Grove$2,382$199
Montague$2,391$199
Cambria$2,399$200
King City$2,408$201
Weaverville$2,409$201
Lakehead$2,413$201
Durham$2,417$201
Arroyo Grande$2,421$202
Dunsmuir$2,421$202
Orland$2,424$202
Shingletown$2,428$202
Blue Lake$2,439$203
Paskenta$2,439$203
Buellton$2,441$203
Del Monte Forest$2,442$203
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Top 20 cities with most expensive car insurance in rates California

CityAvg. Annual PremiumAvg. Monthly Premium
West Hollywood$4,876$406
Tarzana$4,839$403
Valley Village$4,837$403
Beverly Hills$4,800$400
North Hollywood$4,696$391
Panorama City$4,687$391
Encino$4,660$388
Van Nuys$4,614$385
Glendale$4,562$380
Reseda$4,556$380
Studio City$4,468$372
Sherman Oaks$4,439$370
Sun Valley$4,421$368
North Hills$4,343$362
Northridge$4,306$359
Tujunga$4,253$354
Winnetka$4,245$354
Los Angeles$4,201$350
Universal City$4,178$348
Calabasas$4,156$346
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Want to know what you’ll pay? Use the California car insurance calculator

Use the California car insurance calculator to get an estimate based on your location, vehicle make and model year. Enter your details to get a tailored estimate, but remember-final rates may differ, so it’s wise to compare quotes from different insurers to find the best deal.

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Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer

 
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Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions.

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