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If you drive in California, you know how essential car insurance is – but finding the right coverage at a price you can afford isn’t always simple. That’s why we created the California car insurance calculator.

It uses your vehicle’s make and model to estimate your average annual and monthly premiums in California, giving you the insight you need to confidently choose coverage.

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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How much does your vehicle model affect car insurance rates in California?

Car insurance rates in California vary widely based on your vehicle’s make and model. Insurance companies consider multiple factors, including the make and model of your car, to determine premiums.

A full coverage car insurance policy in California for a Honda Accord LX costs $2,987 annually, whereas a Honda CR-V costs $2,322 to insure in California – a difference of $665.

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

In California – as in many other states – a car’s model year can impact your insurance rates. For instance, the annual premium for a 2023 Honda Accord LX is around $3,539, while insuring the 2024 model costs $2,875.

Quick tip: Check your state’s minimum coverage rules

Every state sets its own minimum car insurance requirements, and California is no exception. To drive legally, you’ll need at least the minimum liability coverage, which typically includes:

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

These limits are the bare minimum – many drivers choose higher coverage to better protect themselves financially after an accident. Not carrying the required coverage in California can lead to fines, license suspension and even 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.

What drivers pay for car insurance in California

In California, the average cost of full coverage car insurance is $3,010 per year, or $251 per month. Your rate may be higher or lower depending on the coverage you choose.

Below, you’ll find estimates for different coverage levels in California, but keep in mind that factors like your vehicle, driving history, and other personal details can affect your final premium.

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 our California car insurance calculator

Our car insurance calculator for California factors in your location, vehicle make, and model year to provide an estimate tailored to your situation. Actual quotes may vary, so shop around and compare multiple quotes to get 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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