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If you’re a driver in the Golden State, you probably know the importance of having car insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirement. However, finding the right coverage at an affordable price can be a daunting task. That’s where our car insurance calculator comes in handy.

Our calculator lets you estimate your average annual and monthly car insurance cost based on your vehicle make and model, helping you make informed decisions.

How to use the California car insurance calculator

  • Step 1: Choose the model year of your car.
  • Step 2: Choose the make and model of your car
  • Step 3: Choose the state in which you currently reside or require car insurance coverage.
  • Step 4: Simply click on the “Get My Rates” button to get a car insurance estimate.
  • Step 5: Increase your options further by including additional vehicles, or take the next step towards purchasing car insurance by clicking on “get quotes” button.

Insure.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to calculate average auto insurance rates for vehicles from 2006 to 2022.

Our hypothetical driver is a 40-year-old male who commutes 12 miles to work each day, with policy limits of 100/300/50 ($100,000 for injury liability for one person, $300,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident) and a $500 deductible on collision and comprehensive coverage.

Rates for vehicles up until 2019 includes uninsured motorist coverage (since some states require it, we do it for all) and PIP or Medical Payments, if it is required by state law. This hypothetical driver has a clean record and good credit.

For liability 100/300 is rates the same hypothetical driver but with liability limits of 100/300/50, uninsured/underinsured motorist in matching amounts and PIP or MedPay, if required by state. We recommend limits this high, even if you have only liability coverage. A state-minimum policy includes only the basic state liability limits and any other state-required coverages, such as uninsured motorist or PIP.

Averages were calculated using data from six large carriers, such as Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, Nationwide, Progressive and State Farm. Rates were averaged across multiple ZIP codes and insurance companies. Average rates are for comparative purposes; your rate will depend on your personal factors.

Where we got the information for this calculator?
Insure.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to calculate average auto insurance rates for vehicles from 2006 to 2022 in each state. Utilizing this data, we have constructed a free car insurance estimator California, which will assist users in obtaining a quick estimate of car insurance costs in California.

How much is vehicle model important in calculating car insurance in California?

In California, the make and model of a vehicle can significantly impact car insurance rates. Insurers consider various factors, including a vehicle’s make and model, when determining premiums.

For instance, the car insurance rate for a 2022 Acura ILX 2.4L is $2,280 a year for a full coverage policy, whereas average insurance premiums for a Toyota 4Runner Limited is $2,072 annually— that’s $208 less compared to Acura ILX 2.4L. 

How insurers calculate car insurance in California using car model year

In California and many other places, a car’s model year can influence how much you pay for car insurance. For example, someone with a 2021 Chevrolet Blazer 3LT pays around $2,358 a year for insurance, whereas the car insurance rate for a 2022 Chevrolet Balzer 2LT is $2,219 per year. 

Generally, newer cars have higher insurance rates than older models. This is because newer cars typically have higher market values and in the event of an accident, repairing or replacing them would be more expensive for the insurance company.

According to California Department of Motor Vehicles, the minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger, commercial and fleet vehicles is $15,000 for injury/death to one person. $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person. $5,000 for damage to property.

Does the cost of car insurance in California decrease as a vehicle gets older?

In general, car insurance costs decrease for older car models in California. As a vehicle ages, it typically loses value due to depreciation. Since car insurance covers the cost of repair or replacement of a vehicle, the insurance company’s liability decreases when insuring an older vehicle. This results in lower car insurance premiums.

Individuals driving a 2016 Honda Accord LX pay $153 monthly for a full coverage car insurance policy; conversely, car insurance for the 2022 Honda Accord LX costs $175 every month$22 more than the 2016 model. 

Older vehicles may be less attractive to thieves than newer models with advanced security features. The lower risk of theft can also lead to lower insurance premiums.

Car insurance cost estimate in California

The average premium for car insurance in California is $2,115 per year or $176 per month, though your specific premium may vary based on the coverage level you choose. Here is an estimate of car insurance costs in California for different coverage levels.

Coverage limitsAverage annual cost
50/100/50 Liability Only$864
100/300/100 Liability with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible$2,115
Non-Owner State Minimum Liability Only$323
State Minimum Liability Only$582

Refer to the above cost data to find out the average cost of car insurance in California.

Acura ILX car insurance cost in California

The average cost of full coverage car insurance for an Acura ILX is $2,280 per year or $190 per month. The rates can vary depending on the style of your car, the number of cylinders, and other factors.