*Not all companies are included in our rate estimation data. Also, you may notice that some auto insurance companies are listed above those with high star ratings. This is because our ratings take into account nationwide factors, while our ranking here specifically looks at which insurance providers are the best for auto insurance in California.

#1 Geico Insurance: Best for Basic Coverage

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $147 per month, $1,758 per year
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $40 per month, $482 per year
California Customer Service Rating: 830/1,000
Claim Satisfaction Rating: 871/1,000

Geico is the third largest auto insurance company in the US, as it writes over $38 billion in auto premiums in 2022 according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Depending on your driving record, you’ll find the lowest Geico auto insurance rates in the Golden State–so low, in fact, that we’ve recognized Geico as Best for Basic Coverage. Geico has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB), the highest possible financial strength rating from AM Best, and an above average score from California respondents to the JD Power 2023 US Auto Insurance Study.

See how we compare Geico vs. Progressive, another big provider, in our review.

#2 State Farm Insurance: Best Overall Provider

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $216 per month, $2,586 per year
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $67 per month, $805 per year
California Customer Service Rating: 826/1,000
Claim Satisfaction Rating: 891/1,000

Another leading provider for auto insurance in California, State Farm excels at insuring students with a wide variety of discounts including Steer Clear^® program, which encourages safe driving for drivers under 25 years old. If you’re looking for higher liability coverage limits, State Farm has you covered with coverage up to 500/500/500, which is more than enough to meet California auto insurance requirements and take care of most expenses in case of an accident. Some extras from State Farm include rental and travel expense coverage, rideshare coverage, and roadside assistance.

#3 Farmers Insurance: Best for Choosing an Add-On

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $180 per month, $2,163 per year
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $59 per month, $712 per year
California Customer Service Rating: 810/1,000
Claim Satisfaction Rating: 878/1,000

Farmers Insurance is one of the nation’s oldest providers and ranks among the best auto insurance companies. On top of the standard types of car insurance, farmers also offer supplemental California car insurance coverage for new car replacement, accident forgiveness, etc. The company is generous with driver discounts, including for good students, homeowners with binding policies, and those who maintain a clean driving record.

#4 Liberty Mutual Insurance: Best Customized Coverage

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: N/A*
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: N/A*
California Customer Service Rating: Not regionally ranked
Claim Satisfaction Rating: 866/1,000

Liberty Mutual auto insurance is a good choice for teenagers and military personnel in California because of the discounts available to these groups. Some ways to save on California car insurance with Liberty Mutual Insurance include multi-car discounts and getting a car with safety features like anti-theft systems and airbags. You may also qualify for discounts depending on your alumni and professional connections, and customize your policy further with different add-on coverage options.

* Specific cost data is not available for Liberty Mutual.

#5 Allstate Insurance: Best for In-Person Service

Full Coverage Auto Insurance Cost: $204 per month, $2,450 per year
Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Cost: $64 per month, $765 per year
California Customer Service Rating: 816/1,000
Claim Satisfaction Rating: 882/1,000

Unlike other auto insurance companies in the country, Allstate works through a network of local insurance agents to provide coverage, making it a great choice for those who prefer personal service. Allstate has an A+ financial strength rating with AM Best and an A+ rating with BBB. There are several ways to get discounted rates for Allstate car insurance in California, including bundling with other policies such as Allstate motorcycle insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, and more.