As a busy mom of four, I spend a lot of time driving—school drop-offs, grocery runs, soccer practice, and weekend trips. Living in California, where traffic is unpredictable and accidents are common, I knew I needed full coverage car insurance to protect my family.

But when I got my renewal notice, I nearly fell off my chair. My premium had jumped by over $500 a year! That’s when I realized I had to shop around for a better deal—without sacrificing coverage.

After comparing multiple insurance providers, using every discount available, and adjusting my policy strategically, I found an affordable full coverage policy that saved me over $700 per year.

If you’re looking for the best full coverage car insurance in California, here’s what I learned—which companies offer the best rates, what factors affect your premium, and how to save big.

---

What Is Full Coverage Car Insurance in California?

🚗 Full coverage car insurance includes liability protection and extra coverage for your own vehicle.

A full coverage policy typically includes:

✔ Liability Insurance – Required by California law. Covers injuries and property damage to others if you cause an accident.
✔ Collision Coverage – Pays for your car repairs after an accident, no matter who was at fault.
✔ Comprehensive Coverage – Covers theft, vandalism, natural disasters, and damage from things like falling trees or wildfires.
✔ Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage – Protects you if someone without insurance hits you (which is common in California).

📌 California’s Minimum Liability Insurance Requirements
Even though the state requires:

• $15,000 per person for bodily injury
• $30,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $5,000 for property damage

These amounts aren’t enough if you get into a serious accident, which is why full coverage is highly recommended in California.

---

Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in California

Not all insurers charge the same rates for full coverage. These are the best options for California drivers:

1. GEICO – ⭐ Best for Cheapest Full Coverage Rates

✔ Average Full Coverage Cost in CA: $105–$150/month
✔ Why I like it: Low base rates, plus multiple discount opportunities.

---

2. State Farm – ⭐ Best for Families & Personalized Service

✔ Average Full Coverage Cost in CA: $110–$160/month
✔ Why I like it: Local agents help customize your policy for your needs.

---

3. Progressive – ⭐ Best for Customizable Policies

✔ Average Full Coverage Cost in CA: $115–$170/month
✔ Why I like it: Adjustable coverage levels to fit your budget.

---

4. Mercury Insurance – ⭐ Best for California-Specific Coverage

✔ Average Full Coverage Cost in CA: $100–$145/month
✔ Why I like it: California-based insurance company offering low rates and strong local support.

---

5. Wawanesa Insurance – ⭐ Best for California Good Drivers

✔ Average Full Coverage Cost in CA: $95–$140/month
✔ Why I like it: One of the lowest rates for safe drivers in California.

---

How to Get the Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in California

✅ 1. Compare Quotes from Multiple Insurance Companies

💰 Savings: Up to $900 per year

• Some insurers charge double what others do for the same coverage.
• Get at least 3-5 quotes before choosing a policy.

✅ 2. Increase Your Deductible to Lower Monthly Costs

💰 Savings: 10-30%

• Raising your deductible from $500 to $1,000 can significantly reduce your premium.

✅ 3. Ask About Discounts

💰 Savings: 10-40%

• Common discounts include:
  ✔ Good Driver Discount – Save 20% or more if you have a clean record for 3+ years.
  ✔ Multi-Car Discount – If you insure more than one vehicle.
  ✔ Bundling Discount – Combine auto and home insurance for extra savings.
  ✔ Low Mileage Discount – If you drive under 7,500 miles per year, you could qualify.

✅ 4. Enroll in a Safe Driving Program

💰 Savings: 10-20%

• Programs like Progressive’s Snapshot® and Allstate’s Drivewise® track your driving habits and reward safe drivers.

✅ 5. Pay for 6 Months or a Year Upfront

💰 Savings: 5-15%

• Many insurers charge extra fees for monthly payments—paying in full can lower costs.

✅ 6. Consider Dropping Certain Extras

💰 Savings: 5-10%

• If you have an older vehicle, rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance may not be necessary.

---

How I Saved Over $700 on Full Coverage in California

When my insurance company raised my premium, I knew it was time to shop around. Here’s how I saved $720 per year:

✔ Compared quotes from GEICO, State Farm, and Mercury Insurance.
✔ Switched to Mercury Insurance because they offered the lowest rate.
✔ Raised my deductible from $500 to $1,000 to lower my monthly payment.
✔ Bundled my home and auto insurance for an additional 12% discount.
✔ Signed up for a good driver discount (saved an extra 20%).
✔ Paid for 6 months upfront to reduce extra fees.

Final result: My monthly payment dropped from $165 to $105, saving me $720 per year!

---

FAQs About Full Coverage Car Insurance in California

🔹 What’s the cheapest full coverage car insurance in California?
✔ Mercury Insurance, GEICO, and Wawanesa offer some of the lowest rates.

🔹 How much does full coverage cost per month in California?
✔ The state average is $140–$180 per month, but discounts can lower it significantly.

🔹 Do I need full coverage on an older car?
✔ If your car is worth less than $5,000, consider switching to liability-only to save money.

🔹 Does California require full coverage?
✔ No, but if you have a loan or lease, your lender might require it.

🔹 Does paying in full lower my insurance costs?
✔ Yes! Many companies offer a 5-15% discount if you pay 6 months upfront instead of monthly.

🔹 Which company offers the most discounts?
✔ GEICO and Progressive offer the most customizable discounts for full coverage policies.

---

Final Thoughts: Get the Best Full Coverage Car Insurance in California

If you need affordable full coverage car insurance in California, you don’t have to settle for sky-high rates.

✔ Compare quotes from at least 3-5 companies to find the best deal.
✔ Raise your deductible to lower your monthly premium.
✔ Look for good driver, multi-car, and bundling discounts.
✔ Consider paying in full to avoid extra fees.

By following these steps, you can get full coverage without overpaying—just like I did! 🚗💰