Why is car insurance so expensive in California in 2024?

Asked by: Shawn Stroman  |  Last update: March 24, 2025
Score: 5/5 (64 votes)

As of June 2024, the average cost of car insurance had increased by 20% year over year, USA TODAY reported. The rise in price is due to various reasons, including high repair rates and severe weather trends.

Did auto insurance go up in 2024 in California?

Auto insurance rates are projected to soar by 54% in California in 2024. California is among three states expected to see auto insurance rate hikes of more than 50%. As of June, the average annual cost for full coverage was $2,417 in California, up 45% from a year ago.

Why is California car insurance going up so much?

There are plenty of reasons why this happens – more claims, inflation, higher repair costs – but in 2025, Californians saw an even larger increase than normal. That's because the state legislature raised the required minimum liability limits, and these new limits took effect Jan. 1.

Why did my car insurance go up so much in 2024?

It's because the insurance industry took a beating as a whole. Natural disasters, wars, etc. made price of re-insurance (pretty much insurance for insurance companies' book of business) go up, which means the cost for most carriers have gone up. And they're continuing to go up - I read it went up by about 50% globally.

What is the new law for car insurance in California?

Understanding California's New Auto Insurance Requirements

Under the new law, the minimum liability limits will rise to 30/60/15. These numbers represent: $30,000 for bodily injury liability per person. $60,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.

Auto insurance has become more expensive in California. Here's why

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What is the new insurance law 2025?

This law was enacted to increase the minimum liability requirement to ensure that drivers in financial hardships are protected and properly cared for in the event of a car accident. The new minimum liability requirements will be adjusted to the following: $30,000 for bodily injury or death per person.

What is the average cost of auto insurance in California?

Auto insurance rates vary based on several factors, like whether you live in a metropolitan area, the type of vehicle you drive, the policy you choose, and your driving record. On average, car insurance in California costs around $148 per month or about $1,780 per year.

What is the cheapest car insurance in California?

At a glance: The cheapest car insurance in California

Geico offers the cheapest minimum coverage in California, with an average rate of $243 per year according to NerdWallet's January 2025 analysis.

Did AAA raise rates in California?

Earlier this month, the Interinsurance Exchange of the Automobile Club — the insurance affiliate for AAA in Southern California, also known as the Auto Club of Southern California — was approved to raise rates by an average of 6.2% for homeowners and 11.6% for condominium owners, according to filings with the ...

Why is my car insurance suddenly so high?

More severe and frequent car accidents

Vehicles head east on a Los Angeles freeway during the evening rush hour commute on April 12, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. That has led to an increase in claims that is well above historical averages because of their severity, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions data.

Is Geico leaving California?

Over the last year, several large insurance companies, such as GEICO, Allstate, and most surprisingly, Liberty Mutual have pulled out of California's auto insurance market. The conditions in the state have led the insurers to believe that California drivers are too expensive to insure.

Will car insurance rates go down in 2025?

Will Everyone's Insurance Rates Go Up in 2025? All California drivers will likely see an increase in their rates now that new minimum levels have gone into effect. Drivers who already have an existing policy will be grandfathered into the old rates and limits until their next renewal.

Is California car insurance more expensive than Florida?

You should expect to pay less for auto insurance once you move. The typical annual auto insurance rate in California is $113 less expensive than the average cost in Florida. The precise cost will depend on your coverage, driving history, and your auto insurance company.

Why has insurance gone up so much in California?

“The increases that have occurred have been largely driven by a continuation of people driving more, resulting in an increasing frequency of claims and inflationary pressures related to vehicle prices and repairs,” said Gabriel Sanchez, spokesperson for the state Department of Insurance.

What insurance company is leaving California?

From summer 2023 to early 2024, five other companies — AmGUARD, Falls Lake, The Hartford, Tokio Marine Insurance Co, and American National — stopped writing new home insurance policies in California, putting immense strain on the home insurance market. California homeowners have found themselves scrambling for coverage ...

What percentage of Californians don't have car insurance?

Los Angeles comes in as our least covered city for auto insurance in the country. Part of this is because of the state of California's statistics: 16.6% of motorists are completely uninsured, and policy requirements are low.

Is AAA still writing insurance in California?

While several big players have left the California homeowners insurance market, it's still possible to get coverage from Mercury, AAA, Lemonade and Travelers, among other companies.

How much is AAA a year now?

AAA Classic Memberships costs only $65 per year or $6.16 per month! AAA Plus Membership: Our Plus membership is our most popular plan. It offers valuable extras beyond our Classic coverage to help you get the most out of your membership. AAA Plus Membership costs $95 per year or $8.74 per month.

How much is car insurance in California 2025?

The average cost of car insurance in California is $2,973 per year for full coverage and $715 per year for minimum coverage.

What is the number 1 car insurance in California?

Here are the best car insurance companies in California:

Geico: Best for affordability. Mapfre: Best for having few customer complaints. State Farm: Best for ease of use.

Who is cheaper, GEICO or Progressive?

GEICO is cheaper and has better ratings than Progressive. Your experience with GEICO and Progressive will vary based on individual rating factors.

How do I get lower car insurance?

Nine ways to lower your auto insurance costs
  1. Shop around. ...
  2. Before you buy a car, compare insurance costs. ...
  3. Ask for higher deductibles. ...
  4. Reduce coverage on older cars. ...
  5. Buy your homeowners and auto coverage from the same insurer. ...
  6. Maintain a good credit record. ...
  7. Take advantage of low mileage discounts. ...
  8. Ask about group insurance.

What state has the worst insurance rates?

Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, Florida, and Colorado are the most expensive states for homeowners insurance. Oklahoma has the highest average cost of homeowners insurance in the U.S. at $5,858 per year.

Which city has cheapest car insurance in California?

California insurance rates by city

Mount Shasta pays the cheapest average rate for full-coverage car insurance in California, at $1,511 a year. Beverly Hills has the most expensive rate of $3,232 a year.

What is a good 6 month premium car insurance?

The average 6-month car insurance premium is $947 per year, but some insurers offer lower rates; Nationwide offers 6-month car insurance at $774.