Find Cheaper California Car Insurance Rates for Drivers Under 21

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Michelle Robbins

Licensed Insurance Agent

Michelle Robbins has been a licensed insurance agent for over 13 years. Her career began in the real estate industry, supporting local realtors with Title Insurance. After several years, Michelle shifted to real estate home warranty insurance, where she managed a territory of over 100 miles of real estate professionals. Later, Agent Robbins obtained more licensing and experience serving families a...

Licensed Insurance Agent

UPDATED: Mar 27, 2024

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Everyone has different tastes in autos, and the style of vehicle needing coverage is probably the biggest factor when comparing cheap car insurance for drivers under 21 in California. Vehicles with high performance features, poor safety ratings, or a high likelihood of having liability claims will cost substantially more to insure than safer models.

The next tables outlines coverage premiums for a number of the cheapest automobiles to buy insurance for.

 

Auto Insurance Rates for Popular Cars in California
Make, Model, and Trim Level Annual Cost Semi-Annual Cost Monthly Cost
Chevrolet Malibu LS $4,054 $2,027 $338
Ford Focus SE 4-Dr Sedan $4,006 $2,003 $334
Ford Fusion S 4-Dr Sedan $4,054 $2,027 $338
Honda Accord EX 2-Dr Coupe $4,606 $2,303 $384
Honda Civic DX 4-Dr Sedan $4,006 $2,003 $334
Hyundai Elantra Blue 4-Dr Sedan $4,280 $2,140 $357
Hyundai Sonata SE 4-Dr Sedan $4,606 $2,303 $384
Toyota Camry Hybrid $4,654 $2,327 $388
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Data variables include single female driver age 19, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, and claim-free. Prices do not factor in zip code location which can influence prices noticeably.

 

Insurance Rates for Popular SUVs and Crossovers in California
Make, Model, and Trim Level Annual Cost Semi-Annual Cost Monthly Cost
Chevrolet Suburban LS 2WD $4,102 $2,051 $342
Chevrolet Traverse LTZ AWD $3,784 $1,892 $315
Ford Escape XLT 4WD $3,460 $1,730 $288
Ford Explorer Limited 2WD $4,102 $2,051 $342
GMC Acadia SL 2WD $3,730 $1,865 $311
Honda CR-V EX-L 2WD $3,460 $1,730 $288
Honda Pilot EX-L 4WD $4,102 $2,051 $342
Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 2WD $4,376 $2,188 $365
Jeep Patriot Limited 4WD $4,054 $2,027 $338
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4WD 4-Dr $4,360 $2,180 $363
Kia Sportage LX 2WD 4-Dr $3,730 $1,865 $311
Lexus RX 350 2WD $4,978 $2,489 $415
Toyota Highlander SE 4WD $4,424 $2,212 $369
Toyota RAV4 Limited 2WD $4,054 $2,027 $338
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Data variables include single female driver age 19, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, and safe-driver. Prices do not factor in vehicle location which can alter prices substantially.

 

Insurance Rates for Popular Pickup Trucks in California
Make, Model, and Trim Level Annual Cost Semi-Annual Cost Monthly Cost
Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD LT Crew Cab 2WD $4,424 $2,212 $369
Chevrolet Silverado LTZ Crew Cab 2WD $4,654 $2,327 $388
Dodge Ram Crew Cab Laramie 4WD $4,978 $2,489 $415
Ford F-150 FX2 Super Cab 2WD $3,778 $1,889 $315
Ford F-250 Lariat Super Cab Turbo Diesel 4WD $5,284 $2,642 $440
Ford F-350 XLT Crew Cab 4WD $5,492 $2,746 $458
GMC Sierra 3500HD SLE Regular Cab 2WD $4,424 $2,212 $369
GMC Sierra SLE Regular Cab 4WD $4,376 $2,188 $365
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab TRD Sport Package 4WD $4,102 $2,051 $342
Toyota Tundra Limited Crew MAX 2WD $4,654 $2,327 $388
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Table data represents single female driver age 19, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $500 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include safe-driver, and claim-free. Rate quotes do not factor in the specific area where the vehicle is garaged which can increase or decrease price quotes greatly.

One of the many factors that impact the cost of insurance is where you live in California. Cities with larger populations or higher claims like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento tend to pay slightly more, whereas areas that are not as densely populated enjoy lower insurance rates.

The information below rates the more expensive cities in California for drivers under 21 to buy an auto insurance policy in.

 

How much is auto insurance in California?
Rank City Annual Rate
1 Los Angeles $2,146
2 Glendale $2,079
3 San Francisco $1,763
4 Oakland $1,738
5 Sacramento $1,720
6 San Bernardino $1,644
7 Long Beach $1,610
8 Fontana $1,566
9 Stockton $1,556
10 Moreno Valley $1,551
11 Santa Clarita $1,533
12 Riverside $1,527
13 Garden Grove $1,524
14 Santa Ana $1,497
15 Modesto $1,487
16 Fresno $1,457
17 Anaheim $1,444
18 San Jose $1,395
19 Irvine $1,384
20 Bakersfield $1,381
21 Huntington Beach $1,374
22 Chula Vista $1,350
23 Fremont $1,348
24 Oxnard $1,344
25 San Diego $1,340
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Information shown are approximated as the specific zip code location can raise or lower coverage rates greatly.

Finding out which company has the best insurance rates for drivers under 21 calls for a bit more work than just quoting one company’s rates. Each auto insurance company uses their own calculation for determining rates in each state, so let’s take a look at the insurance companies that tend to be cheaper in California.

Keep in mind that California insurance rates are based on many factors which can substantially decrease or increase the price of your policy. Improving your credit score, moving to a new city, or getting a driving violation may prompt premium changes that can now make some companies cheaper than before.

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

 

Cheapest California car insurance ranked by price
Rank Company Cost Per Year
1 USAA $1,143
2 Wawanesa $1,157
3 Century National $1,190
4 CSAA $1,222
5 Nationwide $1,250
6 21st Century $1,366
7 Grange $1,477
8 Mercury $1,488
9 Progressive $1,496
10 Allstate $1,497
11 GEICO $1,559
12 MetLife $1,590
13 The Hartford $1,591
14 Allied $1,603
15 Unitrin $1,733
16 Esurance $1,739
17 State Farm $1,750
18 Bristol West $1,777
19 Travelers $1,842
20 Farmers $1,946
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USAA may offer some of the cheapest car insurance rates in California at around $1,143 a year. Wawanesa, Century National, CSAA, and Nationwide would also make the list of some of the most economical California auto insurance companies.

As the example above demonstrates, if you are currently insured with CSAA and switched to Wawanesa, you might see an annual savings of approximately $65. California drivers with Nationwide could save as much as $93 a year, and 21st Century customers might see rate reductions of $209 a year.

To get a fast rate comparison, click here to get a free quote or quote rates from the companies below.

Enter your zip code below to view companies that have cheap auto insurance rates.

Understand that those prices are averaged for all ages of drivers and types of vehicles and and are not figured with a rate increase for drivers under 21. So the car insurance company that has the cheapest rates for you may not even be included in the list of companies shown earlier. That illustrates why you need to compare rates from as many companies as possible using your own specific driver and vehicle information.

Cost difference between full coverage and liability

Finding cheap car insurance for drivers under 21 in California should be important to the majority of drivers, and a good way to buy cheap insurance is to buy only liability coverage. The illustration below compares premium costs with and without physical damage coverage. The rate quotes are based on a clean driving record, no at-fault accidents, $1,000 deductibles, single status, and no discounts are factored in.

If averaged out across all ages, physical damage coverage costs $2,501 per year over liability only. Many people question if it’s worth it to buy full coverage. There is no clear-cut formula of when to exclude full coverage, but there is a general guideline. If the yearly cost of comp and collision coverage is more than about 10% of any settlement you would receive from your insurance company, then it might be time to consider dropping full coverage.

For example, let’s pretend your vehicle’s book value is $11,500 and you have $1,000 policy deductibles. If your vehicle is damaged in an accident, the most you would receive is $10,500 after paying the physical damage deductible. If you are paying more than $1,050 a year for your policy with full coverage, then it might be time to buy liability only.

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Company comparison: Geico vs Allstate vs Progressive vs State Farm

If you’re looking for the best car insurance for minors, four companies to take a look at are Geico, Allstate, Progressive, and State Farm. All of them offer physical damage and liability coverage, but each has unique coverages that policyholders can choose from. The data below compares and contrasts some of the ratings and options that are available for customers.

 

Comparison of Top U.S. Auto Insurance Companies
Geico Allstate Progressive State Farm
Discounts Available 2nd 1st 4th 3rd
Price Overall 1st 4th 3rd 2nd
Overall Satisfaction 1st 2nd 3rd 4th
Claims Rank 3rd 1st 4th 2nd
Breakdown insurance Yes No Yes No
Accident forgiveness coverage Yes Yes Yes No
Uber and Lyft insurance Yes Yes Yes Yes
New car replacement coverage No Yes No No
Usage-based rating No Yes Yes Yes
Roadside assistance Yes Yes Yes Yes
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Find cheap car insurance for drivers under 21 in California

The list below shows a few thrifty ideas that can help California drivers locate cheap coverage.

  • Vehicles with safetly features generally cost less to insure
  • Just one traffic violation will increase your rates
  • At-fault accidents can raise rates significantly
  • Good credit can help you save money
  • Higher physical damage deductibles lower rates
  • Compare rate quotes often

That last piece of advice is extremely necessary, as was stressed in the prior article. Rates in California change frequently, so don’t be hesitant to buy from a new company if a cheaper price is available. Being loyal to a particular company is commendable, but we do not recommend it if it’s costing you a small fortune. Spend a few minutes and compare rates to find cheaper car insurance for drivers under 21.

Cheap insurance quotes for minors

Drivers have a lot of ways to purchase insurance in California, but the most prevalent ways are from a captive (or exclusive) agency like State Farm or Liberty Mutual, an independent agent, or direct from companies such as Geico or Progressive.

You can use whichever you prefer, but it’s important to understand the differences in how they function.

Independent agents are appointed by several companies and can compare rates with all of them. These types of agents are not employed by one specific company and can give you a larger rate selection, which may provide you with a better comparison. If your agent finds better pricing, your agent can just switch to a different company and you won’t have to switch agencies.

A captive or exclusive agent is restricted to a single insurance company, two examples being State Farm and Allstate agents. Exclusive agents normally do not have the ability to provide other companys’ prices, so if their pricing is high, there is no alternative.

Buying insurance direct means you skip the middleman (the agent) and instead shop from a direct company like Esurance or Geico. This option may be preferred by drivers who have little risk and have some degree of understanding of what specific coverages they need.

Which way works best to find cheap car insurance for drivers under 21 in California? It would be obvious to point out buying from a direct company results in the cheapest rates since it doesn’t require paying agent commissions, but that is generally not the case. A good argument could also be made that going through an independent agent is the best way to save due to having more companies to select from, but again, that’s not a true statement. And sometimes, exclusive agents may have very competitive prices that other companies cannot beat.

Due to the fact that insurance rates vary so much, really the best method to ensure you are not overpaying is to compare lots of quotes. Put in the effort to get price quotes from all three in order to have the best selection to choose from. To see some of the cheapest online companies available, click here to view.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do young drivers under 21 typically face higher car insurance rates in California?

Young drivers under 21 generally face higher car insurance rates due to statistical data indicating that they are more likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, such as speeding or distracted driving. Insurance companies consider these factors when assessing the risk associated with insuring young drivers, which leads to higher premiums.

Are there any discounts or programs available to help young drivers under 21 save on car insurance?

Yes, there are several discounts and programs available that can help young drivers under 21 reduce their car insurance costs. These may include good student discounts, completion of driver’s education courses, defensive driving programs, or being added to a parent’s insurance policy.

How can I find cheaper car insurance rates for drivers under 21 in California?

To find cheaper car insurance rates for drivers under 21 in California, you can follow these steps:

  1. Compare quotes from multiple insurance companies: Obtain quotes from different insurers and compare their rates to find the most affordable option.
  2. Consider higher deductibles: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your premium, but keep in mind that you’ll need to pay more out of pocket in case of an accident.
  3. Utilize available discounts: Check with insurance providers for any discounts you may qualify for, such as good student discounts or completion of driver’s education courses.
  4. Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid traffic violations and accidents to maintain a good driving record, which can lead to lower insurance rates over time.
  5. Bundle policies: If you have other insurance policies, such as renter’s insurance or homeowner’s insurance, consider bundling them with your car insurance to potentially save on premiums.

Is it possible to add a young driver under 21 to a parent’s car insurance policy in California?

Yes, it is possible to add a young driver under 21 to a parent’s car insurance policy in California. This option is often more cost-effective compared to purchasing a separate policy for the young driver. However, adding a young driver to a parent’s policy may increase the overall premium of the policy.

Are there any specific requirements or restrictions for young drivers under 21 in California?

Yes, California has certain requirements and restrictions for young drivers under 21. These may include:

  • Completion of a driver’s education program.
  • Restricted driving hours: Young drivers may have curfews and limitations on driving during certain hours.
  • Passenger restrictions: Limitations on the number of passengers allowed in the vehicle.
  • Zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and drugs: Young drivers are prohibited from driving with any measurable amount of alcohol or drugs in their system.

Should I consider usage-based insurance programs for young drivers under 21 in California?

Usage-based insurance programs, such as telematics or pay-as-you-go insurance, can be beneficial for young drivers under 21 in California. These programs use technology to track driving habits, such as speed, mileage, and braking patterns. If the young driver demonstrates safe driving behavior, they may be eligible for discounted rates through these programs.

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