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Car insurance cost in California
Quick answers
How much is car insurance in California?
In 2024, the average California driver paid $1,454.27 per car for car insurance (NAIC, released September 2026). That ranks 18th of 51, where number 1 costs the most. The US average was $1,431.63.
How much is full coverage car insurance in California?
The 2024 full coverage average in California (liability, collision and comprehensive together) was $1,690.23. That ranks 14th of 51.
Is car insurance in California going up?
From 2023 to 2024, the California average went up 18.71%. Since 2020 it has gone up 38.89%. Across the US, car insurance prices in September 2026 were 5.0% lower than in September 2025 (BLS price index, whole country).
Last verified Nov 11, 2026. BLS price data checked Nov 11, 2026. NAIC state averages (2024 data, released September 2026) checked Oct 24, 2026.
Across the US, car insurance prices in September 2026 were 5.0% lower than in September 2025.
This is the newest government price count (BLS) with a 12-month change. It is for the whole country, not one state. BLS published no 12-month change for October 2026 because it did not publish an October 2025 index, so September 2026 is the latest month with one.
Newest official numbers (from 2024, released September 2026)
In California, the average driver paid $1,454.27 per car for car insurance in 2024. That ranks 18th of 51. Number 1 costs the most.
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See the summary, charts and tables
Summary
In California, the average expenditure per insured vehicle is $1,454.27 for 2024. This represents an increase of 18.71% from 2023 and a 38.89% increase from 2020. The 2024 average expenditure ranks 18 of 51. The combined average premium is $1,690.23, which ranks 14 of 51. Average premiums by coverage include liability at $760.49, collision at $718.35, and comprehensive at $211.39.
The US countrywide average expenditure for 2024 is $1,431.63, which is up 11.71% from 2023. The combined average premium nationwide is $1,612.81. According to NAIC, the 2023 and 2024 California data are preliminary. The California Department of Insurance finishes its data tests after publication, and any adjustments appear in the next edition.
California vs US, 2020 to 2024
| Year | Avg expenditure | Rank | Combined avg premium | Liability | Collision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,454.27 | 18th | $1,690.23 | $760.49 | $718.35 |
| 2023 | $1,225.02 | 18th | $1,417.94 | $660.84 | $607.06 |
| 2022 | $1,086.60 | 18th | $1,252.41 | $613.67 | $534.43 |
| 2021 | $1,047.44 | 18th | $1,213.15 | $604.03 | $510.02 |
| 2020 | $1,047.08 | 17th | $1,216.16 | $617.18 | $501.71 |
2024 average premium by coverage
| Coverage | California 2024 | Change vs 2023 | US 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Comprehensive | $211.39 | +40.89% | $283.15 |
| Collision | $718.35 | +18.33% | $516.39 |
| Liability | $760.49 | +15.08% | $813.27 |
Average expenditure is total liability, collision and comprehensive premium divided by insured car-years, so it reflects that not every driver buys collision or comprehensive. Combined average premium adds the three coverage averages, so it is closer to the cost of a full-coverage policy.
What changed in 2026
NAIC data stop at 2024. Nationally, the BLS Consumer Price Index for motor vehicle insurance was -5.0% from a year earlier in September 2026 (index 846.102, not seasonally adjusted). In October 2026 the index was 854.597, +0.7% from the month before (seasonally adjusted). BLS published no 12-month change for October 2026 because it did not publish an October 2025 index, so September 2026 is the latest month with one. See car insurance rates in 2026 for the monthly trend.
Be careful when you compare states. Each state has different coverage, limits, deductibles, drivers and laws.
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