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Search by Quote ID → Search by Date of BirthCar Insurance California
As a California driver, keeping yourself, your passengers, and other drivers safe on the road isn’t just a good idea — it’s the law. And with so many cars sharing the road in the most populous state in the country, having the right auto insurance is a must. At Mercury Insurance, we know drivers need cheap California car insurance tailored to their specific needs. Californians save an average of $1,0081 with Mercury Insurance, helping you stay covered without breaking the bank. Whether you’re driving down the freeway or cruising around your neighborhood, we’re here to help you find a plan that fits your life and your budget.
California Auto Insurance Requirements
Currently, you must carry a minimum level of coverage to legally drive in the state, which includes:
- Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident
However, effective January 1, 2025, the state will increase these minimum limits to:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
These are the bare minimums required. But as we all know, life can be unpredictable, and accidents can cost a lot more than that. At Mercury, we recommend considering extra coverage options to give you more protection. Things like uninsured motorist protection, collision, and comprehensive coverage can offer that extra peace of mind if the unexpected happens.
Plus, not meeting California’s insurance requirements could lead to some serious consequences, like fines, vehicle impoundment, or a driver’s license suspension. It’s just not worth the risk when getting properly insured is so simple.
Explore your auto insurance coverage options today.
What is Full Coverage Car Insurance in California?
While “full coverage” isn’t a specific insurance policy, it typically refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Full coverage helps protect your vehicle from damage caused by accidents, theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. In a state like California, where wildfires, earthquakes, and heavy traffic are common, full coverage may be worth the investment for added protection.
Learn more about what full coverage entails and whether it’s right for you by contacting one of our California insurance agents.
Top Rated Auto Insurance in California
Mercury Insurance has been a trusted provider for California drivers since 1962. With multiple industry awards under our belt, including recognition for outstanding customer service, trustworthiness, and overall satisfaction, we’re proud to serve our community.
What our Customers are Saying
Since 1962, millions of customers have trusted Mercury to provide them affordable and quality coverage for their home and auto needs. Read about their experiences.
What great service you have!
from Maira in Norwalk, CA
Service with Mercury is always timely and pleasant. Always great and prompt service and remains the lowest rate in the market for me.
Great coverage and service!
from Grammy in Valencia, CA
Always responsive to my needs. Easily able to make changes when necessary.
Excellent Insurance Company
from Alex in Beaumont, CA
Easy to get online quote, Easy to talk to representative, Easy to make payments. Excellent rates compared to other "name brand" insurances. I highly recommend Mercury Insurance to anyone seeking auto insurance.
How Much Is Car Insurance in California?
According to the most recent data from NerdWallet, the average cost of California car insurance is about $1,656 a year for full coverage and $452 for minimum coverage. However, your rate could be higher or lower based on your unique situation. For example, if you have a clean driving record and drive a smaller, safer car, you might pay less. But if you live in a bustling city like Los Angeles or San Francisco or drive a high-performance vehicle, your rates might be a bit higher.
At Mercury, we work hard to keep our rates competitive while still giving you the coverage you need. In fact, Californians save an average of $1,0081 with Mercury Insurance. Want to know what your rate could be? Try our quick quote tool to get a personalized estimate that fits your driving profile and lifestyle.
Get Car Insurance Savings & Discounts in California
We know saving money is important, which is why we offer more than just affordable rates. Mercury provides a variety of discounts to help you cut down on your insurance costs. No matter your situation, we’ve got ways to help you save.
Bundling discounts
When you bundle your auto and homeowners policies with Mercury, you can save up to 17.9% on your home insurance and up to 14.5% on your auto insurance.
Good driver discount
Being a safe driver doesn’t just keep you and others safe — it can also help you save. If you maintain a clean driving record, you can qualify for lower premiums with Mercury.
Multi-vehicle discount
Got more than one car in the family? Insure them all under one policy and save even more.
These are just a few of the ways Mercury helps you get the most value out of your insurance.
Want to see all your savings options? Check out all our auto insurance discounts.
How to Get Car Insurance in California
Getting car insurance in California is quick and easy with Mercury Insurance. Whether you’re looking for basic liability coverage or full coverage, our local agents are ready to help you every step of the way.
Get started with a quote today by contacting a California insurance agent, or call us at (877) 292-9762.
Mercury Insurance Coverage in California
Mercury offers a full range of insurance products designed for California residents, including:
Learn More About Car Insurance
Curious about how car insurance works? Check out our latest blog posts for insights and tips:
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get car insurance without registration in California?
No, you need both auto insurance and registration to drive in California.
Can you get car insurance without a license in California?
Yes, you can get car insurance without a license in California, but it might be a bit more complicated. If you don’t have a license, you may still need insurance if you own a car or want to insure a vehicle for someone else to drive. Insurance companies typically require a licensed driver to be listed on the policy, so you could name someone else as the primary driver, like a family member or someone you trust. However, not all insurance companies offer policies to unlicensed drivers, so you may need to shop around to find one that does.
How many days do you have to insure a used car after purchase in California?
In California, you have up to 30 days to insure a used car after purchase. If you currently have auto insurance, you have up to 45 days to either add your new vehicle to the existing policy or cancel it and obtain a new policy for the car.
Does insurance follow the driver or the car in California?
In California, car insurance typically follows the vehicle. This means that if someone else is driving your car and gets into an accident, your insurance would be the primary coverage.
Can I have out-of-state car insurance in California?
No, if you’re a California resident, you must have car insurance from a company licensed to operate in California. Out-of-state car insurance policies don't meet the state’s legal requirements. If you’re moving to California, you'll need to switch to a California-based insurance policy to comply with the law.
What is the recommended auto insurance coverage in California?
California requires minimum liability coverage, but it’s generally recommended to carry higher limits for better protection. Contact a local California insurance agent today to see what type of coverage you need for your vehicle.
What is the new car insurance law in California?
The state recently increased California's minimum liability coverage limits. Starting January 1, 2025, drivers will be required to carry at least $30,000 for injury or death to one person, $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person, and $15,000 for property damage.
What factors impact car insurance rates in California?
Several factors influence car insurance rates in California, including your driving record, age, and location. Insurers also consider the type of car you drive, your annual mileage, and your claims history. The coverage options and deductibles you choose also play a role in the final premium.
What are good California driving resources?
There are several valuable resources for California drivers, including:
1 Savings info. based on 2024 CA Department of Insurance rate comparison. Individual savings may vary.