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Search by Quote ID → Search by Date of BirthCheap Car Insurance in California
From the scenic highways of Lake Tahoe to the vibrant streets of San Diego, California is a state built for unforgettable drives. But no matter where the road takes you, you need to make sure you’re covered when the unexpected happens. In California, you’re required to carry a minimum amount of insurance to legally drive. At Mercury, we provide cheap auto insurance without compromising quality, helping Californians save an average of $1,0081. With Mercury, you can meet state requirements while confidently exploring the Golden State. Learn more about our coverage options and why so many Californians trust Mercury for protection they can count on.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in California
California law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance to protect others in the event of an accident. The minimum requirements include:
- 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
Although these are the state’s minimums, opting for higher coverage can better protect you from financial risk. Mercury can help you find cheap car insurance in California that meets both your legal obligations and personal needs.
Optional Auto Insurance Coverages
Whether you’re on the 405 or just driving around your neighborhood, Mercury offers additional auto insurance coverages to give you peace of mind. Count on us to build a cheap auto insurance policy that’s tailored to your needs. Take a look at what you can include in your plan:
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.
I refer Mercury to all my friends and family.
from Mary in San Diego, CA
Great fast service and amazing prices for any need,very fare and trustworthy.
I will always tell friends and family, Mercury Insurance
from Luz in Paramount, CA
Great Customer Service, positive attitude and helpful.
Very Good Service and Competitive rates
from Radiant in Van Nuys, CA
The Ease with customer service and competitive rates.
Get the Best Car Insurance Rates with Mercury
Are you truly getting the best deal on your auto insurance? Our comparison with independent data from the California Department of Insurance shows big savings for drivers who switch to Mercury. The chart below highlights the average annual savings Mercury customers enjoy compared to other major carriers:
Utilizing an independent automobile insurance comparison tool from the California Department of Insurance, drivers who switch to Mercury save an average of $3882.
| CARRIERS | AVERAGE ANNUAL MERCURY SAVINGS |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $543 |
| Esurance | $340 |
| Farmers | $774 |
| Geico | $210 |
| Liberty Mutual | $109 |
| Nationwide | $594 |
| State Farm | $414 |
| Travelers | $116 |
2Savings info. based on 2021 CA Department of Insurance rate comparison 255B. Individual savings may vary.
Ready to start saving? Contact us today for a free quote and see how much you can save by switching to Mercury!
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in California
Getting cheap car insurance in California is easier than you think with Mercury. Our experienced agents are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you get the best possible rates for your coverage needs. Contact one of our California insurance agents today, start a quote online, or call (844) 892-8534 to find affordable car insurance in minutes.
Discounts & Tips to Lower Your California Auto Insurance Rate
At Mercury Insurance, we believe that excellent coverage shouldn’t come with a high price tag. That’s why we offer some of the best auto insurance rates in California, along with a variety of discounts that can help you save even more on your auto insurance premiums. Whether you're a student, a safe driver, or looking to bundle policies, there’s a discount for you.
Check out a few discounts we offer:
- Anti-theft feature discount: Protect your car against theft with qualifying anti-theft devices and receive a discount.
- AutoPay discount: Enjoy a hassle-free way to pay your premium and save money at the same time with our AutoPay option.
- E-signature discount: Save trees and save money by opting for electronic policy documents and signatures.
- Good driver discount: Maintain a clean driving record and be rewarded with lower premiums.
- Good student discount: Are you a full-time student with good grades? You could be eligible for big savings.
- Multi-policy discount: Bundle your auto insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance and save.
- Pay-in-full discount: Pay your premium all at once, rather than monthly, to reduce your overall costs.
Here are some additional tips to help you save more:
- Increase Your Deductible: Opting for a higher deductible can lower your monthly premiums. Just make sure you choose an amount you can afford in case of a claim.
- Review Your Coverage: Make sure you’re not over-insured. If your vehicle is older, comprehensive and collision coverage might not be cost-effective.
- Improve Your Credit Score: In many states, a higher credit score can lead to lower insurance rates as it signals reliability and responsibility.
Factors That Affect California Auto Insurance Rates
Several factors can influence your auto insurance rates, including:
- Driving record: Incidents such as accidents, traffic violations, and DUIs can increase your premiums, while a clean driving record can lower them.
- Age and experience: Younger, less experienced drivers often face higher rates, which tend to decrease as you get older — especially once you hit 25.
- Location: Urban areas with higher rates of vandalism, theft, and accidents tend to have higher premiums, whereas rural areas might see lower rates.
- Type of vehicle: The make and model of your car can also influence your premium. High-performance vehicles might increase your rate, while cars known for safety could reduce it.
- Annual mileage: The more you drive, the higher your risk of getting into an accident. Drivers with lower annual mileage may qualify for reduced rates.
Cheap Quality Auto Insurance in California
We pride ourselves on offering affordable car insurance without compromising on quality. Over the years, we’ve been recognized for our commitment to value, service, and customer satisfaction. Mercury has won multiple awards, including:
- Named by Forbes as one of America’s Most Trustworthy Financial Companies
- Named Best Insurer for Overall Satisfaction in the Shopping Segment of the J.D. Power 2021 U.S. Digital Experience Study
- Named by Forbes as one of the Best Insurance Companies in America for 2022
Read our California customer reviews and see why drivers across the state trust Mercury for affordable coverage.
What Happens If You Drive Without Car Insurance in California?
California requires all drivers to carry proof of auto insurance. There are consequences if you’re caught breaking the law. The California Department of Motor Vehicles can suspend your driver’s license and impound your vehicle. Additionally, you must file and maintain proof of car insurance with the California DMV for three years after your suspension.
Mercury Insurance Offers Affordable Coverage in California
Auto insurance isn’t the only affordable coverage option we offer. Explore some of our other insurance products designed to provide California residents with comprehensive protection without the high price tag:
Get More Auto Insurance Savings Tips
Looking for additional ways to save on your auto insurance? Check out our blog for top tips on cutting costs, including:
1 Savings info. based on 2024 CA Department of Insurance rate comparison. Individual savings may vary.