Finding the best car insurance can be time-consuming no matter where you live. But with some insurance companies closing shop in California because of inflation and an increased cost to insure drivers, it’s more challenging than ever to find the right auto insurance for you.
The good news is that there are still a lot of great companies for California drivers to choose from. NerdWallet determined the best car insurance in California based on our star ratings, which score companies on factors like customer satisfaction, ease of use, coverage types offered and discounts available — details that can matter just as much as cost.
The best car insurance in California
The best insurers have great customer satisfaction and a low number of complaints to insurance regulators, plus a wide array of coverage types and discounts.
NerdWallet looked at more than 30 auto insurers to find the 9 best car insurance companies in California, all with a NerdWallet star rating of 4.5 or higher.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account discounts, website transparency, financial strength, complaint data and more.
*USAA is only available to military, veterans and their families.
How we ranked the top auto insurers: NerdWallet’s editorial team considered financial strength, discounts, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and more to determine the best car insurance companies in California. Our “ease of use” category includes factors such as website transparency and how simple it is to file a claim. As we continue to evaluate more insurance providers and receive fresh market data, our list of best auto insurance companies is likely to change.
Why you can trust NerdWallet: Our writers and editors follow strict editorial guidelines to ensure fairness and accuracy in our coverage so you can choose the insurance policy that works best for you. These carrier ratings are specific to auto insurance; a company’s rating for other products may be different on our site. See our criteria for evaluating auto insurance companies.
Amica
Amica
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
High marks for customer satisfaction and low consumer complaints make Amica a great choice for good drivers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Below average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
Many policy perks and discounts.
Potential to earn dividends.
Some policy types aren’t available in Alaska or Hawaii.
Amica
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
High marks for customer satisfaction and low consumer complaints make Amica a great choice for good drivers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Below average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
High customer satisfaction ratings and low consumer complaints.
Many policy perks and discounts.
Potential to earn dividends.
Some policy types aren’t available in Alaska or Hawaii.
While it may not be as large of an insurer as other companies on this list, Amica combines high customer satisfaction scores with few customer complaints to state regulators for a company of its size. Plus, all Amica auto insurance policies cover claims-related services and replacement parts for as long as you own the vehicle.
Ranked No. 1 out of 21 companies in a 2022 J.D. Power study on auto claims satisfaction in the U.S.
Ranked No. 3 out of 11 midsize insurance companies in J.D. Power’s 2022 study of overall customer satisfaction in auto insurance shopping.
Nationwide
Nationwide
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Nationwide’s great set of discounts and low number of complaints make it a solid choice for many consumers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators.
Wide variety of options for customers who want to buy multiple products from one company.
Generous extras for loyal customers such as minor accident forgiveness, pet injury coverage and car key replacement.
Customer satisfaction for auto insurance is lower than average, according to recent J.D. Power studies.
Nationwide
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Nationwide’s great set of discounts and low number of complaints make it a solid choice for many consumers.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators.
Wide variety of options for customers who want to buy multiple products from one company.
Generous extras for loyal customers such as minor accident forgiveness, pet injury coverage and car key replacement.
Customer satisfaction for auto insurance is lower than average, according to recent J.D. Power studies.
As one of the largest auto insurers in the U.S., Nationwide offers plenty of discounts for California drivers, including multiple discounts for safe-driving habits. If you’re comfortable having your driving habits tracked, you can sign up for Nationwide’s SmartRide program, which monitors your driving with either a mobile app or a plug-in device you install in your car’s diagnostic port. You’ll receive at least a 15% discount on your auto insurance premium, and up to 40% off depending on how safely you drive.
The company also scored a 4.5 NerdWallet star rating for its homeowners, renters, life and pet insurance. If you bundle auto and home insurance policies through Nationwide, you may be eligible for additional discounts and benefits. One example is fender bender forgiveness, which means the cost of your insurance won’t go up if the repair costs of a minor accident come in below a predetermined limit.
Received fewer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Progressive
Progressive
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Progressive offers a variety of discounts and insurance products to cater to most people, though there’s room for improvement when it comes to customer satisfaction.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Third-largest personal auto insurer in the country.
If your pet is injured in a car accident and you have collision insurance, Progressive will help pay your vet bills in most states.
Rideshare coverage available.
Below average rating for car insurance shopping and claims satisfaction from J.D. Power.
Progressive
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Progressive offers a variety of discounts and insurance products to cater to most people, though there’s room for improvement when it comes to customer satisfaction.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Third-largest personal auto insurer in the country.
If your pet is injured in a car accident and you have collision insurance, Progressive will help pay your vet bills in most states.
Rideshare coverage available.
Below average rating for car insurance shopping and claims satisfaction from J.D. Power.
Progressive is the third-largest personal auto insurer in the country. California drivers may be eligible for discounts for things like having multiple cars on the same policy, bundling multiple insurance policies with Progressive and taking an approved driver improvement course.
You may not have seen any new Progressive ads in your social media feeds or across YouTube. Progressive recently stopped advertising in the state, but you can still sign up for a new policy.
Received fewer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
State Farm
State Farm
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With generous coverage and discounts for good driving habits, State Farm is a popular insurer with fewer complaints compared to other large competitors.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Numerous discounts offered, including two programs — one for safe driving and the other for young drivers.
Generous rental car and travel expenses coverage.
Customer satisfaction rating for buying auto insurance is better than average, according to J.D. Power.
Doesn’t offer gap insurance.
State Farm
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With generous coverage and discounts for good driving habits, State Farm is a popular insurer with fewer complaints compared to other large competitors.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Average set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Numerous discounts offered, including two programs — one for safe driving and the other for young drivers.
Generous rental car and travel expenses coverage.
Customer satisfaction rating for buying auto insurance is better than average, according to J.D. Power.
Doesn’t offer gap insurance.
State Farm is the largest auto insurer in California, and the largest across the U.S. The company offers a wide variety of insurance products and plenty of car insurance discounts, including a discount for completing a State Farm Safety Education course if you have less than nine years of driving experience. Discounts are also available for insuring multiple vehicles and bundling your auto policy with another State Farm insurance policy, plus a discount for drivers who are at least 55 years old and pass a DMV-approved Mature Driver Improvement Course.
Ranked No. 1 out of 8 large insurance companies in J.D. Power’s 2022 study of overall customer satisfaction in auto insurance shopping.
Ranked No. 7 out of 21 companies in a 2022 J.D. Power study on auto claims satisfaction in the U.S.
Received fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Allstate
Allstate
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With plenty of coverage options and discounts, this auto insurance giant is worth a look.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Lots of coverage options, including new car replacement and a safe-driving bonus every six months.
Offers rideshare insurance in many states.
Customer ratings are below average for auto insurance shopping satisfaction compared with other companies.
Allstate
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With plenty of coverage options and discounts, this auto insurance giant is worth a look.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Lots of coverage options, including new car replacement and a safe-driving bonus every six months.
Offers rideshare insurance in many states.
Customer ratings are below average for auto insurance shopping satisfaction compared with other companies.
Allstate provides plenty of auto insurance discounts, whether you bundle multiple insurance policies with the company or maintain your status as a good driver. And if you drive for a ridesharing company, Allstate’s Ride for Hire coverage offers rideshare insurance while you’re waiting for a passenger, which typically isn’t covered by a standard auto insurance policy.
Allstate provides a claims satisfaction guarantee: If you aren’t absolutely satisfied with how your claim was handled, you’ll get your money back without any questions. The company also has great customer satisfaction, and ranked No. 5 out of 21 companies in a 2022 J.D. Power study on auto claims satisfaction in the U.S.
Farmers
Farmers
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
One of the country’s largest insurers, Farmers offers a long list of discounts and plenty of ways to customize your coverage.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Rated above average in customer satisfaction for both auto insurance shopping and claims.
Fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Lots of discounts available.
Some discounts aren’t available to California drivers.
Farmers
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
One of the country’s largest insurers, Farmers offers a long list of discounts and plenty of ways to customize your coverage.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Above average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Rated above average in customer satisfaction for both auto insurance shopping and claims.
Fewer complaints than expected for a company of its size.
Lots of discounts available.
Some discounts aren’t available to California drivers.
Farmers offers auto, home and business insurance, among other types of coverage, and is one of the largest auto insurers in California. The company offers a variety of coverage types, including some unique options. One example is loss-of-use coverage. While many auto insurers offer coverage for a rental car after an accident, Farmers’ loss-of-use coverage provides a flat sum that can be used for transportation costs beyond just a rental — like cab and public transit expenses — while your vehicle is being repaired for a covered claim.
Ranked No. 6 out of 21 companies in a 2022 J.D. Power study on auto claims satisfaction in the U.S.
Received fewer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
Geico
Geico
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With nationwide availability and a raft of discounts, Geico is a popular, and often affordable, choice for car insurance.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Above-average customer satisfaction for auto insurance claims in a recent J.D. Power study.
Robust website and mobile app.
Many discounts available.
Doesn’t offer gap or rideshare insurance.
No local agent offices in California.
Geico
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
With nationwide availability and a raft of discounts, Geico is a popular, and often affordable, choice for car insurance.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
Above-average customer satisfaction for auto insurance claims in a recent J.D. Power study.
Robust website and mobile app.
Many discounts available.
Doesn’t offer gap or rideshare insurance.
No local agent offices in California.
Geico is the second largest auto insurer in California and is consistently among the cheapest options in NerdWallet’s car insurance rate analysis. The company offers discounts to California drivers, including savings for good driving and for insuring a student with grades above a B average.
While Geico recently closed all of its California offices, you can still purchase a car insurance policy online or through Geico’s mobile app.
Ranked No. 9 out of 21 companies in a 2022 J.D. Power study on auto claims satisfaction in the U.S.
Received an online experience score of 77 out of 100 by a pool of its customers in a NerdWallet survey conducted online in June 2022. To put that in perspective, the average score among seven insurers was 75, and the highest was 80.
Travelers
Travelers
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Travelers offers a broad range of coverage options and discounts to help you customize your car insurance policy.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Received fewer customer complaints than the median.
Lots of coverage options for auto insurance.
One of the largest insurance providers in the nation.
Customer satisfaction ratings are below average.
Rideshare insurance available only in Illinois and Colorado.
Travelers
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
Travelers offers a broad range of coverage options and discounts to help you customize your car insurance policy.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Fewer than expected
Received fewer customer complaints than the median.
Lots of coverage options for auto insurance.
One of the largest insurance providers in the nation.
Customer satisfaction ratings are below average.
Rideshare insurance available only in Illinois and Colorado.
Travelers is the tenth-largest auto insurer in the country and offers great benefits for customers. For example, you may be able to use Travelers’ network of approved auto shops to guarantee covered vehicle repairs for as long as you own the vehicle. You could also get a discount for things like driving an electric or hybrid vehicle.
The company has strong financial strength and received fewer complaints to state regulators than expected for a company of its size.
USAA
Best for military families
USAA
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
USAA offers insurance to active military, veterans and their families only.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
High customer satisfaction ratings.
Wide variety of insurance products.
Policies available in all states and Washington, D.C.
Available only for active military members, veterans and their families.
Best for military families
USAA
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account consumer complaint and customer satisfaction data.
USAA offers insurance to active military, veterans and their families only.
DiscountsRatings are based on the number of discounts a company offers in comparison to other insurers.
Great set of discounts
Ease of useRatings are determined by our editorial team. Our “ease of use” category looks at factors such as website transparency and how easy it is to file a claim.
Average
NAIC complaintsRatings are based on complaints to state regulators relative to a company’s size, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. NerdWallet conducts its data analysis and reaches conclusions independently and without the endorsement of the NAIC.
Close to expected
High customer satisfaction ratings.
Wide variety of insurance products.
Policies available in all states and Washington, D.C.
Available only for active military members, veterans and their families.
USAA is the tenth largest auto insurer in California, and its car insurance policies are available only to active military members, veterans and their families. Several of USAA’s discounts are particularly valuable for anyone on active duty, like a discount for storing your vehicle in a safe location or parking your car on a military base. USAA also offers a discount for safe driving.
USAA scored among the top companies in a 2022 J.D. Power study on auto claims satisfaction in the U.S., but it was not ranked due to the limited availability of its car insurance policies.