Best car insurance companies in Los Angeles
While it would be a lot easier if there were one single best car insurance company for L.A. drivers, the truth is that car insurance quotes are highly personalized and can vary by hundreds of dollars from driver to driver. You’ll also want to consider factors like customer service and claims handling when selecting your provider.
To give drivers a better idea of which insurers are right for them, Jerry conducted the largest insurance survey in the nation, asking 15,000 real policyholders about their experience with their provider.
Some popular, big-name insurance companies, like Progressive and GEICO car insurance in Los Angeles got mixed reviews for customer service and policy cost. On the other hand, smaller insurers like Mercury Auto car insurance in Los Angeles received higher than average ratings across the board.
Take a look at the table below to see how real customers rated their insurers on a 5.0 scale and their corresponding average costs.
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost | Cost rating | Overall Jerry rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safeco | $66 | $255 | 4.2 | 4.4 |
| AAA | $69 | $243 | 3.2 | 3.7 |
| GEICO | $79 | $187 | 3.6 | 4.0 |
| Progressive | $83 | $249 | 3.9 | 4.4 |
| Nationwide | $88 | $323 | 4.0 | 4.3 |
| Mercury Auto | $92 | $245 | 3.3 | 4.1 |
| Direct Auto | $101 | $361 | 4.7 | 5.0 |
| National General | $113 | $370 | 4.2 | 4.2 |
How’d we get these scores?
Jerry’s experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
Cheapest car insurance quotes in Los Angeles
The average driver in Los Angeles will pay about $305 per month for full coverage auto insurance and $114 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance. This means that car insurance for Los Angeles drivers is about 58% more expensive than the state average, and 74% more expensive than the national average.
| Coverage type | Los Angeles, CA | California | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
| State minimum | $114 | $66 | $77 |
| Full coverage | $305 | $200 | $165 |
Many factors can influence your LA insurance costs, including your driver profile, your chosen coverage levels, and even your zip code. In Los Angeles specifically, there’s a high risk of severe traffic accidents, with an annual average of about 318 fatal accidents per year in the city limits1. This makes Los Angeles the most dangerous city in California for drivers, which leads to high insurance rates for residents.2
However, there are several ways for LA drivers to lower their car insurance, and a great place to start is using Jerry. This independent broker app allows drivers to create a custom profile, compare customer reviews of top insurance providers in Los Angeles, and get quotes from several providers at once.
In a maximum of two hours, drivers can compare rates, find a new policy, and get help with the cancellation/sign-up process.
Best cheap car insurance quotes in Los Angeles
California is one of many states with a minimum liability insurance requirement. This means to legally drive in Los Angeles, you’ll first have to purchase at least minimum liability insurance coverage.
Minimum liability coverage will give you the cheapest rate, but it isn’t enough coverage for most drivers. Thankfully, there are several coverage options available—and providers—to help you find the best rate for your ideal policy.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Los Angeles
California car insurance laws mandate that Los Angeles drivers carry at least the minimum coverage limits for bodily injury liability and property damage liability.
California minimum liability coverage includes $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage3. More commonly, you’ll see these types of coverage referred to as 15/30/5 coverage. With this type of minimum liability insurance, you’ll be protected up to the limit for any damages or injuries you cause while driving.
Despite being the lowest coverage option available, the state minimum insurance in Los Angeles is still relatively expensive compared to the state and national averages. However, there are a few providers who offer cheaper than average rates.
| Insurance company | Monthly minimum coverage cost |
|---|---|
| State Auto | $40 |
| Safeco | $66 |
| MAPFRE | $69 |
| Nationwide | $88 |
| Mercury Auto | $92 |
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Los Angeles?
For most Los Angeles drivers, the 15/30/5 state minimum will not provide enough coverage. In the event of an at-fault accident, you could be responsible for medical bills, vehicle repairs, and property damages well over the 15/30/5 limit, particularly if the other person involved sustains serious injuries.
Los Angeles is infamous for car accidents and sees an average of about 318 fatal crashes per year. The city hit a daily average of over 140 accidents in 20224 and, in 2023, more people were killed by car crashes in L.A. than by homicide.5
All this means the likelihood of an accident is high in Los Angeles, and the likelihood of a severe accident (resulting in costly repairs and medical bills) is high, too. Under California car accident laws drivers can file bodily injury lawsuits for up to two years after a car accident and can sue for property damage for up to three years. That means your liability doesn’t end right after your accident—and with all of these scenarios combined, you could be left financially vulnerable.
As a result, most drivers in Los Angeles will benefit from higher liability limits of 50/100/50 or 100/300/100. This way, you can be sure both you and your finances will be well protected in a variety of situations.
“A general rule that I recommend is to carry enough coverage to protect your current and future assets – at least $100,000/$300,000 of liability coverage is recommended, but you may need more coverage depending on your financial situation.”
Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Los Angeles
Seeking further protection than higher liability limits? With Los Angeles’ high traffic fatality rate, it’s well worth considering full coverage car insurance. But what exactly does this mean?
A general full coverage policy typically includes liability insurance, plus comprehensive and collision coverage.
- Collision coverage: This type of insurance covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident with another car or a single-vehicle crash.
- Comprehensive coverage: Similar to collision coverage, comprehensive insurance covers vehicle damages, but in the event of theft, vandalism, and severe weather.
If you have a car loan, you’ll typically be required to purchase collision and comprehensive coverage as part of a full coverage insurance policy. For added coverage, drivers with a full coverage policy can also purchase add-on insurance, such as gap coverage and roadside assistance.
While a full coverage option is generally higher in cost than the state minimum, several providers do offer it at a cheaper rate.
| Insurance company | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Clearcover | $213 |
| Travelers | $221 |
| State Auto | $224 |
| Allstate | $249 |
| Progressive | $249 |
| Safe Auto | $271 |
Average cost of car insurance in Los Angeles
On average, drivers in Los Angeles pay about $114 per month, or $1,366 per year, for minimum coverage insurance. For full coverage insurance, drivers in L.A. pay an average of $305 per month or $3,657 per year.
So, what makes insurance in Los Angeles so expensive? There are a few factors that impact your rates:
- Vehicle theft rates: South L.A., in particular, sees a high rate of vehicle thefts each year. According to LAPD, car theft rates have increased by almost 18% in the South Bureau within the last two years
- Population density: According to the most recent census data, Los Angeles has a population of over 3.8 million people, which translates to a high population density. Generally, areas with higher population densities like L.A. see higher insurance premiums due to the increased likelihood of accidents.
- Crash data: In 2022, over 350 people were killed in traffic accidents in Los Angeles, making the city of angels one of the more dangerous places to drive in the U.S.
It’s also important to remember that insurance rates are highly personalized, so your insurance quote might look very different from city-wide averages due to things like your age, your vehicle type, and your driving record.
Average cost of car insurance in Los Angeles by zip code
It’s not just your city that can impact your premiums—it’s also your ZIP code. Even within the same city, residents in different neighborhoods might see different rates due to greater incidents of auto theft, car accidents, and other high-risk situations.
Here’s a list of some of the cheapest and most expensive ZIP codes in Los Angeles. Where do you rank?
| ZIP code | Average annual coverage cost |
|---|---|
| 90021 | $606 |
| 90710 | $609 |
| 91364 | $792 |
| 90293 | $864 |
| 90020 | $2,561 |
| 90142 | $2,705 |
| 90077 | $2,706 |
| 91436 | $2,735 |
| 91326 | $2,932 |
Car insurance quotes in Los Angeles by rating factors
When insurance companies in Los Angeles are deciding your auto insurance premium, they’ll use a variety of different rating factors. These might include:
- Your driving record and claims history: If you have a clean driving record, your insurance rates will be lower. If you have tickets and accidents on your record, your insurance rates will be higher.
- The kind of vehicle you drive: Collision and comprehensive coverage are more expensive for luxury, sport, and high-performance vehicles.
- Your age: Drivers under 25 and over 75 typically see higher insurance rates due to their higher risk of an accident.
- Your parking spot: If you park your car in a neighborhood with a high incidence of car insurance claims, your rate will typically be higher.
- How you use your vehicle: If you drive your vehicle for work, your insurance quote will often be higher than if you use your car for leisure.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Los Angeles after driving violations
Your auto insurance quotes will also be impacted by your California driving history. When insurers see violations on your record, they see you as a higher risk and your rate will be more expensive. Some driving violations that could contribute to a rise in your insurance prices include:
- Speeding
- DUIs
- Being at fault in an accident
- Reckless driving
- Driving with a suspended license
Let’s take a closer look at each of these violations and the impact they can have on your car insurance rates.
Cheapest car insurance in Los Angeles after speeding ticket
Like in many other cities across California, speeding tickets in Los Angeles are based on how fast you were driving, and where you were driving. For example, a ticket for speeding 1-5 MPH over the limit on a highway will come with less of a charge than a speeding ticket for 6-10 MPH over in a school zone.
On average, drivers in Los Angeles can pay anywhere between $35-$200+ for a speeding infraction—but it’s not just the initial cost drivers need to worry about. Getting a speeding ticket in Los Angeles can also increase your car insurance rates by 41% depending on the severity of the charge.
To lower your rates after a speeding ticket, consider shopping for loyalty car insurance discounts, or shopping for insurance with different providers.
Cheapest car insurance in Los Angeles after DUI
Drivers with a DUI violation on their record in Los Angeles may see their insurance rate rise by up to 170%. That’s a huge increase!
With a DUI on your record, you’ll find that insurance rates can vary drastically from one provider to the next, so you’ll likely need to compare rates from several providers to find the most affordable coverage.
For cheaper rates after a DUI in Los Angeles, drivers can enroll in a defensive driving program. While this may not make you eligible to have points removed from your record, you can still earn discounts with some providers after completing the course.
Cheapest car insurance in Los Angeles after an at-fault accident
One thing that most insurers consider to be very important is your claims history. In Los Angeles specifically, car accidents can make your insurance rates increase by an average of 13%.
| Driving record | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| At-fault accident | $238 | 13% |
If you were recently involved in an at-fault accident in California, your car insurance rates could increase dramatically. The best way to lower costs is to compare rates among numerous providers and maintain a clean driving record moving forward—that way, you can re-qualify for good driver discounts!
Cheapest car insurance in Los Angeles after other driving violations
Other types of traffic violations, like reckless driving, can also increase your Los Angeles car insurance rates. Here’s a compiled list of other violations and the average rate most drivers pay in the aftermath.
| Violation | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Driving on a suspended license | $255 | 21% |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Los Angeles by driving experience
Drivers under 25 and drivers over 75 are both considered to be at higher risk of an accident and, consequently, face higher car insurance rates. Let’s take a closer look at how age impacts insurance rates.
Cheapest car insurance in Los Angeles for young and inexperienced drivers
For teen drivers aged 16 to 19 and new drivers of any age, auto insurance rates are the highest thanks to a lack of driving experience. Teenagers and new drivers with newer vehicles also benefit from full coverage insurance, since their inexperience with driving leads to statistically higher rates of car accidents. Here’s the average cost of car insurance for young drivers in Los Angeles.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 18-21 | $278 | $489 |
| 22-25 | $197 | $345 |
As a way to lower costs, it’s a great idea to keep teenagers on a parent or guardian’s car insurance policy for as long as possible. Additionally, most young drivers may be eligible for family and student discounts with several providers, such as State Farm and Progressive.
Cheapest car insurance in Los Angeles for middle-aged drivers
As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, their rates lower. This is why drivers 25-64 see some of the cheapest rates for all age demographics, with rates rising again after motorists turn 65+.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 26-34 | $134 | $254 |
| 35-44 | $115 | 219 |
| 45-54 | $113 | $209 |
While driver premiums are often lower than average for this age group, drivers can still achieve even cheaper costs by looking into car insurance discounts and bundling policies.
Cheapest car insurance in Los Angeles for senior drivers
Older adults are also more likely to be involved in a car accident and are more likely to sustain serious injuries as a result. As a result, car insurance for older drivers is typically more expensive.
| Age | Monthly minimum coverage cost | Monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
| 55-64 | $109 | $195 |
| 65+ | $117 | $208 |
For senior motorists in Los Angeles, rates can be lowered by bundling home and auto policies, or by shopping for senior car insurance discounts with select insurers.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Los Angeles based on insurance history
If you’ve had a lapse in your insurance coverage recently, you’ll likely see higher rates when you find a new provider.
| Insurance history | Monthly coverage cost | Rate increase (%) |
|---|---|---|
| With coverage lapses | $146 | 21% |
To help drivers remember to pay their bills on time, Jerry has an automatic alert system to remind you about your payment each month. We’ve also helped many customers who have had a lapse in coverage find savings on their insurance.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Los Angeles for popular cars
Your vehicle of choice plays a big part in determining your insurance rates. Vehicles that cost more to repair or replace, for example, are more expensive to insure, as are vehicles with a higher likelihood of theft and vehicles with a poor overall safety record.
Take a look at the average coverage rates for some of the most popular vehicles in Los Angeles to see how they differ in terms of cost.
| Vehicle type | Average coverage cost |
|---|---|
| Ford Bronco | $170 |
| Honda Civic | $184 |
| Toyota Camry | $204 |
| Toyota Prius | $226 |
| Tesla Model Y | $310 |
Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car
How to lower car insurance costs in Los Angeles
Aside from frequent car insurance shopping, there are other strategies available to help you lower your Los Angeles premiums.
1. Hunt for car insurance discounts
Most insurance providers will offer a set of discounts for various things. Common discounts include:
- Good driver discounts6: Under California state law, insurers are required to offer 20% insurance discounts for drivers with one or fewer points on their license, provided that they have held their license continuously for three years with no at-fault accidents responsible for injury or death.
- Telematics discounts: You can get discounts from many insurance companies for using telematics to track your driving habits. Some providers will even offer a discount just for signing up!
- Good student discounts: If you’re a full-time student, many insurers will offer you a discount if you maintain a B average or higher.
2. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
When you have full coverage insurance, you can increase your deductible to keep your monthly bills low. Just be sure that you’ll still be able to afford your deductible in the event of a car accident!
3. Bundle your policies with one provider
If you own a home or rent a property in LA, you can save on your car insurance by bundling your auto and homeowners insurance or renters insurance. Ask your provider about bundling options and discounts to learn more about your potential savings.
FAQ
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How much is car insurance in Los Angeles?
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What is the minimum car insurance in Los Angeles, California?
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What is the cheapest car insurance in L.A.?
Sources
- https://tims.berkeley.edu/summary.php?showArea=city&expandTables=false&injury=3&yearRange=10&showMap=crashes ↩︎
- https://www.californiaaccidentattorneysblog.com/california-traffic-accident-statistics-for-2022/ ↩︎
- https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/#:~:text=Here%20are%20the%20minimum%20liability,%245%2C000%20for%20damage%20to%20property ↩︎
- https://tims.berkeley.edu/summary.php?showArea=city&expandTables=false&injury=3&yearRange=10&showMap=crashes ↩︎
- https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-01-25/traffic-deaths-surpass-homicides-in-los-angeles ↩︎
- https://www.insurance.ca.gov/01-consumers/105-type/95-guides/01-auto/lca/upload/Good-Driver-Definition-Flyer.pdf ↩︎
Liz Jenson is an insurance writer who specializes in general automotive and insurance topics. Liz’s mission is to produce informative and useful content to help car owners make smart choices when buying cars and car insurance. Since joining Jerry in 2021, Liz has written nearly 4,000 long- and short-form articles on topics including state-specific insurance recommendations, common car insurance questions, and deep dives into vehicle model details. Before they came to Jerry, Liz was a full-time student at Indiana University, Bloomington working on a double major in English and French.
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
