Reading Time: 3 minutesIf you are living in California, by default, expect to pay 20% above the national average when it comes to your car insurance. California car insurance rates are some of the most expensive in that nation. Other factors that can affect your rate are the kind of coverage that you are settling for, prior records, age, experience, relationship status, and credit score just to name a few. Also, you have to ask yourself if you wish to settle for a minimum auto insurance policy or full coverage auto insurance policy. Another item that people are not commonly aware of is your current and previous zip code. If income is a major deciding factor when it comes to selecting your insurance policy, then it helps to know which company offers the best rate for the kind of car insurance policy that you are looking for.
The global community was rocked by Covid in 2020, and this affected how people commute to work with the increase in remote work. Now that Covid appears to be winding down, people are getting back on the road, and for the ones who own a vehicle or are planning to purchase, lease, or finance a vehicle, one item you need to keep in mind is the cost of insurance. From the online research that was conducted, Geico, Wawanesa, Grange Insurance Association, Esurance, Mercury, and CSAA are some of the cheapest auto insurance companies in California in 2021.
Some of the California auto insurance companies offer more benefits for certain auto insurance buyers than others. In this article, we will dive into some of these companies that are offering affordable auto insurance in 2021 and how some of your pre-existing conditions may affect your rate.
California Auto Insurance Company profile breakdown 2021
Geico Auto Insurance California
Geico Customer Reviews |
1,500+ Reviews with an average of 3.8 out of 5 stars rating |
Geico Year over Year Rate change |
4.8% |
Geico Market Share 2021 |
13% |
Average Savings from Switching to Geico |
15 minutes can result in 15% or more in savings |
How to Cancel Geico Insurance |
Call (800) 841-1587 |
Wawanesa Auto Insurance California
Wawanesa Customer Reviews |
179+ Reviews with an average of 2 out of 5 stars rating |
Wawanesa Year over Year Rate change |
5.02% |
Wawanesa Market Share 2021 |
6.25 |
Average Savings from Switching to Wawanesa |
Up to 20% if you bundle with home insurance. |
How to Cancel Wawanesa Insurance |
Call 1-800-640-2920 |
Grange Insurance Association California
Grange Customer Reviews |
1,600+ Reviews with an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars rating |
Grange Rate change |
~10% Increase with DUI |
Grange Market Share 2021 |
0.25% |
Average Savings from Switching to Grange |
25% With OnTrack Telematics |
How to Cancel Grange Insurance |
Call your independent agent. |
Esurance Auto Insurance California
Esurance Customer Reviews |
1,500+ Reviews with an average of 3.8 out of 5 stars rating |
Esurance Rate Change |
Avg. of 53% after an accident |
Esurance Market Share 2021 |
4.88% |
Average Savings from Switching to Esurance |
Avg. $462 |
How to Cancel Esurance Insurance |
Call 1-800-ESURANCE (1-800-378-7262) |
Mercury Auto Insurance California
Mercury Customer Reviews |
453+ Reviews with an average of 2.2 out of 5 stars rating |
Mercury Rate Change |
Avg. of 25% after an accident |
Mercury Market Share 2021 |
1.13% |
Average Savings from Switching to Mercury |
Up to 73% with a good credit |
How to Cancel Mercury Insurance |
Call (800) 956-3728 |
Factors That Can Affect Your California Auto Insurance Rates

The table below breaks down your estimated annual auto insurance rate coverage for an insurance policy in California and the factors that can lead to the estimated rates. Some of the factors that are taken into consideration are prior tickets record, prior accidents, credit scores, safety driving test completion, single and married. These numbers and discounts or add ons are based on annual rates.
Driving Profile |
Geico Auto Insurance |
Wawanesa Auto Insurance |
Grange Insurance Association Auto Insurance |
Esurance Auto Insurance |
Mercury Auto Insurance |
Tickets |
$1,449 |
$2,558 |
$1,688 |
Up to 24% |
Up to 20% |
Accidents |
$1,971 |
$2,692 |
$1,577 |
~20% |
Avg. 77% |
Poor Credit Score |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
Safety Driving Test |
15% for 55 years and older |
15% for 55 years and older |
15% for 55 years and older |
15% for 55 years and older |
15% for 55 years and older |
Sources
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17