Cheapest Teen Driver Auto Insurance in California in 2026 (Save With These 10 Companies)
State Farm, USAA, and Travelers have the cheapest teen driver auto insurance in California. Cheap California teen car insurance costs $35/mo, but State Farm has the biggest student discount of 25% for even lower rates. Adding a teen driver to your existing policy will mean lower premiums.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Feature Writer
Rachel Bodine graduated from college with a BA in English. She has since worked as a Feature Writer in the insurance industry and gained a deep knowledge of state and countrywide insurance laws and rates. Her research and writing focus on helping readers understand their insurance coverage and how to find savings. Her expert advice on insurance has been featured on sites like PhotoEnforced, All...
Rachel Bodine
Licensed Auto Insurance Agent
Daniel Walker graduated with a BS in Administrative Management in 2005 and has run his family’s insurance agency, FCI Agency, for over 15 years (BBB A+). He is licensed as an insurance agent to write property and casualty insurance, including home, life, auto, umbrella, and dwelling fire insurance. He’s also been featured on sites like Reviews.com and Safeco. To ensure our content is accura...
Daniel Walker
Updated January 2025
18,155 reviewsCompany Facts
Full Coverage for Teen Driver in California
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
18,155 reviews
6,589 reviewsCompany Facts
Full Coverage for Teen Driver in California
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
6,589 reviews
1,733 reviewsCompany Facts
Full Coverage for Teen Driver in California
A.M. Best Rating
Complaint Level
Pros & Cons
1,733 reviewsThe cheapest teen driver auto insurance in California can be found at State Farm, USAA, and Travelers. While California auto insurance can be expensive, these companies offer the best auto insurance in California for young adults at an affordable rate.
The other cheapest teen driver auto insurance companies are listed below.
Our Top 10 Company Picks: Cheapest Teen Driver Auto Insurance in California
| Company | Rank | Monthly Rates | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | #1 | $156 | A++ | Affordable Rates | Geico |
 | #2 | $174 | B | Customer Service | State Farm |
 | #3 | $236 | A+ | Coverage Options | Nationwide |
 | #4 | $241 | A | Family Discounts | American Family |
 | #5 | $318 | A+ | Claims Support | Allstate |
 | #6 | $372 | A | Policy Bundling | Farmers |
 | #7 | $390 | A | Flexible Policies | Liberty Mutual |
 | #8 | $409 | A- | Online Tools | Progressive |
 | #9 | $450 | A++ | Comprehensive Plans | Travelers |
 | #10 | $126 | A++ | Military Members | USAA |
To get cheap car insurance for teens today, enter your ZIP into our quote tool to quickly get multiple quotes from California companies.
- State Farm has the cheapest teen car insurance on the market
- Other cheap teen companies include USAA and Travelers
- Teen drivers can save on California car insurance with young driver discounts
#1 – State Farm: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Student Savings: State Farm’s good student discount offers up to 25% savings if students have at least a B+ or 3.0 average.
- Local Agents: Teens can easily get assistance from a State Farm local agent. Learn more about State Farm’s customer service in our State Farm review.
- Coverage Options: Teens can choose from a variety of State Farm coverages.
Cons
- Agent-Only Purchases: Drivers need to purchase insurance directly from a State Farm agent.
- UBI Availability: State Farm’s Drive Safe & Safe program isn’t available in California.
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#2 – USAA: Best for Military Students
Pros
- Military Students: USAA offers cheap rates for military students, as well as non-auto insurance discounts.
- Customer Ratings: USAA’s customer ratings are high (read more in our USAA review).
- Coverage: Teens have a selection of basic and add-on coverages to choose from.
Cons
- Military/Veteran Only: Teens who aren’t in the military won’t be able to qualify unless their parents are military or veterans.
- UBI Availability: USAA’s SafePilot program is not available in California.
#3 – Travelers: Best for Discount Options
Pros
- Discount Options: Learn about Traveler’s discount options in our Travelers review.
- Coverage: Travelers offers add-on coverages like roadside assistance and gap insurance.
- Accident Forgiveness: Teen drivers with clean driving records can avoid a rate increase after their first accident.
Cons
- Availability: Travelers isn’t sold in all 50 states.
- UBI Availability: Travelers’ IntelliDrive program is not available in California.
#4 – Progressive: Best for Competitive Rates
Pros
- Competitive Rates: The majority of drivers will see lower rates at Progressive.
- Budgeting: Progressive’s Name Your Price tool lets teens calculate how much coverage they can afford.
- Coverage: Teens can get roadside assistance and more at Progressive.
Cons
- UBI Availability: Progressive’s UBI program is not available in California.
- Customer Ratings: J.D. Power rated Progressive average for customer satisfaction (read about ratings in our Progressive review).
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#5 – American Family: Best for Safe-Driving Discounts
Pros
- Safe Driving Discounts: American Family’s KnowYourDrive can help teens save (learn more: American Family KnowYourDrive review).
- Customer Satisfaction: Customers gave American Family positive reviews, which you can learn more about in our American Family review.
- Rideshare Insurance: Teens looking to work for Uber or Lyft can get rideshare insurance from American Family.
Cons
- Availability: American Family isn’t sold in many states, so teens who move from California may have to find a new company.
- Rates: Because American Family is a smaller company, its rates may not always be the most competitive.
#6 – Nationwide: Best for Bundling Discounts
Pros
- Bundling Options: Nationwide offers a discount for a combination of home/renters insurance and auto insurance.
- Vanishing Deductibles: Nationwide lowers deductibles for safe driving.
- UBI Program: Nationwide’s SmartRide program can help teens save on auto insurance (learn more: Nationwide SmartRide review).
Cons
- Rideshare Insurance: Nationwide doesn’t sell rideshare insurance.
- Customer Ratings: J.D. Power gave Nationwide average ratings (learn more in our review of Nationwide).
#7 – Geico: Best for Young Drivers
Pros
- Young Drivers: Geico has young driver discounts, which we go over in our Geico review.
- Availability: No matter what state teens move to, Geico auto insurance will be sold in that state.
- Online Convenience: Teens can easily access their policy on Geico’s website or app.
Cons
- Customer Claims Ratings: J.D. Power ratings for Geico are average.
- UBI Availability: Geico’s safe driving program isn’t available in California.
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#8 – Farmers: Best for Discount Variety
Pros
- Discount Variety: Farmers offers several discounts that teens can take advantage of (read more in our Farmers review).
- Coverage: Farmers has several add-on coverages that teens can purchase to customize policies.
- Local Agents: Teens should be able to find a local agent nearby for in-person assistance.
Cons
- UBI Availability: Farmers’ UBI discount is not available in California.
- Customer Ratings: Farmers has a few negative reviews from customers.
#9 – Allstate: Best for Local Agents
Pros
- Local Agents: Allstate has local agents, so teens should be able to find someone for personalized assistance.
- Accident Forgiveness: Teens can avoid rate increases after their first accident if they have a clean driving record.
- Coverage: Allstate’s coverage options allow teens to easily add on necessary coverages.
Cons
- UBI Availability: Allstate’s UBI program is not available in California.
- Customer Ratings: Allstate’s J.D. Power ratings aren’t always high. You can read more about Allstate’s ratings in our review of Allstate.
#10 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Policy Customization
Pros
- Policy Customization: Add-on coverages like roadside assistance, gap insurance, etc., make it easy to customize policies.
- Availability: Liberty Mutual is widely available, so teens who move out of state can keep Liberty Mutual as a provider.
- Young Driver Discounts: Good student discounts and more can help young drivers save. Learn more in our review of Liberty Mutual.
Cons
- Customer Ratings: Liberty Mutual has just average customer satisfaction ratings.
- UBI Availability: Liberty Mutual’s UBI program is not available in California.
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California Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements for Teen Drivers
California requires all drivers to carry the following coverages:
- Bodily Injury Liability Insurance: $15,000 per person and $30,000 total per accident
- Property Damage Liability Insurance: $5,000 per accident
Not carrying liability insurance can result in fines, suspended licenses, and more. The table below shows the average cost of liability insurance in California for teen drivers.
Teen Auto Insurance Monthly Rates in California by Age, Gender & Driving Record
| Age & Gender | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 16-Year-Old Female | $346 | $1,196 |
| 16-Year-Old Male | $395 | $764 |
| 17-Year-Old Female | $458 | $762 |
| 17-Year-Old Male | $381 | $915 |
| 18-Year-Old Female | $301 | $762 |
| 18-Year-Old Male | $338 | $915 |
| 19-Year-Old Female | $255 | $510 |
| 19-Year-Old Male | $285 | $570 |
| 20-Year-Old Female | $205 | $410 |
| 20-Year-Old Male | $225 | $450 |
| 21-Year-Old Female | $83 | $257 |
| 21-Year-Old Male | $90 | $283 |
Minimum coverage is the cheapest car insurance in California, but bear in mind that it only covers other parties’ injuries and damages.
Because teen drivers are more likely to be in an accident due to inexperience, full coverage is the best option for California teens.Daniel Walker Licensed Insurance Agent
While the best full coverage auto insurance in California is more expensive, it often pays itself off after a covered claim and is the best auto insurance for new drivers.
Teen Driver Auto Insurance Rates in California
Teens with clean driving records usually have no problem finding the cheapest auto insurance in California when they shop at cheap companies like State Farm.
However, teens with poor driving records have higher rates. Accidents, tickets, and DUIs are some of the many reasons auto insurance costs more for young drivers.
Teen Auto Insurance Monthly Rates in California by Age, Gender & Driving Record
| Age & Gender | Speeding Ticket | At-Fault Accident | DUI/DWI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16-Year-Old Female | $1,518 | $1,223 | $2,002 |
| 16-Year-Old Male | $1,827 | $1,437 | $2,655 |
| 17-Year-Old Female | $1,674 | $1,319 | $2,215 |
| 17-Year-Old Male | $2,096 | $1,828 | $3,547 |
| 18-Year-Old Female | $1,859 | $1,213 | $2,403 |
| 18-Year-Old Male | $2,147 | $1,765 | $4,082 |
| 19-Year-Old Female | $1,652 | $1,091 | $2,798 |
| 19-Year-Old Male | $2,158 | $1,593 | $3,689 |
| 20-Year-Old Female | $1,503 | $1,019 | $2,979 |
| 20-Year-Old Male | $1,892 | $1,297 | $4,001 |
| 21-Year-Old Female | $1,331 | $900 | $3,533 |
| 21-Year-Old Male | $1,643 | $1,112 | $4,621 |
The teenage car insurance average cost per month will also be affected by location.
Teen Auto Insurance Monthly Rates in California by Age, Gender & City
| Age & Gender | Fresno | Los Angeles | Sacramento | San Diego | San Francisco | San Jose |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16-Year-Old Female | 1,045 | 1,315 | $1,160 | 1,225 | 1,350 | $1,295 |
| 16-Year-Old Male | 702 | 835 | $765 | 782 | 850 | $810 |
| 17-Year-Old Female | 720 | 800 | $740 | 765 | 825 | $785 |
| 17-Year-Old Male | 860 | 975 | $910 | 925 | 990 | $970 |
| 18-Year-Old Female | 715 | 810 | $755 | 770 | 835 | $805 |
| 18-Year-Old Male | 870 | 950 | $905 | 935 | 1,000 | $980 |
| 19-Year-Old Female | 475 | 525 | $500 | 515 | 560 | $535 |
| 19-Year-Old Male | 545 | 590 | $565 | 580 | 625 | $605 |
| 20-Year-Old Female | 390 | 435 | $405 | 415 | 460 | $440 |
| 20-Year-Old Male | 425 | 480 | $445 | 455 | 505 | $485 |
| 21-Year-Old Female | 245 | 270 | $255 | 265 | 295 | $280 |
| 21-Year-Old Male | 265 | 305 | $275 | 290 | 315 | $300 |
Adding a driver to car insurance will be more expensive in some cities.
How to Save Money on Teen Auto Insurance in California
Buying insurance from the companies with the cheapest teen auto insurance is one of the top ways to keep rates affordable.
Teen Auto Insurance Monthly Rates by Provider & Coverage Level in California
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| $156 | $391 |
| $174 | $438 |
| $236 | $592 |
| $241 | $603 |
| $318 | $795 |
| $372 | $931 |
| $390 | $975 |
| $409 | $1,023 |
| $450 | $1,126 |
| $126 | $314 |
Discounts are another great way to get cheap California auto insurance for 16-year-olds and up, with good student discounts, multi-car discounts, and more.
Ensure you qualify for as many discounts as possible at your company.
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How to Add a Teen Driver to California Auto Insurance
The best way to get cheap California auto insurance for 17-year-olds and other teens is adding teen drivers to car insurance that the parents already own.
Teen Auto Insurance Monthly Rates in California by Age, Gender & Policy Type
| Age & Gender | Individual Policy | Family Policy |
|---|---|---|
| 16-Year-Old Female | $221 | $165 |
| 16-Year-Old Male | $252 | $185 |
| 17-Year-Old Female | $208 | $160 |
| 17-Year-Old Male | $235 | $175 |
| 18-Year-Old Female | $192 | $155 |
| 18-Year-Old Male | $216 | $170 |
| 19-Year-Old Female | $185 | $145 |
| 19-Year-Old Male | $205 | $160 |
| 20-Year-Old Female | $175 | $135 |
| 20-Year-Old Male | $195 | $150 |
| 21-Year-Old Female | $165 | $130 |
| 21-Year-Old Male | $185 | $145 |
When teens join a family policy, rates are significantly lower, making it one of the most affordable options.
Where to Get The Cheapest Teen Driver Auto Insurance in California
State Farm, USAA, Travelers, and others offer the best car insurance in California for young adults. You can also find cheap California car insurance for 16-year-olds and up by comparing quotes and keeping a clean driving record.
Ready to find cheap California auto insurance? Enter your ZIP into our free quote tool.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is teen driver auto insurance for a 16-year-old in California?
Minimum auto insurance for a 16-year-old in California averages $237 per month.
What is the best auto insurance to add a learner driver?
The cheapest teen driver auto insurance rates are for minimum coverage, but learner drivers will be best protected by the best full coverage car insurance in California. Get free quotes using our comparison tool to save on California teen insurance.
Can a 17-year-old get their own auto insurance in California?
17-year-old drivers can get cheap California car insurance for 17-year-olds if they have a full license and own their own car (learn more: Helping Teen Drivers Get Their First Licenses).
How much is monthly auto insurance for a 17-year-old in California?
Minimum auto insurance for a 17-year-old in California is an average of $222 monthly. To get cheaper rates, check out our article on cheap auto insurance for 17-year-olds.
Do you need insurance with a learner’s permit in California?
The parent’s policy often provides learner’s permit insurance if the teen is driving a parent’s car. Most insurance companies will only have a driver added and increase rates after they get their license.
What is the cheapest car insurance for an 18-year-old in California?
Minimum coverage will be the top option for cheap auto insurance for 18-year-olds, but it doesn’t provide the most protection.
How much is auto insurance for a 19-year-old in California?
For 19-year-old drivers, the teenage auto insurance average cost per month is $195 monthly for minimum coverage.
Which teen driver auto insurance company is cheaper in California, Geico or Progressive?
Progressive is cheaper on average than Geico insurance in California.
At what age does insurance go down in California?
When it comes to auto insurance for drivers under 25, rates won’t start to significantly decrease until drivers are in their 20s.
Is Allstate or Geico more expensive for California teen auto insurance?
Geico provides the cheapest teen driver auto insurance quotes in California.
Why is it so hard to get teen driver auto insurance in California?
What car has the cheapest insurance rates for new drivers?
Have auto insurance rates gone up in California?
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