Auto insurance is mandatory for all vehicle owners in California. It not only covers the damages incurred in accidents involving your car but also offers financial protection in case of theft or damage caused by natural calamities. With numerous auto insurance carriers in California, it can be challenging to choose the right one that offers the optimal coverage at an affordable price. In this article, we will discuss some of the top auto insurance carriers in California and their offerings.
Top Auto Insurance Carriers in California
California’s car insurance market is highly competitive, with several insurers vying for your attention. Each of these insurance carriers has its unique strengths and weaknesses. Here is a list of some of the top auto insurance carriers in California.
Company |
Market Share (%) |
J.D. Power Ranking (out of 5) |
State Farm |
14.1% |
4 |
GEICO |
11.7% |
3 |
Progressive |
8.6% |
3 |
Allstate |
8% |
3 |
Farmers Insurance |
6.8% |
3 |
Source: The Zebra
State Farm
State Farm is the largest auto insurance carrier in California, with a 14.1% market share. They offer a wide range of coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. State Farm rewards safe drivers with discounts on their premiums, and they also offer a Drive Safe and Save program that uses telematics to track your driving habits and adjust your rates accordingly.
Additionally, State Farm has a user-friendly website and mobile app that allows you to manage your policy, file claims, and even request roadside assistance. Their customer service is also highly rated, with a four out of five J.D. Power ranking.
However, State Farm policies can be expensive compared to other insurers, and their discounts may not always be available in all states. Nevertheless, they are a reliable choice for anyone looking for comprehensive coverage and excellent customer service.
GEICO
GEICO is a popular auto insurance carrier in California, with an 11.7% market share. They are known for offering some of the lowest rates in the market, especially for drivers with excellent credit and a clean driving record. GEICO also offers a wide range of coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, as well as rental car insurance.
Another unique feature of GEICO is their emergency roadside assistance program, which is available 24/7 and includes services such as jump-starts, tire changes, and towing. GEICO also has a highly rated mobile app that allows you to manage your policy, pay bills, and file claims.
However, GEICO’s customer service can be hit or miss, and they do not offer as many discounts as their competitors. They also have a three out of five J.D. Power ranking, which is lower than some of their competitors.
Progressive
Progressive is another popular auto insurance carrier in California, with an 8.6% market share. They are known for offering customizable policies that allow you to choose the coverage that best fits your needs and budget. Progressive also offers a wide range of discounts, including safe driver discounts, bundling discounts for home and auto insurance, and discounts for students and military personnel.
One unique feature of Progressive is their Snapshot program, which uses telematics to track your driving habits and adjust your rates accordingly. They also have a highly rated mobile app that allows you to manage your policy, file claims, and even compare rates from other insurers.
However, Progressive policies can be expensive compared to other insurers, and their customer service can be hit or miss. They also have a three out of five J.D. Power ranking, which is lower than some of their competitors.
Allstate
Allstate is a popular auto insurance carrier in California, with an 8% market share. They offer several coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Allstate also offers a wide range of discounts, including safe driver discounts, bundling discounts for home and auto insurance, and discounts for students and seniors.
One unique feature of Allstate is their Drivewise program, which uses telematics to track your driving habits and adjust your rates accordingly. Allstate also has a highly rated mobile app that allows you to manage your policy, pay bills, and file claims.
However, Allstate policies can be expensive compared to other insurers, and their customer service can be hit or miss. They also have a three out of five J.D. Power ranking, which is lower than some of their competitors.
Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance is a popular auto insurance carrier in California, with a 6.8% market share. They offer several coverage options, including liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, as well as rental car coverage and roadside assistance.
One unique feature of Farmers Insurance is their Signal app, which uses telematics to track your driving habits and offer personalized coaching to help you become a safer driver. Farmers Insurance also offers a wide range of discounts, including safe driver discounts, bundling discounts for home and auto insurance, and discounts for students and military personnel.
However, Farmers Insurance policies can be expensive compared to other insurers, and their customer service can be hit or miss. They also have a three out of five J.D. Power ranking, which is lower than some of their competitors.
FAQs
Several factors can affect your auto insurance premiums in California, including your driving record, age, gender, marital status, credit score, and the make and model of your car. Other factors that may impact your premiums include your location, the number of miles you drive each year, and your coverage options.
2. How much auto insurance do I need in California?
California law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance with minimum coverage limits of $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage. However, it is recommended that you carry more than the minimum coverage to protect yourself financially in case of an accident.
3. What discounts are available for auto insurance in California?
Several discounts are available for auto insurance in California, including safe driver discounts, bundling discounts for home and auto insurance, student discounts, military discounts, and discounts for having safety features in your car such as airbags and anti-theft devices.
To save money on your auto insurance premiums in California, you can do the following:
- Compare quotes from multiple insurers
- Take advantage of available discounts
- Choose a higher deductible
- Drive safely and maintain a good driving record
- Consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage on older cars
5. What should I do if I get into an accident in California?
If you get into an accident in California, you should do the following:
- Call 911 if there are any injuries
- Exchange insurance and contact information with the other driver
- Take photos of the damage and the scene of the accident
- File a police report
- Notify your insurance carrier and file a claim
Conclusion
Choosing the right auto insurance carrier in California can be challenging, but it is essential to protect yourself financially in case of an accident. Make sure to compare quotes from multiple insurers, consider the coverage options and discounts available, and choose a carrier that meets your needs and budget. With this information, you can make an informed decision and find the right auto insurance carrier for you.