Car Insurance For College Students In California 2024
For California college students, GEICO is my number one pick for car insurance.
We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.
Our team of auto insurance experts spent hours assessing quotes from different companies to find the best car insurance for California college students. GEICO was determined to have the most cost-effective and comprehensive coverage.
State Farm showed strong performance for California college students seeking minimum coverage or high-quality customer service. For those with accidents or violations, Progressive was the best option available.
This guide will investigate all three companies, focusing on how criteria like location and age can influence insurance rates for California’s college students.
Best Car Insurance For College Students In California, 2024
Compare Car Insurance For College Students In California
| Overall Rating | Best For | JD Power Rating | AM Best Rating | Get A Quote | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO |
|
Affordable Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Minimum Coverage |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Auto-Owners |
|
Customer Service |
837 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| GEICO |
|
Full Coverage |
824 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| State Farm |
|
Low-Mileage Drivers |
842 |
A++ |
Instant Quote |
| Progressive |
|
Driving Violations |
853 |
A+ |
Instant Quote |
Best Car Insurance Companies For College Students In California
Best Affordable Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅College students looking to buy their first car insurance often prioritize affordability. GEICO delivers both a respected company and reasonably priced coverage, with an average cost of $1,644 per year.
GEICO has maintained its position as one of the top auto insurance providers for several decades, known for delivering competitive rates and exceptional customer service. The company has also invested in its digital tools, offering a user-friendly mobile app and website for easy account management.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Industry-best rates for college students
- Offers student-specific discounts
- App and website are user-friendly for managing policies
- Strong customer satisfaction ratings ✓
- Limited local agent network
- Lacks gap and rideshare insurance ✘
Best Customer Service
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅College students often have questions about their auto insurance policies. While many companies offer interactive tools online, Auto-Owners Insurance provides the advantage of speaking directly with a live agent. This added personal support can make the slightly higher premium worthwhile.
With great customer service and multiple discount options available, the company helps to further decrease costs. College students can expect to spend around $4,329 annually on coverage.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers accident forgiveness and deductible reduction
- Wide range of coverage options and discounts
- Prioritizes in-person relationships with local agents
- Recognized for excellent customer service ✓
- Only available in 26 states
- Quotes must be requested from an agent
- No online policy management access ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅People often think that excellent customer service is expensive, but this isn’t always the case, particularly with car insurance companies in California. Auto-Owners Insurance and State Farm both score well in customer satisfaction and provide affordable coverage options for college students.
Best Minimum Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅College students considering minimum coverage policies should opt for a company renowned for its support of policyholders. State Farm provides a personalized experience and some of the best rates for young drivers.
With a rapid claims process and dedicated customer service, State Farm resolves issues quickly. California college students can anticipate an average cost of $2,076 for a minimum coverage policy with State Farm.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Leading customer service team in the industry
- Budget-friendly rates for most college student segments
- High renewal rates for existing policies
- Personalized management approach with a large network of local agents ✓
- Policies are less flexible compared to other large providers
- No gap insurance offered ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Choosing a minimum coverage policy can be a way to reduce insurance costs, but it may leave you exposed if you’re involved in an accident. These low-cost plans only meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements, potentially resulting in out-of-pocket expenses for additional costs.
Minimum coverage policies are well-suited for college students, offering the essential insurance for legal driving while ensuring that costs remain low.
Best For Motorists With Driving Violations
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Although Progressive Insurance didn’t have the most affordable rates for standard coverage, it was the top option for California college students with driving violations. Whether dealing with a speeding ticket or an accident, Progressive still provided reasonably priced insurance.
College students who have driving violations usually pay around $4,697 per year for auto insurance.
Progressive also offers rideshare coverage, which can be especially helpful for college students working part-time with services like DoorDash or Lyft.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers add-on coverage for rideshare drivers
- Cost-effective rates for drivers with traffic violations
- Includes vet expenses if your pet is injured in an accident, with collision coverage ✓
- Customer loyalty ratings are slightly below average
- Average level of customer service ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅Regardless of age, drivers can expect a sharp increase in their monthly insurance rates after a traffic violation. For college students, who already have a high-risk rating, this increase can be even more substantial after an accident or ticket.
Mitigating the damage from a driving violation can be easier when working with a company like Progressive, which specializes in covering drivers with a record of tickets or accidents.
Best Full Coverage
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Full coverage insurance is more expensive than minimum coverage, making it essential to choose a company like GEICO known for offering affordable rates. California college students usually spend around $3,602 per year for full coverage with GEICO.
GEICO provides more than just cost-effective coverage; the company is also a leader in innovation. Their website, designed with the customer in mind, makes it easy for policyholders to update account information in seconds.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers accident forgiveness to policyholders
- Usage-based program provides discount opportunities
- Full coverage at affordable rates for college students
- Customer satisfaction ratings are above average ✓
- No add-ons for new car replacement or rideshare insurance
- Bundle discounts are lower compared to other companies
- Limited local agent network ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅If college students commute regularly or drive for work, full coverage insurance is usually more beneficial than minimum coverage. These policies offer enhanced protection, including liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage.
Although full coverage provides more extensive protection, it is also more costly. It’s important to balance the extra insurance benefits with the higher monthly cost.
Best For Low-Mileage Drivers
Key Statistics
Why We Like Them
⇅Car insurance costs for college students can be significantly reduced with low-mileage policies and discounts. State Farm offers the most affordable options, with policies typically priced at about $2,658 per year.
Given its strong performance in customer service and overall financial stability, State Farm is a reliable choice for college students searching for their first auto insurance policy.
Benefits & Drawbacks
⇅- Offers a valuable discount program for low-mileage drivers through usage-based pricing.
- Excellent customer service that clients appreciate.
- High rates of renewal and retention among policyholders.
- Receives strong financial ratings from agencies like AM Best. ✓
- Lacks rideshare and gap insurance coverage options.
- May be more costly for individuals with lower credit scores. ✘
Info on the category and how it impacts drivers
⇅College students who drive infrequently during the school year shouldn’t pay for more insurance than they need. While you must keep the state minimum coverage, there are affordable policies and discounts that suit your low-mileage lifestyle.
Low-mileage insurance policies usually come with discounted rates if you drive below a specific annual mileage limit. This limit generally ranges from 7,500 to 10,000 miles, depending on the insurance company.
Average Rates For College Students In California- By City
| City | Average Annual Cost (Full Coverage) | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $2,760 | $230 |
| San Francisco | $2,232 | $186 |
| San Diego | $1,896 | $158 |
| Sacramento | $2,148 | $179 |
| Fresno | $1,980 | $165 |
Average Rates For 18 Year Old College Students In California
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $280 |
| State Farm | $243 |
| Travelers | $289 |
| Nationwide | $461 |
| Progressive | $327 |
Car Insurance Costs In California For 19 Year Old College Students
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $194 |
| State Farm | $187 |
| Nationwide | $347 |
| Farmers | $291 |
| Allstate | $217 |
College Student Insurance Rates For 20 Year Olds In California
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Allstate | $191 |
| GEICO | $187 |
| Travelers | $214 |
| State Farm | $183 |
| Nationwide | $330 |
Cost Of Car Insurance For 21 Year Old College Students In California
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| Nationwide | $250 |
| State Farm | $173 |
| Allstate | $169 |
| GEICO | $137 |
| Progressive | $180 |
Average Rates For 22 Year Old College Students In California
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $130 |
| State Farm | $170 |
| Progressive | $168 |
| Nationwide | $235 |
| Allstate | $161 |
Average Rates For 23 Year Old College Students In California
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| GEICO | $131 |
| State Farm | $157 |
| Progressive | $150 |
| Farmers | $229 |
| Allstate | $158 |
Car Insurance Rates In California For 24 Year Old College Students
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $153 |
| Travelers | $176 |
| GEICO | $129 |
| Progressive | $132 |
| Allstate | $153 |
Average Rates For 25 Year Old College Students In California
| Car Insurance Provider | Average Monthly Cost |
| State Farm | $150 |
| Nationwide | $184 |
| GEICO | $123 |
| Progressive | $129 |
| Allstate | $140 |
Average Rates On Family Policy vs. Individual Policy
| Insurance Company | Individual Student Policy | Family Policy |
| Nationwide | $250 | $184 |
| State Farm | $173 | $191 |
| Allstate | $169 | $164 |
| GEICO | $137 | $120 |
| Progressive | $180 | $187 |
How Can College Students Save Money On Car Insurance In California
For many college students, car insurance rates are considerably higher than for those in their mid to late 20s. If you’re not able to stay on a parent or guardian’s policy, you’ll need to seek ways to lower your monthly premium.
Here are some effective strategies to help you make your car insurance more affordable.
Security And Safety Improvements
This tip is universal and can benefit any driver, unlike some of the other college-specific strategies. Insurance companies may lower your rates if you add security enhancements or safety upgrades to your vehicle.
For instance, integrating anti-theft features like a car alarm into your vehicle could lead to a reduction in your insurance premium of up to 5%.
Student Discounts
Most people recognize the student discounts associated with good grades, but college students can also take advantage of several other discounts, such as:
- Discount for safe driving habits
- Discount for students who are studying remotely
- Discount for completing a driver’s education course
Used vs. New
Many parents opt to buy their children a new car as a graduation gift. Despite the better fuel economy, new cars generally cost more to insure. This is because insurance rates increase for newer vehicles due to their higher repair and replacement costs.
Affiliation Discounts
Many students find that being part of campus clubs and organizations enriches their university experience. These groups can also provide additional benefits, like access to specific discounts. Depending on your insurance provider, being affiliated with a sorority, fraternity, honor society, or alumni group might help lower your monthly insurance costs.
Do College Students Need Their Own Car Insurance?
While insurance decisions are often straightforward, the necessity of having your own policy as a college student depends on various factors. Let’s review scenarios where you could remain on your family’s plan and those where you’d need separate coverage.
Keeping Students On A Family Car Insurance Policy
Unlike health insurance, which has a set age limit, car insurance doesn’t restrict how long a child can stay on their parent’s policy. Children living at home or using their parents’ address while in college can still be included in the auto insurance coverage.
Purchasing Coverage As A College Student
The key reason a college student might need to buy their own insurance is if they move to a different address. Once they have a new permanent address apart from their parents, they must secure their own car insurance policy.
Temporary Car Insurance
Temporary coverage may not be offered by every car insurance provider, but it’s a fantastic choice for college students who won’t be driving frequent.
Temporary auto insurance often provides six months of coverage, with the option to cancel when the period concludes. This policy is great for college students who don’t need additional months of insurance while at school or for those studying abroad for a semester.
Usage-Based Car Insurance
Usage-based car insurance is similar to telematics in that it tracks driver behavior, but it also offers an additional benefit that appeals to college students.
With usage-based car insurance, you can save money with discounts and lower premiums by driving less each year. These “Pay-Per-Mile” plans offer a budget-friendly coverage option if your car stays parked in the dorm lot or at home for most of the school year.
How To Buy Car Insurance As A College Student In California
Navigating the purchase of your first auto insurance policy as a college student can be stressful. Luckily, platforms like Insuranceopedia make the process easier and more enjoyable.
Even though these sites offer a quick way to compare rates from different providers, you’ll still need certain details at hand to manage the process. Below is an outline of the steps to take for purchasing your next auto insurance policy:
Step 1: Gather the required information ahead of time, such as vehicle data, driver’s license numbers, policyholder information, and driving history.
Step 2: Determine how much insurance you need to comply with California law.
Step 3: Choose whether to buy insurance online or through an agent.
Step 4: Get and compare quotes from at least three insurers.
Step 5: Buy your chosen policy and inform your old insurance provider of the change.
Telematics Car Insurance For College Students
For college students, saving on car insurance is a priority. One of the most effective ways to lower your monthly premium is through telematics.
Telematics devices, used by insurance companies, monitor and analyze your driving behavior. The safer you drive, the better your rates, and the more likely you are to receive safe driver discounts.
How To Get Discounts
Car insurance can be expensive for college students, especially with tickets or accidents on your driving record. One way to lower your coverage cost is to take advantage of discounts from your insurance carrier.
Car insurance companies offer a range of discounts for their policyholders. Before settling on a plan, you might want to look into these options:
- Paid in full
- Multi-vehicle
- Multi-policy
- Military
- Student away
- Good student
- Safe driver
- Defensive driving
- Low mileage
- Accident-free
Our Methodology
To find the most affordable car insurance for college students in California, we studied data from several review sites, some of which used public filings obtained by Quadrant Information Services. Our team also utilized 25 years of collective insurance experience to assess each carrier. Even though the rates listed in this guide are correct, it’s important to note that premiums can shift daily and may vary based on the individual driver.
Quotes Analyzed
Years Of Industry Experience
Brands Reviewed
Research Hours
FAQs
Who has the best car insurance for college students in California?
GEICO is typically the most affordable choice for college students seeking car insurance. However, depending on your driving record and coverage preferences, Progressive and State Farm are additional options to consider in California.
Do college students need car insurance in California?
In California, having car insurance is compulsory for all drivers. College students have the choice to remain on their parents’ policy if they live at home or to secure their own insurance once they move out.
Is car insurance more expensive for college students in California?
Car insurance rates in California are generally higher for younger drivers. College students often receive better rates than 16-year-olds, but their premiums are still substantially more than those for 25-year-olds.
How can you add a college student to a family policy?
Before including a college student on your family insurance plan, contact your insurance provider prior to the start of college. Most providers will ask for the student’s new zip code and verify that their primary address remains the family home. Out-of-state students may face extra requirements.
Can you stay on your parents’ car insurance if you move out?
As a college student, you can stay on your parents’ car insurance if you maintain your primary residence at their home. However, once you move out and have a new permanent address, you will have to get your own auto insurance policy.
