Is It Possible to Find Cheap Car Insurance in Los Angeles?

Last Updated on January 3, 2026

Car insurance in Los Angeles is expensive—often very expensive. Between heavy traffic, high repair costs, and elevated theft and claim frequency, LA tends to price above the rest of the state and well above the national average.

That said, “expensive city” doesn’t mean you can’t find a cheaper policy. The biggest savings usually come from (1) comparing quotes from multiple insurers, (2) choosing the right coverage and deductible for your situation, and (3) stacking discounts.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

1. LA Rates Are Often Higher Than State and National Averages: Los Angeles typically prices above the California average, so shopping around matters more here than in many cities.
2. California’s Minimum Limits Increased in 2025: The required liability minimum is now 30/60/15, which can raise premiums if you previously carried the old minimum limits.
3. Your ZIP Code and Driving Record Can Swing Prices Dramatically: Two LA drivers can pay very different rates based on neighborhood claim patterns, tickets, and prior accidents.
4. Discounts and Smart Coverage Choices Can Cut Costs: Ask about bundling, good driver, paid-in-full, low-mileage, and telematics discounts—and only keep collision/comprehensive when it makes financial sense.

How Much Is Car Insurance in Los Angeles?

Rates change constantly, but recent pricing studies typically show Los Angeles drivers paying more than the California average—and the California average running higher than the U.S. overall.

As a quick benchmark: national averages for full coverage are commonly reported around $200+ per month in recent years, while California average full coverage is often reported above $250/month. Los Angeles is frequently higher than both.

If you want a broader statewide comparison (and options beyond LA), see our guide to the best car insurance in California.

California Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

California’s minimum liability limits increased in 2025. In plain English: the minimum required coverage is higher than it used to be, which can push premiums up—especially if you were carrying bare-minimum limits before.

According to the California DMV, the minimum liability insurance requirements are:

• $30,000 bodily injury/death liability per person
• $60,000 bodily injury/death liability per accident
• $15,000 property damage liability per accident

You can review the official DMV page here: California auto insurance requirements.

Important: minimum liability coverage only pays for injuries and damage you cause to others. It doesn’t pay to repair your own car after an at-fault crash. If you’re financing or leasing, your lender usually requires collision and comprehensive coverage—often called full coverage.

Why Car Insurance Is Expensive in Los Angeles

LA pricing is driven by a mix of city-level risk and California-specific insurance rules. The biggest drivers tend to include:

• Traffic density and claim frequency: more cars + more congestion generally means more accidents, more fender benders, and more claims.
• Theft and vandalism risk: higher comprehensive claims in certain neighborhoods can lift premiums for everyone in the rating area.
• Higher repair and medical costs: labor rates, parts costs, and healthcare costs tend to be higher in major metros.
• California rating rules: insurers can’t price policies using factors that are common in many other states, like credit score in auto insurance.
• More emphasis on driving record: when fewer “personal” rating factors are allowed, tickets, claims, and at-fault accidents can matter even more.
• Gender isn’t used for pricing in California: unlike many states, California doesn’t allow pricing differences based on gender.

For a deeper dive into California-wide factors (beyond LA), see: why car insurance is so expensive in California.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies to Compare in Los Angeles

No company is “cheapest for everyone,” because pricing depends on your ZIP code, driving record, vehicle, mileage, and coverage selections. But if your goal is to find a better deal, start by requesting quotes from several insurers with a track record of competitive pricing.

Here are a few providers LA drivers commonly compare when shopping for cheaper auto insurance:

• GEICO: Often competitive for drivers with clean records, and a common benchmark quote to compare against.
• Mercury: A well-known California carrier that’s frequently compared in large metros.
• CSAA (AAA): Often priced competitively for eligible AAA members, depending on your location and profile.
• Wawanesa: Historically popular with many California drivers, especially those seeking straightforward coverage.

Also consider getting quotes from big carriers like Progressive, State Farm, Farmers, and Allstate—because the “best deal” can change dramatically by ZIP code and driver profile.

How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Los Angeles

Use the checklist below to lower your premium without accidentally underinsuring yourself.

1. Shop at renewal (and after major life changes). Even if you like your insurer, rates can drift. Comparing quotes is often the fastest way to find savings.
2. Ask about every discount you qualify for. Many drivers miss easy savings like bundling, good driver, paperless, paid-in-full, low-mileage, or telematics. Start here: best auto insurance discounts.
3. Choose a higher deductible if you have an emergency fund. A higher collision/comprehensive deductible can reduce premiums, but only do this if you can comfortably pay it after a claim.
4. Drop collision and comprehensive only when it makes sense. If your car is older and paid off, you might save by reducing physical damage coverage. Here’s how to decide: should you drop collision and comprehensive coverage?
5. Keep your driving record as clean as possible. A single incident can raise rates for years. Here’s what to expect: how long accidents stay on your insurance.

If you already have a violation, you still have options. Some insurers are more forgiving than others. See strategies here: how to find cheap auto insurance with a speeding ticket.

Why Am I Paying More Than Someone Else in LA?

Two LA drivers can pay wildly different prices—even with the same insurer. One of the biggest reasons is location. Insurers rate policies down to small areas, and your ZIP code can affect your rate because it correlates with claims, theft, congestion, and repair patterns.

LA County vs. Orange County Rates

Even nearby counties can price differently. Here’s how LA County and Orange County rates compare on our site:

A Low-Income Option: California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance Program

If you’re struggling to afford coverage, California offers a state-sponsored option for income-eligible good drivers called the California Low Cost Auto (CLCA) Insurance Program. You can check eligibility and find a certified agent here: mylowcostauto.com.

You can also read the California Department of Insurance overview here: CLCA program information.

FAQs on Cheap Car Insurance in Los Angeles

Final Word on Cheap Car Insurance in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the priciest places in the country to insure a car—but you can still lower your bill. The most reliable strategy is to compare multiple quotes with the same coverages, verify discounts, and adjust deductibles and coverage levels to match your vehicle and finances.

If you haven’t shopped recently, get a few quotes today. Even one better offer can save hundreds of dollars per year.