Published: August 13.2026
Last Updated: August 13.2026

If your car insurance bill seems higher than it used to be, you're not alone. Many California drivers are looking for ways to lower their monthly premium without giving up the protection they need.

The good news is that you may have several options to reduce your auto insurance costs. Shopping around, asking about available discounts, reviewing your coverage, maintaining a clean driving record, and choosing the right deductible can all make a difference.

At eWay Insurance, we help California drivers compare their insurance options and find coverage that fits their needs and budget.

Here are 12 ways you may be able to get cheaper car insurance in California.

1. Compare Car Insurance Quotes From Multiple Companies

One of the best ways to find a lower car insurance premium is to shop around.

Insurance companies don't all charge the same amount for the same driver. Your premium can depend on factors such as your driving record, vehicle, location, years of driving experience, and other characteristics.

The California Department of Insurance recommends getting multiple quotes and comparing both price and coverage, rather than choosing a policy based solely on the lowest premium.

That's where an independent insurance agency can be helpful.

Instead of contacting insurance companies one at a time, you can work with an insurance professional who can help you compare available options.

Tip:

Don't ask only, "Who has the cheapest insurance?"

Ask:

"Which policy gives me the coverage I need at the best available price?"

A cheaper policy isn't necessarily a better policy if it leaves you without important protection.

2. Ask About Good Driver Discounts

Your driving record can have a significant impact on what you pay for auto insurance.

California has specific rules for Good Driver Discount policies. Generally, a qualifying Good Driver has been licensed for at least three consecutive years and has no more than one point on their driving record. California law requires qualifying Good Drivers to receive a rate at least 20% lower than the rate they otherwise would have been charged by the same insurer.

If you've maintained a good driving record, make sure your insurance company has accurate information about it.

Ask your agent:

• Do I qualify for a Good Driver Discount?
• Is my driving record accurate?
• Are there other driver-related discounts available to me?

3. Ask About Every Discount You May Qualify For

You may qualify for discounts that you're not currently receiving.

Depending on the insurance company and your situation, discounts may be available for things such as:

• Good driving history
• Multiple vehicles
• Multiple policies
• Mature drivers
• Driver training
• Certain vehicle safety features
• Anti-theft devices
• Other qualifying characteristics

California's Department of Insurance specifically recommends asking your insurance company or agent about available discounts when shopping for coverage.

Don't assume you're getting every discount automatically. Ask.

4. Review Your Coverage Before Renewing

Your insurance needs can change over time.

Maybe you paid off your vehicle. Maybe you're driving less. Maybe your household has changed. Or perhaps you have coverage you no longer need.

Before automatically renewing your policy, review your:

• Liability limits
• Comprehensive coverage
• Collision coverage
• Deductibles
• Rental reimbursement
• Roadside assistance
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

This doesn't mean you should simply remove coverage to lower your premium.

Instead, ask your agent to explain what each coverage does and what you would give up by removing it.

California's Department of Insurance emphasizes comparing coverage—not just premiums—when shopping for auto insurance.

5. Consider Increasing Your Deductible

Your deductible is the amount you generally pay toward a covered loss before your insurance pays the remaining covered amount.

For comprehensive and collision coverage, choosing a higher deductible can reduce your premium.

For example, you might compare a policy with:

$500 deductible vs. $1,000 deductible

The higher deductible may result in a lower premium.

However, there's an important rule:

Only choose a deductible you can realistically afford.

Saving money every month isn't helpful if you don't have enough money available to pay your deductible after an accident.

The California Department of Insurance lists higher deductibles as one potential way to lower auto insurance premiums.

6. Consider Whether You Still Need Comprehensive and Collision Coverage

If you're driving an older vehicle, it may be worth reviewing whether comprehensive and collision coverage still makes financial sense for you.

Collision coverage generally helps pay for damage to your vehicle resulting from a covered collision.

Comprehensive coverage generally covers certain types of damage other than collision, such as theft, fire, or vandalism.

If you remove these coverages, however, you could have to pay out of pocket for certain damage to your vehicle.

Also, if you have a car loan or lease, your lender may require physical damage coverage.

Before making a change, talk with your insurance professional and consider your vehicle's value, your finances, and your risk tolerance.

7. Look Into Multi-Car Discounts

If your household has more than one vehicle, ask whether insuring multiple vehicles under the same policy or with the same company could lower your overall insurance cost.

Multi-car discounts may be available depending on the insurer and your situation.

Instead of looking at each vehicle's premium separately, ask:

"What would my total household premium be if I insured all of my vehicles together?"

8. Consider Bundling Your Auto and Home Insurance

If you own a home, rent an apartment, or have another insurance policy, ask about combining policies with the same insurance company.

Some insurers offer multi-policy discounts.

For example, you may be able to combine:

Auto + Homeowners Insurance

or

Auto + Renters Insurance

The California Department of Insurance notes that some insurers offer discounts for purchasing multiple policies together.

Even if you currently have different companies for your policies, it can be worth getting a comparison quote.

9. Drive Safely and Protect Your Driving Record

One of the most important long-term ways to control your insurance costs is to maintain a clean driving record.

Tickets and at-fault accidents can affect your insurance costs depending on the circumstances and the insurer's rating rules.

California's Good Driver rules make maintaining a qualifying driving record particularly important for eligible drivers.

Simple habits can help:

• Follow speed limits
• Avoid distracted driving
• Never drive under the influence
• Give yourself extra following distance
• Use defensive driving techniques
• Avoid unnecessary risks behind the wheel

A clean driving record isn't just about potentially saving money—it's also about protecting yourself and everyone else on the road.

10. Tell Your Insurance Company If Your Driving Habits Change

How you use your vehicle can affect your insurance premium.

For example, if you previously had a long commute but now work from home, your annual mileage may have changed.

Similarly, your situation could change if you:

• Retire
• Start working from home
• Move closer to work
• Stop using your vehicle for business
• Drive significantly fewer miles

Don't assume that your current policy automatically reflects these changes.

Tell your agent about significant changes and ask whether they could affect your rate.

11. Choose Your Vehicle With Insurance Costs in Mind

The car you drive can influence what you pay for insurance.

Before buying a vehicle, don't only consider the purchase price or monthly payment.

Consider asking:

"How much will this vehicle cost to insure?"

Factors related to the vehicle—including repair costs, safety features, theft risk, and performance characteristics—can affect insurance premiums.

If you're shopping for another vehicle, getting an insurance quote before purchasing the car can help you understand the total cost of ownership.

12. Work With an Insurance Professional Who Can Compare Your Options

Finding affordable car insurance doesn't necessarily mean doing everything yourself.

An insurance agent or broker can help you understand coverage options, compare premiums, and identify discounts that may apply to your situation. The California Department of Insurance recommends comparing quotes and discussing your needs with an agent, broker, or insurance company.

At eWay Insurance, our goal is simple:

Help California drivers find coverage that makes sense for their needs and budget.

Whether you live in Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange County, San Diego, Sacramento, Fresno, Bakersfield, or elsewhere in California, we can help you explore your options.

How Much Can You Actually Save on Car Insurance?

There's no single amount that every California driver can save.

Your premium is personalized based on factors such as your driving history, vehicle, location, experience, and other rating factors. The California Department of Insurance notes that premiums can vary between insurers and that comparison-survey figures are not personalized quotes.

That's why the best way to find out whether you can get a lower rate is to compare your actual quote options.

Don't Sacrifice Coverage Just to Get a Lower Price

Getting cheaper car insurance doesn't mean buying the policy with the lowest monthly payment.

For example, lowering your liability limits or removing valuable coverage could reduce your premium—but it could also leave you financially exposed after an accident.

California currently requires drivers to maintain financial responsibility, and liability insurance is the most common way drivers meet that requirement.

The better goal is:

Find the best combination of price and protection for your situation.

Ready to See If You Can Lower Your Car Insurance?

You don't have to wonder whether you're paying too much.

eWay Insurance can help you compare your auto insurance options and find coverage that fits your needs.

Whether you're looking for liability coverage, full coverage, comprehensive and collision coverage, or additional protection, our team can help you understand your options.

🚗 Get Your California Auto Insurance Quote Today

Contact eWay Insurance and let us help you explore your options.

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Insurance rates and eligibility vary by driver, vehicle, location, coverage, and insurance company. Savings are not guaranteed. Coverage is subject to the terms, conditions, exclusions, and underwriting guidelines of the applicable policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest car insurance in California?

There isn't one insurance company that is cheapest for every California driver. Rates vary based on individual factors, so comparing multiple quotes is one of the best ways to find a competitive premium.

How can I lower my car insurance in California?

You can potentially lower your premium by comparing quotes, maintaining a good driving record, asking about discounts, reviewing your coverage, considering your deductible, and checking whether you qualify for multi-car or multi-policy discounts.

Does having a good driving record lower car insurance?

It can. California has a Good Driver Discount provision for qualifying drivers. A qualifying Good Driver's rate must be at least 20% lower than the rate they otherwise would have been charged by the same insurer.

Should I choose a higher deductible to save money?

A higher deductible can lower your premium for certain coverages, but you'll have more out-of-pocket expense if you have a covered claim. Choose a deductible you can afford.

Should I get multiple car insurance quotes?

Yes. California's Department of Insurance recommends getting several quotes and comparing both price and coverage.

Can an insurance agent help me find cheaper car insurance?

An agent or broker can help you compare available policies, understand coverage, and identify discounts that may apply to you. Your final premium depends on your individual circumstances and the insurer's underwriting rules.