The Best Car Insurance Discounts in California

California car insurance policies are more expensive than the national average, but that doesn’t mean you have to be stuck paying an expensive rate for great car insurance. Researching car insurance discounts in California, asking your provider about savings opportunities, and building a clean driving record can reduce your premiums.  

With good driving habits and just a few minutes comparing your options, you can reduce your costs and make your budget go further. Learn more about California driver discounts you may be eligible for.  

Navigating Car Insurance in California 

Before you can start whittling away at your car insurance costs, it pays to know what insurance you need first. California, like most states, has established minimum mandatory coverage requirements. To legally drive in this state, you need: 

• $30,000 for injury or death to one person per incident 

• $60,000 for injury or death to more than one person per incident 

• $15,000 for property damage 

For more peace of mind, you might get uninsured/underinsured coverage, full coverage that also protects your property in the event of damage, or extra services like roadside assistance. Alternatively, along with getting great car insurance discounts in California, you can select minimum coverage insurance or just the added coverage you need to minimize the cost.  

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available? 

Once you know what coverage makes sense for your needs, you can start to shop around and find car insurance companies that offer discounts on insurance premiums. These discounts can save you money, even after recent rate hikes in the state.  

Some common discounts might include safe driver discounts, small discounts for going paperless, and discounts for military personnel. Take a closer look at these three most effective car insurance discounts in California that can significantly reduce your auto insurance rates.  

Good Driver Discount: The Way to Rewarding Safe Driving 

Having a history of good driving as a California driver can save you money. Conversely, having a history of at-fault accidents, DUIs and other problematic behaviors can drastically raise your rates.  

Different insurance companies offer different discounts, but you can save between 20% and 40% for a history of safe driving. Accident-free driving, violation-free driving, and being a California driver for many years are all factors that can give you a good driver discount. 

Taking a defensive driving course may also give you a discount. This is a great option for drivers who want to “clear” their record after an incident or drivers 25 years of age or younger who don’t have a long history to prove they’re a safe driver. 

Multi-Car Discount: Savings for More Than One Vehicle 

If your household has multiple cars or you just bought an additional new car, you may also be eligible for discounts by insuring multiple vehicles with one provider instead of multiple insurance companies.  

For example, you might have two or more drivers in your family who each have their own car. Insurance companies will give you a discount as an incentive so they can have more of your business. 

Pro Tip: While it’s not a discount, adding a teen driver to your overall policy instead of holding a separate policy for them can decrease your costs. Drivers 18 years of age and younger tend to have much higher premiums.  

Bundling Discounts: Combining Policies for Bigger Savings 

Just like you can reduce your insurance premiums by holding multiple car policies with a single provider, you can benefit from bundling all of your policies together with one company. This can include:  

• Home insurance or renters insurance 

• Motorcycle insurance 

• Boat insurance 

Insurance companies can operate more efficiently if their clients hold multiple policies under one umbrella, and you benefit from some of those savings. Your discount amount may vary based on your history, zip code, and other factors.  

Are There Exclusive Discounts for California Drivers? 

California has established consistent criteria for good driver discount programs across the state. If you meet specific criteria as a California driver, you will be eligible for:  

• California Good Driver Discount: 20% savings 

• Elite Good Driver Discount: An additional discount that increases your discount to 35% or more 

State-specific organizations may also offer discount opportunities, such as through professional organizations or alumni organizations.  

Some other car insurance discounts your California insurance company might provide are discounts for installing anti-theft devices or a good student discount. 

Ways to Maximize Your Savings 

Car insurance discounts in California are a great strategy for saving money and reducing your insurance premiums. There are additional strategies you can use to save even more money. Follow these tips:  

• Review your insurance policy to see if the coverage is what you need or if you can adjust your policies.  

• Shop around at different companies. Every year or so, look for quotes with new insurance companies to see who will offer you better rates for good coverage. 

• Ask your provider about discounts. Some companies offer specific discounts, or you may have recently become eligible for new savings. Asking your insurance company’s retention team can unlock more savings.  

• Maintain a clear driving history. Being a safe driver will lower your insurance premiums over time and minimize your likelihood of getting a sudden price hike. 

Understanding Requirements and Eligibility 

Different California car insurance discounts have different criteria. Good driving discounts have state-specified standards, while bundling and multi-vehicle discounts will depend on your company’s policies. Take time now to ask about the requirements so you can get the discount as soon as you’re eligible.  

Drive Safe, Save More—Start with a Free Quote Today! 

Driving safely can keep your insurance rates low, and asking for discounts can keep your auto insurance rates even lower. Cost-U-Less Insurance offers flexible, convenient insurance policies, and its representatives can work with you to find what discounts you may be eligible for so you get extra savings. 

Ready to shop around for a new policy that fits your budget? Get your quote now through the online portal. You can also call (800) 390-4071 or visit a nearby office location to talk about your options in person.