Lemonade Car Insurance in California
Cruising down the Pacific Coast Highway or catching the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena? Get covered with Lemonade car insurance in California—the smart choice for drivers in the Golden State.
How much does car insurance
cost in California?
The average estimated cost of car insurance in California is approximately $168 per month*. You’ll pay a different price each month; it’s a calculation of the number of miles you drive multiplied by your per-mile price, plus your monthly base price that doesn’t change.
How can I get cheaper car
insurance in California?
Low-mileage savings
Lemonade drivers determine how much they save each month based on how many miles they actually drive.
Bundle discounts
Unlock discounts when you bundle with Lemonade—including car, renters, homeowners, pet, and more.
Safe driving
Your safe driving habits—like speed, braking, and making smooth turns—can positively impact your premiums.
What’s the best car insurance
in California?
Seamless user experience
Enjoy a smooth ride from quote to claim, with an app that makes managing your policy easy and stress-free.
Super customizable coverage
Choose from flexible coverages and add-ons to build a policy that fits your lifestyle.
Fast claims resolution
File claims in minutes and get reimbursed quickly—right through the app.
What is the minimum car insurance
required in California?
To meet California car insurance coverage requirements, drivers must carry these coverages and minimum amounts to stay road-legal:
| Required minimum coverages for California drivers | Minimum amount required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $30,000(per person)/ $60,000 (per accident) |
| Property damage liability | $15,000 |
What additional car insurance coverages does Lemonade offer in California?
Collision coverage
To repair or replace your own car if it’s damaged in an accident with another vehicle, or a stationary object (like a fence, highway divider, and so on).
Read moreComprehensive coverage
To fix damage to your car, or possibly replace it entirely, if there are damages or losses from an incident that didn’t involve a collision with another vehicle (like if you hit a deer, damage from a hailstorm, and so on).
Read moreMedical payments coverage (aka MedPay)
Medical expenses for you or a passenger in your car after a crash— like ambulance fees, hospital visits, and health insurance co-pays, or for funeral services (in a worst case scenario). Usually doesn’t have a deductible.
Read moreUninsured motorist property damage coverage
Can help repair or replace your own car if you get into a car accident with an uninsured driver.
Read moreTemporary transportation coverage
Transportation expenses like rideshares, public transportation, bike sharing, or a rental car for up to 30 days while your car is being repaired or appraised.
Read moreUninsured / underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage
Can help cover your medical bills and lost wages related to injuries caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Read moreCalifornia car insurance FAQs
What happens if I don’t have the minimum coverage required by California?
If you’re caught driving without California’s minimum car insurance coverage, you’ll face some serious consequences. You could get hit with fines ranging from $100 to $200 for a first offense, plus penalty assessments that can push the total much higher. Your license and registration might get suspended, and you’ll need to file an SR-22 form with the DMV to prove you have coverage before getting them back. Plus, if you cause an accident without insurance, you’re personally liable for all the damages—which could cost you thousands.
Does earthquake coverage exist for cars in California?
Standard comprehensive coverage typically includes earthquake damage to your vehicle, so you don’t need separate earthquake insurance for your car like you would for your home. If an earthquake causes your car to be damaged by falling debris, crushed by a collapsed structure, or damaged in a quake-related accident, your comprehensive coverage should handle it.
How can I lower my car insurance premium in California?
You can lower your car insurance premium by maintaining a clean driving record, opting for higher deductibles, and considering bundling your car insurance with other types of insurance.
Lemonade offers renters insurance, homeowners insurance, pet insurance, and life insurance in California that you can bundle with a Lemonade car insurance policy, and bundling any combination of our insurance products together will unlock savings.
Additionally, Lemonade offers trunkloads of discounts—like the three year safe driving discount, or the five year accident free discount.
How do California's carpool lanes (HOV lanes) affect insurance claims?
Accidents in HOV lanes are handled like any other claim, but there could be additional penalties if you were illegally using the carpool lane when the accident happened. If you’re cited for improper HOV lane use during an at-fault accident, it could be seen as a contributing factor. Always make sure you meet the passenger requirements before using those lanes.
Are there any special insurance considerations for driving in rural California?
Rural California driving comes with unique risks like wildlife collisions, especially deer and elk in areas like the Sierra Nevada. Comprehensive coverage is crucial since it covers animal strikes and damage from falling trees or rocks on mountain roads. Also, if you’re far from repair shops, you’ll want rental car coverage since getting your car fixed might take longer in remote areas.
A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of policies issued by Lemonade, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage and discounts may not be available in all states.
*Premium data was sourced from Value Penguin accessed August, 2025. https://www.valuepenguin.com/best-cheap-car-insurance-california
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