Best cheap car insurance in Orange, California

Drivers in Orange County may want to think carefully before selecting an insurance company, given the yearly cost of auto insurance. Auto insurance in this area is typically more expensive than elsewhere in the United States. In Orange County, the average annual cost for full coverage is $2,042, which works out to $170 per month. Local drivers who do not purchase additional coverage pay an annual average of $609.

Finding the best cheap car insurance in Orange County can be challenging, but we've put together a guide to assist you. We identified and reviewed four contenders for the best cheap car insurance in the area, including Wawanesa, Geico, Mercury, and Travelers, among those we researched. When it comes to minimum coverage, the cheapest carrier can shift. One reason why finding the best auto insurance will depend on your situation and needs is the impact your coverage selection has on your premium.

Best cheap car insurance companies in Orange

Wawanesa, Geico, and Mercury are the top three cheapest car insurance providers on our list for full coverage. StrongInsurance compiles these lists using data from Quadrant Information Services to compare average rates between insurers. We assign a five-star rating to each reviewed company based on data from online third-party agencies such as J.D. Power, AM Best, S&P, NAIC, and Moody's. Affordability, coverage options, customer experiences, and access to online policy and claims management tools are all factors that influence these ratings.

Wawanesa

Wawanesa has been in the California insurance market since 1975 and currently does not offer new policies outside of California. Despite its limited availability, this company has a lot to offer. It has the highest J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction in the California area in 2022 and the lowest annual average rates for full coverage on our list.

Geico

Geico has a reputation for offering competitive rates to drivers, even high-risk drivers. Geico has one of the lowest annual average rates for minimum coverage in Orange, California of our final four companies. It also offers a variety of online tools for managing policies and claims. Policy add-on options are limited, but the company does offer discounts for bundling multiple separate policies.

Mercury

Mercury has been selling insurance since 1961 and has a reputation for prioritizing a strong presence of local agents in the markets where it operates. Despite the fact that this area of operation only covers 11 states, Mercury has been able to offer a comprehensive suite of auto insurance options, with a focus on specialized coverages. Although there is no online claim filing option, the company does provide web portals and mobile apps for policy management.

Travelers

Travelers is one of the country's oldest and largest insurers. While this company did not rank among the top in California for customer satisfaction, it is known for competitive rates and extensive add-on coverage options. Travelers has one of the highest annual average rates for full coverage among the companies on our list, while it has one of the lowest for minimum coverage in the Orange, California area.

How to get and keep the cheapest car insurance in Orange

Aside from simply looking for the company with the lowest average rates, a few other tips can be useful. Remember that finding low-cost car insurance in California is only half the battle. Following that, it is also beneficial to avoid situations that could raise those rates. One of the most important things to understand about auto insurance rates is that they are highly nuanced. In California, several personal variables are considered, including age, vehicle type, driving record, and claims history.

• Shop around for insurance. Finding the cheapest auto insurance may look different for you than it does for someone else. Because rates are so personalized, getting quotes from multiple companies at once can be beneficial. This enables you to determine which company will provide you with the most competitive rates for the coverage you select.
• Maintain a clean driving record. Driving records are one of the most important factors in determining car insurance rates. While it is not a perfect ratio, the better your driving record has been in the last three to five years, the lower your rates tend to be. If you have a recent traffic or moving violation on your record, you may be able to reduce your rates in the interim by taking a defensive driving course. Whether or not a course results in savings is determined by your insurance provider.