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Beth Swanson

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Ross Martin

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How much does car insurance cost in Long Beach?

Long Beach has become an excellent destination for those seeking affordable car insurance rates in California. A six-month policy will set you back an average of $1,074 or $179 per month, which is relatively inexpensive when compared to other popular cities across the state. As per our records, Wawanesa is the most affordable car insurance company in Long Beach for the year 2024, with rates starting at $598 for a six-month policy.

Long Beach drivers pay more than the average car insurance rate in California ($965 every six months) as well as the national average of $880. According to our data 32% of our Long Beach-based customers said they're paying too much for auto insurance. If you want to learn more about insurance requirements and typical rates in Long Beach, read on.

Car Insurance in Long Beach vs. California Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
California Average $965
Long Beach Average $1,074

The cheapest car insurance companies in Long Beach

1st place medal
1st place: Wawanesa

Coming in as the cheapest auto insurer in Long Beach is regional carrier Wawanesa, with six-month policies at $598, which is about $100 per month.

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

GEICO came in as the next cheapest option and costs $135 per month ($812 for six months).

3rd place medal
3rd place: USAA

USAA is the cheapest at $147 per month or $881 for a six-month policy. Keep in mind that USAA auto insurance is only available to members, so be sure to check your eligibility.

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Long Beach:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Long Beach is $1,074 per six-month policy — or $179 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Long Beach is Wawanesa ($598 every six months).
  • 32% of Zebra customers in Long Beach stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Long Beach car insurance rates by company

According to our 2024 data, Long Beach residents who want full coverage auto insurance can get coverage through Wawanesa at an affordable price. Wawanesa's average rates are about $100 per month or $100 for a six-month policy. GEICO is the second most affordable, with a six-month policy costing $812, or $135 per month. Both companies' rates are below the average for Long Beach. 

To learn more about the top-rated car insurance companies, take a look at The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Long Beach, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $598
GEICO $812
USAA $881
Progressive $1,030
Allstate $1,126
Nationwide $1,129
State Farm $1,236

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


To uncover cheap car insurance, the easiest method is to compare different providers. We will do the challenging work for you so you can focus on selecting the best policy that suits your budget and personal preferences. Enter your ZIP code and discover quotes from top-rated insurers such as Progressive, Allstate, State Farm, and Nationwide (plus more) to identify the most affordable car insurance in Long Beach.

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Average car insurance in Long Beach by rating factor

When determining your car insurance rate, rating factors are the specific details about you that insurers take into account. While most companies assess similar factors, like credit score and age, they may place different levels of importance on them. For example, one insurer might prioritize your driving and claims history, while another might focus on your credit score (in states other than California).

As your life circumstances change, so may your preferred insurance provider. Even if you've been with the same insurance company for a while, it's a good idea to compare quotes every six months to a year to ensure that you're carrying the appropriate coverage.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: In Long Beach, car insurance premiums are determined by a variety of factors, with end-of-year earnings being a significant one. Insurance companies compare the revenue earned from premiums with the cost of paying claims to determine their earnings. Even if you have a perfect claims history, you could still end up paying more with a specific insurer due to the increased cost of doing business in Long Beach.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Long Beach

The cost of car insurance is significantly influenced by age. Insurance companies are focused on risk analysis, and their data shows that teenage drivers are the most hazardous on the road and are the most likely to be involved in accidents. Therefore, insurance companies charge teenage drivers the highest premiums to offset the costs of claims. This can come as a shock to young drivers.

In Long Beach, teenage drivers pay $2,856 per year more than drivers in their 20s. With more years of driving experience and a history of safe driving, car insurance premiums are likely to decrease significantly within a few years. To keep premiums low, parents or guardians can add a teen driver to their policy, and students can inquire about discounts for good grades and safe driving.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Long Beach, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $1,001
GEICO $1,924
USAA $1,967
State Farm $2,187
Allstate $2,497
Progressive $2,572
Nationwide $3,611
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Wawanesa $656
30s Wawanesa $534
40s Wawanesa $534
50s Wawanesa $534
60s Wawanesa $534
70s Wawanesa $524

Zebra Tip: The cheapest company for Long Beach drivers across all age groups is Wawanesa


In Long Beach, the highest number of drivers falls within the age range of 20 to 40 years, according to our research. For a six-month policy, this group pays an average of $1,227. However, by choosing Wawanesa, GEICO, or USAA as your insurer, you could see a savings of 34%. 

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Long Beach

When it comes to car insurance, personal factors like age and credit score aren't the only things that impact your premium. Your choice of coverage is just as important. The state minimum can be an attractive policy, at first glance. It may help keep your rates low in the short-term, but it's not always the wisest choice. If you're involved in an accident and only have minimal coverage, you may find yourself severely underinsured.

If you're looking for more protection on the road, consider adding collision or comprehensive coverage, also known as "full coverage." However, be aware that these options tend to come with a higher price tag and a deductible that can affect your rates. Raising your deductible is an effective strategy if you're looking for a way to balance full coverage with affordability. As your deductible increases, your premium will decrease accordingly.

When it comes to staying safe on the road, it's essential to have a contingency plan in place. Adding extras like roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage can be a lifesaver in the event of a collision with an uninsured driver. While they may come at an additional cost, these coverage options offer added peace of mind and protection for both you and your vehicle.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

It's likely that you are obligated to maintain a certain amount of insurance coverage if you have leased or financed your vehicle. However, if you own your vehicle in full it gives you more flexibility. If you are considering dropping comprehensive or collision coverage, we suggest getting the actual cash value of your car from a reliable source such as Kelley Blue Book. If your vehicle is worth less than $4,000, you might not require full coverage, which can lower your rates. But this will also mean you'll be liable to pay for any damages yourself.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Long Beach, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $234
Wawanesa $265
USAA $278
Progressive $299
Nationwide $363
Allstate $397
State Farm $422

Most of our customers in Long Beach opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. It's important to weigh your choices and your individual needs carefully. While we understand that the state-required minimum is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. California's 15/30/5 liability limits cover damage you cause up to $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

Learn more about insurance laws in California.

Long Beach car insurance rates by credit score

While insurance companies in most states take a driver's credit score into consideration when determining car insurance rates, California does not. Using a driver's credit score to influence premiums is considered discriminatory in California. It is therefore not a rating factor when determining how much you'll pay for auto insurance each year. 

car insurance in Long Beach by credit score

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

At-fault and collision-type accidents are the most prevalent types of insurance claims, and they typically result in higher rates. In Long Beach, these increases range from as little as $4 to as much as $132 per month, depending on the violation. Wawanesa provides the cheapest rates after an at-fault accident.

To keep your rates affordable, it is crucial to be a safe driver no matter where you live. Speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and DUIs or DWIs all result in rate increases, and your premium can be affected for three to five years after an accident. In some instances, more severe violations can affect your premium for an even longer period. Although accidents cannot always be avoided, practicing safe driving habits while behind the wheel not only protects you physically but also financially.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Long Beach, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $901
USAA $1,257
GEICO $1,474
Nationwide $1,651
State Farm $1,960
Progressive $2,047
Allstate $2,447

Long Beach car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Long Beach.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Long Beach, CA
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
Two Med/PIP claims $1,074 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $1,074 0% $0
Two comp claims $1,074 0% $0
One comp claim $1,074 0% $0
None $1,074 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $1,079 0% $5
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,098 2% $24
Failure to show documents $1,416 32% $341
Driving with expired registration $1,424 33% $350
Driving without lights $1,425 33% $351
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,428 33% $354
Child safety restraint $1,433 33% $359
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,498 39% $423
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,498 39% $423
Failure to stop at a red light $1,502 40% $427
Following too closely $1,502 40% $427
Illegal turn $1,502 40% $427
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,502 40% $427
Driving too slowly $1,502 40% $427
Speeding in school zone $1,502 40% $427
In 65 MPH zone $1,502 40% $427
Failure to yield $1,503 40% $429
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,504 40% $430
Cell phone violation $1,508 40% $433
Texting while driving $1,508 40% $433
Improper passing $1,521 42% $446
Passing school bus $1,546 44% $472
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,779 66% $704
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,860 73% $786
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,864 73% $790
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,864 73% $790
Open container $1,991 85% $917
Driving with a suspended license $2,278 112% $1,203
Reckless driving $2,668 148% $1,594
Racing $2,688 150% $1,614
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,709 152% $1,635
DUI $2,792 160% $1,718
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,792 160% $1,718

Why is car insurance in Long Beach so expensive?

Despite the perception that auto insurance can be costly, auto insurance rates in Long Beach aren't actually that high compared to other cities in California. Because the cost of living is slightly less here than in places such as Los Angeles or Pasadena, it means that businesses can operate without incurring the additional expenses that are typical in larger cities.

The following paragraphs will discuss why car insurance rates may vary in Long Beach and why your rate might be higher than expected.

location
Location

Your car insurance costs in Long Beach are determined by where you reside. Although this is somewhat beyond your control, it is a crucial consideration when assessing risk. Some neighborhoods are more susceptible to theft, other types of crimes, and uninsured drivers than others. In some cities, this variation can be hundreds of dollars. If you reside in a high-crime neighborhood, you will probably pay more for car insurance than someone who resides in a safer area.

Expensive Long Beach ZIP codes: 90813, 90802, 90804, 90831, 90833

Cheap Long Beach ZIP codes: 90808, 90815, 90803, 90807, 90814

weather
Weather risk

While California is famous for its mild, pleasant weather, the state is still susceptible to natural disasters, especially wildfires. With over 9,200 fires and two million acres burned in 2021, California tops the list nationally for wildfire events.[1]

In the past, catastrophic damage caused by weather and other natural disasters has bankrupted insurance companies. While this is less likely to occur in California — and Long Beach, in particular — insurance companies will raise their rates to anticipate further weather-related losses. In fact, many companies have pulled out of the California homeowners insurance market due to wildfire risks.

drivers
Number of drivers

Due to its higher population, Long Beach experiences a greater number of vehicles on its roads than rural parts of California, leading to a corresponding increase in the number of accidents. The costs associated with these accidents are usually shared among other drivers in the area through an increase in insurance premiums, even for those who drive safely or infrequently. Our data shows that nearly 31% of drivers in Long Beach do not have insurance. If you end up in an accident with an uninsured driver in the area, you may have to pay for the entire cost of the repair.

Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Long Beach


Although no one plans to have an accident with an uninsured driver, carrying uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) can help you be prepared just in case. UMPD coverage is there to assist if an uninsured or underinsured driver damages your vehicle or injures you. UMPD coverage usually has a lower deductible than collision coverage, is typically less expensive, and will also lead to lower rate increases if you need to make a claim. Severe weather conditions can also cause significant damage to vehicles. Long Beach is at risk of earthquakes, so it is recommended that you carry comprehensive coverage for your vehicle, even if it is paid off.


Bundling insurance policies in Long Beach

The majority of regions are experiencing an increase in car insurance costs these days, including Long Beach, making it appear difficult to save money. However, there are ways to make it more affordable, and one of the simplest and fastest methods is to bundle policies.

If you have homeowners or renters coverage, as well as car insurance, speak with your insurance provider about combining them to take advantage of a multi-policy discount. By bundling, you may be eligible for a 10% or greater reduction in your overall premiums. When you're comparing insurance providers, don't forget to look into bundling discounts.

Learn more about bundling home and car insurance policies.

money wallet
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Long Beach, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $598
USAA $797
GEICO $812
Nationwide $852
Progressive $883
State Farm $977
Allstate $1,105

When it comes to auto insurance rates, there are some factors that are outside your control. However, as a driver, you can take steps to affect your rates. For example, if you've recently had a milestone birthday or have moved to a new area, you may be eligible for lower rates.

To make sure you're always getting the best deal possible, it's a good idea to get quotes from multiple insurers every six months to a year. By doing so, you can find an insurer that offers the right coverage at a price that fits your budget.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

A six-month policy in Long Beach averages out to $1,074, or $179 per month. This is higher than the average rates across California and the U.S.

Long Beach's auto insurance costs are substantially pricier than the national average owing to the presence of risk factors. The city's notorious traffic levels amplify the chances of accidents, claims, and violations. Moreover, insurance companies meticulously analyze the risk associated with each ZIP code. Consequently, if you reside in an area with high crime rates, insurance companies will impose higher premiums to offset the potential need for future claims.

Based on our data, regional carrier Wawanesa emerges as the most affordable insurance company in Long Beach, with a monthly cost of $100. GEICO and USAA are the next most affordable options.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Long Beach, CA


Recently answered questions about car insurance in Long Beach from real Zebra customers

Car insurance near me in Long Beach

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About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.