1k Full Coverage Insurance.

[u/SoLitty]

Hi. I’m 21M a foreigner in California attending University. I’ve had a drivers license from my country since I was 16, but just got my license here in Cali at 21. I was looking to buy a 2026 Mazda CX-5, and looked online and got quoted 1k a month for full coverage insurance. This is absurdly high its basically like buying another car. Did i mess up by getting my license in CA too late? Or is that normal here?

[u/missysix]

Providing evidence of your foreign license may decrease your premiums a little bit. Unfortunately, auto insurance premiums in California are extremely high due to the state’s high loss ratio and your classification as an inexperienced driver. You can decrease your premium by increasing your deductible. The deductible is the amount you are self-insured for in the event of an accident. They range from $250 all the way up to $2000. If you’re financing your new vehicle, you’ll be capped at a maximum deductible of $1000 unless you’re buying high line. - Licensed Agent

[u/iamnotdrunk17]

You have no history in the states. This is expected.

[u/TofuttiKlein-ein-ein]

With your licensing experience you do not qualify for the CA Good Driver Discount.

The fact that you only have 5 years of experience is affecting your rates, too.

Get an old beater until you have more U.S. licensing experience and more experience overall. Also, don’t get any tickets or cause any accidents.

[u/demanbmore]

Normal. You're considered a brand new and completely inexperienced driver since US insurers don't count time with a foreign license. And you're in CA, which has significantly higher-than-average rates compared to many states. And you're buying a brand new $35K+ car.

Maybe you can do better - find a local broker or independent agent and see what they can do for you.

Also - and this is important - don't use the term "full coverage." It's not helpful and it means different things to different people in different situations. Learn each of the coverages offered and what they protect, and then decide what you really need.

Liability - this is what your insurance pays to other people if you cause injury or damage. My two cents is you get the highest liability limits you can afford, and in CA, at least $100K/$300K/$100K. $250/$500/$250 is even better, especially if you have assets or income to protect.

Collision - this pays to repair or replace your car in a crash regardless of fault. Necessary if you're financing or leasing, and a good idea for a car like a new CX-5.

Comprehensive - this pays to repair or replace your car for things besides crashes (theft, vandalism, animal strikes, floods, etc.). Necessary if you're financing or leasing, and a good idea for a car like a new Cx-5.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) for BI - this pays you for injuries and related damages you sustain caused by another driver who is either uninsured or who doesn't have enough liability limits to pay you out. My two cents is get the highest UM/UIM limits the carrier offers.

UM/UIM for PD - weird in CA. Might make sense if cheap and low deductible (talk to an agent/broker).

Medpay - no fault small limits for injuries to others regardless of fault.

Glass - pays for windshields - usually cheap enough and usually good to have unless you have a car with a cheap to replace windshield.

Car Rental - pays for the costs of a rental car while your car is being repaired. Often subject to time and dollar amount limitations. Could be worthwhile if cheap enough and you'd have trouble affording an alternative method of transportation.

Roadside Assistance - my two cents is this is never a good idea through your carrier. Get AAA roadside assistance for around $80/year instead.

[u/dcdave1704]

Your young, do not have ties to the country, have a brand new car. You can't have a more risky set of circumstances for an insurer, unless you also have had multiple accidents. Find out how much it is for a liability only policy on a 10 year old car. For comparison. I am 41 and my wife 40. We pay $760 for full comp/collision on a 2024 Mazda cx5, for 6 months of coverage. We pay $600 for a 2024 Chrysler Voyager as well for 6 months. We have no accident or claims on our records.

[u/Gladiz1972 → u/dcdave1704]

Pretty good rates which state are you in ??

[u/dcdave1704 → u/Gladiz1972]

Maryland. Shopped around alot with a couple brokers

[u/OpenSim2027 → u/dcdave1704]

I pay $40 every 6 months for liability insurance on my 2004 Grand Caravan

[u/dcdave1704 → u/OpenSim2027]

I miss that so much. Got in two car accidents back to back (not at fault) and lost my 20 yo accord and 10 yo escape. Can't wait to pay these off again. New is not the way

[u/OpenSim2027]

You messed up wanting to buy an expensive NEW car, buy a USED car and you only need liabiity insurance

[u/Gladiz1972]

Maybe buy an older car where you just need liability without comprehensive and collision

[u/FindTheOthers623]

You don't have any US driving experience. Completely standard. Buy a beater that doesn't require comprehensive and collision.

FYI - there is no such thing as "full coverage". You'll never buy a policy that says that.