Looking for the cheapest car insurance companies in San Diego? This blog post is here to help you! Here, we’ll not only talk about the cost of car insurance in San Diego, but also discuss the key factors that affect your premium rates.
Plus, you’ll find detailed information about the most affordable and reliable car insurance companies, whether you want minimum coverage or are a young driver.
Additionally, we have analyzed car insurance rates in San Diego for you by company, age, credit score and other important factors. At the end, you’ll find some helpful tips that can help lower your premium rates.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in San Diego?
The cost of car insurance in San Diego depends on several factors, including your age, type of vehicle, driving record, and even your credit score.
The average annual car insurance premium in this city can range from $1,600 to $2,400. If you are looking for the cheapest car insurance companies in San Diego, it is important to understand how your individual needs and circumstances affect these rates.
Let’s find out what key factors impact your insurance premium and what the average cost might be based on different coverage types.
Factors Affecting the Cost of Car Insurance in San Diego
The cost of car insurance in San Diego is affected by these important factors:
- Driving Record: If you have a clean driving record, your premium will be lower. While accidents or traffic violations can increase your rates.
- Age and experience: Younger and newer drivers typically pay higher premiums, while experienced drivers enjoy lower rates.
- Type of vehicle: Insurance costs are higher on luxury and sports cars, while it may be lower for sedans or compact cars.
- Credit Score: Credit score can directly affect your insurance rates in San Diego. Customers with better credit scores typically pay lower premiums.
- Location: What area of San Diego you live in also affects rates. Those living in areas with high accident rates may have to pay more.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in San Diego
Finding affordable and reliable car insurance in San Diego can be easy if you compare the right options. The table below shows the average annual premium for a 35-year-old driver who has a good credit score and clean driving record.
These figures are from NerdWallet and can help you select the right coverage. By choosing the right insurance company, you can not only save money but also ensure better protection.
| Company | Median Annual Rate ($) |
|---|---|
| Geico | $1,148 |
| Mercury | $1,284 |
| Kemper | $1,292 |
| CIG | $1,384 |
| Auto Club of SoCal | $1,397 |
| Grange Insurance Association | $1,402 |
| Progressive | $1,509 |
| The Hartford | $1,626 |
| Toggle | $1,765 |
| USAA* | $1,111 |
USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
Cheapest Options for Teen Drivers in San Diego
Car insurance in San Diego can often be expensive for young drivers, but some companies offer cheap and affordable options. Based on a 6 month average premium for a young driver, the table below lists companies that offer affordable rates and excellent service.
Providers like Wawanesa are the cheapest option for young drivers. If you’re looking for the right insurance option as a young driver in San Diego, consider these companies.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium ($) |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $884 |
| GEICO | $1,533 |
| USAA | $1,792 |
| State Farm | $1,825 |
| Progressive | $2,159 |
| Allstate | $2,210 |
| 21st Century | $2,970 |
Best Companies for Minimum Coverage
It’s easy to find affordable and reliable insurance companies in San Diego for drivers requiring minimum coverage. Minimum coverage provides the basic protection that is required by law, and is suitable for people who want coverage on a budget. The table below lists the cheapest companies in San Diego based on 6-month average premium.
GEICO offers the cheapest option for minimum coverage, while other options like Wawanesa and USAA also provide high customer satisfaction with affordable rates. If you are only looking for legally required coverage, it would be beneficial to choose one of these companies.
Although minimum coverage is cheaper, it does not include comprehensive protection. If you want extra protection, consider full coverage as well. Depending on your needs and budget, choose the right company and stay safe on the road while saving money.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium ($) |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $184 |
| Wawanesa | $237 |
| USAA | $239 |
| Progressive | $260 |
| 21st Century | $331 |
| State Farm | $337 |
| Allstate | $347 |
San Diego Car Insurance Rates by Key Factors
Car insurance rates in San Diego are affected by several factors, such as the company you choose, age, credit score, history of accidents, and traffic violations. Understanding these factors can help you manage your insurance costs better. Below is a detailed description of the rates based on various factors.
San Diego Car Insurance Rates by Company
Car insurance rates in San Diego depend on the company you choose. Choosing the right company can make your premium costs affordable. The table below compares companies on the basis of 6 month average premium.
Companies like Wawanesa and GEICO offer the cheapest options in San Diego. If you want quality coverage on a low budget, consider the services of these companies.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium ($) |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $528 |
| GEICO | $649 |
| 21st Century | $786 |
| USAA | $814 |
| Progressive | $869 |
| Allstate | $1,019 |
| State Farm | $1,036 |
Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score
Your credit score has a significant impact on car insurance rates in San Diego. Insurance companies use credit scores to understand how financially responsible you are.
Customers with higher credit scores are considered lower risk, allowing them to enjoy cheaper rates. At the same time, customers with lower credit scores are seen as higher risk, leading to higher insurance premiums.
For example, a person with a good credit score (700 and above) may have an annual rate of $1,500, while a customer with a poor credit score (600 and below) may have to pay $2,500 or more.
To improve your credit score, make regular payments on time, keep credit card balances low, and check your credit reports. These efforts can help you get better rates in the long run.
Auto Insurance Rates After an At-Fault Accident
Your auto insurance rates go up after an accident in San Diego because insurance companies view it as an increased risk. However, some companies offer affordable rates even in such cases.
The table below shows the average premiums for 6 months post accident. Companies like Wawanesa and USAA may be the most affordable option in this situation. If you want to control your premium costs after an accident, compare these companies.
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium ($) |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $796 |
| USAA | $1,156 |
| GEICO | $1,177 |
| State Farm | $1,637 |
| Progressive | $1,722 |
| 21st Century | $1,943 |
| Allstate | $2,214 |
San Diego Car Insurance Rates by Traffic Violations
Traffic violations can increase your car insurance rates in San Diego. Rates can increase by more than 100% in cases of serious violations such as DUI, racing, or hit and run. Below are the details of average premium and increase as per violations.
| Accident/Violation | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium ($) | % Rate Increase | $ Rate Increase ($) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Two comp claims | $922 | 0% | $0 |
| One comp claim | $922 | 0% | $0 |
| Two Med/PIP claims | $922 | 0% | $0 |
| None | $922 | 0% | $0 |
| One Med/PIP claim | $922 | 0% | $0 |
| Not-at-fault accident | $926 | 0% | $4 |
| At-fault accident – less than $1000 | $943 | 2% | $21 |
| Failure to show documents | $1,213 | 32% | $291 |
| Driving with expired registration | $1,220 | 32% | $298 |
| Driving without lights | $1,221 | 32% | $299 |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | $1,224 | 33% | $302 |
| Child safety restraint | $1,228 | 33% | $306 |
| Speeding 11 – 15 MPH over limit | $1,283 | 39% | $361 |
| Speeding 16 – 20 MPH over limit | $1,283 | 39% | $361 |
| Illegal turn | $1,285 | 39% | $364 |
| Following too closely | $1,285 | 39% | $364 |
| Failure to stop at a red light | $1,285 | 39% | $364 |
| Failure to yield | $1,287 | 40% | $365 |
| Speeding 6 – 10 MPH over limit | $1,287 | 40% | $365 |
| Speeding in school zone | $1,287 | 40% | $365 |
| In 65 MPH zone | $1,287 | 40% | $365 |
| Driving too slowly | $1,287 | 40% | $365 |
| Speeding 21 – 25 MPH over limit | $1,289 | 40% | $367 |
| Cell phone violation | $1,289 | 40% | $367 |
| Texting while driving | $1,289 | 40% | $367 |
| Improper passing | $1,302 | 41% | $380 |
| Passing school bus | $1,326 | 44% | $404 |
| Wrong way/wrong lane | $1,524 | 65% | $603 |
| Operating a vehicle without permission | $1,586 | 72% | $664 |
| At-fault accident – $1000-$2000 | $1,592 | 73% | $671 |
| At-fault accident – greater than $2000 | $1,592 | 73% | $671 |
| Open container | $1,708 | 85% | $786 |
| Driving with a suspended license | $1,951 | 112% | $1,029 |
| Reckless driving | $2,293 | 149% | $1,371 |
| Racing | $2,312 | 151% | $1,390 |
| Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run | $2,330 | 153% | $1,408 |
| Refusal to submit to a chemical test | $2,402 | 161% | $1,480 |
| DUI | $2,402 | 161% | $1,480 |
Tips to Save on Car Insurance in San Diego
Lowering the cost of car insurance in San Diego is easy if you follow the right strategies. Get discounts through methods like policy bundling and adopt safe driving habits to reduce your premiums. Additionally, improving your credit score and comparing rates from different companies can help you choose a plan that fits your budget.
Benefits of Bundling Insurance Policies
Policy bundling means that you buy car, home, or other insurance policies from the same insurance company. This encourages insurance companies to offer you a discount.
- Cost Reduction: Policy bundling can provide 10-25% discount on premium.
- Ease of management: Having multiple policies from the same company simplifies the claim process and payment.
- Customer Loyalty: Insurance companies offer additional benefits to long-term customers.
Suggestion:
Ask your company what policies are available for bundling and what their discounts are.
Strategies to Lower Car Insurance Premiums
Some effective strategies can be adopted to reduce premiums in San Diego:
- Increase your deductible: If you increase your deductible, your monthly premium costs may be lower.
- Maintain a driving record: Adopting safe driving habits can earn you a “clean record” exemption.
- Choose a low-usage policy: If you use your car less, choose a “pay-per-mile” policy.
- Take advantage of discounts: Many insurance companies offer good credit score, student discounts, and multi-policy discounts.
- Improve credit score: A better credit score can lead to lower insurance rates.
Conclusion:
Minimizing the cost of car insurance in San Diego and choosing the right company is important for your budget and protection.
In this post we have discussed affordable insurance companies, rates based on various factors, and effective ways to reduce premiums. Choosing the right plan as per your needs and budget will help you save money and get better coverage.