Cheap Auto Insurance in Berkeley, California (2026)
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Berkeley, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $90 per month.
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David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.
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Table of contents
Berkeley residents enjoy great views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and San Francisco skylines. But they don’t enjoy lower-than-average car insurance rates. While the city’s rates are on par with the California state averages, they’re significantly higher than national average costs for car insurance.
In Berkeley, full coverage averages $215 per month, and liability-only coverage averages $99. Nationally, the average monthly cost of car insurance is just $174 for full coverage and $99 for liability only.
The city’s comparatively low accident and fatality rates probably partially account for Berkeley’s average car insurance rates. In 2023, the city of nearly 119,000 residents had just 605 traffic accidents and no fatalities.[1]
Berkeley drivers may be able to find better-than-average car insurance rates by comparing quotes from multiple insurers. Here’s what to know about finding affordable coverage in Berkeley.
Quick Facts
USAA, National General, and Sun Coast are the cheapest insurers in Berkeley.
Speeding was a factor in about 29% of accidents that occurred in Berkeley in 2023.[1]
If you meet certain requirements, you may be eligible for affordable car insurance through the California's low-cost car insurance plan.
Best car insurance companies in Berkeley
To find the best car insurance in Berkeley, consider your budget, driving record, and car insurance coverage needs. It’s helpful to compare multiple companies at once to see which one offers the most discounts, the coverage options you need, and the best customer service. Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Clearcover are some of the best insurers offering coverage in Berkeley, and all three offer below-average car insurance rates.
Insurance Company  | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | Full Coverage | Liability Only | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | 8.8 | $108 | $63 | Usage-based insurance |
| Safeco | 8.1 | $163 | N/A | Safe drivers |
| Mercury | 7.5 | $191 | $99 | Rideshare drivers |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for usage-based insurance: Mile Auto
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.8 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $70/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $118/mo |
4.5
Best choiceBased on 186 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mile Auto
Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
How drivers feel about Mile Auto
Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
Reviews (64)
Ronald
Verified Purchase
Monthly Insurance for the Price of Takeout
Reviewed in Ohio on January 11, 2026
I don't drive much, so it makes sense to me. I feel like I would like to have more coverage than just liability. I know they offer more coverage.
Hiram
Verified Purchase
Try Them, Then You Will See
Reviewed in Tennessee on December 22, 2025
You won't know until you try them. They are good.
Cheryl
Verified Purchase
We are so glad we chose MileAuto
Reviewed in Ohio on December 10, 2025
Really meets our needs now that we have retired and drive very little. Good service with nice people. It's easy to do our monthly check-in, and they always send the statement several days before they draft the payment. Recommend them highly.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
2.18A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
Mile Auto is a newer car insurance company that specializes in pay-per-mile auto insurance. It charges drivers a monthly base rate, plus a per-mile fee based on odometer readings. It’s a particularly good option for anyone who is retired, works remotely, frequently uses public transportation, or simply doesn’t drive very often.
Pros
Doesn’t require an in-vehicle telematics device
Approves repairs from any shop
Cons
No advertised discounts
No mobile app available
Best insurer for safe drivers: Safeco
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $87/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $140/mo |
4.3
Best choiceBased on 985 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the smooth claims process and periodic safe driving checks but dislike the frequent and significant rate increases without clear explanation.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Reviews (530)
Jon
Verified Review
Shop around
Reviewed in California on February 4, 2026
Shop around. I believe insurers give an initial lower rate and then increase it over time, knowing that most people just keep paying the higher rate. You have to shop every time renewal comes up.
Patrick
Verified Review
Poor Business Practice
Reviewed in Michigan on January 30, 2026
The price is a bit cheaper than average at first. The issue is that after a month, they claimed they never received the qualifying medical insurance letter, changed your PIP allocations, and charged you hundreds more than the original quote. They make you jump through hoops to get your money back, then only return a minute fraction of it and claim it was the customer's fault. They will not return the money wrongfully taken for "lack of medical coverage letter"—they received it! And let's just for amusement say they never received it, you'd think an email, text, or call to say "Hey, we don't have the medical coverage letter, and we need that or we will deduct such and such on such and such date" would be appropriate... but no, they'd rather be shady! Additionally, getting a service agent at certain times can be difficult!
Stephen
Verified Review
Costs too much
Reviewed in Colorado on January 28, 2026
The insurance is good, but the cost is too high.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
613NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.72A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
Although not the lowest, Safeco's rates for Berkeley drivers are competitive. The insurer offers multiple ways for good drivers to reduce their rates further through discounts and its RightTrack telematics program. Policyholders who achieve a certain number of years without an at-fault accident or moving violation can qualify for accident forgiveness, and if you go six months without a claim Safeco will refund 2.5% of your policy premium automatically.
Pros
Multiple rewards for staying claims-free
Optional new vehicle replacement coverage available
Cons
Higher-than-expected number of complaints with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
Only 1.6 star rating (out of 5) on Trustpilot
Best insurer for rideshare drivers: Mercury
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 7.5 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $109/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $208/mo |
4.0
Best choiceBased on 616 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mercury
Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
How drivers feel about Mercury
Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Reviews (314)
Karen
Verified Review
My Experience with Mercury Insurance
Reviewed in California on February 1, 2026
My experience with Mercury is excellent. I have had the same agent ever since I first signed up with them, I believe, in the late 1990s. They have discounts I had never heard of and answer all questions immediately. My car is a 2016 Toyota Rav4 LE. I've always had full coverage, I drive very little, I bought it brand new, and I only have 37,389 miles on it, no tickets, no accidents, and no DUI ever. However, my insurance has doubled! I'm retired and live on Social Security. I can't afford insurance that used to be $645.76 per year in 2022, $908.76 per year in 2024, and $1,289.76 in 2025! My question is why is my insurance going up so much when I'm a good driver, have very low mileage, no accidents, and no tickets?
Howard
Verified Review
Automobile Insurance for Older Car with Low Mileage and Older Driver
Reviewed in California on January 20, 2026
The premium is very good in comparison with other more popular car insurance companies, especially when insuring a 28-year-old car with comparatively low miles and a driver over 70 years old.
Fred
Verified Review
Mercury Rates
Reviewed in California on January 16, 2026
No one has offered a lower rate than what I currently pay.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
596NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.95A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
Transportation network companies (TNCs) typically provide coverage when you're on your way to pick up a passenger and when you're on a trip with a passenger. But when you're waiting for a ride assignment, TNC coverage is limited. Based in California, Mercury offers rideshare insurance that protects you when you're driving for personal use and when you're waiting for a fare assignment. You'll need to have a personal policy with Mercury to be eligible for rideshare coverage through the company, and you can cover more than one vehicle under your rideshare insurance.
Pros
Respectable number of discounts, including for auto-pay, being a good student, and having multiple cars on one policy
Rental car cost and rideshare coverages available
Cons
Limited number of discounts
May not be the cheapest option for Berkeley drivers
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Berkeley
Finding the best price on car insurance involves a little effort on your part when shopping with different companies. To lock in a good deal on a car insurance policy in Berkeley, keep these tips in mind:
Shop around. Get quotes from at least three different car insurance companies at the same level of coverage to find the most affordable option. Be sure to compare prices, coverage options, and company reputations.
Look for discounts. “Keep your eye out for discounts that may apply to you, such as the auto pay discount, pay in full discount, and safe driving discount,” says McKenzie.
Bundle insurance. If you pair your auto insurance with homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or even life insurance, you can usually get a discount on your monthly premiums.
Drive safely. A driving history with speeding tickets, DUIs, and other incidents can easily increase your car insurance premiums. Make every effort to avoid them.
Take a defensive driving course. Some car insurers offer discounts to drivers who complete an approved defensive driving course. You may take it online in many cases and see some savings.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Berkeley: USAA
Liability car insurance is required per California law. This type of coverage pays for the other driver’s property damage and injuries after you cause a car accident. Because liability-only policies meet the state-minimum requirements and have no additional coverage, drivers can typically find the lowest prices with this type of insurance.
The table below shows the cheapest quotes for liability-only auto policies, on average, in Berkeley.
The below rates in Berkeley, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $90 |
| National General | $96 |
| Sun Coast | $100 |
| Dairyland | $102 |
| Mercury | $109 |
| Root | $115 |
| GEICO | $119 |
| Allstate | $125 |
| Anchor | $128 |
| Farmers | $128 |
| Direct Auto | $128 |
| Bristol West | $130 |
| State Farm | $139 |
| Travelers | $145 |
| 21st Century | $158 |
| Nationwide | $195 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Berkeley: Root
Full-coverage car insurance is optional in Berkeley and generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. It provides extra protection for vehicle damages, including for accidents you cause. Your lender might require a full-coverage policy if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.
Here’s a look at the cheapest full-coverage car insurance rates in Berkeley.
The below rates in Berkeley, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Root | $200 |
| USAA | $202 |
| Mercury | $208 |
| Anchor | $217 |
| GEICO | $224 |
| Sun Coast | $249 |
| Dairyland | $262 |
| Allstate | $279 |
| National General | $283 |
| Farmers | $288 |
| Bristol West | $304 |
| State Farm | $312 |
| Travelers | $327 |
| Direct Auto | $337 |
| 21st Century | $356 |
| Nationwide | $440 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates near Berkeley, California
Recent Berkeley, California car insurance prices for Fiat, Chevrolet, Toyota , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Berkeley, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Berkeley, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 5, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in California
California is an at-fault — or tort — state. This means the at-fault driver must pay for the property damage and injury costs they cause to drivers or passengers in another vehicle.
“Liability insurance is required to operate a vehicle on the roadway in California,” says Lauren McKenzie, senior insurance agent at A Plus Insurance. Drivers who fail to show proof of insurance may face legal and financial consequences.
State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The table below reflects this change and the types and amount of coverage all drivers need to carry:[2]
Coverage | 2024 Coverage Limits | 2025 Coverage Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident | $15,000 per accident |
Coverage beyond minimum liability is optional for drivers in Berkeley but might be worthwhile for additional protection. Here are some optional coverages you can add to your auto policy:
Comprehensive
This protects you from non-accident events that damage your vehicle, like severe weather, falling objects, theft, and vandalism.
Collision
If your car requires repairs or a replacement after an accident with another vehicle or object, collision coverage will apply, no matter who’s responsible.
Uninsured motorist
Uninsured motorist coverage kicks in when a driver without insurance causes an accident.
Medical payments
Medical payments insurance is similar to personal injury protection (PIP) coverage and can pay for post-accident medical expenses, regardless of fault.
California’s low-cost auto insurance plan
California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps qualifying drivers purchase low-cost car insurance. The eligibility requirements for the program are:
Have a valid California driver’s license
Meet income eligibility requirements
Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less
Be at least 16 years old
Have a good driving record or be a new driver
Depending on the county, minimum-liability car insurance through the CLCA costs $232 to $932 a year. While you can’t purchase full-coverage insurance through the CLCA, it does offer additional coverage options, like uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments insurance for an extra $37 to $107 a year. You can learn more and apply for the California car insurance program at MyLowCostAuto.com.
Find Car Insurance in Berkeley
Rates start at $90/mo. for minimum coverage in Berkeley
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
A few examples of incidents that can increase your car insurance rates include at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions. Berkeley drivers with clean records usually land the cheapest premiums because auto insurance companies see them as having a lower risk of loss.
On the other hand, insurance companies tend to charge the highest rates to high-risk drivers to offset the potential loss in claims. To save as much money as possible on a policy, do your best to drive safely at all times and prevent these incidents. Here are the average car insurance quotes in Berkeley based on driving history.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
In 2023, Berkeley police cited 175 drivers for unsafe speed.[1] Speeding increases your risk of being involved in an accident. As a result, Berkeley drivers with speeding tickets tend to pay more for auto insurance coverage.
The average monthly cost of car insurance for Berkeley drivers with speeding tickets is $268 for full coverage and $124 for minimum coverage. The following table illustrates how top insurers for Berkeley charge drivers with speeding infractions more for liability-only insurance policies.
The below rates in Berkeley, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Clean Record | With Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $90 | $116 |
| National General | $96 | $119 |
| Sun Coast | $100 | $125 |
| Dairyland | $102 | $126 |
| Mercury | $109 | $152 |
| Root | $115 | $153 |
| GEICO | $119 | $155 |
| Allstate | $125 | $162 |
| Anchor | $128 | $159 |
| Farmers | $128 | $163 |
| Direct Auto | $128 | $160 |
| Bristol West | $130 | $163 |
| State Farm | $139 | $176 |
| Travelers | $145 | $187 |
| 21st Century | $158 | $207 |
| Nationwide | $195 | $252 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
In 2020, Berkeley reported 357 injuries and fatalities from car accidents, which is a bit lower than other California cities with similar populations.[3] However, if you cause a car accident, insurers will view you as a greater risk on the road. As a result, your car insurance premiums will likely go up.[4]
Berkeley drivers with at-fault accidents face average car insurance rates of $265 per month for full-coverage policies and $122 for liability only. The table below shows the most affordable minimum-coverage quotes for Berkeley drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.
The below rates in Berkeley, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Clean Record | With Accident |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $90 | $116 |
| National General | $96 | $123 |
| Sun Coast | $100 | $123 |
| Dairyland | $102 | $130 |
| Mercury | $109 | $160 |
| Root | $115 | $148 |
| GEICO | $119 | $149 |
| Allstate | $125 | $161 |
| Anchor | $128 | $163 |
| Farmers | $128 | $164 |
| Direct Auto | $128 | $169 |
| Bristol West | $130 | $165 |
| State Farm | $139 | $177 |
| Travelers | $145 | $188 |
| 21st Century | $158 | $207 |
| Nationwide | $195 | $253 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
A DUI conviction in California usually leads to fines, jail time, and a license suspension. To reinstate your license after a DUI, you may need to file an SR-22 insurance form with the state and keep it on file for three to five years. During this time, your premiums will likely increase or you may struggle to find auto insurance coverage.
DUIs push Berkeley car insurance averages to $276 per month for full coverage and $127 for liability-only policies. The following table shows how a DUI charge increases liability quotes from top insurers in Berkeley.
The below rates in Berkeley, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Clean Record | With DUI |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $90 | $124 |
| National General | $96 | $133 |
| Sun Coast | $100 | $128 |
| Dairyland | $102 | $141 |
| Mercury | $109 | $158 |
| Root | $115 | $160 |
| GEICO | $119 | $162 |
| Allstate | $125 | $173 |
| Anchor | $128 | $177 |
| Farmers | $128 | $177 |
| Direct Auto | $128 | $177 |
| Bristol West | $130 | $180 |
| State Farm | $139 | $192 |
| Travelers | $145 | $200 |
| 21st Century | $158 | $218 |
| Nationwide | $195 | $269 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Senior drivers can experience age-related physical and cognitive changes that make it more difficult for them to drive safely.[5] That’s why average premiums tend to go down around age 35 and increase again around age 70. Despite these trends, senior drivers in Berkeley typically have the cheapest premiums out of any other age group.
The average cost of car insurance for senior drivers in Berkeley is $88 per month for minimum coverage and $192 for full coverage. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for senior drivers in Berkeley.
The below rates in Berkeley, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $75 | $167 |
| National General | $77 | $227 |
| Dairyland | $88 | $227 |
| Sun Coast | $89 | $222 |
| Mercury | $89 | $170 |
| GEICO | $96 | $182 |
| Root | $98 | $171 |
| Allstate | $104 | $231 |
| Farmers | $104 | $233 |
| Direct Auto | $105 | $276 |
| Anchor | $107 | $181 |
| Bristol West | $110 | $257 |
| State Farm | $111 | $250 |
| Travelers | $118 | $266 |
| 21st Century | $127 | $286 |
| Nationwide | $152 | $344 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
“Teens who are newly licensed have far less driving experience than older, seasoned drivers, which increases their chances of getting into a car accident,” says McKenzie. “Therefore, insurance premiums will be higher for them and eventually decrease once the driver is age 25.” To save on auto policies, teens can stay on their parents’ insurance or take advantage of a good student discount.
Berkeley teens face average monthly car insurance rates of $400 for full coverage and $184 for liability only. The table below shows the average monthly car insurance quotes for teen drivers in Berkeley.
The below rates in Berkeley, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, February 1 at 11:00 AM PST.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $169 | $378 |
| Dairyland | $174 | $448 |
| Sun Coast | $186 | $463 |
| National General | $196 | $579 |
| Root | $202 | $351 |
| Mercury | $204 | $389 |
| GEICO | $216 | $407 |
| Anchor | $226 | $383 |
| Bristol West | $235 | $549 |
| Allstate | $250 | $559 |
| Direct Auto | $251 | $661 |
| Farmers | $257 | $578 |
| State Farm | $272 | $612 |
| 21st Century | $289 | $651 |
| Travelers | $304 | $685 |
| Nationwide | $386 | $870 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Berkeley car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Berkeley may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Is car insurance more expensive in Berkeley?
Car insurance rates for Berkeley drivers are higher than the national average but in line with California’s averages. Premiums can even vary by ZIP code and city within California as a result of differences in population, crime rates, weather conditions, and other factors.[6] For example, average monthly quotes are higher in Berkeley than in almost every California city except for San Francisco and Los Angeles.
More cities in California
Here’s a look at the average quotes for car insurance in other cities in California.
City | Full Coverage | Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | $206 | $107 |
| Bakersfield | $181 | $83 |
| Fresno | $177 | $84 |
| Long Beach | $231 | $114 |
| Los Angeles | $297 | $154 |
| Modesto | $193 | $94 |
| Oakland | $232 | $101 |
| Riverside | $199 | $96 |
| Sacramento | $208 | $103 |
| San Diego | $173 | $84 |
| San Francisco | $248 | $104 |
| San Jose | $189 | $88 |
| Stockton | $200 | $257 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time Berkeley quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
Berkeley car insurance FAQs
Learn about what factors might cause high car insurance rates, and read the answers to common questions about Berkeley car insurance below.
How much is car insurance in Berkeley?
The average cost of car insurance in Berkeley is $99 per month for liability only and $215 per month for full coverage.
Which is the cheapest insurance company in Berkeley?
USAA has the lowest rates for Berkeley drivers, with minimum-coverage quotes starting at $90 per month. National General and Sun Coast are the second- and third-cheapest insurers, with liability-only rates as low as $96 and $100, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in Berkeley?
Some of the best car insurance companies in Berkeley are Mile Auto, Safeco, and Mercury. These companies have lower-than-average monthly quotes for drivers and strong Insurify Quality Scores. However, the best insurer for you depends on your specific needs, budget, and driving history. It’s best to compare quotes from multiple car insurance companies at the same coverage levels to find the lowest price for you.
Does California have high car insurance?
California doesn’t necessarily have higher car insurance rates. California car insurance average costs are similar to national average rates. States like Florida have much higher premiums on average, but others, like Maine, have much lower costs. California sits right in the middle in terms of car insurance affordability.
Can insurers in California use your credit score to set premiums?
No. California prohibits insurers from using credit history to determine car insurance premiums.[7] This means that, all other factors being equal, you won’t pay more for car insurance if you have poor credit compared to someone with good or excellent credit.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- University of California, Berkeley. "Transportation Injury Mapping System."
- California DMV. "Auto Insurance Requirements."
- California Office of Traffic Safety. "Crash Rankings Results: Berkeley."
- III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
- III. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
- Federal Trade Commission. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Impacts on Consumers of Automobile Insurance."
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.
Key architect of Insurify's quality score.
Courtney's deep knowledge of personal finance goes beyond insurance and includes credit cards, consumer loans, and banking. She loves creating practical content.
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David MarlettAdvisor
David Marlett is the Managing Director of the Brantley Risk and Insurance Center. He is a professor in the Department of Finance, Banking, and Insurance at Appalachian State University and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. David also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
David has taught courses in Risk Management and Insurance for the last 25 years, starting at Florida State University while in the doctoral program. Prior to graduate school, David worked as a commercial lines underwriter for USF&G in Tampa.
He serves as a resource on insurance issues and is a frequent media contributor. He has been quoted by a wide range of outlets, including The New York Times, CNN, Reuters, and NPR.
David has been reviewing articles for Insurify since March 2025.