Cheap Auto Insurance in Berkeley, California (2024)
Mile Auto offers the cheapest car insurance in Berkeley, with minimum-coverage policies as low as $57 per month.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
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Updated November 20, 2024
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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 $267 per month and liability-only coverage averages $137. Nationally, the average monthly cost of car insurance is just $204 for full coverage and $104 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
Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Mercury 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 | 7.5 | $108 | $60 | Usage-based insurance |
| Safeco | 8.3 | $163 | N/A | Safe drivers |
| Mercury | 8.0 | $190 | $104 | Rideshare drivers |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes 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 28,000 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 | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $57/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. | $103/mo |
4.2
Best choiceBased on 53 verified guest reviews and ratings
Reviews (29)
Cookie
October 15, 2024
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Low mileage rate.
Tasha
October 10, 2024
Verified Purchase
Not pleased
Don't opt for this insurance if you're on a budget. I was unaware that this was a cost-per-mile insurance. I was never informed about it, and now I'm paying an extra $20 for roadside assistance that I thought was included. I had mentioned to the representative that I couldn't afford expensive insurance, yet the cost has increased.
Thomas
October 8, 2024
Verified Purchase
Mixed Review
Mixed. One representative was confusing and couldn't guide me regarding a text I received which stated my payment, which I had been informed had been processed, had actually gone through. To ensure I was covered, I made the payment. The previous representative had been professional and direct. So, I have a mixed reaction.
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.
NRA.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 | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.3 /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. | $82/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. | $143/mo |
4.5
Best choiceBased on 754 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Safeco
Drivers appreciate the polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
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 polite and helpful customer service and fair pricing but dislike the significant rate increases and difficulty reaching agents.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Cash back for being claims free
Optional coverages
Diminishing deductible
Reviews (419)
Sarah
November 10, 2024
Verified Review
Too Expensive
The cost is very high. There is no discount for driving less than 50 miles per week. However, we do appreciate the check for not making a claim.
Bonnie
November 2, 2024
Verified Review
The Price of Car Insurance
I'm not happy that I'm paying over $100 per month. My car is a 2013 model.
Harris
October 31, 2024
Verified Review
Just Fine
We have only used them for a flat tire change and windshield replacement.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
825NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.08A.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 | 3.6 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.0 /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. | $98/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. | $181/mo |
3.6
A solid optionBased on 474 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mercury
Drivers appreciate the exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.
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 exceptional service, fair prices, and attentive support, but some find the premiums can increase unexpectedly.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Reviews (260)
Patricia
November 4, 2024
Verified Review
Too Expensive
It's way overpriced. I'm shopping now.
Carol
November 2, 2024
Verified Review
Auto Insurance Costs Rise in Sanctuary States
They are very good if needed, but even without any tickets or accidents, their prices continue to climb higher.
Patricia
November 1, 2024
Verified Review
Excellent Service
I have not had any problems with the service, but one employee, in particular, goes beyond her responsibility with me.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
827NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.48A.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: Mile Auto
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 are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $57 |
| Sun Coast | $90 |
| Mercury | $98 |
| Anchor | $103 |
| USAA | $116 |
| National General | $126 |
| Direct Auto | $145 |
| GEICO | $155 |
| Allstate | $161 |
| Farmers | $166 |
| State Farm | $179 |
| Travelers | $188 |
| 21st Century | $205 |
| Bristol West | $219 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Berkeley: Mile Auto
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 are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $103 |
| Mercury | $181 |
| Sun Coast | $218 |
| USAA | $236 |
| Anchor | $274 |
| National General | $313 |
| GEICO | $315 |
| Allstate | $326 |
| Farmers | $335 |
| Direct Auto | $337 |
| State Farm | $363 |
| Travelers | $382 |
| Bristol West | $393 |
| 21st Century | $415 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates near Berkeley, California
Recent Berkeley, California car insurance prices for Acura, Toyota, Ford , and more.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Berkeley, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 November 20, 2024. 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 November 20, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 November 20, 2024. 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.
Here are California’s minimum car insurance requirements that all drivers must purchase:[2]
Bodily injury liability
$15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$5,000 per accident
Important Information
California liability limits are increasing on Jan. 1, 2025, to 30/60/15. This translates to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $15,000 per accident for property damage liability.[3]
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 $57/mo. for minimum coverage in Berkeley
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
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: Mile Auto
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 $345 for full coverage and $177 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 are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Record ▲▼ | With Ticket ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $57 | $71 |
| Sun Coast | $90 | $116 |
| Mercury | $98 | $131 |
| Anchor | $103 | $126 |
| USAA | $116 | $144 |
| National General | $126 | $157 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $180 |
| GEICO | $155 | $193 |
| Allstate | $161 | $200 |
| Farmers | $166 | $205 |
| State Farm | $179 | $220 |
| Travelers | $188 | $236 |
| 21st Century | $205 | $264 |
| Bristol West | $219 | $274 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: Mile Auto
In 2020, Berkeley reported 357 injuries and fatalities from car accidents, which is a bit lower than other California cities with similar populations.[4] 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.[5]
Berkeley drivers with at-fault accidents face average car insurance rates of $325 per month for full-coverage policies and $167 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 are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Record ▲▼ | With Accident ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $57 | $73 |
| Sun Coast | $90 | $110 |
| Mercury | $98 | $131 |
| Anchor | $103 | $137 |
| USAA | $116 | $144 |
| National General | $126 | $157 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $185 |
| GEICO | $155 | $193 |
| Allstate | $161 | $200 |
| Farmers | $166 | $206 |
| State Farm | $179 | $221 |
| Travelers | $188 | $236 |
| 21st Century | $205 | $262 |
| Bristol West | $219 | $272 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Mile Auto
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 $378 per month for full coverage and $194 for liability-only policies. The following table shows how a DUI charge increases liability quotes from top insurers in Berkeley.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Clean Record ▲▼ | With DUI ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $57 | $87 |
| Sun Coast | $90 | $128 |
| Mercury | $98 | $138 |
| Anchor | $103 | $158 |
| USAA | $116 | $178 |
| National General | $126 | $193 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $222 |
| GEICO | $155 | $238 |
| Allstate | $161 | $247 |
| Farmers | $166 | $254 |
| State Farm | $179 | $274 |
| Travelers | $188 | $288 |
| 21st Century | $205 | $314 |
| Bristol West | $219 | $336 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: Mile Auto
Senior drivers can experience age-related physical and cognitive changes that make it more difficult for them to drive safely.[6] 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 $120 per month for minimum coverage and $234 for full coverage. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for senior drivers in Berkeley.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $44 | $80 |
| Sun Coast | $79 | $191 |
| Mercury | $80 | $147 |
| Anchor | $83 | $220 |
| USAA | $96 | $194 |
| National General | $99 | $247 |
| Direct Auto | $117 | $271 |
| GEICO | $127 | $259 |
| Allstate | $133 | $269 |
| Farmers | $134 | $270 |
| State Farm | $143 | $291 |
| Travelers | $152 | $308 |
| 21st Century | $158 | $320 |
| Bristol West | $181 | $325 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: Mile Auto
“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 $425 for full coverage and $218 for liability only. The table below shows the average monthly car insurance quotes for teen drivers in Berkeley.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, November 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Liability Only ▲▼ | Full Coverage ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | $107 | $194 |
| Sun Coast | $143 | $347 |
| Mercury | $168 | $310 |
| Anchor | $169 | $451 |
| USAA | $188 | $383 |
| GEICO | $239 | $486 |
| National General | $241 | $600 |
| Direct Auto | $257 | $598 |
| Allstate | $278 | $563 |
| Farmers | $281 | $567 |
| State Farm | $298 | $604 |
| Travelers | $330 | $671 |
| 21st Century | $336 | $681 |
| Bristol West | $357 | $641 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes 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.[7] 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 | $296 | $152 |
| Bakersfield | $262 | $119 |
| Fresno | $258 | $130 |
| Long Beach | $317 | $152 |
| Los Angeles | $401 | $211 |
| Modesto | $285 | $147 |
| Oakland | $351 | $153 |
| Riverside | $269 | $142 |
| Sacramento | $307 | $145 |
| San Diego | $252 | $122 |
| San Francisco | $329 | $149 |
| San Jose | $270 | $131 |
| Stockton | $288 | $408 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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 $137 per month for liability only and $267 per month for full coverage.
Which is the cheapest insurance company in Berkeley?
Mile Auto has the lowest rates for Berkeley drivers, with minimum-coverage quotes starting at $57 per month. Sun Coast and Mercury are the second- and third-cheapest insurers, with liability-only rates as low as $90 and $98, 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.[8] 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 90 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 50+ 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.
Related articles
More cities in California
Sources
- University of California, Berkeley. "Transportation Injury Mapping System."
- California DMV. "Auto Insurance Requirements."
- California Legislative Information. "SB-1107 Vehicles: insurance.."
- 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.
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score
Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.
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