8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider
Master’s in Education
Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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Drivers in Modesto can expect to pay an average of $290 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $133 for liability-only coverage. The city’s rates are slightly higher than California’s average of $212 but lower than the national average of $160 per month.
A small city in California’s Central Valley, Modesto is a two-hour drive from the bustling Bay Area. With a population of about 218,000, it’s the 19th-largest city in California.[1] Modesto has one of the highest property crime rates in the state and one of the highest auto theft rates in the country, which may contribute to its relatively expensive car insurance rates for a rural city.[2]
California law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, so you’ll need to purchase coverage before getting behind the wheel. Premiums vary based on factors like your driving record, age, and location, so it’s crucial to compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before deciding on a policy.
Quick Facts
Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Mercury are the cheapest car insurance companies for Modesto residents.
California is an at-fault insurance state, so the driver at fault in an accident is responsible for injuries and damage that result.
Insurers in California can’t use your credit history when determining car insurance rates.
Best and cheapest car insurance companies in Modesto
The cheapest car insurance for one driver isn’t necessarily the cheapest for all drivers, since each insurer weighs driving factors differently. Quote comparison is essential to find an insurance company that suits your needs at an affordable price.
Modesto drivers can find the best car insurance rates from Clearcover, Safeco, and Mile Auto. Well-known insurers, like State Farm, AAA, and GEICO, also offer competitive rates, but their average costs are higher.
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.
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.
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.
$94/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.
$175/mo
Mercury is a 62-year-old insurance company that sells auto, home, condo, renters, and business insurance. In addition to standard car insurance coverage types, Mercury also offers rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, rideshare insurance, and more. Mercury customers can save with multiple discounts, and the opportunity to bundle their auto insurance with home or renters coverage. The compay has an A rating from A.M. Best for financial stability. Mercury has nearly twice as many complaints as expected in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index. However, J.D. Power ranked the company fourth incustomer satisfaction in California.
Pros
Numerous coverage options, discounts, and bundling opportunities
Competitive auto insurance prices
Cons
Only available in 11 states (including California)
Only available in 11 states (including California)
Alex is always good, but he needs to provide more explanations of the policy for older adults. Additionally, better discounts for them would be appreciated.
Randy - July 23, 2024
Verified
Review of Mercury
I had one accident and the claim process was good. However, the accident doubled my rate, so I'm switching.
Fred - July 22, 2024
Verified
Increasing Rates Despite No Tickets or Accidents
I haven't had any tickets or accidents for at least 9 years, yet my rate keeps increasing.
…
Best insurer for high-risk drivers: National General
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.
6.8/10
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.
$131/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.
$319/mo
In business for more than 100 years, National General is part of Allstate. The company offers personal and commercial car insurance, homeowners insurance, renters coverage, and more, through a network of independent agents across the country. In addition to liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, National General also offers accidental death and dismemberment, roadside assistance, and auto protection coverage. A.M. Best rates the company’s financial strength as excellent, meaning National General should be able to pay policyholder claims. However, the company has nearly seven times the expected number of complaints in the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s Consumer Complaints Index.
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.
$60/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.
$111/mo
Mile Auto is a pay-per-mile car insurance company. How much you drive each month determines your rates — the more you drive, the more you pay, and vice versa. It can be a good option for Modesto drivers who drive infrequently or use public transportation.
Drivers submit odometer readings and allow the company limited access to location services, offering more privacy than other pay-per-mile insurers. Even though Mile Auto provides competitive rates, there might be cheaper options if you drive a lot since rates increase with each mile.
They're good, it just takes a while for them to do anything.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Modesto, California
Rates start at $60 for liability coverage
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How to get the cheapest car insurance in Modesto
Different factors, including age, location, and driving record, all affect how much you pay for car insurance. Even though you can’t change some of those factors, you can take steps to lower your insurance costs.
Bundle your home and auto insurance. Many insurers offer discounts for bundling your car insurance with homeowners, renters, or even life insurance.
Choose a higher deductible. A higher deductible means a lower premium. Just make sure you can afford to pay it out of pocket if you need to file a claim.
Keep a clean driving record. Drivers with clean records pay the cheapest rates. Try to drive responsibly and avoid traffic violations.
Shop around. Compare quotes from at least three auto insurance companies before buying a policy. Each insurer weighs factors differently — you may find cheaper rates for the same coverage from certain companies.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Modesto: Mile Auto
California requires drivers to carry liability car insurance. If you cause an accident, the policy helps pay for vehicle repairs and medical expenses for the other driver and their passengers. But it doesn’t help cover the cost of your repairs.
The cheapest insurer for liability-only car insurance in Modesto is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $60 per month. Here are the best insurance companies for liability-only coverage in Modesto.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto
$60
Sun Coast
$75
Mercury
$94
Anchor
$100
USAA
$116
National General
$131
GEICO
$154
Direct Auto
$155
Allstate
$160
Farmers
$164
State Farm
$178
Travelers
$187
21st Century
$203
Bristol West
$223
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 Modesto: Mile Auto
Full-coverage car insurance includes liability coverage, along with collision and comprehensive insurance, which provide more thorough protection and cover your own vehicle. Insurance experts recommend full coverage for most drivers, but if you have an old car that isn’t worth much, you may not need it.
The cheapest insurer for full-coverage car insurance in Modesto is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $111 per month. Here’s a look at the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in Modesto.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto
$111
Mercury
$175
Sun Coast
$220
Anchor
$233
USAA
$239
GEICO
$319
National General
$319
Allstate
$330
Farmers
$339
Direct Auto
$366
State Farm
$368
Travelers
$386
Bristol West
$417
21st Century
$420
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.
Car insurance requirements in California
California mandates liability insurance, which ensures drivers can cover the vehicle repair and medical costs associated with any accidents they cause. Drivers in the state must have bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.[3]
California’s current minimum coverage amounts are some of the lowest in the country but will increase in January 2025.[4]
Coverage
Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability
$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$5,000 per accident
Here are some additional car insurance policies you should consider:
Comprehensive coverage
If your car sustains damages due to something other than a collision, comprehensive coverage helps pay for repairs. It covers damage from theft, vandalism, and natural disasters, for example.
Collision coverage
When you collide with another vehicle or object, such as a telephone pole or a tree, collisioncoverage helps pay for your vehicle repairs or replacement costs.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
If you have injuries due to an accident, a personal injury protection policy helps pay for the costs of your medical treatment.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Car insurance companies use driving record information to determine coverage costs. High-risk violations, like speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI) violations, and at-fault accidents, signify that drivers are more likely to file a claim, meaning it costs more for insurers to provide coverage.
Because of that, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase after an incident. But you can still find affordable rates if you take the time to compare companies. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for car insurance in Modesto with different violations on your driving record.
Shop for Car Insurance in Modesto, CA
Rates start at $78 for drivers with an incident
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Mile Auto
Speeding tickets often cause your car insurance rates to increase, as speeding increases the likelihood of an accident — and a claim. Even though car insurance costs are higher after speeding, you can still find competitive rates.
The cheapest insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket in Modesto is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $80 per month. Here are the cheapest insurers in Modesto for drivers with a speeding ticket.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Clean Driving Record
With Speeding Ticket
Mile Auto
$60
$80
Sun Coast
$75
$101
Mercury
$94
$127
Anchor
$100
$125
USAA
$116
$146
National General
$131
$164
GEICO
$154
$194
Direct Auto
$155
$196
Allstate
$160
$201
Farmers
$164
$205
State Farm
$178
$222
Travelers
$187
$237
21st Century
$203
$264
Bristol West
$223
$279
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
If you’re responsible for a car crash, it shows on your driving records as an at-fault accident. In California, it will stay on your motor vehicle record for three years. During that time, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase.
The cheapest insurer for drivers with an at-fault accident in Modesto is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $81 per month. Here are the best car insurance companies if you have an at-fault accident on your driving record.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Clean Driving Record
With Accident
Mile Auto
$60
$81
Sun Coast
$75
$95
Mercury
$94
$126
Anchor
$100
$137
USAA
$116
$145
National General
$131
$166
GEICO
$154
$194
Direct Auto
$155
$199
Allstate
$160
$201
Farmers
$164
$204
State Farm
$178
$222
Travelers
$187
$236
21st Century
$203
$261
Bristol West
$223
$276
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
Driving under the influence is a high-risk violation that can cause your car insurance costs to increase dramatically. In California, convictions will stay on your driving record for 10 years. You may also lose your license, have to pay a fine, and could even spend up to six months in jail.[6] Your insurance company can also choose to cancel or not renew your policy.
It can be difficult to find affordable car insurance after a DUI. However, some insurers specialize in coverage for drivers with DUIs. You’ll need to research companies that offer coverage to drivers with DUIs and compare rates.
The cheapest insurer for drivers with a DUI in Modesto is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $79 per month. The following insurers offer the best quotes for drivers with a DUI in Modesto.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Clean Driving Record
With DUI
Mile Auto
$60
$79
Sun Coast
$75
$96
Mercury
$94
$124
Anchor
$100
$148
USAA
$116
$172
National General
$131
$194
GEICO
$154
$228
Direct Auto
$155
$230
Allstate
$160
$237
Farmers
$164
$243
State Farm
$178
$264
Travelers
$187
$277
21st Century
$203
$301
Bristol West
$223
$331
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
Car insurance rates vary depending on a driver’s age. Drivers near retirement age pay some of the lowest rates for car insurance due to experience on the road and safe driving practices. It’s a great time to compare rates from multiple insurers and ensure you get the best deal since rates increase again around age 70.
The cheapest insurer for senior drivers in Modesto is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $47 per month. Here are the best car insurance options for seniors in Modesto.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Liability Only
Full Coverage
Mile Auto
$47
$88
Sun Coast
$67
$196
Mercury
$75
$139
Anchor
$81
$188
USAA
$96
$198
National General
$106
$259
Direct Auto
$125
$295
GEICO
$128
$265
Farmers
$133
$275
Allstate
$134
$276
State Farm
$144
$298
Travelers
$153
$315
21st Century
$158
$327
Bristol West
$186
$347
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
Teen drivers pay the highest rates for car insurance due to unsafe driving habits, like speeding and distracted driving. As a parent with a teenage driver, the expense of insurance can add up, but you can take steps to secure a lower rate.
Ask your insurer about multi-car and good student discounts, and keep your teenager on the family insurance plan for as long as possible. The most effective step you can take is to compare quotes from multiple insurers and ask questions before agreeing to a policy.
The cheapest insurer for teen drivers in Modesto is Mile Auto, with an average cost of $108 per month. Here are the best car insurance quotes for teenage drivers in Modesto.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Liability Only
Full Coverage
Mile Auto
$108
$199
Sun Coast
$113
$330
Mercury
$157
$292
Anchor
$161
$374
USAA
$176
$363
GEICO
$221
$457
National General
$234
$569
Allstate
$258
$531
Direct Auto
$260
$614
Farmers
$265
$547
State Farm
$276
$571
Travelers
$310
$639
21st Century
$311
$643
Bristol West
$347
$649
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.
Compare Car Insurance Rates in Modesto
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Is car insurance more expensive in Modesto?
Your location has a major effect on your car insurance rates. Modesto drivers pay an average of $212 per month for car insurance, slightly less than the national average. It’s right in the middle of the pack when it comes to California cities, however.
More cities in California
Even though Modesto is near the Bay Area, it’s in the Central Valley, which is quieter and more rural. Drivers in larger Bay Area cities, like San Francisco and Oakland, pay more for car insurance, but drivers in Santa Maria and Chula Vista pay significantly less than Modesto drivers.
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.
Modesto car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance can be challenging. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about car insurance in Modesto.
How much is car insurance in Modesto?
On average, car insurance in Modesto costs $290 per month for full coverage and $133 for liability-only insurance. Your unique premium will depend on factors like your location, driving record, age, and gender.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Modesto?
Mile Auto offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Modesto, starting at $60 for liability-only coverage. Modesto drivers can also find cheap rates from Sun Coast and Mercury, which have liability rates as low as $75 and $94, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in Modesto?
Many reliable insurers offer coverage in Modesto, but Clearcover, Safeco, and Mile Auto stand out as the best car insurance companies. Clearcover offers the cheapest rates, Safeco caters to high-risk drivers, and Mile Auto is the best option for infrequent drivers in Modesto, offering affordable pay-per-mile insurance.
How much is car insurance per month in California?
Car insurance in California costs an average of $212 per month. Drivers can expect to pay $137 for liability coverage and $287 for full coverage.
What is the minimum car insurance in California?
All California drivers must carry $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage, along with $5,000 per accident in property damage liability coverage.
Does credit score affect car insurance rates in California?
No. California doesn’t permit insurers to consider your credit score when determining car insurance rates.[7]
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
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
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.
Experian. "Which States Restrict the Use of Credit Scores in Determining Insurance Rates?."
Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel is a writer and credentialed educator who is fascinated by how people earn, save, and spend their money. When she's not researching financial terms and conditions, she can be found in the classroom teaching.
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
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