4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
Featured in
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.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Updated November 20, 2024
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
Table of contents
As the capital of California, Sacramento touts itself as a transportation hub, with two major interstate highways passing through the city center. However, the average driver in Sacramento spends $2,166 annually in vehicle operating costs from damaged roads, traffic accidents, and congestion, according to the most recent TRIP data.[1] The challenging roadways are likely a contributor to Sacramento's car insurance rates.
On average, Sacramento drivers pay $145 per month for a liability-only policy and $307 per month for full coverage. By comparison, the California state averages are $140 and $283 per month, respectively, and national averages are $104 and $204.
Even though car insurance premiums for Sacramento are higher than California’s overall car insurance rates, drivers can still find a great price for their insurance needs. Here’s how you can compare and find the cheapest car insurance rates in Sacramento.
Sacramento’s traffic and high vehicle operating costs may contribute to the city’s higher average car insurance premiums.
In 2022, Sacramento had 3,511 accidents that resulted in fatalities or serious injury, according to UC Berkley data.
California car insurance companies can’t use your credit history, gender, or ZIP code as rating factors to set premiums.[2]
Cheapest car insurance companies in Sacramento
The cheapest and best car insurance company for you depends on your unique driver profile. Drivers have different coverage level needs and budgets, so it’s important to shop around with different companies to find the best rates for the best coverage. Here are a few car insurance companies Insurify identified to start your search for the best car insurance in Sacramento.
Best for liability-only coverage: 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. | $64/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. | $115/mo |
Cookie
October 15, 2024
Excellent
Tasha
October 10, 2024
Not pleased
Thomas
October 8, 2024
Mixed Review
Mile Auto is a pay-per-mile car insurance company. It helps low-mileage drivers save money and may be a good fit if you don’t drive very often. You pay a base monthly rate plus a per-mile rate and must submit your odometer reading every month. Because its rates depend on how much you drive, it doesn’t offer many discounts.
Cheap policies for infrequent drivers
Doesn’t require a plug-in tracking device
No advertised discounts
Limited coverage options
Best for drivers with a DUI: Sun Coast
User Reviews | 3.8 |
---|---|
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. | NR |
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. | $100/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. | $244/mo |
Drivers appreciate the payment options and knowledgable adjusters but dislike the expensive premiums and unavailable customer service.
Drivers appreciate the payment options and knowledgable adjusters but dislike the expensive premiums and unavailable customer service.
Marylou
September 9, 2024
Surprise!
Patricia
August 14, 2024
Great so far
Tiffany
August 12, 2024
Unpleasant Experience
Sun Coast is a managing general agency headquartered in Laguna Beach and offers a number of insurance products, including car insurance, boat insurance, business insurance, and more. The company is an authorized program administrator for several auto insurers, and has offered products exclusively through independent agents since 1980. You can choose from basic coverage, as well as extra coverage like 24/7 roadside assistance.
Many discounts available
Local California car insurance company
Limited third-party ratings
No mobile app available
Best for teen drivers: Clearcover
User Reviews | 3.3 |
---|---|
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. | 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. | $102/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. | $183/mo |
Drivers appreciate the helpful customer service, initial low prices, and reasonable coverage but dislike the significant price increases over time.
Drivers appreciate the helpful customer service, initial low prices, and reasonable coverage but dislike the significant price increases over time.
Catherine
October 22, 2024
Great Customer Service
Brett
October 12, 2024
Unexpected Rate Increases
Richard
October 7, 2024
T.B.
Clearcover focuses on a digital car insurance experience. It boasts a robust mobile app and seamless online experience for purchasing coverage, managing your policy, and filing claims. Clearcover’s lineup of products includes liability and full-coverage insurance, alternate transportation coverage, and rideshare insurance.
Quick claims process
Highly rated mobile app
No bundling discounts
Must use the app to manage your policy
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Sacramento: Mile Auto
Per California law, you must have liability car insurance to drive in Sacramento. This type of policy covers the other driver’s property damage and injuries following an at-fault accident and is generally the cheapest auto policy you can buy.
This table shows the most affordable liability car insurance companies in Sacramento.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $64 |
Sun Coast | $100 |
Mercury | $110 |
Anchor | $115 |
USAA | $130 |
National General | $141 |
Direct Auto | $162 |
GEICO | $174 |
Allstate | $180 |
Farmers | $185 |
State Farm | $200 |
Travelers | $210 |
21st Century | $229 |
Bristol West | $245 |
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Sacramento: Mile Auto
Full-coverage car insurance provides extra protection and usually includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. These extra coverages pay for damage to your vehicle from accidents — even if you cause one — and non-accident events, like falling objects and theft. You’ll likely need a full-coverage policy if you took out a loan for or lease your vehicle.
Here’s a look at the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in Sacramento, California.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $115 |
Mercury | $203 |
Sun Coast | $244 |
USAA | $264 |
Anchor | $307 |
National General | $351 |
GEICO | $353 |
Allstate | $365 |
Farmers | $375 |
Direct Auto | $377 |
State Farm | $406 |
Travelers | $427 |
Bristol West | $439 |
21st Century | $465 |
Cheapest recent rates near Sacramento, California
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $47/mo for liability only and $71/mo for full coverage in Sacramento and other California cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Sacramento, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Sacramento, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on November 20, 2024
Car insurance requirements in California
California is an at-fault, or tort, state. This means the at-fault driver is responsible for any property damage or injury expenses the drivers or passengers in another vehicle incur in an accident. While California car insurance laws require bodily injury and property damage liability, additional coverage is available for peace of mind. Drivers who don’t show proof of insurance will likely face fees and other consequences.
Here are California’s minimum car insurance requirements:[3]
Bodily injury liability
$15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$5,000 per accident
California’s liability limits will increase 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.[4]
“A driver with only state-minimum liability coverage will find themselves personally responsible for all costs associated with the accident above the limits of the auto policy,” says Earl Jones, insurance agent and owner at Earl L. Jones Insurance Agency. “If the total accident was $15,000 for damages to the other car, for example, they would be responsible for the $10,000 difference.”
California’s minimum requirements are just that — minimums. If you want to avoid paying out of pocket for excess costs from an accident you cause, you can raise your liability insurance limits above California’s requirements.
And if you want protection for your own injuries and vehicle damages, here are several optional car insurance products you can add to your policy:
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage offers protection for vehicle damages from events other than accidents, including theft, vandalism, falling objects, and severe weather events.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage applies if your car needs repairs or a replacement after an accident with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or light pole, regardless of who caused it. Collision also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured motorist coverage will kick in if you get into an accident with someone who doesn’t have car insurance. This coverage can also help pay for damages to your vehicle if you're the victim of a hit and run accident.
Medical payments coverage
Medical payments insurance is similar to personal injury protection (PIP) and can pay for medical bills after an accident, no matter who’s at fault.
California’s low-cost auto insurance plan
California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps qualifying drivers with low income buy affordable car insurance. It costs $232 to $932 a year to buy minimum-liability car insurance through the CLCA, depending on the county. And it also offers additional coverage options, like uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments insurance, for an extra $37 to $107 a year. 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
You can learn more and apply for the California car insurance program at MyLowCostAuto.com.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
If your driving record contains incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, you can expect higher car insurance premiums. This is because insurers will consider you a high-risk driver who is more likely to file a claim. Car insurance companies save the lowest premiums for Sacramento drivers with clean records.
Here’s an overview of the insurance companies with the lowest average car insurance quotes in Sacramento, based on driving history.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Mile Auto
Speeding often leads to car accidents and was a factor in 29% of traffic fatalities nationwide in 2021, the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.[5] In Sacramento specifically, speed was a factor for 652 traffic fatalities and injuries in 2020.[6] This increased risk of injury and death causes your premiums to increase if you get a speeding ticket.
Sacramento drivers with speeding tickets face average monthly costs of $396 for full-coverage car insurance and $187 for liability-only policies, Insurify data shows. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers after a speeding ticket in Sacramento.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $144 |
Mercury | $271 |
USAA | $328 |
GEICO | $439 |
National General | $439 |
Allstate | $454 |
Farmers | $464 |
State Farm | $499 |
Travelers | $536 |
Bristol West | $549 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: Mile Auto
Sacramento reported more than 3,700 traffic fatalities and injuries in 2020.[6] So if you cause an accident, your car insurance rates will likely increase, depending on the severity.[7]
An at-fault accident raises average car insurance rates for Sacramento drivers to $374 per month for full coverage and $177 for minimum coverage. The table below shows the insurers with the lowest quotes for drivers with an at-fault accident on their records in Sacramento.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $147 |
Mercury | $272 |
USAA | $329 |
National General | $436 |
GEICO | $440 |
Allstate | $454 |
Farmers | $465 |
State Farm | $501 |
Travelers | $536 |
Bristol West | $546 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Mile Auto
Sacramento reported 809 DUI arrests and 362 alcohol-involved traffic fatalities and injuries in 2020.[6] A DUI is a serious offense in California that usually results in fines, jail time, and higher car insurance rates, especially if the state requires SR-22 insurance. You may even struggle to find an insurance company willing to provide coverage if you have multiple negative marks on your driving record. If this is the case, you may have to apply for California’s assigned risk pool for coverage.
Sacramento drivers with DUIs on their records face average monthly insurance rates of $435 for full coverage and $206 for liability only. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a DUI in Sacramento.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $176 |
Mercury | $286 |
USAA | $405 |
National General | $538 |
GEICO | $541 |
Allstate | $560 |
Farmers | $575 |
State Farm | $622 |
Travelers | $655 |
Bristol West | $673 |
Cheapest car insurance for seniors
Senior drivers have higher car accident mortality rates than younger drivers, which adds to their risk of loss on the road.[8] Generally, car insurance premiums decrease around age 35 and start to increase again around age 70. However, senior drivers typically have much lower average premiums than younger drivers.
In Sacramento, senior drivers see average monthly car insurance rates of $269 for full coverage and $127 for liability-only policies. Here are the average quotes, by insurance company, for senior drivers in Sacramento.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $73 |
Mercury | $142 |
USAA | $181 |
National General | $227 |
GEICO | $235 |
Farmers | $238 |
Allstate | $245 |
State Farm | $248 |
Travelers | $280 |
Bristol West | $303 |
Cheapest car insurance for teens
Teenagers have less experience behind the wheel and present a higher risk of loss from impulsive behaviors, so they tend to pay higher car insurance rates as a result.[9] The good news is they can lower their costs if they stay on their parents’ policies or land a good student discount.
Sacramento teens have average car insurance rates of $488 for full coverage and $231 for minimum coverage. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for young adults and teens in Sacramento.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
Insurance Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Quote ▲▼ |
---|---|
Mile Auto | $217 |
Mercury | $348 |
USAA | $428 |
GEICO | $545 |
Allstate | $631 |
Farmers | $635 |
National General | $672 |
State Farm | $676 |
Bristol West | $716 |
Travelers | $750 |
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Sacramento
Finding affordable car insurance is important for your personal finances, and it requires some effort on your part. If you’re looking for lower rates on your car insurance, try these tips during your insurance-shopping process:
Shop around. Don’t go with the first insurer you find. Instead, request quotes from at least three different car insurance companies so you can compare each company’s lowest prices.
Look into usage-based insurance. If you don’t drive very often, you can save money with a pay-per-mile policy. Your monthly premium changes based on how many miles you drive.
Look for discounts. The best car insurance companies usually offer discounts for paying your premiums in full, setting up automatic payments, staying claims-free, getting good grades in school, taking a defensive driving course, and more.
Bundle policies. If you buy your car insurance from the same company as your homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance, you can usually get a discount on your policies.
Drive safely. Incidents like speeding and DUIs can raise your car insurance premiums. Make it a priority to be a responsible driver, and your car insurance rates may improve once you have a clean driving record again.
Is car insurance more expensive in Sacramento?
The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $170 per month for liability-only coverage and $253 per month for full coverage. While Sacramento’s average cost for liability insurance is a bit cheaper, its average cost for full coverage is a tad more expensive.
It’s important to note that car insurance premiums vary by city within California due to factors like population, crime rates, and the number of uninsured drivers.[9] For example, compared to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sacramento has lower prices. On the other hand, cities like Fresno and San Diego have lower average quotes than Sacramento.
More cities in California
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes in other California cities.
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 |
San Diego | $252 | $122 |
San Francisco | $329 | $149 |
San Jose | $270 | $131 |
Stockton | $288 | $131 |
Sacramento car insurance FAQs
Check out the average car insurance rates in California to help you compare quotes as you shop. Here are answers to some common questions about Sacramento car insurance.
How much is car insurance in Sacramento?
Car insurance in Sacramento costs an average of $145 per month for liability only and $307 a month for full coverage. But car insurance rates can vary between Sacramento drivers based on factors like their driving records, the make and model of vehicle they drive, and other factors.
What company has the cheapest car insurance in Sacramento?
Mile Auto is the cheapest insurer for Sacramento drivers. Its liability-only policies start at $64 per month in the City of Trees.
Sacramento drivers can also find affordable rates from the city's second- and third-cheapest car insurance companies, Sun Coast and Mercury. Sun Coast's liability-only rates start at $100 per month and Mercury offers liability coverage for as low as $110 per month.
What are the best car insurance companies in Sacramento?
Some of the best car insurance companies in Sacramento include Clearcover, Mile Auto, and Sun Coast. However, the best insurer for you will depend on your specific needs and financial situation. Compare quotes from three or more different insurance companies at the same coverage levels to find the best rate for your budget.
Can you get car insurance without a license in Sacramento?
Yes, you can generally get car insurance without a license. This might be a good idea in the following situations:
You have a suspended license but want to maintain continuous coverage.
You have a teen driver you want to insure, but you don’t drive yourself.
You have a learner’s permit and are working toward getting a license but still need insurance.
How does your credit score affect car insurance in Sacramento?
Your credit score doesn’t affect car insurance premiums in Sacramento or in California in general. California prevents insurers from using your credit history to determine your premiums, so you won’t pay more for car insurance just because you have poor credit.[2]
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
- TRIP. "Sacramento Transportation by the Numbers."
- Federal Trade Commission. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Impacts on Consumers of Automobile Insurance."
- California DMV. "Auto Insurance Requirements."
- California Legislative Information. "SB-1107 Vehicles: insurance.."
- NHTSA. "Speeding and Aggressive Driving Prevention."
- California Office of Traffic Safety. "Crash Rankings Results: Sacramento."
- III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "Older Adult Drivers."
- III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
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.
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.
Featured in
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.