Best Cheap Auto Insurance in San Bernardino, California (2023)

On average, San Bernardino drivers pay the same monthly premium for full-coverage car insurance as the California state average of $258. However, San Bernardino’s average car insurance rates are much lower than rates in nearby cities like Los Angeles, possibly due to San Bernardino’s lower rate of traffic injuries and fatalities and lower population.^{[1] [2]}

San Bernardino residents can still find affordable car insurance from numerous insurers that serve the city, including Safeco, USAA, and GEICO. Here’s what you need to know.

Find Car Insurance in San Bernardino

Insurify partners with 70+ top insurers to provide free car insurance quotes

Enter your ZIP codeView My Quotes

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.

Based on 3,806+ reviews

4.8/5

Best car insurance companies in San Bernardino

When it comes to choosing a car insurance company in San Bernardino, it’s important to carefully assess your coverage needs and budget rather than solely focusing on finding the cheapest policies available. Factors such as your driving history, vehicle type, and coverage preferences can significantly affect your insurance rates.^[4]

Here are some of the top car insurance companies in San Bernardino to help you start your search.

Best insurer for low-mileage drivers: Mile Auto

Best insurer for a digital experience: Clearcover

Best insurer for full coverage: Travelers

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in San Bernardino

In San Bernardino, you’ll find several insurance companies that offer low-cost liability-only car insurance. This type of auto insurance coverage pays for other parties’ damages and injuries after you cause an accident. 

However, it’s important to note that liability-only policies don’t cover your own medical expenses or vehicle repair costs. And if you only buy your state’s minimum amount, you could be at financial risk if you cause an accident in which damages exceed your policy’s limits.

Here are the cheapest liability car insurance companies in San Bernardino.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in San Bernardino

While liability-only insurance covers the cost of damages and injuries you cause, full-coverage car insurance goes a step further to cover damages to your own vehicle. This type of insurance typically includes comprehensive and collision insurance in addition to liability coverage.

Here are the cheapest full-coverage policies, on average, in San Bernardino.

Car insurance requirements in California

Drivers in California must adhere to the state’s 15/30/5 minimum car insurance requirements. Failure to show proof of insurance or submit proof to the California Department of Motor Vehicles may result in vehicle registration suspension.

Here’s what California’s 15/30/5 minimum requirements translate to:^[5]

Most insurance companies also offer optional coverages that you can add to your policy for even more protection. Here are some additional coverage options you should consider:

• 

  Comprehensive coverage

  This pays for damages and losses from non-collision events, like wildfires, theft, vandalism, falling objects, and severe weather.

• 

  Collision coverage

  This pays for repairs from collisions with other vehicles or objects, regardless of fault.

• 

  Glass coverage

  This includes coverage for windshield and glass damages, and select policies offer zero-deductible coverage for side windows, rear windows, and glass sunroofs.

• 

  Gap coverage

  This type of coverage can be beneficial for financed or leased vehicles. Gap insurance covers the difference between your auto loan balance and the insurance settlement in the event of a total loss.

California’s low-cost auto insurance program

California’s Low Cost Automobile insurance program (CLCA) can help qualifying drivers secure affordable coverage while rates increase. This program offers car insurance options at annual premiums from $232 to $932, depending on the county. To qualify for the program, you must meet the following criteria:

• Hold 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

• Maintain a good driving record or be a new driver

The program’s auto insurance fulfills the state’s minimum liability requirements. However, drivers have the option to include medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for an additional annual cost ranging from $37 to $107. Drivers can apply for the program conveniently through MyLowCostAuto.com.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Drivers with a history of incidents like speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), and at-fault accidents may struggle to find affordable car insurance. These incidents typically lead to increased insurance premiums because they suggest a higher probability of future claims.

Insurify’s data below highlights the most affordable insurance companies for drivers with a spotty driving record.

Shop for Car Insurance in San Bernardino

Insurify partners with 70+ top insurers to provide free car insurance quotes

Enter your ZIP codeGet My Quotes

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.

Based on 3,806+ reviews

4.8/5

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

San Bernardino reported 200 speed-related car crashes in 2020.^[1] Exceeding the speed limit while driving is dangerous and poses a significant risk to your safety and other drivers’ safety.^[7] Having a speeding ticket on your driving record will likely lead to higher auto insurance premiums compared to having a clean record.

To help you find the best insurance rates, here’s an overview of the lowest average monthly quotes for San Bernardino drivers with speeding tickets on their records.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

In 2020, San Bernardino reported more than 1,500 deaths and injuries from car accidents in the city.^[1] An at-fault accident on your driving record typically leads to an increase in auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies implement this measure to offset potential financial risks associated with future accidents.

The table below shows the cheapest auto insurance companies for drivers with an at-fault accident in San Bernardino.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

Driving under the influence is a violation that not only poses great danger but also incurs significantly higher car insurance premiums. Furthermore, drivers with a DUI conviction in California may have to file SR-22 insurance with the state, which can make it difficult to find affordable auto insurance coverage. Insurance companies view a DUI history as high-risk and adjust premiums to account for the risk of future claims.

If you have a DUI on your record, the following insurance companies offer the most competitive monthly quotes in San Bernardino.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Your age is one of the biggest influences on your car insurance premiums, and rates typically decrease as drivers accumulate experience and enter their mid-30s. However, when senior drivers reach approximately 75 years old, premiums might undergo a slight increase due to factors such as potential health concerns and elevated accident risks.^[8]

For senior drivers in San Bernardino, here are the insurance companies that offer some of the lowest average monthly quotes, based on Insurify’s data.

Cheapest car insurance for teens

The cost of car insurance for young drivers and teenagers is often significantly higher compared to older drivers due to their limited experience behind the wheel and higher-risk profiles. As a teenager, one effective strategy to find affordable car insurance is to remain on a parent’s insurance policy, as it often results in more favorable rates.

Selecting a safe and reliable vehicle equipped with advanced safety features and maintaining good grades to qualify for good student discounts can further help in finding affordable insurance coverage.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers and young adults in San Bernardino.

How to get the cheapest car insurance in San Bernardino

When looking for affordable car insurance in San Bernardino, remember these valuable tips:

• Consider a higher deductible. Choosing a higher deductible can lead to a lower premium. However, make sure you have enough savings to cover the deductible amount in case you need to file a claim.

• Shop around. The aim is not just to find cheap car insurance in San Bernardino, but to find the right policy at the best price. Since insurance companies offer different rates to drivers, it’s essential to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to secure the most favorable deal.

• Bundle policies. Inquire about multi-policy discounts if you buy multiple insurance products with the same company. If you bundle your car insurance with other policies, such as renters insurance, business insurance, life insurance, or homeowners insurance, you can usually get a discount.

• Explore potential discounts. Many insurance companies offer discounts based on factors such as good grades, low mileage, or having specific safety features in your car. You can ask the insurance agents you’re working with about potential discounts that can help you save money.

Find Car Insurance in San Bernardino

Insurify partners with 70+ top insurers to provide free car insurance quotes

Enter your ZIP codeSee My Quotes

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.

Based on 3,806+ reviews

4.8/5

Is car insurance more expensive in San Bernardino?

The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $253 a month for full coverage, and in California, the cost is $289 a month on average. In San Bernardino, drivers pay slightly more than the national average and slightly less than the state average, around $258 a month.

Keep in mind that insurance rates can vary significantly based on ZIP code, and factors like weather, crime, and traffic patterns also affect rates.^[4] For example, drivers pay lower average premiums in San Diego and higher average premiums in San Francisco compared to San Bernardino drivers.

More cities in California

Car insurance rates in San Bernadino are higher than in some other cities across California. But cities like Los Angeles, which saw a significant increase in traffic injuries and fatalities in 2020 compared to San Bernardino, typically have higher average car insurance costs.

Here’s how the average full-coverage car insurance quotes in San Bernardino compare to quotes in other California cities.

San Bernardino car insurance FAQs