Cheapest Auto Insurance in San Diego, California (2024)

Clearcover has the cheapest liability-only rates in San Diego, at $55 per month.

Anna Baluch
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Anna BaluchInsurance Writer
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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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Katie Powers
Edited byKatie Powers
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Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
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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.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin Halachev
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Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 March 14, 2024

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The overall average monthly cost of car insurance in San Diego is $138. Costs in the city are lower than the California state average of $175 and the overall national average of $157.

San Diego has an average number of auto accidents and has implemented initiatives to improve safety on city streets and sidewalks, which may contribute to the lower-than-average rates.[1]

Here’s what you need to know about comparing quotes and finding coverage in San Diego.

Quick Facts
  • San Diego drivers pay $101 per month for liability coverage and $175 for full-coverage insurance, on average.

  • Auto insurers in California can’t use credit-based insurance scores when determining your premiums or underwriting coverage.[2]

  • Mile Auto offers the cheapest full-coverage insurance in San Diego, at $101 per month.

Cheapest car insurance companies in San Diego

When shopping around for car insurance, you should consider more than your budget. The best auto insurance company for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your coverage needs, age, driving history, average mileage, and more.

San Diego residents have different car insurance companies to choose from, but Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Clearcover stand out with quality coverage and competitive rates. The average rates below reflect statewide costs in California.

Insurance CompanyIQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Full CoverageLiability OnlyBest for
Mile Auto3.5$120$64Liability-only coverage
Sun CoastN/A$160$71Drivers with speeding tickets
Clearcover3.2$${AUTO_CARRIER_CLEARCOVER_FULL_STATE_CA_PRICE}$${AUTO_CARRIER_CLEARCOVER_LIABILITY_STATE_CA_PRICE}Young 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.
  • Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.

    Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.

Best insurer for liability-only coverage: Mile Auto

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.4
A.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).
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.
$55/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.
$101/mo

Mile Auto is a pay-per-mile car insurance company, meaning customers pay a base rate plus a per-mile rate for the miles they drive rather than paying a flat monthly fee. It offers affordable premiums for drivers who drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year.

Pros
  • Cheap for low-mileage drivers

  • No tracking device or app required

Cons
  • Negative Trustpilot customer service reviews

  • Limited additional coverage options

Best insurer for drivers with speeding tickets: Sun Coast

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
A.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).
Not rated
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.
$133/mo

Sun Coast is headquartered in Laguna Beach and offers car insurance in addition to other insurance products, like boat, yacht, and watercraft insurance. Its auto insurance products include standard options, like bodily injury and property damage coverage, as well as add-ons like roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement.

Pros
  • California-based insurer

  • Plenty of discounts available

Cons
  • No online claims filing

  • No home insurance bundling available

Excellent.

chrystal - October 9, 2023
Verified
Read our Sun Coast review

Best insurer for young drivers: Clearcover

Compare personalized, real-time quotes
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
3.1
A.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).
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.
$55/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

Clearcover is an auto insurer known for its user-friendly app and easy online experience, making it a good choice for tech-savvy younger drivers. It allows customers to manage their policies and file claims from their mobile devices. Plus, Clearcover boasts a claims process as short as seven minutes on average.

Pros
  • Robust mobile app

  • Rideshare insurance available

Cons
  • No bundling discounts

  • No SR-22 insurance available

The pricing is good, but the renewal process is a nightmare; calling, chatting, and filling up forms for extended renewal is too much work. Just get Progressive.

BAYRON - July 23, 2023
Verified

I filed a claim with Clearcover last year, and they haven't paid it. Now my policy has gone up by $40 per month.

Catherine - January 14, 2023
Verified

Great service, low price, very helpful staff

Jack - September 12, 2022
Verified
Read our Clearcover review

How to get the cheapest car insurance in San Diego

Car insurers have variations in coverage options, policy specifics, and underwriting processes, so finding cheap car insurance involves a bit of research and work on your part. You can land the best deal on a policy if you follow these tips:

  • Shop around. It’s well worth your time and effort to get quotes from several car insurance companies. This can help you find the lowest price for your particular needs.

  • Look for discounts. Car insurance companies usually offer a variety of discounts. You may get one for being a safe driver, insuring multiple vehicles, or installing an anti-theft device.

  • Consider pay-per-mile insurance. California doesn’t permit the use of telematics to track driving behaviors, but pay-per-mile insurance is available. This type of insurance might be a good idea for remote workers, retirees, and low-mileage drivers. You’ll only pay for the miles you drive.

  • Practice safe driving habits. Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs can raise your car insurance premiums. Drive responsibly to avoid them. Good drivers with clean driving records typically earn lower rates.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in San Diego: Clearcover

Per California law, San Diego drivers must purchase at least liability-only car insurance, which pays for the other driver’s property damage and injuries after an at-fault accident. Because it’s the minimum required auto insurance, it’s typically cheaper than full-coverage policies and liability policies with higher limits.

With a cost of $55 per month, Clearcover offers the cheapest liability-only insurance in San Diego.

The table below shows average quotes for liability-only policies from popular car insurance companies in San Diego.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 CompanyAverage Monthly QuoteIQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Clearcover553.2
Mile Auto553.5
Sun Coast600.0
Mercury703.6
Anchor762.8
Safeco823.8
USAA834.5
Dairyland963.3
National General1023.1
GEICO1114.2
Direct Auto1143.3
Allstate1154.2
Farmers1193.8
State Farm1294.5
Travelers1354.3
21st Century1472.8
Bristol West1472.2
Nationwide1814.3
Chubb2292.9
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. Note an Insurify Quality Score of 0.0 indicates the company has not yet been reviewed and scored.
  • Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.

    Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in San Diego: Mile Auto

Full-coverage car insurance usually includes three types of coverage: liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. With collision and comprehensive coverages on a policy, you have protection against damages to your car after certain events. Drivers with newer or expensive cars may consider full-coverage car insurance to help pay for car repairs after accidents or weather damage. And you’ll likely need a full-coverage policy if you finance or lease your car.

The table below shows the insurance companies with the cheapest quotes for full-coverage auto insurance in San Diego. Drivers can find the cheapest full-coverage insurance with Mile Auto, with rates of $101 per month.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 CompanyAverage Monthly QuoteIQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Mile Auto1013.5
Clearcover1153.2
Mercury1303.6
Sun Coast1330.0
Safeco1423.8
Anchor1572.8
USAA1774.5
National General2043.1
Dairyland2253.3
GEICO2364.2
Allstate2444.2
Farmers2513.8
State Farm2724.5
Travelers2854.3
Direct Auto2883.3
21st Century3112.8
Bristol West3252.2
Nationwide3834.3
Chubb4852.9
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. Note an Insurify Quality Score of 0.0 indicates the company has not yet been reviewed and scored.

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Car insurance requirements in California

Because California is an at-fault or tort state, the at-fault driver must cover the other driver’s and their passengers’ property damage and injury costs after an accident. Drivers must carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage but can purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind. They should expect legal and financial consequences if they fail to show proof of insurance.

California requires the following limits for liability coverage:[3]

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/f2ca9fa443/protection-for-passengers.svg

    Bodily injury liability

    $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/db598219e3/damage-from-aircraft.svg

    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.[4]

Liability-only coverage may not be enough protection for some drivers. Adding more coverage to your auto insurance policy can protect your finances in various situations — not just car accidents. Here are some additional coverages to consider including in your policy:

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/665da91bf7/comprehensive-coverage.svg

    Comprehensive coverage

    This protects you from incidents that damage your vehicle but aren’t related to collisions, like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/169fdfde11/liability-coverage.svg

    Collision coverage

    If your car requires repairs or you need to replace it after an accident with another vehicle or object, collision coverage will kick in, no matter who’s at fault. Collision also covers rollover accidents.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/5285c4cd74/uninsured-or-underinsured-motorist-coverage.svg

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

    With an uninsured motorist policy, you can protect yourself if you get into an accident with an uninsured driver. Underinsured motorist coverage can help if a driver without high enough liability limits injures you or damages your vehicle.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/4c9753bdbe/medical-payments.svg

    Medical payments coverage

    Medical payments coverage can pay for your medical bills after an accident. “Make sure to have medical payments coverage of at least $5,000,” says Earl Jones, insurance agent and owner of Earl L. Jones Insurance Agency. “This coverage provides medical payments for emergency room visits and other medical expenses, regardless of fault.”

California’s low-cost auto insurance plan

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps qualifying drivers buy affordable car insurance that meets minimum requirements. 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

The CLCA program costs $232 to $932 a year for minimum-liability car insurance, depending on the county. However, drivers can purchase additional coverage options like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage for an extra $37 to $107 a year. You can learn more and apply for the program at MyLowCostAuto.com.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence position you as a riskier driver and can raise your car insurance premiums as a result.[5] San Diego drivers with clean records usually pay lower rates than high-risk drivers. And California may require you to buy SR-22 insurance if you’re a high-risk driver, which can keep your rates high for three years.[5]

Overall, the average cost of car insurance for San Diego drivers with violations on their motor vehicle records is $180 per month, compared to $138 for motorists with clean records. Finding affordable car insurance with a poor driving record isn’t impossible, though. Take a look at Insurify’s data on the cheapest companies for drivers with incidents on their records.

Shop for Car Insurance in San Diego

Rates start at $${AUTO_CHEAPEST_LIABILITY_CITY_CA_SAN-DIEGO_PRICE_1_HAS-INCIDENT}/mo. for drivers with motor vehicle violations

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover

Speeding can impair your ability to respond appropriately in dangerous situations and, in turn, lead to accidents. In 2020, San Diego reported 530 deaths and injuries in speed-related crashes.[6] That’s why you may face higher car insurance premiums if you have one or more speeding tickets on your record.

San Diego drivers with speeding violations pay $141 per month for liability coverage and $245 for full-coverage car insurance, on average.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 CompanyAverage Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Quote: Full Coverage
Mile Auto80146
Mercury103191
USAA105225
Safeco114198
Dairyland126296
National General130261
GEICO141300
Allstate146310
Direct Auto150379
Farmers152320
State Farm162341
Travelers175369
Bristol West190421
21st Century195412
Nationwide232492
Chubb296627
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: Clearcover

Car insurance companies charge higher premiums to drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.[5] An at-fault accident can increase your rates for several years. The average cost of liability coverage for San Diego drivers with at-fault accidents is $135 per month. Full coverage costs city drivers a monthly average of $234.

If you don’t have accident forgiveness, here are the auto insurers with the cheapest average quotes for drivers with an at-fault accident in San Diego.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 CompanyAverage Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Quote: Full Coverage
Mile Auto81149
Anchor101209
Mercury103192
USAA106227
Safeco116201
Dairyland126295
National General133266
GEICO143303
Allstate147313
Direct Auto152384
Farmers153322
State Farm163344
Travelers175370
Bristol West188416
21st Century195413
Nationwide234495
Chubb296626
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: Clearcover

Aside from potential fines and jail time, a DUI in San Diego may result in higher car insurance costs. San Diego reported more than 1,300 DUI arrests and 621 alcohol-related deaths and injuries in 2020.[6] A DUI can even cause your insurance company to not renew your policy.[5]

San Diego drivers with DUI convictions have average car insurance costs of $246 per month for full coverage and $142 for liability. This table highlights the average monthly quotes for San Diego drivers with DUIs by car insurance company.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 CompanyAverage Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Quote: Full Coverage
Mile Auto81149
Mercury106197
Anchor112232
Safeco121210
USAA123262
Dairyland142333
National General151302
GEICO164349
Direct Auto169426
Allstate170361
Farmers176371
State Farm191402
Travelers200421
21st Century217460
Bristol West217481
Nationwide268566
Chubb339717
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: Clearcover

Compared to younger drivers, seniors have a higher car accident mortality rate. Average premiums by age group tend to decrease around age 35 and increase a bit around age 70 due to potentially impaired eyesight, hearing, and physical capabilities.[7]

Car insurance for senior drivers in San Diego costs a monthly average of $137 for full coverage and $79 for liability-only policies. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance quotes for seniors in San Diego.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 CompanyAverage Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Quote: Full Coverage
Mile Auto4684
Mercury60112
USAA67142
Safeco72125
Dairyland81189
GEICO87185
Allstate91193
Farmers91193
National General91181
Direct Auto92232
State Farm95201
Travelers107227
21st Century116246
Bristol West120266
Nationwide133281
Chubb167354
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: Clearcover

Teenagers and young adults have less driving experience than older drivers and are more likely to get into a car accident. For this reason, they tend to pay more for auto insurance.[8] Fortunately, teens can lower their car insurance premiums if they stay on their parents’ policy or lock in a good student discount.

To start your search for affordable car insurance, the table below shows the cheapest companies for teen drivers in San Diego. The cheapest insurer for teen drivers in San Diego is Clearcover, with an average cost of $${AUTO_CHEAPEST_LIABILITY_CITY_CA_SAN-DIEGO_PRICE_1_AGE-TEEN} per month.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT
Data reviewed by Konstantin Halachev
Headshot of Konstantin Halachev, VP of Engineering at Insurify
Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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 CompanyAverage Quote: Liability OnlyAverage Quote: Full Coverage
Mile Auto99183
Mercury121225
Anchor128264
USAA128273
Safeco138238
Dairyland145340
GEICO162345
National General183366
Allstate189401
Farmers194409
Direct Auto196494
State Farm206435
Bristol West228504
Travelers228482
21st Century229485
Nationwide289612
Chubb396839
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 San Diego?

The national average for car insurance is $103 per month for a liability-only policy and $212 per month for full coverage. On average, auto policies in San Diego tend to be cheaper. Also, car insurance premiums in California vary by city due to population, vehicle theft and vandalism rates, and other factors. For example, car insurance is more expensive in Anaheim, Bakersfield, and Fresno than in San Diego.

More cities in California

Here’s an overview of the average car insurance quotes for California drivers in various cities in the Golden State.

CityAverage Monthly Quote
Anaheim$187
Bakersfield$151
Berkeley$173
Chula Vista$141
Fresno$153
Glendale$252
Long Beach$161
Los Angeles$213
Modesto$164
Moreno Valley$170
Oakland$159
Riverside$172
Sacramento$181
San Francisco$169
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.

San Diego car insurance FAQs

Learn more about gap insurance in California, and check out the answers to common questions about San Diego car insurance below.

  • How much is car insurance in San Diego?

    The average cost of car insurance in San Diego is $101 per month for liability-only policies and $175 per month for full-coverage insurance.

  • What company has the cheapest car insurance rates in San Diego?

    Clearcover offers the cheapest car insurance rates for most types of drivers in San Diego. The company’s liability-only rates start at $55 per month. Mile Auto and Sun Coast are the second- and third-cheapest insurers in the city, with liability insurance rates as low as $55 and $60 per month, respectively.

  • Is car insurance cheaper in San Diego than in Los Angeles?

    Yes, car insurance is cheaper in San Diego than in Los Angeles. Los Angeles’ average full-coverage rate is much higher than San Diego’s average full-coverage car insurance, according to Insurify data.

  • How does credit score affect car insurance in San Diego?

    California law prevents insurance companies from using your credit history to determine your car insurance premiums. This means that, all other factors being the same, if you have poor credit, you won’t pay more than someone with good credit.[9]

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.

Sources

  1. City of San Diego. "Vision Zero: Safe Roads For All Modes." Accessed December 19, 2023
  2. Experian. "Which States Restrict the Use of Credit Scores in Determining Insurance Rates?." Accessed December 19, 2023
  3. California DMV. "Auto Insurance Requirements." Accessed July 5, 2023
  4. California Legislative Information. "Senate Bill No. 1107." Accessed December 19, 2023
  5. III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?." Accessed July 5, 2023
  6. California Office of Traffic Safety. "Crash Rankings Results." Accessed July 5, 2023
  7. Insurance Information Institute. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips." Accessed December 19, 2023
  8. III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed July 5, 2023
  9. Federal Trade Commission. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Impact on Consumers of Automobile Insurance." Accessed July 5, 2023
Anna Baluch
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.

Katie Powers
Edited byKatie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
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Katie PowersAuto and Life Insurance Editor
  • Licensed auto and home insurance agent

  • 3+ years experience in insurance and personal finance editing

Katie uses her knowledge and expertise as a licensed property and casualty agent in Massachusetts to help readers understand the complexities of insurance shopping.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications
  • 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.

Konstantin Halachev
Data reviewed byKonstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
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Konstantin HalachevVice President of Engineering
  • 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.

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