Cheapest Auto Insurance in San Jose, California (2025)

USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for San Jose drivers, with minimum-coverage policies starting at $96 per month.

Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco
  • 13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content

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Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.

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Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.

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Courtney's deep knowledge of personal finance goes beyond insurance and includes credit cards, consumer loans, and banking. She loves creating practical content.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark Friedlander
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications, Triple-I
  • 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.

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Cheapest recent rates near San Jose, California

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $43/mo for liability only and $95/mo for full coverage in San Jose and other California cities.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around San Jose, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 120+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around San Jose, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 120+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

San Jose drivers pay an average of $239 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $103 per month for liability only, Insurify data shows. By comparison, the California statewide averages are $247 and $108, respectively.

San Joses near-average car insurance costs may be at least partially due to its relatively low fatality and crash rates. In 2023, about 1.7% of the citys 2,804 accidents were fatal, according to city government data.

Here’s what you need to know about how San Jose auto insurance costs compare to other cities and how to find affordable car insurance for your unique situation.

Quick Facts
  • USAA, Root, and Sun Coast offer the cheapest car insurance in San Jose.

  • Speeding was a factor in 26% of all accidents in San Jose in 2023, city data shows.

  • Auto insurers in California can’t use your credit history, gender, or ZIP code to determine your premiums.

3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in San Jose

When shopping for cheap car insurance, it’s important that you focus on finding an insurer that will work well for your individual situation and needs.

“You can shop for car insurance via online comparison sites, individual insurer’s websites, and through local insurance agents,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute.

You can also start your search with the best car insurance companies in California that Insurify identified.

Insurance Company
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Full Coverage
Liability Only
Best For
Mile Auto7.5$108$60Teens and young drivers
Clearcover6.8$137$67Drivers with a speeding ticket
Sun Coast2.3$257$105Drivers with a DUI
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 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
    • Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
    • Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
    • Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.

Best insurer for teens and young drivers: 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.
$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.
$198/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 68 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mile Auto

Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
How drivers feel about Mile Auto

Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
Reviews (36)

Richard

January 13, 2025

Verified Purchase

Loose Time Frames

They give you two days to submit a picture of your mileage, and then they threaten to charge you for 40 miles a day.

James

January 13, 2025

Verified Purchase

So far, so good. It's better than paying six or seven hundred a month. I'll let others know. Thanks.

So far, so good. It's better than paying six or seven hundred a month. I'll let others know. Thanks.

Matthew

January 9, 2025

Verified Purchase

Great Cheap Auto Insurance!

Give them a try if you are a new driver and drive an old car that will get totaled in any accident due to the repair costs exceeding the fair market value of your car.
See all Mile Auto reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NR
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
Why we picked this company

Teen drivers who don’t spend too much time behind the wheel can greatly benefit from Mile Auto’s car insurance. Mile Auto offers a pay-per-mile solution thats simple and user-friendly, allowing low-mileage drivers to save 30% to 40% on their current premiums. With Mile Auto, you only pay for the miles you drive.

Pros
  • Savings for low-mileage drivers

  • Doesn’t require an in-car telematics device

Cons
  • No mobile app to file claims

  • Subpar Trustpilot ratings

Best insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover

User Reviews
3.4
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.
$108/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
3.4
A solid optionBased on 51 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Clearcover

Drivers appreciate the initial low rates and friendly customer service but dislike the frequent and significant premium increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Robust mobile app
Fast claims process
Competitive pricing
How drivers feel about Clearcover

Drivers appreciate the initial low rates and friendly customer service but dislike the frequent and significant premium increases.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Robust mobile app
Fast claims process
Competitive pricing
Reviews (36)

Ray

December 4, 2024

Verified Review

All Good

Everything is good, no problems.

Catherine

October 22, 2024

Verified Review

Great Customer Service

My premium increased by $70 due to an auto accident.

Brett

October 12, 2024

Verified Review

Unexpected Rate Increases

Everything was fine until they started to increase my rates, despite having no claims, DUIs, or moving violations. My driving record is clean, I'm almost 63 years old, and yet my rate keeps going up. It seems like there might be some price gouging in the insurance industry. The reason I decided to switch to Clearcover was because they offered me the best rate at that time. However, since then, my rate has only increased. It should be dropping, not going up.
See all Clearcover reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
3.14
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
Why we picked this company

Clearcover offers some of the most affordable car insurance rates for people who have a speeding ticket on their driving record. It also makes it easy to receive a custom quote. Clearcover advertises that customers can file a claim in as little as seven minutes, on average.

Pros
  • Advertises a quick claims process

  • Can manage policy from mobile app

Cons
  • Only sells auto insurance

  • Limited discounts compared to other insurers

Best insurer 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.
$245/mo
3.8
A solid optionBased on 19 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Sun Coast

Drivers appreciate the initial low prices but dislike the subsequent price increases and lack of communication for policy upgrades.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Difficult-to-insure drivers
West Coast drivers
Coverage in Mexico
How drivers feel about Sun Coast

Drivers appreciate the initial low prices but dislike the subsequent price increases and lack of communication for policy upgrades.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Difficult-to-insure drivers
West Coast drivers
Coverage in Mexico
Reviews (9)

Marylou

September 9, 2024

Verified Purchase

Surprise!

Sun Coast is by far the best insurance I have found. The rates are awesome.

Patricia

August 14, 2024

Verified Review

Great so far

Excellent

Tiffany

August 12, 2024

Verified Purchase

Unpleasant Experience

The experience was terrible. I was quoted a price but wasn't informed that I needed to submit proof of my degree. I wasn't given any time to submit it before my rate was increased. My payment didn't come out of my direct deposit on time due to their mistake, which resulted in an increased rate. I'm on a fixed income, so this was a terrible experience. Now, I have no insurance.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NR
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
NR
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
Why we picked this company

Sun Coast doesnt write insurance policies. Instead, it works with several small insurers to offer affordable car insurance for drivers with a DUI on their records. Working with a distribution network of 3,500 independent agents in 11 states, Sun Coast provides coverage for customers with various driving records, including clean records, accidents, tickets, suspended licenses, and foreign driver’s licenses.

Sun Coast also provides discounts for good drivers, prior insurance holders, multiple cars, and homeowners.

Pros
  • Low down payment options

  • Flexible billing plans

Cons
  • No mobile app to file claims

  • Doesn't offer home or life policies for bundling

How to get the cheapest car insurance in San Jose

Finding cheap car insurance is a matter of doing a little extra work in the shopping process to get the best prices for you. To find affordable car insurance premiums in San Jose, consider the following tips:

  • Practice safe driving habits. Maintain a clean driving record by obeying traffic laws and avoiding accidents and violations.

  • Choose a higher deductible. Higher collision and comprehensive deductibles usually mean lower premiums, as you’re agreeing to pay more up front when you file a claim. If you opt for a higher deductible to potentially lower your premium, ensure you have enough savings to cover it if needed.

  • Bundle policies. Inquire about multi-policy discounts for bundling your car insurance with other policies, like homeowners or renters insurance.

  • Don’t be shy about discounts. Ask about discounts for safety features in your vehicle, such as anti-lock brakes and passive restraint systems.

  • Request multiple quotes. Use an online comparison tool to shop around and compare quotes from different insurance companies to find the best price that suits your specific needs.

Find Cheap Car Insurance in San Jose

Liability rates start at $96 per month

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in San Jose: USAA

Liability-only car insurance is a basic form of coverage that protects you financially if you cause an accident. It covers the medical expenses and property damage of the other party involved, up to your policy’s limits. Liability-only insurance is typically the California minimum requirement to legally drive a car and comes with the lowest cost.

Keep in mind that liability-only insurance doesn’t provide coverage for your own vehicle repairs or medical expenses in case of an at-fault accident. Many insurance professionals recommend full coverage to get the greatest amount of financial protection if you cause an accident.

Liability-only policies in San Jose cost an average of $103 per month. Here are the companies with the cheapest liability-only coverage quotes in San Jose.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
USAA$96
Root$96
Sun Coast$100
Anchor$103
Mercury$105
Dairyland$107
Direct Auto$107
National General$114
GEICO$128
Allstate$133
Farmers$137
State Farm$148
Travelers$156
Bristol West$158
21st Century$169
Nationwide$208
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 San Jose: Mercury

Liability-only car insurance provides coverage for damages and injuries caused to others in an accident. It doesn’t cover your vehicle. Full-coverage car insurance, on the other hand, includes liability coverage and also covers damages to your vehicle through collision and comprehensive coverages.

Drivers who have a new or valuable car, live in areas prone to accidents or theft, or want additional protection for their own vehicle can benefit from buying a full-coverage auto insurance policy.

San Jose drivers pay a monthly average of $239 for full-coverage car insurance. Here are the San Jose insurance companies with the cheapest average full-coverage quotes.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Mercury$185
Root$186
USAA$220
Anchor$224
Sun Coast$245
GEICO$292
Direct Auto$296
Allstate$303
National General$307
Farmers$311
State Farm$337
Bristol West$347
Travelers$354
21st Century$386
Dairyland$390
Nationwide$476
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest recent rates near San Jose, California

Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $43/mo for liability only and $95/mo for full coverage in San Jose and other California cities.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around San Jose, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 120+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around San Jose, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 120+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from February 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.

Car insurance requirements in California

California requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.

The table below reflects this change and the types and amount of coverage all drivers need to carry:[1]

Coverage
2024 Coverage Limits
2025 Coverage Limits
Bodily injury liability$15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident$30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident
Property damage liability$5,000 per accident$15,000 per accident

But California’s current minimum insurance requirements may not be enough coverage to protect you.

“We recommend purchasing coverage above the state-required minimums and getting a full-coverage policy, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage,” says Friedlander.

“In the end, make sure you have adequate coverage that will provide substantial financial protection from an at-fault accident and not leave you vulnerable to a devastating monetary loss,” he adds.

For additional protection, you can consider buying these optional coverages:

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

    Collision coverage

    Collision insurance covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with another vehicle or object such as a tree or light pole, regardless of who’s at fault. Collision also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

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

    Comprehensive coverage

    Comprehensive insurance provides coverage for losses other than collisions, including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, severe weather events, and natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/100x100/3220fb55f1/broken-windshield.svg

    Glass coverage

    This includes windshield and glass damage, with some policies offering no-deductible coverage for side windows, rear windows, and glass sunroofs.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/150x150/13c17bd678/car-service-96x96-orange_027-car-lift.svg

    Gap coverage

    If you finance or lease your vehicle, gap insurance covers the difference between what’s left on your auto loan and your insurance settlement after a total loss.

California’s low-cost insurance plan

California provides eligible drivers with a state-sponsored low-cost auto insurance plan. If you’re struggling to afford car insurance, you may be eligible for the state program, as long as you meet the following requirements:

  • Meet income eligibility

  • Have a car valued at $25,000 or less

  • Are a good or new driver

  • Are at least 16 years old

  • Have a valid California driver’s license

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance plan (CLCA) costs $232 to $932 per year, depending on the county, and provides basic liability policies to qualifying drivers. Applicants can also add medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverages for an extra cost. If you’re interested in the CLCA program, you can learn more about it and apply at MyLowCostAuto.com.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

If you’re a driver with an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, driving under the influence conviction, or other moving violation on your record, finding affordable car insurance is crucial. Incidents like these often result in increased insurance prices for three to five years because they indicate a higher likelihood of future claims.[2]

Too many incidents on your record can also cause the state to require an SR-22 insurance filing, which can also increase your premiums.

Shop for Car Insurance in San Jose, CA

Monthly rates start at $114 for drivers with an incident

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualAllstate

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

If you’ve received a speeding ticket, you can anticipate higher monthly auto insurance premiums for several years compared to having a clean driving record. San Jose drivers with speeding tickets pay average monthly rates of $305 for full coverage and $131 for liability-only insurance.

The following table shows rates from top insurers for San Jose drivers with speeding tickets.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
Clean Driving Record
With Speeding Ticket
USAA$96$119
Root$96$130
Sun Coast$100$127
Anchor$103$125
Mercury$105$140
Dairyland$107$132
Direct Auto$107$133
National General$114$142
GEICO$128$159
Allstate$133$165
Farmers$137$170
State Farm$148$182
Travelers$156$195
Bristol West$158$198
21st Century$169$217
Nationwide$208$260
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: USAA

Another driving incident that can increase auto insurance prices is an at-fault accident. This type of incident can lead to expensive claims for car insurance companies, and they raise prices to cover the higher risk you pose as a driver.

In San Jose, an at-fault accident pushes the average car insurance rate to $302 per month for full coverage and $130 for minimum coverage. The following table highlights the cheapest insurers, on average, for drivers who have an at-fault accident on their records in San Jose.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
Clean Driving Record
With Accident
USAA$96$122
Root$96$133
Sun Coast$100$126
Anchor$103$125
Mercury$105$145
Dairyland$107$135
Direct Auto$107$139
National General$114$143
GEICO$128$163
Allstate$133$169
Farmers$137$174
State Farm$148$186
Travelers$156$199
Bristol West$158$201
21st Century$169$219
Nationwide$208$266
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.
Learn More: Is Accident Forgiveness Worth It?

Learn More: Is Accident Forgiveness Worth It?

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Root

DUIs carry significant weight as a serious driving offense and have a considerable effect on car insurance premiums. Insurance companies view a DUI history as a substantial financial risk, leading to higher premiums.

San Jose drivers with DUIs on their records pay average monthly rates of $350 for full coverage and $151 for liability-only insurance. The table below outlines the cheapest car insurance companies to help you find affordable coverage after a DUI.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
Clean Driving Record
With DUI
USAA$96$149
Root$96$134
Sun Coast$100$146
Anchor$103$159
Mercury$105$153
Dairyland$107$166
Direct Auto$107$166
National General$114$176
GEICO$128$198
Allstate$133$206
Farmers$137$212
State Farm$148$229
Travelers$156$241
Bristol West$158$244
21st Century$169$261
Nationwide$208$322
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: USAA

Age plays a vital role in determining car insurance rates. Prices typically decrease around age 25 as drivers gain experience. Around age 70, premiums may slightly increase due to factors such as potential health issues and higher accident risks.[3] But senior drivers in San Jose pay lower-than-average premiums overall compared to other driver profiles.

The average monthly cost of car insurance for senior drivers in San Jose is $190 for full coverage and $82 for minimum coverage. Here are the cheapest auto insurers for senior drivers in the city.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
Full Coverage
Liability Only
Mercury$145$82
Root$155$80
USAA$171$75
Anchor$176$81
Sun Coast$194$79
Direct Auto$224$81
GEICO$227$99
National General$228$84
Farmers$236$104
Allstate$237$104
State Farm$254$112
Travelers$269$119
Bristol West$272$124
21st Century$282$124
Dairyland$306$84
Nationwide$346$151
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: Root

Teenagers face significantly higher car insurance rates than older drivers due to their limited driving experience and increased risk factors. As a teen, one way to get affordable car insurance is by staying on a parent’s policy, which often leads to more favorable premiums.

Choosing a safe and reliable vehicle with good safety features and maintaining good grades to qualify for a good student discount can help further lower insurance costs. Teens can also get a discount if theyre away at school.

The average cost of car insurance for teen drivers in San Jose is $445 per month for full coverage and $192 for liability only. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in the city.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, February 27 at 11:00 AM PST
Insurance Company
Full Coverage
Liability Only
Root$296$153
Mercury$343$195
Anchor$394$181
USAA$395$172
Sun Coast$457$186
GEICO$503$220
Direct Auto$574$207
Farmers$577$254
Allstate$580$255
Bristol West$618$281
State Farm$621$273
National General$632$235
Dairyland$655$180
Travelers$681$300
21st Century$701$307
Nationwide$894$391
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.
Keep Reading: Average Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender

Keep Reading: Average Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender

Find Cheap Car Insurance in San Jose

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Is car insurance more expensive in San Jose?

Full-coverage car insurance costs an average of $197 per month in the U.S., compared to $239 in San Jose.

Insurance premiums can vary greatly by city due to factors like weather, crime, and traffic.[4]

More cities in California

Drivers in many California cities pay less on average for car insurance than drivers in San Jose. Drivers in other, more densely populated cities, like Los Angeles, may pay more for car insurance.

Here’s how San Jose’s average car insurance quotes compare to other major California cities.

City
Full Coverage
Liability Only
San Jose$239$103
Anaheim$257$117
Bakersfield$229$93
Fresno$209$95
Long Beach$277$129
Los Angeles$366$179
Modesto$235$104
Oakland$309$120
Riverside$237$105
Sacramento$263$118
San Diego$217$96
San Francisco$310$128
Stockton$253$100
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 Jose car insurance FAQs

If you still have questions about finding cheap car insurance in San Jose, you can check out Insurify’s guide on how to lower your car insurance premiums and get answers to commonly asked questions.

  • How much is car insurance in San Jose?

    The overall average cost of car insurance in San Jose is $171 per month, which breaks down to $239 per month for full-coverage insurance and $103 per month for liability only.

  • What are the best car insurance companies in San Jose?

    The best car insurance companies in San Jose are Mile Auto, Clearcover, and Sun Coast. These insurers have high Insurify Quality Scores, strong financial stability ratings, and above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings in California.

  • Which company has the cheapest car insurance in San Jose?

    USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for San Jose drivers, with liability rates starting at $96 per month, according to Insurify data. San Jose residents can also find affordable coverage with the citys second- and third-cheapest insurers, Root and Sun Coast. Their liability-only rates start as low as $96 and $100 per month, respectively.

  • What is the cheapest car insurance in San Jose for drivers younger than 25?

    The cheapest car insurance in San Jose for young drivers is Mile Auto. It offers pay-per-mile auto insurance, so it only charges drivers based on how many miles they drive, plus a base rate. It’s a solid option for people who drive short distances, like to school or a nearby job.

  • Can insurers in California use your credit score when setting premiums?

    No. Through certain regulations in California, insurers can’t use your credit score when determining your premiums. California is one of the few states that prohibit this practice in auto insurance.[5]

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. California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
  3. Insurance Information Institute. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips."
  4. Insurance Information Institute. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?."
  5. Federal Trade Commission. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores."
Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco

During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.

Jacqueline has been a contributor at Insurify since October 2022.

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
  • Over 3 years of experience producing content on insurance and personal finance.

  • Key architect of Insurify's quality score.

Courtney's deep knowledge of personal finance goes beyond insurance and includes credit cards, consumer loans, and banking. She loves creating practical content.

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Mark Friedlander
Reviewed byMark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications, Triple-I
Mark Friedlander
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications, Triple-I
  • 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.

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