13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
Insurance, lending, and retirement expert
Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.
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.
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.
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Cheapest recent rates in California
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $57/mo for liability only and $114/mo for full coverage in California.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 14, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 March 14, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users from California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 14, 2024
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 100+ 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 March 14, 2024. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
San Jose drivers pay, on average, $218 per month for full coverage car insurance and $110 per month for liability only, Insurify data shows. By comparison, the California statewide averages are $232 and $119, respectively.
San Jose's 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 city's 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
California offers a low-cost insurance program to help qualifying San Jose residents find affordable car insurance.
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.
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:
Best insurance for teens and young drivers: Mile Auto
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.
$65/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.
$120/mo
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 that is 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 insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover
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.
$65/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.
$137/mo
Clearcover offers some of the most affordable car insurance rates for drivers 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 discount options compared to other insurers
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.
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.
$71/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.
$158/mo
Sun Coast doesn't 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.
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.
Here are the companies with the cheapest liability-only coverage quotes in San Jose.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Clearcover
65
Mile Auto
65
Sun Coast
71
Mercury
83
Anchor
90
Safeco
98
USAA
99
Dairyland
114
National General
121
GEICO
132
Direct Auto
136
Allstate
137
Farmers
141
State Farm
153
Travelers
160
21st Century
175
Bristol West
175
Nationwide
215
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
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 benefit from buying a full-coverage auto insurance policy.
Here are the San Jose insurance companies with the cheapest average full-coverage quotes.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto
120
Clearcover
137
Mercury
155
Sun Coast
158
Safeco
169
Anchor
186
USAA
210
National General
242
Dairyland
267
GEICO
280
Allstate
290
Farmers
298
State Farm
323
Travelers
339
Direct Auto
342
21st Century
370
Bristol West
386
Nationwide
455
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in California
California requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance, described as 15/30/5, which breaks down into the following coverages:[1]
Coverage
Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability
$15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$5,000 per accident
Important Information
On Jan. 1, 2025, California’s minimum car insurance requirements will increase to 30/60/15. This means San Jose drivers will need to purchase coverages of $30,000 per person for bodily injury liability, $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $15,000 per accident for property damage liability.[2]
While California’s current minimum insurance requirements are lower than in other states, it 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:
Collision coverage
This 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.
Comprehensive coverage
This provides coverage for losses other than collisions, including theft, vandalism, fire, falling objects, severe weather events, and natural disasters such as wildfires and earthquakes.
Glass coverage
This includes windshield and glass damage, with some policies offering no-deductible coverage for side windows, rear windows, and glass sunroofs.
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 a 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.[3] Too many incidents on your record can also cause the state to require an SR-22 insurance filing, which can also increase your premiums.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
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 see average monthly rates of $305 for full coverage and $154 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, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Mile Auto
174
94
Mercury
227
122
Safeco
236
137
USAA
267
126
National General
309
155
Dairyland
351
150
GEICO
356
168
Allstate
368
174
Farmers
380
180
State Farm
405
192
Travelers
438
207
Direct Auto
450
179
21st Century
491
232
Bristol West
500
226
Nationwide
584
276
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident
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 $291 per month for full coverage and $147 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, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Mile Auto
177
96
Mercury
229
123
Safeco
239
138
Anchor
247
120
USAA
269
127
National General
316
158
Dairyland
350
150
GEICO
360
169
Allstate
372
176
Farmers
382
181
State Farm
409
194
Travelers
440
208
Direct Auto
456
181
21st Century
491
232
Bristol West
494
224
Nationwide
589
278
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
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.[3]
San Jose drivers with DUIs on their records see average monthly full-coverage rates of $307, and $155 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, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Mile Auto
177
96
Mercury
235
126
Safeco
250
145
Anchor
275
133
USAA
311
146
National General
358
179
Dairyland
395
169
GEICO
414
195
Allstate
429
203
Farmers
441
209
State Farm
478
226
Travelers
501
237
Direct Auto
506
201
21st Century
547
259
Bristol West
571
259
Nationwide
673
318
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
Age plays a vital role in determining car insurance rates. Prices typically decrease around age 25 as drivers gain experience. However, around age 70, premiums may slightly increase due to factors such as potential health issues and higher accident risks.[4] However, senior drivers in San Jose experience lower-than-average premiums overall, compared to other driver profiles.
The average cost monthly of car insurance for senior drivers in San Jose is $170 for full coverage and $86 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, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Mile Auto
90
49
Mercury
123
66
Safeco
140
81
USAA
164
77
National General
195
97
Dairyland
211
90
GEICO
216
102
Allstate
228
108
Farmers
228
108
State Farm
243
115
Direct Auto
258
102
Travelers
261
123
21st Century
272
129
Bristol West
302
137
Nationwide
334
158
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
Teenagers typically face significantly higher car insurance rates than older drivers due to their limited driving experience and increased risk factors.[5] 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. Furthermore, 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 they're away at school.
The average cost of car insurance for teen drivers in San Jose is $340 per month for full coverage and $171 for liability only. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for teens drivers in the city.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 14 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company
Average Monthly Quote: Full Coverage
Average Monthly Quote: Liability Only
Mile Auto
217
117
Mercury
268
144
Safeco
284
165
Anchor
312
151
USAA
323
152
Dairyland
404
172
GEICO
410
193
National General
435
217
Allstate
476
225
Farmers
486
230
State Farm
516
245
Travelers
573
270
21st Century
577
273
Direct Auto
587
233
Bristol West
599
271
Nationwide
727
343
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.
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 like Insurify 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
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Is car insurance more expensive in San Jose?
Full-coverage car insurance costs an average of $212 a month in the U.S., compared to $218 in San Jose. Insurance premiums can vary greatly by city due to factors like weather, crime, and traffic.[5]
More cities in California
Drivers in many California cities pay less on average for car insurance than those 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 full-coverage car insurance quotes compare to other major California cities.
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 $164 a month, which breaks down to $218 per month for full-coverage insurance and $110 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 the California region.[6]
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in San Jose?
Clearcover offers the cheapest car insurance for San Jose drivers, with liability rates starting at $65 per month, according to Insurify data. San Jose residents can also find affordable coverage with the city's second- and third-cheapest insurers, Mile Auto and Sun Coast. Their liability-only rates start as low as $65 and $71 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.[7]
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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.
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.
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.