Cheapest Auto Insurance in Santa Maria, California (2025)

Santa Maria drivers can find the cheapest car insurance rates from USAA. The insurer’s liability-only rates start at just $77 per month.

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Cheapest recent rates near Santa Maria, California

Recent Santa Maria, California car insurance prices for Honda, Toyota, Hyundai , and more.

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

*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around Santa Maria, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 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 March 27, 2025. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
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Drivers in Santa Maria can expect to pay an average of $137 per month for car insurance. The city’s rates are lower than the monthly average of $174 and the national average of $151 per month.

Drivers in Santa Maria pay less likely in part because of the city’s location and comparatively smaller population.[1] Even so, you can find cheaper coverage if you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before buying.

Here’s how you can find the most competitive rates from the best insurers in Santa Maria, California.

Quick Facts
  • USAA, Root, and Sun Coast are the cheapest car insurance companies for Santa Maria residents.

  • Your credit history doesn’t affect your insurance coverage rates in California. 

  • Low-income drivers can secure affordable coverage through the California Low-Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA) program.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Maria

Drivers in Santa Maria have affordable coverage options, and the best insurer for you depends on your coverage needs. Driving records, location, average mileage, vehicle type, and age can help determine which insurer offers the best deal.

Clearcover, USAA, and Mile Auto are some of the top picks for drivers in the city. Here’s why.

Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
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.
sort ascsort desc
Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Best for
sort ascsort desc
Mercury8.0$194$107Affordability
USAA9.4$224$95Military members, veterans, and their families
Mile Auto7.5$108$59Pay-per-mile insurance
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 affordability: Mercury

User Reviews
3.6
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.
8.0 /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.
$84/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.
$148/mo
3.6
A solid optionBased on 506 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mercury

Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
How drivers feel about Mercury

Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Reviews (275)

Cathy

March 23, 2025

Verified Review

The Ups and Downs Through the Years with Mercury Insurance

I would say Mercury Insurance was average. They were punctual in paying a claim for me, but I must say their customer service was on the poor side.

Nomie

March 16, 2025

Verified Review

Fed up with Rising Prices

I feel like as a long-term customer, your prices shouldn't go up.

Hope

March 7, 2025

Verified Review

Raised my rates after first 6 months

Mercury will raise your rates to a price higher than the one you switched from when you first became a Mercury customer. The lower rate is only for the first 6 months. This happens regardless of how clean your driving record is.
See all Mercury reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
827
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.48
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).
A
Why we picked this company

Mercury sells auto, home, condo, renters, and business insurance. In addition to standard car insurance coverages, Mercury also offers rental car reimbursement, roadside assistance, rideshare insurance, and more. Mercury customers can save with multiple discounts, including bundling auto with home or renters coverage. The company has an A rating from AM Best for financial stability. Mercury has nearly twice as many complaints as expected in the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Complaint Index.

Pros
  • Numerous coverage options, discounts, and bundling opportunities

  • Competitive auto insurance rates

  • Offers gap, custom equipment, and rideshare coverage add-ons

Cons
  • Only available in 11 states (including California)

  • Low claims satisfaction score from J.D. Power

  • Bad 1.6/5 Trustpilot score

Best insurer for military members, veterans, and their families: USAA

User Reviews
4.9
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.
9.4 /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.
$77/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.
$176/mo
4.9
Best choiceBased on 1,838 verified guest reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA

Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.

AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (1,059)

Donald

March 26, 2025

Verified Review

Unsatisfactory Experience for Veterans

They are unsatisfactory in handling home claims. They seem to side with questionable contractors and don't pay adequate attention to the veterans. Both the claims adjuster and the mitigation company seem dishonest. I had a very negative experience.

Tammie

March 26, 2025

Verified Review

USAA

USAA has always been quick to respond. However, they don't really fight for their policy holders.

Michael

March 25, 2025

Verified Review

Other than that, they're great

The car coverage cost goes up a little too high.
See all USAA reviews
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880
NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.35
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).
A++
Why we picked this company

USAA offers various financial products, including affordable car insurance. The bank serves military personnel, making it a popular option in Santa Maria since Vandenberg Space Force Base is only a few miles away. Customers appreciate the extensive coverage options and competitive rates.

However, policies are only available for select clients due to strict membership criteria. You must be an active military member, retired, or connected through an immediate family member.

Pros
  • High J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in California

  • Multiple available discounts

Cons
  • Strict membership criteria

  • Limited customer service availability

Best insurer for pay-per-mile insurance: 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.
$59/mo
4.2
Best choiceBased on 70 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 (38)

Irma

March 21, 2025

Verified Purchase

Mike Auto is for Real

I have nothing but good things to say. It has saved me a lot of money, which means everything to me. I think about all the money I have paid for insurance, and finally, this insurance, Mike Auto, has come up with a way to reduce the cost.

Irma

March 19, 2025

Verified Purchase

Response Time

I would prefer to have my problems solved before the three days they state as their response time.

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.
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

As a pay-per-mile insurance company, Mile Auto determines rates based on how much you drive. If you drive more, you have to pay more. Since Santa Maria is a smaller city, pay-per-mile insurance can be an excellent option for drivers who stay local.

However, you must submit odometer readings and provide access to location services, which can be a dealbreaker for some privacy-conscious drivers. If you regularly commute to San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara for your job or business, you can likely find better rates elsewhere.

Pros
  • Easy-to-understand pricing

  • Pay less for driving less

Cons
  • Limited nationwide availability

  • Must submit odometer checks

Find Cheap Car Insurance in Santa Maria, California

Rates start at $77 per month for liability coverage

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

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Santa Maria

Your location and where you live within a city can affect how much you pay for car insurance. Factors like your driving history, age, and vehicle type also affect insurance costs.

But you have ways to save:[2]

  • Ask about discounts. Most car insurance companies offer discounts for bundling policies, including home insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance. But many insurers also offer rate deductions for good driving, driving fewer miles, and being a student. Ask insurance agents or representatives what discounts apply.

  • Consider your car’s value. The value of your vehicle determines how much insurance you need. If you have a new or high-value car, it usually makes sense to opt for higher coverage. But if your vehicle is old or worth less, you might need less extensive protection.

  • Compare quotes. Comparing quotes from at least three companies is the most effective way to save money on car insurance. It’s easier to gauge whether or not you’re getting a good deal once you review more than one offer.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Santa Maria: USAA

Most states, including California, mandate liability-only car insurance. Liability coverage helps pay for vehicle repairs and medical expenses for the other driver when you cause an accident.[3] But there are limitations, and it doesn’t cover your repair costs.

USAA offers the cheapest quotes for liability-only coverage in Santa Maria, with a cost of $77 per month. You can find the most competitive rates from the following insurers.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote
sort ascsort desc
USAA$77
Root$77
Sun Coast$80
Anchor$83
Mercury$84
Dairyland$86
Direct Auto$86
National General$91
GEICO$103
Allstate$106
Farmers$109
State Farm$119
Travelers$125
Bristol West$126
21st Century$135
Nationwide$167
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 Santa Maria: Mercury

Full-coverage car insurance typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. If you cause an accident or hit an object, collision coverage can help pay for your vehicle repairs. Comprehensive coverage helps cover costs associated with non-collision damages like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.

Mercury offers the cheapest quotes for full-coverage policies in Santa Maria, with rates of $148 per month. The following insurance companies also offer affordable rates.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Average Monthly Quote
sort ascsort desc
Mercury$148
Root$149
USAA$176
Anchor$179
Sun Coast$196
GEICO$234
Direct Auto$237
Allstate$243
National General$246
Farmers$250
State Farm$270
Bristol West$278
Travelers$284
21st Century$309
Dairyland$312
Nationwide$381
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 Santa Maria, California

Recent Santa Maria, California car insurance prices for Hyundai, Jaguar, Nissan , and more.

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

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

Car insurance requirements in California

Drivers in California must have liability insurance, which helps pay for vehicle repairs and medical costs for the other driver. In California, liability insurance includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.[3]

State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The table below reflects this change and the types and amount of coverage all Santa Maria drivers need to carry:[4]

Coverage
sort ascsort desc
2024 Coverage Limits
sort ascsort desc
2025 Coverage Limits
sort ascsort desc
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

As you determine your coverage needs, consider the following policies:

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

    Comprehensive coverage

    Cars can sustain damage from incidents other than accidents, including theft, vandalism, and natural disasters. Comprehensive insurance ensures you have coverage in those situations.

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

    Collision coverage

    If you hit another object, like a car or tree, collision coverage helps pay for repairs.

  • illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/abffe6238f/financial-protection.svg

    Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage

    Collision and comprehensive help pay for repairs to your vehicle but don’t help pay for necessary medical treatment. PIP helps fill the gap and covers medical care related to an accident.

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

    Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage

    Even though California mandates coverage, some drivers don’t follow the law and don’t purchase auto insurance. If a driver without insurance — or without enough insurance — causes damage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage helps cover your costs.

California’s Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program

California offers low-income drivers affordable liability-only coverage through the Low-Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA) program. Drivers can work with select companies to secure coverage amounts lower than the state-mandated limits.[5]

To qualify, you must earn less than the income thresholds set by the state. The size of your family and total income determines eligibility. For example, families of four must make less than $75,000 per year, which is lower than the federal poverty guidelines. You also need a clean driving record, and your car can’t be worth more than $25,000.[6]

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Driving incidents cause your insurance premiums to increase. Car insurance companies determine rates based on your driving record.

Drivers without any incidents can secure lower rates since insurers consider them less risky to insure. However, insurers charge more if you have a speeding ticket, driving under the influence (DUI) violation, or at-fault car accident.

Here’s how each type of incident affects your car insurance rates.

Shop for Car Insurance in Santa Maria, CA

Monthly rates start at $91 for drivers with an incident

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Speeding tickets indicate risky driving, which signifies to insurers that you might be more likely to file a claim. Insurance companies charge more for coverage to compensate for the potential cost of future claims. However, it’s still possible to find competitive rates.

The cheapest insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket in Santa Maria is USAA, with a cost of $96 per month. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Maria after a speeding ticket.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Clean Driving Record
sort ascsort desc
With Speeding Ticket
sort ascsort desc
USAA$77$96
Root$77$104
Sun Coast$80$102
Anchor$83$102
Mercury$84$112
Dairyland$86$107
Direct Auto$86$108
National General$91$113
GEICO$103$128
Allstate$106$132
Farmers$109$136
State Farm$119$146
Travelers$125$157
Bristol West$126$159
21st Century$135$173
Nationwide$167$210
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

Car insurance companies determine rates based on how likely drivers are to file future claims. If you have an at-fault accident on your driving record, it indicates that you’re more likely to do so. Even though past behavior isn’t always an indicator of future behavior, insurance companies prefer to err on the side of caution.

The cheapest insurer for drivers with an at-fault accident in Santa Maria is USAA, with a cost of $98 per month.

Here’s how much you can expect your car insurance rates to increase with different companies after you cause a car accident.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Clean Driving Record
sort ascsort desc
With Accident
sort ascsort desc
USAA$77$98
Root$77$107
Sun Coast$80$102
Anchor$83$102
Mercury$84$116
Dairyland$86$109
Direct Auto$86$112
National General$91$114
GEICO$103$131
Allstate$106$135
Farmers$109$139
State Farm$119$150
Travelers$125$160
Bristol West$126$160
21st Century$135$175
Nationwide$167$214
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: Root

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious violation that causes your car insurance costs to skyrocket. If you get a DUI in California, convictions remain on your driving record for 10 years. You might also have to pay fines, lose your license, spend time in jail, and face non-renewal from your insurance company.[7]

If you’re navigating the aftermath of a DUI, seek out insurance companies that specialize in coverage. The cheapest insurer for drivers with a DUI in Santa Maria is Root, with a monthly cost of $108.

Here’s how much you can expect your rates to increase after a DUI.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Clean Driving Record
sort ascsort desc
With DUI
sort ascsort desc
USAA$77$119
Root$77$108
Sun Coast$80$118
Anchor$83$128
Mercury$84$123
Dairyland$86$133
Direct Auto$86$133
National General$91$141
GEICO$103$159
Allstate$106$164
Farmers$109$169
State Farm$119$184
Travelers$125$193
Bristol West$126$195
21st Century$135$209
Nationwide$167$258
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

Your age affects your car insurance costs. Young drivers can expect higher insurance costs throughout their teenage years and young adulthood. Around age 35, prices begin to decrease and continue doing so throughout retirement age. However, rates start to increase again around age 70.

The cheapest insurer for senior drivers in Santa Maria is USAA, with a monthly cost of $60.

Here’s the cheapest car insurance in Santa Maria for seniors.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
USAA$60$137
Sun Coast$63$155
Root$64$124
Anchor$65$140
Direct Auto$65$179
Mercury$66$116
Dairyland$67$244
National General$67$182
GEICO$80$181
Allstate$83$189
Farmers$83$189
State Farm$90$203
Travelers$95$215
21st Century$99$226
Bristol West$99$218
Nationwide$121$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 teens: Root

Teenage drivers spend significantly more on car insurance due to inexperience and risky behavior behind the wheel. Since most teenagers have insurance through parents or guardians, the costs can affect the family budget.

But you can take steps to save money. Ask about good student discounts, buy a car with additional safety features, and keep your teenager on the family insurance plan as long as possible.

With a cost of $124 per month, the cheapest insurer for teen drivers in Santa Maria is Root.

Here are the cheapest car insurance quotes for teenage drivers in Santa Maria.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Thursday, March 13 at 12:00 PM PDT
Insurance Company
sort ascsort desc
Liability Only
sort ascsort desc
Full Coverage
sort ascsort desc
Root$124$239
USAA$139$318
Dairyland$145$526
Anchor$146$315
Sun Coast$150$369
Mercury$157$276
Direct Auto$168$463
GEICO$179$406
National General$188$508
Farmers$204$467
Allstate$205$469
State Farm$221$501
Bristol West$226$498
Travelers$242$550
21st Century$247$565
Nationwide$316$722
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.

Find Car Insurance in Santa Maria

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Is car insurance more expensive in Santa Maria?

No. Average rates in Santa Maria are also lower than the state average, possibly due to the city’s agricultural-heavy setting and comparatively smaller population size. Drivers in bigger nearby cities like Santa Barbara and Moreno Valley pay slightly more per month.

Santa Maria drivers pay an average of $137 per month for car insurance, lower than the state average of $174 and much lower than the national average of $151 per month.

More cities in California

Drivers in nearby California cities pay slightly more for car insurance. For example, drivers in Santa Barbara pay an average of $98 per month, about $20 more. Similarly, Moreno Valley residents pay about $10 more than Santa Maria drivers.

Here are the average quotes for some other California cities.

City
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Average Quote: Liability Only
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Average Quote: Full Coverage
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Anaheim$117$257
Berkeley$117296
Fresno$95$209
Long Beach$129$277
Los Angeles$179$366
Oakland$120$309
Sacramento$118$263
San Diego$96$217
San Francisco$128$310
San Jose$103$239
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.

Santa Maria car insurance FAQs

Finding the right car insurance can be challenging. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about car insurance in Santa Maria.

  • How much is car insurance in Santa Maria?

    On average, car insurance in Santa Maria costs $193 per month for full coverage and $80 for liability-only insurance. Your exact premium will depend on factors like your location, driving record, age, and gender.

  • Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Santa Maria?

    USAA offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Santa Maria, starting at $77 for liability-only coverage. Santa Maria drivers can also find cheap rates from Root and Sun Coast, which have liability rates as low as $77 and $80, respectively.

  • What are the best car insurance companies in Santa Maria?

    Nationwide, State Farm, and USAA are the best car insurance companies in Santa Maria. All boast IQ Scores of above 4 out of 5 and have strong financial strength ratings.

    However, the best car insurance company for you may be different, as everyone has unique insurance needs and financial situations. Always be sure to compare quotes from multiple insurers before buying a policy.

  • Can insurers in California consider your credit score when setting car insurance rates?

    No. California law forbids insurers from using your credit history as a factor when setting car insurance rates.

  • How much does the average person pay for car insurance in California?

    The average person pays $174 per month for car insurance in California.

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. Neighborhood Scout. "Santa Maria, CA."
  2. Insurance Information Institute. "How to save money on car insurance."
  3. California DMV. "Auto Insurance Requirements."
  4. California Department of Insurance. "BULLETIN 2023-1."
  5. Ca.gov. "California's Low Cost Auto Insurance Program."
  6. California's Low Cost Auto Insurance. "Get Reliable Insurance For Less."
  7. California DMV. "Section 9: Alcohol and Drugs."
Danny Smith
Danny Smith

Danny is a Brooklyn-based writer with a producer’s license for property and casualty insurance. A former editor at Insurify, he specializes in auto, home, and pet insurance. He works to translate his insurance expertise into digestible, easy-to-understand content for drivers, homeowners, and pet owners alike.

Danny has been a contributor at Insurify since March 2022.

Taylor Milam-Samuel
Taylor Milam-Samuel
  • 8+ years writing for major outlets, including MarketWatch and Business Insider

  • Master’s in Education

Taylor Mlam-Samuel is a personal finance writer and credentialed educator. When she’s not helping readers better save and spend money, she can be found teaching.

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