It is most rational as a consumer to ensure any significant investment that you might make in life. Automobiles are an economical as well as a social asset. This makes the car insurance industry a booming business. It is worthwhile to spend some time to understand the various aspects of the car insurance industry. The information will enable you to choose a car insurance policy that is most suited to your needs and financial abilities. Cheap auto insurance San Diego CA is easy to find if you have the requisite knowledge of comparing car insurance quotes. It is essential to read the terms and conditions of the policy carefully before committing to it.
An ideal policy would cover maximum mishap events for maximum members of the family at a minimal price. This means that a policy with a very high deductible is a strict no-no. An impressive trick to find cheap car insurance San Diego CA is to look for online car insurance companies. They can offer massive discounts because of lower business overheads.
Recently, San Diego has introduced legislation to permit pay-as-you-drive car insurance policies. A number of companies provide this service to private car owners. These policies are a boon for a driver with low annual mileage. If you qualify for one of these plans, you can assure yourself of getting the best auto insurance quote San Diego.
Who Has The Cheapest Car Insurance In San Diego CA?
It is useful to compare San Diego car insurance rates before opting for one. Most insurance companies understandably offer plans based on credit score and driving skills. Based on these two aspects alone, most drivers can be placed into the profile for a standard “full coverage insurance.” This includes comprehensive and collision-related coverage, along with state-required coverage.
The following San Diego car insurance companies provide the cheapest rates. We have included the excellent driver discount in the given list, wherever provided by the insurance company.
| Company | Annual Payment |
| Geico | $1,281 |
| Wawanesa | $1,377 |
| Kemper | $1,409 |
| Liberty Mutual | $1,438 |
| 21st Century | $1,496 |
| Esurance | $1,572 |
| Progressive | $1,634 |
| USAA | $1,712 |
| MetLife | $1,796 |
| Allstate | $1,825 |
Factors like no recent accidents or traffic rules violations can bring down these prices further. Men and women differ in average rates for a clean driving history. This means that gender plays a role in determining the cost of your car insurance policy.
What Is The Average Car Insurance Cost In San Diego CA?
The average car insurance cost in San Diego is around $1,295 per year. The cheapest company for a full coverage annual car insurance policy is GEICO, closely followed by Wawanesa. Other affordable options are Liberty Manual, Kemper, and 21st Century.
How To Get Cheap Car Insurance In San Diego CA?
Car insurance San Diego CA is a massive industry. As the number of owners of automobiles increases, the competition in the market rises. This pushes the price of car insurance policies even higher. However, some simple and intuitive tricks may help you reduce the cost of your car insurance policy exponentially. The best and, indeed, the easiest way to get affordable car insurance San Diego is to keep your driving record clean. This shouldn’t even be a piece of advice for getting the cheapest car insurance, but perhaps a maxim for life. According to a Sweeney Merrigan LLC survey, about 90 people lose their lives due to a car accident every day in the USA. This does not include people who suffer fatal injuries, lifelong deformities or incur significant vehicular or financial damages. A car insurance policy might cover you from the latter two, but some damages can never be compensated. Safe driving is a life skill that you should incorporate devotionally. The advantages and massive discounts it leads to in the car insurance market are an added bonus!
There is another effortless way to show the insurance company your commitment to vehicular safety. Installation of safety equipment like anti-theft systems, automatic seat belts, and daytime running lights is known to decrease the car insurance plan’s cost by as much as 40%.
Using tools for technological advancement can save you a lot of bucks. Some companies offer you a cut for using an app that keeps track of your driving habits. These apps record necessary information such as speed and braking habits. This record is used to create a driver profile for you that the insurance company can use to judge your driving ability. Opting for options like auto-pay premiums and paperless statements can also imply significant discounts.
If you are a young driver, good grades can help you land a cheap car insurance policy. It indicates that you are a conscientious person and are less likely to engage in car accidents or rash driving.
Cheap Car Insurance Companies In San Diego CA
The costs for car insurance policies depend on various factors. These include the insurer and personal characteristics of the applicant. Location is also a significant factor, as car insurance prices are likely to be cheaper in states that are less prone to road accidents. GEICO is renowned for being the cheapest car insurance provider in California. It offers coverage for an average of $433 per year. It is the most affordable car insurance in San Diego in both minimum liability and full range. Notably, Mercury Insurance is going to prove to be the cheapest after one accident. This also implies that it will be a good option for those looking for a pay-as-you-drive insurance policy.
If you are a young driver, StateFarm might have some of the best plans for you. It is the cheapest option in the market for young drivers.
Best 10 Auto Insurance In San Diego
Different auto insurance companies San Diego flaunt other Unique Selling Points. Be careful to diligently compare their quotes and match their features with your requirements before making your choice.
- GEICO (cheapest car insurance in San Diego
- Progressive (offers advantages like accident forgiveness)
- Liberty Manual (is known to accept drivers with poor driving history)
- The General (known for SR22 insurance plans)
- Auto Insurance Specialists (offers Mexico insurance)
- American TriStar (DUI auto insurance)
- Esurance (offers very affordable car insurance)
- USAA (specializing in minimum liability)
- AAA (commendable customer service, as well as affordable prices)
- EverNote (an online platform for quick car insurance quotes)
What Are The Different Types Of Auto Insurance Coverage?
The general concept of auto insurance does not elude anyone. However, are you aware of the different types of auto coverages that are available? If you are on the hunt for the right policy, knowing the various auto insurance coverages will help you substantially. As a result, educating yourself on the different types is crucial in selecting the ideal policy for you. The following are the necessary car insurance types, how they work and what they can cover for you.
- Liability Coverage
Liability insurance is mandatory in all US states. It is also a federal legal requirement if you want to drive a car. The policy helps cover basic property damages and physical injuries to individuals for which at-fault drivers may be legally responsible for covering.
- Comprehensive Insurance
It usually provides an additional veil of coverage in the instance of an accident involving another driver. The policy will cover the damages sustained by your car, including vandalism, damage due to natural disasters, or accidents with animals. However, it will not pay for damages under collision.
- Collision Insurance
Collision insurance will help cover damages in case of an accident of your car with another vehicle. It can pay for repairs or replacement of the indemnified vehicle.
- Underinsured Motorist Insurance
Several drivers opt for the minimum coverage since it costs less. However, it is not enough to provide for expenses in the event of an accident. As a result, an underinsured motorist policy will protect you in the scenario where the at-fault driver has purchased minimum liability insurance.
- Uninsured Motorist Insurance
The policy will protect you against at-fault drivers who are insured or events involving hit-and-run accidents. You can pair this policy with underinsured motorist insurance.
- Medical Payments Coverage
It can be expensive to pay for medical bills following an accident. As a result, the policy indemnifies the insured person against exorbitant bills.
- Personal Injury Protection Insurance
Personal injury protection insurance can cover you for specific medical expenses and income loss arising from the accident. Based on the maximum indemnified amount, the policy can cover up to 80 percent of the costs resulting from the accident. However, individuals must note that a car’s value can depreciate quickly. As a result, if you have purchased a loan on the car, an auto insurance policy might not be competent enough to cover it.
- Towing and Labor Insurance
It is available only if you have purchased comprehensive car insurance. The policy pays for the towing charges and any labor costs involved in the repair of your vehicle.
- Major Parts Replacement Coverage
As the name suggests, the policy can replace significant parts of your vehicle without any additional charge.
- Rental Reimbursement Insurance
It can be challenging to commute around if your car has been involved in an accident. As a result, the rental reimbursement insurance pays for the rental car you might use post-accident.
- Classic Car Insurance
The policy is ideal for individuals who are vintage or classic car collectors.
- New Car Replacement
The new car replacement policy pays the value of a brand new car of the same make and model as the insured car’s. The amount paid can carry a deductible if your vehicle is a total loss.
What Is The Cheapest Car Insurance Policy?
Several individuals who drive an old car or a vehicle that does not cost much often opt for liability-only car insurance since it saves a lot of money. However, insurers often recommend purchasing more than the minimum coverage since it does not begin to cover the expenses that one might have to bear if indulged in a car accident. Every state in the US requires drivers to carry insurance. However, if you are responsible for the loss to someone else’s property or injure someone during the process, having liability-only car insurance will not cut it. A liability-only policy covers bodily injuries and property damage. In no event will it indemnify for the expenses to fix or repair your car. As a result, looking for policies that cover comprehensive or collision damage is essential since it will secure you from probable losses in the event of an accident. For the best car insurance, San Diego is thriving with companies that offer policies at competitive rates.
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In San Diego CA For Minimum Coverage
Individuals often seek a bare-bones insurance policy. The scenario is more prevalent among people who drive a worn-out car and want to have an insurance policy that entails minimum coverage to evade legal actions. As a result, the following is a list of companies offering cheap car insurance San Diego CA.
| Company | Average Annual Rates |
| Geico | $420 |
| Kemper | $527 |
| Liberty Mutual | $583 |
| Auto Club of SoCal | $598 |
| Progressive | $599 |
| Esurance | $617 |
| Travelers | $658 |
| Farmers | $718 |
| Hartford | $745 |
If you are a responsible driver, the companies mentioned above will offer you a discount in good faith. Geico is one of the most affordable car insurance San Diego provides for individuals seeking a minimum coverage policy. Followed by Geico, on the second number stands Kemper with a yearly rate of $527. We must clarify that such light insurance coverage policy is not recommended since it will never be able to afford the expenses that arise out of a genuine accident. However, it is better than nothing and can assuage the auto laws prescribed by the state. Therefore, you will not be responsible for violating the law if you have a minimum coverage insurance policy. With the best car insurance, San Diego offers its drivers the opportunity to mitigate probable losses by opting for comprehensive insurance policies.
Cheap Car Insurance Companies In San Diego CA For Drivers With Bad Credit
If you are a San Diego driver with bad credit, obtaining a cheap insurance policy can be challenging. For the best auto insurance quote, San Diego provides several companies that are willing to hear your case and offer rates based on your real-time driving behavior and record. However, it might be overwhelming to hear that the average credit score is slightly higher than the national average in San Diego. The insurance sector’s average credit score hit a record high with 705, which is still 5 points lower than San Diego’s credit score of 710.
In many states, insurance companies utilize credit scores to determine the premium rates for individuals. However, San Diego is a glaring exception to this model. In San Diego, insurers don’t obtain the client’s credit scores to influence the premium rates. Your credit score can impact your finances in other ways, but manipulating insurance costs is far from it. Nonetheless, here is a list of companies that provide cheap car insurance San Diego CA.
| Company | Annual Rate |
| Esurance | $1,183 |
| Geico | $1,220 |
| State Farm | $1,260 |
| USAA | $1,274 |
| Allstate | $1,341 |
| MetLife | $1,415 |
| Hartford | $1,487 |
| Travelers | $1,526 |
| Mercury | $1,579 |
We recommend that individuals shop around and search for the best policy available. You would be surprised to see the difference in insurance quotes for the same profile in different companies. You can also proactively ask for discounts if you had been a model driver and don’t have any speeding ticket or DUI to blemish your record.
San Diego CA Cheap Car Insurance Quotes For Young Drivers
If you are a teen driver or are in your early twenties in San Diego, the possibility is that you might have to shell out more money to pay for auto insurance in the state.
Insurance companies often perceive young drivers to be more inexperienced since they do not follow traffic rules or are reckless with their lives and vehicles while driving. As a result, insurers perceive young drivers to be more susceptible to accidents based on all these reasons. Nonetheless, firms providing auto coverage will have to hedge their risk even with the increasing teen accidents. Therefore, they ask for a higher premium amount from young drivers. Even the best car insurance San Diego can offer will charge higher rates owing to the driver’s age and the relative probability of indulging in an accident.
However, if you are willing to shop around, there might be some companies that can offer you discounts or relaxations based on your spotless driving record. Apart from this, individuals enrolled in a driver’s training program are also eligible to receive some discounts since they can drive more responsibly and entail a higher probability of following rules. Different insurance firms treat cases differently. As a result, every factor will considerably weigh-in when insurance companies are setting rates. You will find that insurance companies can provide drastically varying quotes.
Suppose you are a San Diego driver with an immaculate record and a good credit score. In that case, the chances are that you can avail of considerable discounts for good behavior for a full coverage policy. The following is a list of companies that can offer cheap insurance San Diego CA:
| Company | Annual Rate |
| Wawanesa | $1,562 |
| 21st Century | $1,628 |
| Geico | $1,795 |
| Farmers | $1,814 |
| Progressive | $1,887 |
| Allstate | $2,056 |
| State Farm | $2,254 |
| Allied | $2,297 |
| Travelers | $2,314 |
Young drivers can find it hard to find a cheap auto insurance policy, and the feat gets challenging if you require full coverage. Since full coverage already costs more, shelling out more money only because you are young can discourage some individuals from getting an insurance policy at all.
The rates discussed above are averages for young male and female drivers in San Diego with minimum insurance coverages. If you are on an active auto loan or lease, it might be mandatory for you to opt for a full coverage policy. The rates discussed above are more prevalent among drivers who possess a good record. However, you can also boost your application by installing anti-theft devices or alarm systems in your automobiles. You must be proactive with your approach when discussing your application with the insurers.
The statewide average representative rate is $1,750 but your insurance premium would likely lie $80 above or below the standard bracket if you live in San Diego. The premium amount can vary drastically within each state, and based on the factors mentioned above, and you will receive a quote that is unique to your application. As a result, for cheap auto insurance San Diego CA is the ideal place since it harbors lower accidental rates and the region rarely witnesses automobile thefts.
Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes In San Diego CA After A DUI
If you have got a DUI on your record, finding cheap auto insurance can be difficult. Since insurance firms look negatively at drivers who have obtained a DUI and perceive them as less reliable, they often charge a higher premium to hedge their risk. If you are a driver with a DUI on your record, insurers believe that it is probable that you might be involved in an accident. As a result, to secure themselves from the loss, a higher premium amount is typical. In the insurance business, the rule of thumb is that companies will charge you more if you are an at-risk individual with either poor credit or a DUI under your belt. However, the following is the list of the cheap car insurance San Diego CA has to offer.
| Company | Annual Rate |
| Geico | $2,254 |
| Farmers | $2,298 |
| Infinity | $2,567 |
| Mercury | $3,059 |
| Kemper | $3,365 |
| Esurance | $3,672 |
| Progressive | $3,789 |
| Travelers | $4,095 |
| Allstate | $4,233 |
Convicted for driving under the influence or DUI can result in higher insurance rates. As a result, you are likely to pay more premium than before. Several insurance companies offer lucrative incentives to drivers who possess a spotless driving record or individuals who have not been involved in an accident for a period of up to three years. You would notice that premium rates can vary by hundreds of dollars among insurance carriers. Nonetheless, you must shop around and discuss your case with at least three different firms before making a decision.
Is San Diego CA Auto Insurance A No-Fault?
Much like other states in the US, San Diego is not a no-fault state. The injured driver can file a formal complaint against the at-fault driver or the insurance company representing the client. Drivers in California entail the right to sue for additional damages, according to the LA attorneys. The state of California will require the injury victims to prove the liability of the at-fault party to recover compensation. If you want to opt for cheap auto insurance San Diego, CA has several companies to offer.
San Diego CA Auto Insurance Average Full Coverage Cost Per Carrier
If you want to find cheap car insurance, San Diego CA has several companies to offer. However, with different companies, different quotes exist in the market. The following are the various premium prices provided by insurers in San Diego for full coverage:
| Company | Annual Rate |
| Geico | $1,458 |
| Progressive | $1,523 |
| Wawanesa | $1,579 |
| USAA | $1,635 |
| Grange Insurance | $1,698 |
| Eusrance | $1,732 |
| Allstate | $1,786 |
| Farmers | $1,814 |
| MetLife | $1,852 |
Many customers have also conceded that Mercury is also one of the most affordable car insurance firms in San Diego. Its full coverage policy is one of the cheapest, and the company also offers a plethora of discounts to its customers.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In San Diego CA For Seniors
Statistics suggest that in San Diego, there are more than 55 million drivers who are older than 55 and more than 2.5 million drivers who are older than 70 years in age. As a result, since San Diego streets are riddled with senior citizens, insurance companies offer considerable demographic discounts. The following are the companies that offer affordable car insurance San Diego has to provide for senior citizens.
| Company | Annual Rate |
| State Farm | 1,183 |
| Esurance | $1,214 |
| Geico | $1,265 |
| Allstate | $1,312 |
| USAA | $1,356 |
| Esurance | $1,397 |
| AAA | $1,432 |
| Hartford | $1,479 |
| Progressive | $1,516 |
You can also opt for driving safety courses to avail discounts.
Who Offers The Cheap Car Insurance Rates In San Diego CA For A Married Couple?
If you are a married couple, you can consider getting the auto-insurance policy from Mercury, which offers the cheapest premium rates to the demographic. However, the five most famous insurers in San Diego apart from Mercury include:
| Company | Married Couple Rates |
| Allstate | $1,857 |
| Mercury | $2,175 |
| AAA | $2,318 |
| State Farm | $2,457 |
| Progressive | $2,618 |
| Farmers | $2,805 |
| MetLife | $3,136 |
| Esurance | $3,194 |
| Travelers | $3,251 |
You can proactively seek discounts from insurers since you are a married couple and would be doubling down on the policy. Apart from this, you can also enroll yourself in training programs to receive relaxations at premium rates.
Recommended Car Insurance Coverage In San Diego CA
If you are in a dilemma on which insurance policy to buy, start by assessing your situation first. You will need to have at least minimum coverage to drive legally on the roads of San Diego. As a result, if you do not want to spend much and still be legally covered, go with the bare-bones criteria. However, a wiser choice would be to opt for full auto insurance. Such policies cover physical injuries and property damage adequately. The comprehensive and collision coverage policy is ideal for individuals who outrightly don’t own their vehicles. Additionally, if you have a home and savings to protect from legal action, it is wise that you purchase full coverage.
Ways To Reduced Rates In San Diego CA Car Insurance
Here are the top five ways to reduce your car insurance rates in San Diego:
- Maintain a spotless driving record for consecutive years
It is perhaps the only way to reduce your premium rate considerably. If you are convicted of a DUI, cited for a traffic infraction, or indulged in a collision, your insurer will perceive you as a liability and thereby increase your rate.
2. Reduce your vehicle’s annual mileage
Spending more time behind the wheel increases your chances of indulging in a crash or damaging property. As a result, keep your mileage to the minimum to reduce your auto insurance rates.
3. Consider switching your insurance carrier.
Since every insurance company has its way of calculating premiums, as a result, the quotes may vary considerably for the same client profile. Consider switching your carrier or shopping around to know more.
4. Purchase a vehicle that is affordable to insure
Unless you are a model collector, purchase a vehicle that is affordable to insure.
5. Opt for less coverage
You can opt for the minimum coverage policy to keep your insurance costs to the bare-bones. However, it is wiser to opt for full coverage as you will be adequately covered in the event of an accident.
Car Insurance Rates In San Diego CA By Credit Score
San Diego is one of the only three states in the United States that does not rate drivers by their credit scores. As a result, your premium rate will not be affected by how badly you manage your finances. In San Diego, premium rates are calculated based on various factors, including the individual’s driving record, vehicle type, region, gender, and average miles driven.
San Diego CA Car Insurance Rates Per Vehicle
You will face higher rates on imported car models like BMW, Mercedes, and others. However, the base model, a 4-door sedan, entails some of the lowest insurance rates. Apart from this, electric and hybrid cars are top-rated among Californian drivers. Since the state is committed to reducing pollution, such vehicles are now a part of California’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, and therefore, face lower rates than other models.
Which Auto Insurance Coverages Are Available In California And What Do They Cover?
San Diego offers many auto coverages to its residents. Some of them include:
- Liability
The insurance policy covers anyone who is involved in an accident and needs to pay for the damages. It will also reimburse if you are an at-fault driver and someone sues you as a result. It is also the coverage mandated by the law. Therefore, drivers will have to purchase it before they can legally drive their vehicles in the state of San Diego. Insurers categorize the coverage limits into three kinds:
- Bodily injury per person
- Bodily injury maximum per occurrence (covers for accidental injuries of more than one person)
- Property damage (covers for accidental damages caused by the insured person to the other driver)
California law requires the minimum insurance amount to be $15000/$30000/$5000 for each of these coverage policies, respectively. However, they can be extended up to $250000/ $500000/ $250000 respectively.
2. Medical Payments
The policy covers any medical expenses that may arise as a result of the accident. The limit range of the policy oscillates between $1000 and $10000.
3. Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury and Property Damage
If you are involved in an accident caused by a driver who does not have auto insurance, this policy will cover you against all probable losses. You can check for the affordable car insurance San Diego can offer. The policy also covers recompensation if other passengers in your car got injured, and the driver’s policy limits coverage. If the at-fault driver is identifiable, you can also collect up to $3,500 for your vehicle damage. The minimum amount covered by the policy is $15,000/$30,000 and the maximum it can go up to is $250,000/$500,000.
4. Collision
Suppose you add collision to your auto insurance policy. In that case, you will be reimbursed for vehicle damages if your car gets rolled over, gets hit by another vehicle, or hits another car on the road or an object.
5. Comprehensive
Anything that does not include under the definition of a collision, including theft, glass breakage, vandalism, windstorm, and others, is covered by the comprehensive policy. However, a deductible applies to this policy, and the coverage is mandatory if you are financing your vehicle.
6. Rental Car
If your vehicle is involved in a claim and you require a rental car to move around, the policy will cover the supplementary costs of the vehicle. Typical rental car coverage provides a recompensation of $30 per day up to 30 days in an entire year.
7. Towing/Roadside Assistance
The policy covers everything from towing your vehicle in case of a breakdown to assisting when your car runs out of gas, breaks down in the middle of nowhere, or you lock your keys inside the vehicle.
Individuals should note that when they purchase a comprehensive or collision coverage, deductibles apply to both of them. The deductible amount can range between $100 to $5,000 but most of the time, it is either $500 or $1,000. The higher the deductible, the lower will be your premium rate. It is relatively straightforward to understand how a deductible works. If your vehicle incurs damage in an accident, you must first pay the deductible before the insurance company reimburses for the repairs.
9 Common San Diego CA Car Insurance Questions Answered
Do I actually need car insurance in San Diego CA?
Yes, since San Diego is not a no-fault state, you will require car insurance entailing at least minimum coverage. If the state police catch you driving a car without insurance, the feat will involve severe consequences. The authorities can either ask you to pay a hefty fine, revoke or suspend your license, or send you to jail.
Well, what if I only get the minimum amount of car insurance required by my state?
It is tempting to go with minimum insurance to comply with insurance norms prescribed by the state. However, would it be enough if you are actually involved in an accident? Under unfortunate circumstances, if you get into a severe car accident, having minimum insurance will do nothing to protect you against any legal liability that may arise with the collision.
Why do car insurers care about my credit?
Every insurance company, irrespective of the category of goods or services it is insuring, uses some yardstick standard like credit scores to determine the client’s credibility. However, some states in the US find the practice to be controversial, like San Diego. As a result, insurers in San Diego will not ask for your credit score when quoting a price for the policy.
How much does car insurance in San Diego usually cost?
The average car insurance cost in the country is around $866 yearly. However, the state residents who pay the most are from New Jersey, who pay $1,285 per year, while Idaho drivers pay the least, with the amount being $582 yearly.
Do I Have to Pay for an At-Fault Claim Myself?
Paying for a claim out of the client’s pocket is determined by gauging the damage costs, the individual’s deductible, and the at-fault surcharge amount. If you compare the numbers of the factors mentioned above and find it worthwhile, you can go ahead with your file to claim.
Do I Have to Pay for Repairs After an Insurance Claim?
If you have a loan hovering over your vehicle or want to maintain full coverage, in that situation, yes, you will have to pay for the repairs for the damaged vehicle. However, if you do not want to carry on with full coverage and own the car, you can avail of the policy’s amount to pay for the damages.
Is San Diego auto insurance mandatory?
Yes, every vehicle owner must purchase auto insurance in San Diego. The state mandates every driver to obtain at least minimum coverage to cover for losses in the event of an accident.
Do I need to purchase car insurance in San Diego before I buy a new car?
If you are buying your first ever car, you will need auto insurance to take it off the lot. Apart from this, if you are financing your vehicle, the lender will require you to buy the policy while purchasing. Suppose you are replacing your car and already have an insurance policy. In that case, you can notify the company anywhere between 7 to 30 days of the vehicle’s purchase.
