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Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in San Diego

  • Finding the cheapest car insurance quotes in San Diego shouldn't be a guessing game. That's why our licensed insurance experts do the heavy lifting for you, analyzing rates from dozens of top companies to find you the best deal.
  • We believe in making things clear and simple. Our experts compare coverage options and find every possible discount, so you can see your best options side-by-side. It’s fast, free, and designed to save you a ton.
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401,895 Policies Sold
San Diego Car Insurance
$ 26

/mo

Sara Sam
Written by Sara Sam
Edited by Renee Martin

Why you can trust Way?

The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes. These rates were publicly sourced from insurer filings and should be used for comparative purposes only — your own quotes will differ. Given this, it’s important to go through our insurance steps form to find how much you can save with Way.

How Much Is Car Insurance in San Diego

The car insurance rate in San Diego is $1126 for a six-month policy, which is $11 higher than the higher than the state average. Root Insurance Company offers the lowest rates in the city at $648, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers. Rates in San Diego can vary depending on your age, driving record, and coverage level, so not every driver will pay the same amount. Choosing a higher deductible, maintaining a clean driving history, and comparing quotes from multiple insurers can help you find better deals and save money over time.

Avg. Car Insurance in San Diego

$1126

National Average

$1140

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in San Diego

1st place: CSAA

At $648 for a six month policy, CSAA offers the cheapest auto insurance rates in the city. 

2nd place: Mercury

Mercury offers auto insurance rates at $870 for a six-month policy, making it one of the cheapest to insure with. 

3rd place: AAA SoCal

AAA SoCal offers auto insurance rates at $953 for six months, making it the third cheapest auto insurance company in San Diego.

San Diego Car Insurance Rates by Company

Based on our research, the cheapest car insurance company in San Diego, CA is CSAA, offering policies at just $648 for a six-month term. This is followed by Mercury, which has an average six-month premium of $870.

At the higher end of the spectrum, AAA is the most expensive, with rates reaching $1386 for a six-month policy. Rates can vary widely by driver, but comparing quotes from multiple companies can help San Diego drivers find the best deals.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies in San Diego, CA

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA $648 $109
Mercury $870 $146
AAA SoCal $953 $159
Progressive $1002 $169
USAA $1062 $179
Allstate $1098 $185
Wawanesa $1104 $186
AAA NorCal $1116 $190
Auto Club $1151 $192
State Farm $1218 $205
Kemper $1434 $239
Farmers $1602 $273
AAA $1386 $231
Key Takeaways

Way's key takeaways about car insurance in San Diego

  • The auto insurance costs in San Diego fall around $648 for six months. 
  • The cheapest auto insurance company in San Diego is CSAA.
  • Teen drivers pay the highest rate in San Diego at $589 per month.

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Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in San Diego

Since car insurance is a critical requirement for owning a car, you must have minimum liability car insurance. The cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in San Diego are given below. 

CSAA provides the cheapest minimum car insurance coverage in San Diego. Their Average 6 Month Premium is $156. Farmers is the most expensive at $510 for the same period. 

Cheapest Liability Coverage in San Diego, CA

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA $156 $26
USAA $288 $48
AAA NorCal $300 $51
AAA SoCal $342 $59
Progressive $348 $59
Auto Club $354 $61
State Farm $366 $62
Wawanesa $372 $63
Mercury $396 $67
AAA $426 $73
Allstate $426 $72
Farmers $510 $87

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in San Diego

One might think that minimum coverage is only required when insuring your car insurance. However, having full coverage car insurance in any city is certainly a wise choice as it offers better coverage and protection. Our best pick for the cheapest auto insurance quotes in San Diego is CSAA at $109 per month and $648 for six months. 

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Quotes in San Diego, CA

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA $648 $109
Mercury $870 $146
AAA SoCal $953 $159
Progressive $1002 $169
USAA $1062 $179
Allstate $1098 $185
Wawanesa $1104 $186
AAA NorCal $1116 $190
Auto Club $1151 $192
State Farm $1218 $205
Kemper $1434 $239
Farmers $1602 $273
AAA $1386 $231

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Average Car Insurance in San Diego by Rating Factor

The car insurance rates for two people under the same ZIP code will mostly be different. This is mostly because insurance rates are calculated based on several rating factors. These rating factors include the driver's age, gender, marital status, driving and claims history, credit score, location, type of vehicle, and coverage levels.

I have a clean driving record. Why is my car insurance rate here in San Diego, CA increasing?

Despite maintaining a clean driving record, your car insurance rates in San Diego, California, may be increasing due to several external factors. California has experienced significant rate hikes recently, with average premiums rising by 25.5% in 2023, largely attributed to higher claims volumes and inflation.

Additionally, San Diego's high urban population density, raised auto theft rates, and frequent natural disasters contribute to increased insurance costs. 

Car Insurance Premiums by Age in San Diego

It is quite evident why teen drivers pay the highest car insurance rates in any city. Their lack of experience and increased accident rates make them a highly risky category.  However, as you grow older, your car insurance rates will decrease. So, it is better to not have separate policies for teens; instead, add them to their parents' policies.  

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies Based on Age Group

Age Group Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Wawanesa $591
30s Wawanesa $477
40s Wawanesa $477
50s Wawanesa $477
60s Wawanesa $477
70s Wawanesa $467

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Teen Drivers in San Diego,CA

If you are planning to get a car insurance policy for your teenage dependent, AAA provides the cheapest car insurance in the San Diego at $70 per month. At $3534 for a six-month premium, Farmers offers the most expensive rate for teen drivers.

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
AAA $420 $70
Capital Insurance Group $528 $90
USAA $1259 $212
Mercury $1278 $215
Wawanesa $1404 $234
Progressive $1470 $247
CSAA $1770 $298
State Farm $2100 $354
AAA SoCal $2274 $379
Allstate $2436 $410
Auto Club $2598 $433
AAA NorCal $3461 $589
Farmers $3534 $589

Teen Car Insurance Rates in CA by Age

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Way Tip

If you are in your twenties Wawanesa is the best choice for car insurance in San Diego.

As young drivers face the highest rates in San Diego, Wawanesa offers the cheapest auto insurance rates at $591 for six months.

Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score & Driving History

Similar to your driving history, your financial history also plays a key role in determining your auto insurance rates. A low credit score would mean a lapse in payment and increased chances of filing claims, which results in higher auto insurance rates. Therefore, the higher the credit score, the lower the car insurance rates will be.

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Car Insurance Rates with An Accident in San Diego

Both accidents and the resulting increase in insurance rates are often beyond our control. When you’re involved in an accident, you become riskier to insure, consequently increasing the rates. In San Diego, CA, accidents can lead to significant hikes in your premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies after an At-Fault Accident in San Diego

The cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in San Diego include AAA and Capital Insurance Group, offering $378 and $551, respectively. Allstate is an expensive provider with an average six-month premium of $2718.

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
AAA $378 $63
Capital Insurance Group $551 $94
CSAA $738 $124
Mercury $1068 $180
USAA $1104 $186
Progressive $1278 $215
Wawanesa $1559 $260
AAA SoCal $1638 $279
Auto Club $1728 $288
Farmers $1776 $299
State Farm $2112 $356
AAA NorCal $2261 $385
Allstate $2718 $458

San Diego Car Insurance Rates by Violation

Here is a list of driving violations that can increase your car insurance rates in San Diego CA. For example, the car insurance in San Diego after a DUI increases to $1757 for a six month policy. While the rate increases by $461 for a six-month policy in the case of a speeding ticket.  

San Diego auto insurance quotes by violations

Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
None $1098 $183
Not-at-fault accident $1098 $187
One comp claim $1098 $183
One Med/PIP claim $1098 $187
Two comp claims $1098 $183
Two Med/PIP claims $1098 $187
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1122 $187
Failure to show documents $1446 $245
Driving with expired registration $1476 $246
Driving without lights $1476 $250
Failure to wear a seat belt $1482 $247
Child safety restraint $1494 $254
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1553 $259
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1553 $265
Driving too slowly $1559 $260
Failure to stop at a red light $1559 $266
Failure to yield $1559 $260
Following too closely $1559 $266
Illegal turn $1559 $260
In 65 MPH zone $1559 $266
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1559 $260
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1559 $266
Speeding in school zone $1559 $260
Improper passing $1566 $267
Cell phone violation $1572 $262
Texting while driving $1572 $268
Passing school bus $1590 $265
Wrong way/wrong lane $1859 $316
Operating a vehicle without permission $1902 $317
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1914 $325
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1914 $319
Open container $1920 $326
Driving with a suspended license $2226 $371
Reckless driving $2712 $462
Racing $2742 $457
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2753 $469
DUI $2855 $476
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2855 $486

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Way Tip

Avoid Having A DUI On Your Driving Record.

A DUI can increase your car insurance rates—by $5,000 to $10,000 over five years. Speeding, reckless driving, and at-fault accidents also raise rates, staying on your record for 3–5 years, while DUIs/DWIs can impact you longer.

Car Insurance Rates in San Diego after a DUI

There may have been times when you drank but chose not to drive—a smart and responsible decision, as most states treat DUIs as a serious offense. Your car insurance rates can double after a DUI charge, making it harder to find affordable coverage in San Diego.

The cheapest car insurance premiums in San Diego are offered by Capital Insurance Group at $822 for a six-month policy. However, it can be as expensive as $755 with companies like AAA.

San Diego car insurance quotes with a DUI

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
Capital Insurance Group $822 $139
Mercury $978 $165
Travelers $1140 $194
Progressive $1446 $243
Wawanesa $1757 $299
Farmers $1865 $314
USAA $1986 $334
CSAA $2100 $354
AAA SoCal $3036 $516
Auto Club $3473 $579
AAA NorCal $4002 $681
State Farm $4271 $719
Allstate $4398 $740
AAA $755 $128

Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket

One of the easiest ways to save money on car insurance is to stay within the speed limit. After a speeding violation, the cheapest car insurance premiums in San Diego are offered by CSAA at $96. However, it can be as expensive as $2267 with companies like Farmers for a similar six-month premium.

Cheapest Car Insurance in San Diego after Speeding ticket

Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA $96 $16
Capital Insurance Group $528 $90
Mercury $900 $152
USAA $942 $161
Progressive $1014 $171
AAA NorCal $1404 $238
AAA SoCal $1506 $250
Allstate $1548 $264
State Farm $1638 $273
Farmers $2267 $386

Car Insurance Price Trends in San Diego, California

Car insurance rates in San Diego have fluctuated due to factors such as state regulations, inflation, and changing driving habits.

The average cost of full coverage in the San Diego remained steady at $194 in both January and December, indicating no change over the two month period.

The average cost of liability insurance in the San Diego rose to $56 in January, compared to $55 in December. This represents an increase of $1 when comparing January and December.


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Average Car Insurance Cost in San Diego by ZIP Code

The crime rate, the number of accidents, and the probability of natural calamities all determine the car insurance rates in different neighborhoods in the San Diego. At $1159 for a six-month policy, insuring your car at 92102 is the cheapest in the city.

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Zip Code Average 6 Mo. Premium Avg. Monthly Premium
92102 $1159 $194
92124 $1148 $192
92103 $1148 $192
92147 $1126 $188
92122 $1159 $194
92145 $1126 $188
92101 $1159 $194
92123 $1148 $192
92106 $1137 $190
92128 $1159 $194
92129 $1171 $196
92107 $1148 $192
92126 $1193 $200
92104 $1159 $194
92105 $1182 $198
92127 $1159 $194
92120 $1148 $192
92121 $1126 $188
92140 $1126 $188
92119 $1137 $190
92113 $1171 $196
92135 $1126 $188
92114 $1182 $198
92111 $1159 $194
92155 $1126 $188
92134 $1126 $188
92117 $1171 $196
92139 $1148 $192
92115 $1171 $196
92116 $1148 $192
92131 $1148 $192
92110 $1148 $192
92154 $1193 $200
92130 $1171 $196
92108 $1137 $190
92109 $1159 $194

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is car insurance in San Diego?

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The car insurance in San Diego is $26 per month, which is lower than the national average.

What is the cheapest car insurance in San Diego?

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The cheapest car insurance in San Diego is $109 per month for full coverage.

How much is car insurance in San Diego for teenagers?

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Car insurance for teenagers costs $420 per 6 months. The rates for teen drivers are higher due to their lack of experience as drivers.

What's the average cost of car insurance in San Diego?

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The average cost of car insurance is $1115 for a six-month policy. It will cost around $189 per month to insure your car in San Diego.

Is car insurance expensive in San Diego?

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Car insurance can be expensive in San Diego if your rating factors are not favorable. However, with a clean driving record and good credit score, car insurance rates in San Diego can be affordable.

What is the best car insurance in San Diego, CA?

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The best car insurance company in San Diego CA is CSAA, offering $648 for a six-month policy.

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