Car Insurance Santa Ana, CA

The Better Way to Shop for Car Insurance in Santa Ana, CA

√ Free quotes from 150+ carriers in seconds

√ Lowest rate guaranteed

√ Up to $971 savings per year on average

4.9/5 Rating on the App Store

consumerreports
lifehacker
nationwide
travellers
mapfre
safeco
kemper
national-general
anchor
still-water
bridger
alinsco
commonwealth
suncoast
aspire

Key Takeaways

  • Santa Ana drivers pay more than the national average for car insurance but less than the California average.
  • Wawanesa offers the cheapest rates, followed by Capital Insurance Group.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) is recommended due to the high number of uninsured drivers.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost In Santa Ana?

The average annual cost of auto insurance in Santa Ana is $1998. According to our data, Wawanesa will offer the most affordable auto insurance in Santa Ana in 2024, with prices starting at $1146 annually.

Drivers in Santa Ana pay less for auto insurance annually than the state average ($1881) and more than the $1557 national average. As a matter of fact, 34% of our Santa Ana clients came to us only in search of auto insurance. Read on to find out more about what a reasonable cost in Santa Ana looks like based on typical characteristics like credit score, coverage level, and more, as well as whether you agree or need help with your auto insurance.

Santa Ana Rates Vs Georgia Vs United States Averages

Santa Ana (Annual Average) California (Annual Average) United States (Annual Average)
$1998 $1881 $1557

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Santa Ana

Our data for 2024 shows that Wawanesa is the most reasonably priced provider of comprehensive auto insurance in Santa Ana, with an annual premium of $1146. Capital Insurance Group is the second-best insurance company, with monthly premiums as low as $1578 annually.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Wawanesa $1146
Capital Insurance Group $1578
USAA $1650
Progressive $1950
Nationwide $2154
Allstate $2202

Santa Ana Auto Insurance Premiums By Age Group

When it comes to auto insurance, age is one of the most significant rating variables that affects rates. Teen drivers frequently pay the highest premiums since they have the highest accident risk of any age group. The biggest rate differential of any age group between drivers in Santa Ana is 104%, which separates drivers in their 20s from young drivers.

Insurance firms are compelled to take this action in the sake of risk management, even though it may seem unfair. Companies can mitigate the higher cost of covering claims by offering higher rates for underage drivers.

This may sound harsh, but insurers have to take these risks into account when setting rates—this is business, not personal! Rather than starting from scratch with their policy, teens can save part of the additional expense by being added to their parent or guardian's coverage.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Wawanesa $939
Capital Insurance Group $3648
USAA $3600
Progressive $4791
Nationwide $6831
Allstate $4908
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. Annual Premium
20s Wawanesa $1248
30s Wawanesa $1050
40s Wawanesa $1050
50s Wawanesa $1050
60s Wawanesa $1050
70s Wawanesa $1020

See what you could save on auto insurance

Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Ana with a Violation

At-fault crashes and accidents account for the majority of insurance claims. The average monthly premium for auto insurance in Santa Ana increased from $164 to $285 in 2024 due to an at-fault collision. Wawanesa is the most affordable insurance provider in Santa Ana after an at-fault collision.

No matter what location you live in, the best way to guarantee low auto insurance premiums is to keep your driving record spotless. Rate increases are a result of several infractions, including at-fault accidents, reckless driving charges, speeding tickets, and DUIs. Most of these infractions can stay on your record for three to five years, and in the event of a DUI or DWI, even longer.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Wawanesa $1710
Capital Insurance Group $2292
USAA $2304
Progressive $3822
Nationwide $3132
Allstate $4788
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
None $988 0% $0
One Med/PIP claim $988 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $988 0% $0
Two comp claims $988 0% $0
One comp claim $988 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $993 0% $5
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $1,010 2% $22
Failure to show documents $1,302 32% $314
Driving with expired registration $1,310 33% $322
Driving without lights $1,311 33% $323
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,315 33% $326
Child safety restraint $1,318 33% $330
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,378 39% $390
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,378 39% $390
Failure to stop at a red light $1,382 40% $394
Following too closely $1,382 40% $394
Illegal turn $1,382 40% $394
Driving too slowly $1,382 40% $394
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,382 40% $394
Speeding in school zone $1,382 40% $394
In 65 MPH zone $1,382 40% $394
Failure to yield $1,383 40% $395
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,384 40% $396
Texting while driving $1,387 40% $399
Cell phone violation $1,387 40% $399
Improper passing $1,400 42% $411
Passing school bus $1,423 44% $435
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,648 67% $659
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,709 73% $721
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,711 73% $723
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,711 73% $723
Open container $1,832 85% $844
Driving with a suspended license $2,101 113% $1,112
Reckless driving $2,465 149% $1,477
Racing $2,483 151% $1,494
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,503 153% $1,514
DUI $2,578 161% $1,590
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,578 161% $1,590

Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Ana based on Credit Score

Your credit score is a critical factor in deciding how much your auto insurance will cost in most areas. California stands out from the rest, though, as one of the few states where insurance rates are determined without taking this into account.

Insurance companies typically utilize credit scores to determine the likelihood of a loss, which leads to higher premiums for drivers who are deemed to be more dangerous. A low credit score is frequently linked to more claims being filed, coverage lapses, and generally riskier driving, all of which can result in significant premium hikes.

However, a number of jurisdictions, like California, have decided to outlaw the use of credit scores in determining insurance rates. This coverage guarantees that irrespective of your credit score, your insurance premiums will stay lower.

What Would Increase Your Car Insurance Rate In Santa Ana?

Santa Ana auto insurance tends to be more expensive than the national average. However, it is still about in line with the average in the state of California. Due to Santa Ana's advantageous location on the coast of southern California, sandwiched between the infamously costly cities of Los Angeles and San Diego, residents may face higher prices. This area is very trafficked and has a high cost of living due to its location in California.

Apart from individual rating variables, location-specific considerations also contribute to the higher cost of auto insurance in Santa Ana, regardless of a driver's driving history.

Insurance rates vary between cities, but even a neighborhood might have an impact. Your unique Santa Ana ZIP code, in addition to personal characteristics like past claims history, influences your auto insurance premium.

Auto Theft Statistics In Greensboro

Category ZIP Codes
Expensive 92799, 92703, 92704
Cheap 92705, 92706, 92707

This boils down to risk, much like most other things in the insurance industry. According to statistics, a single street's level of theft, crime, and uninsured drivers might vary significantly. Insurance companies see areas more at risk when it comes to situations like this. As a result, drivers who reside in more dangerous neighborhoods will pay higher rates than those who do not.

Although the climate in California is among the most pleasant in the world, the state has also seen a lot of Mother Nature's fury, which can result in sharp increases in insurance costs. With almost 2 million acres burned, California was really the state with the most wildfires in 2021. While the city center itself might not be particularly vulnerable, Santa Ana's arid surroundings are. If you want to safeguard your car investment in the event of a wildfire or other natural disaster, think about getting comprehensive coverage.

Your comprehensive coverage also covers flooding-related damage to your car. While most of California, including Santa Ana, experiences droughts most of the time, when it does rain, it usually comes down quickly, causing flash flooding in Santa Ana. We wholeheartedly advise adding comprehensive coverage to your Santa Ana auto insurance policy if you drive a luxury or brand-new car.

There will inevitably be more cars on the road as Santa Ana's population grows. There will be an increase in claims, infractions, and accidents as there are more cars on the road. What impact does this have on you? Higher premiums are the result of passing on the expenses of an area's increased number of claims to other drivers. This occurs when the number of drivers in the area keeps growing.

Our data indicates that over 30% of Santa Ana drivers do not currently have insurance, which can be unsettling. You might have to pay for the damage you or your car (or both) experience out of pocket if you are struck by one of those drivers. We advise having UMPD coverage, often known as an uninsured motorist policy. It protects you in the event that an uninsured or underinsured driver causes damage to your car.

See what you could save on auto insurance

Auto insurance in Santa Ana: Minimum insurance requirement in California

Your policy's chosen level of coverage has a big impact on how much insurance costs. The more coverage you choose, the more expensive your policy will be. Our data indicates that most drivers in Santa Ana have the most basic coverage.

Although they are advised, collision and comprehensive insurance may raise your costs. This package, sometimes known as "full coverage," provides a wider range of protection for your car. Usually, these coverages come with a deductible, and the amount you select will also affect your premiums.

Other worthwhile additions include uninsured motorist coverage and roadside assistance. These policies come in handy in case of emergency or when you come across an uninsured motorist. Even though they are more expensive, we highly suggest considering adding them because they offer comprehensive coverage for both your car and yourself.

Company Avg. Annual Premium
Wawanesa $528
Capital Insurance Group $642
USAA $492
Progressive $570
Nationwide $726
Allstate $822

Useful Info For Driving in Santa Ana

Santa Ana offers beautiful weather and plenty to see, but navigating the streets can feel tricky, especially for new drivers.

No worries, this guide will equip you with essential info for a safe and enjoyable driving experience:


Relax, It's Santa Ana (Most of the Time)

  • Compared to bustling metropolises, Santa Ana traffic moves at a calmer pace. You can cruise without feeling overly rushed (during off-peak hours, that is!).
  • Heads Up for Rush Hour: Mornings (7-9 am) and evenings (4-6 pm) can get busy on major roads like I-5 and the Santa Ana Freeway (I-10). If you can, avoid these times for long commutes.

Safety First: Your Top Priorities

  • Buckle Up Everyone: This is the law, and more importantly, it keeps everyone safe in case of an accident.
  • Focus on the Road: Avoid texting, using your phone, or getting distracted while driving. It can be dangerous and get you a ticket.
  • Speed Limits Matter: Pay close attention to posted speed limits. They change frequently, so adjust your speed accordingly.
  • Watch Out for Others: Be extra cautious around pedestrians and cyclists, especially at crosswalks, intersections, and bike lanes. Santa Ana welcomes walkers and bikers, so share the road!

Knowing the Streets

  • Highways for Long Distances: If you're venturing outside the city, you'll likely use I-5 (north-south) or the Santa Ana Freeway (I-10) (east-west).
  • Getting Around Town: Main Street and Bristol Street are major east-west roads that run through Santa Ana.
  • Downtown Grid: Downtown Santa Ana streets are laid out in a grid pattern, making navigation easier, especially for new drivers.

Parking Tips

  • Street Parking: Metered parking is available downtown and in some neighborhoods. Pay attention to time limits to avoid tickets.
  • Parking Garages: Multi-level parking garages are scattered throughout the city for convenient parking, especially for longer stays.
  • Read the Signs: Always pay attention to parking signs to avoid surprises or tickets. Look out for time limits, permit requirements, and designated spots for specific vehicles.

Bonus Tip

  • Download a Navigation App: Waze or Google Maps can be lifesavers! They can help you navigate unfamiliar areas, find the quickest route, and see real-time traffic updates.

Remember: Following these tips and practicing defensive driving go a long way in keeping yourself and others safe on the road. Now, get out there and explore Santa Ana in style!

Car Insurance Companies in Santa Ana

Company Name Contact Information
Nationwide 1-800-NATIONWIDE
State Farm Varies by location
Progressive 1-800-PROGRESSIVE
Allstate Varies by location
Farmers Insurance Varies by location
American Family Insurance Varies by location

INSURANCE AGENT EXPERTS

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Wilson Mathew Nechikat

Principal

View Profile

Anthony Luu

Anthony Luu

Sr. Director of Insurance Operations

View Profile

Ezra Peterson

Ezra Peterson

Sr. Director of Insurance

View Profile

Danny Herrera

Danny Herrera

Head of Commercial Insurance

View Profile

Auto Insurance Data Methodology

The auto insurance rates published in this guide are based on the results of research completed by Way.com’s data team. Using a mix of public and internal data, we analyzed millions of rate averages across U.S. ZIP codes.

Quotes are typically based on a full coverage policy average unless otherwise noted within the content.

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.com

Learn more by city and state for car insurance



Learn more by city and state for car insurance




Digital Insurance Card

Access your digital insurance card through the app. You no longer need to carry your physical insurance card with you.

Get reminders & quotes

Receive reminders before your renewal. Way.com will also send new quotes from up to 45 insurance companies with your renewal reminder.

Share with family

Keep everyone on your policy up to date by sharing your insurance information.

Manage your policy

Make changes to your policy right from the app (coming soon) and ask for expert advice.

Get the App:

Find the best Auto insurance rates on-the-go

For the best user experience, please download our Way app.

Please Enter A Valid Mobile Number!
Text Sent, Please download!

or

app store
google play