Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Santa Barbara

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Santa Barbara Car Insurance

^$ 25

/mo

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.

Table of Contents

How Much Is Car Insurance in Santa Barbara

The car insurance rate in Santa Barbara is $981 for a six-month policy, which is $30 lower than the higher than the state average. Root Insurance Company offers the lowest rates in the city at $623, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious drivers. Rates in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara

$981

Avg. Car Insurance in California

$1011

National Average

$1140

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Santa Barbara

1st place: CSAA

At $623 for a six month policy, CSAA offers the cheapest auto insurance rates in the city.

2nd place: USAA

USAA offers auto insurance rates at $790 for a six-month policy, making it one of the cheapest to insure with.

3rd place: Mercury

Mercury offers auto insurance rates at $835 for six months, making it the third cheapest auto insurance company in Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Car Insurance Rates by Company

Based on our research, the cheapest car insurance company in Santa Barbara, CA is CSAA, offering policies at just $623 for a six-month term. This is followed by USAA, which has an average six-month premium of $790.

At the higher end of the spectrum, Hartford is the most expensive, with rates reaching $749 for a six-month policy. Rates can vary widely by driver, but comparing quotes from multiple companies can help Santa Barbara drivers find the best deals.

Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Santa Barbara, CA

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA	$623	$105
USAA	$790	$133
Mercury	$835	$141
AAA SoCal	$916	$156
Progressive	$962	$162
Allstate	$1054	$178
Wawanesa	$1060	$178
AAA NorCal	$1072	$182
Auto Club	$1106	$184
State Farm	$1170	$197
AAA	$1331	$222
Kemper	$1377	$234
Farmers	$1538	$256
Capital Insurance Group	$686	$114
National General	$697	$118
State National	$709	$118
Hartford	$749	$127

Key Takeaways

Way's key takeaways about car insurance in Santa Barbara

The auto insurance costs in Santa Barbara fall around $623 for six months.
The cheapest auto insurance company in Santa Barbara is CSAA.
Teen drivers pay the highest rate in Santa Barbara at $65 per month.

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Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Santa Barbara

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 Santa Barbara are given below.

CSAA provides the cheapest minimum car insurance coverage in Santa Barbara. Their Average 6 Month Premium is $149. 21st Century is the most expensive at $392 for the same period.

Cheapest Liability Coverage in Santa Barbara, CA

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA	$149	$25
AAA	$265	$45
USAA	$276	$47
AAA NorCal	$288	$49
AAA SoCal	$329	$56
Progressive	$335	$56
Auto Club	$340	$58
State Farm	$351	$59
Wawanesa	$357	$60
Mercury	$380	$64
Allstate	$409	$69
Farmers	$490	$81
Kemper	$271	$46
Capital Insurance Group	$294	$50
State National	$311	$53
National General	$386	$64
21st Century	$392	$67

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Santa Barbara

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 Santa Barbara is CSAA at $105 per month and $623 for six months.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Quotes in Santa Barbara, CA

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA	$623	$105
USAA	$790	$133
Mercury	$835	$141
AAA SoCal	$916	$156
Progressive	$962	$162
Allstate	$1054	$178
Wawanesa	$1060	$178
AAA NorCal	$1072	$182
Auto Club	$1106	$184
State Farm	$1170	$197
AAA	$1331	$222
Kemper	$1377	$234
Farmers	$1538	$256
Capital Insurance Group	$686	$114
National General	$697	$118
State National	$709	$118
Hartford	$749	$127

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Average Car Insurance in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara, CA increasing?

Despite maintaining a clean driving record, your car insurance rates in Santa Barbara, 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, Santa Barbara's high urban population density, raised auto theft rates, and frequent natural disasters contribute to increased insurance costs.

Car Insurance Premiums by Age in Santa Barbara

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	$567
30s	Wawanesa	$458
40s	Wawanesa	$458
50s	Wawanesa	$458
60s	Wawanesa	$458
70s	Wawanesa	$448

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Teen Drivers in Santa Barbara,CA

If you are planning to get a car insurance policy for your teenage dependent, AAA provides the cheapest car insurance in the Santa Barbara at $38 per month. At $380 for a six-month premium, Marcury offers the most expensive rate for teen drivers.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
AAA	$225	$38
Capital Insurance Group	$507	$84
USAA	$1210	$204
Mercury	$1227	$207
Wawanesa	$1348	$229
Progressive	$1411	$238
CSAA	$1699	$286
State Farm	$2017	$340
AAA SoCal	$2183	$372
Allstate	$2340	$394
Auto Club	$2495	$424
AAA NorCal	$3324	$554
Farmers	$3394	$577
State National	$363	$60
Marcury	$380	$65

Teen Car Insurance Rates in CA by Age

Way Tip

If you are in your twenties Wawanesa is the best choice for car insurance in Santa Barbara.

As young drivers face the highest rates in Santa Barbara, Wawanesa offers the cheapest auto insurance rates at $567 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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Save up to $971/yr on car insurance rates in Santa Barbara.

Car Insurance Rates with An Accident in Santa Barbara

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 Santa Barbara, CA, accidents can lead to significant hikes in your premiums.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies after an At-Fault Accident in Santa Barbara

The cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Santa Barbara include AAA and Capital Insurance Group, offering $369 and $530, respectively. 21st Century is an expensive provider with an average six-month premium of $663.

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
AAA	$369	$62
Capital Insurance Group	$530	$90
CSAA	$709	$119
USAA	$1060	$178
Progressive	$1227	$207
Mercury	$1302	$221
Wawanesa	$1498	$249
AAA SoCal	$1573	$268
Auto Club	$1660	$276
Farmers	$1705	$287
State Farm	$2028	$341
AAA NorCal	$2172	$370
Allstate	$2610	$439
State National	$437	$73
Hartford	$507	$86
National General	$582	$97
Nationwide	$628	$107
21st Century	$663	$111

Santa Barbara Car Insurance Rates by Violation

Here is a list of driving violations that can increase your car insurance rates in Santa Barbara CA. For example, the car insurance in Santa Barbara after a DUI increases to $1688 for a six month policy. While the rate increases by $444 for a six-month policy in the case of a speeding ticket.

Santa Barbara auto insurance quotes by violations

Accident/Violation	Avg. 6 Mo Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
None	$1054	$176
Not-at-fault accident	$1054	$179
One comp claim	$1054	$176
One Med/PIP claim	$1054	$179
Two comp claims	$1054	$176
Two Med/PIP claims	$1054	$179
At-fault accident - less than $1000	$1078	$179
Failure to show documents	$1389	$236
Driving with expired registration	$1417	$237
Driving without lights	$1417	$241
Failure to wear a seat belt	$1423	$238
Child safety restraint	$1435	$243
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit	$1492	$248
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit	$1492	$254
Driving too slowly	$1498	$249
Failure to stop at a red light	$1498	$255
Failure to yield	$1498	$249
Following too closely	$1498	$255
Illegal turn	$1498	$249
In 65 MPH zone	$1498	$255
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit	$1498	$249
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit	$1498	$255
Speeding in school zone	$1498	$249
Improper passing	$1504	$256
Cell phone violation	$1509	$251
Texting while driving	$1509	$257
Passing school bus	$1527	$254
Wrong way/wrong lane	$1786	$304
Operating a vehicle without permission	$1827	$305
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000	$1838	$312
At-fault accident - greater than $2000	$1838	$307
Open container	$1844	$313
Driving with a suspended license	$2138	$356
Reckless driving	$2604	$443
Racing	$2634	$438
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run	$2644	$450
DUI	$2742	$457
Refusal to submit to a chemical test	$2742	$467

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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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara.

The cheapest car insurance premiums in Santa Barbara are offered by AAA at $726 for a six-month policy. However, it can be as expensive as $611 with companies like Kemper.

Santa Barbara car insurance quotes with a DUI

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
AAA	$726	$123
Capital Insurance Group	$790	$132
Mercury	$939	$158
Progressive	$1389	$234
Wawanesa	$1688	$287
Farmers	$1792	$302
USAA	$1907	$321
CSAA	$2017	$340
AAA SoCal	$2916	$496
Auto Club	$3336	$556
AAA NorCal	$3843	$654
State Farm	$4102	$691
Allstate	$4223	$711
Travelers	$813	$136
National General	$380	$63
Kemper	$611	$102

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 Santa Barbara are offered by CSAA at $92. However, it can be as expensive as $437 with companies like State National for a similar six-month premium.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Barbara after Speeding ticket

Company	Avg. 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
CSAA	$92	$16
Capital Insurance Group	$507	$84
Mercury	$864	$146
USAA	$905	$150
Progressive	$974	$164
AAA NorCal	$1348	$225
AAA SoCal	$1446	$246
Allstate	$1487	$247
State Farm	$1573	$268
Farmers	$2178	$363
AAA	$282	$48
Kemper	$357	$61
National General	$380	$63
State National	$437	$75

Car Insurance Price Trends in Santa Barbara, California

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

The average cost of full coverage in the Santa Barbara rose by $186 in December compared to $184 of November. In other words, there has been an increase by $2 when you compare December and November.

The average cost of liability insurance in the Santa Barbara rose to $52 in December, compared to $50 in November. This represents an increase of $2 when comparing December and November.

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Average Car Insurance Cost in Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara. At $1127 for a six-month policy, insuring your car at 93103 is the cheapest in the city.

Zip Code	Average 6 Mo. Premium	Avg. Monthly Premium
93103	$1127	$189
93101	$1206	$202
93108	$1049	$176
93105	$1186	$199
93109	$1049	$176
93111	$1098	$184
93110	$1098	$184

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is car insurance in Santa Barbara?

The car insurance in Santa Barbara is $25 per month, which is lower than the national average.

What is the cheapest car insurance in Santa Barbara?

The cheapest car insurance in Santa Barbara is $105 per month for full coverage.

How much is car insurance in Santa Barbara for teenagers?

Car insurance for teenagers costs $225 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 Santa Barbara?

The average cost of car insurance is $1011 for a six-month policy. It will cost around $165 per month to insure your car in Santa Barbara.

Is car insurance expensive in Santa Barbara?

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

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Santa Barbara

Why you can trust Way?

How Much Is Car Insurance in Santa Barbara

Avg. Car Insurance in Santa Barbara

Avg. Car Insurance in California

National Average

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Santa Barbara

1st place: CSAA

2nd place: USAA

3rd place: Mercury

Santa Barbara Car Insurance Rates by Company

Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Santa Barbara, CA

Way's key takeaways about car insurance in Santa Barbara

High Rates Shouldn’t Drive You Out of Pocket.

Cheapest Minimum Liability Car Insurance in Santa Barbara

Cheapest Liability Coverage in Santa Barbara, CA

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Santa Barbara

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance Quotes in Santa Barbara, CA

Don't Let Hidden Costs Drive You Crazy

Average Car Insurance in Santa Barbara by Rating Factor

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

Car Insurance Premiums by Age in Santa Barbara

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies Based on Age Group

Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Teen Drivers in Santa Barbara,CA

If you are in your twenties Wawanesa is the best choice for car insurance in Santa Barbara.

Car Insurance Rates by Credit Score & Driving History

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Bad Credit

Escape the Trap of Rising Insurance Costs.

Car Insurance Rates with An Accident in Santa Barbara

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies after an At-Fault Accident in Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Car Insurance Rates by Violation

Santa Barbara auto insurance quotes by violations

Your Wallet Deserves Better. Seriously.

Avoid Having A DUI On Your Driving Record.

Car Insurance Rates in Santa Barbara after a DUI

Santa Barbara car insurance quotes with a DUI

Cheapest car insurance after a speeding ticket

Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Barbara after Speeding ticket

Car Insurance Price Trends in Santa Barbara, California

Average Car Insurance Cost in Santa Barbara by ZIP Code

Frequently Asked Questions

Tired of Insane Auto Insurance Bills? Us Too!

Find Car Insurance Rates in Cities Near Santa Barbara, CA

Car Insurance Rates by State in the USA (2025 Update)

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