On average, Fresno drivers pay $137 per month for car insurance. By comparison, the California state average is $151 per month.
Fresno has a relatively low fatal crash rate: Police reported just 37 fatal crashes in Fresno in 2023, down from 66 in 2022. This could partly explain why its average rates are slightly lower than the state average.
Comparing car insurance quotes from multiple companies can help you find the most affordable coverage available to you. Here’s what to know about car insurance in Fresno, California.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Fresno
The best car insurance company for you will be different from what’s best for other drivers. Car insurance rates vary based on age, driving history, ZIP code, vehicle type, and more.3 To find the best car insurance company, you’ll need to consider your budget and car insurance needs.
Best insurer for liability-only coverage: Mile Auto
Best insurer for military members: USAA
Best insurer for extra peace of mind: Mercury
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Fresno
Car insurance companies set their own rates and underwrite policies differently. To secure the best rate on a policy in Fresno, follow these tips:
Shop around. Be sure to get free car insurance quotes from several of the top companies. This can help you find the cheapest policy for your unique needs.
Look for discounts. Most car insurers offer a long list of discounts. Some common discounts include a good student discount, a vehicle safety features discount, a loyalty discount, and a safe driving discount.
Bundle your policy. Chances are you need home insurance or renters insurance, too. Find a company that will give you a discount if you bundle your car insurance with another policy.
Drive safely. Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs can raise your car insurance premiums. Follow speed limits, obey traffic laws, and avoid distractions to reduce your risk of these incidents.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Fresno: USAA
California requires drivers to purchase liability car insurance. This policy type covers the property damage and injuries of other drivers and passengers after an at-fault accident and is typically the cheapest auto policy you can buy. Liability policies don’t cover damage to your vehicle, so it’s important to consider your ability to cover potential out-of-pocket costs.
Liability-only insurance in Fresno costs an average of $86 per month.
Here’s a look at the cheapest liability-only insurance companies in Fresno.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Fresno: Anchor
Full-coverage car insurance typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. Because it includes more coverages, it’s typically more expensive than a liability-only policy but offers more protection. Your auto lender or lessor may require it if you have a loan or lease on your vehicle.
Fresno drivers pay a monthly average of $189 for full-coverage insurance.
The table below shows the cheapest full-coverage insurance companies in Fresno.
Car insurance requirements in California
California is an at-fault, or tort, state, meaning the at-fault driver must pay for the property damage or injuries they cause to the drivers or passengers in another vehicle. While California requires bodily injury and property damage liability to drive legally in Fresno, additional coverage is available for extra protection. Drivers who are unable to show proof of insurance will face penalties.
The state lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which takes effect on Jan. 1, 2025. The table below reflects this change and the types and amount of coverage all drivers need to carry:4
Here’s an overview of some optional car insurance coverages Fresno drivers can purchase for additional protection on the road:
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and DUIs can increase your car insurance rates. This is because car insurers view these citations and incidents as high-risk driving behavior and believe you’re more likely to file a claim than someone with a clean driving record.6 Fresno drivers with clean records typically have lower premiums than people with spotty driving histories.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Fresno reported 156 speed-related crashes that resulted in death or injury in 2020.7 Speeding may increase your risk of losing control of your vehicle and lead to a serious accident. If you have a speeding ticket on your record, insurers may consider you a high-risk driver and you can expect to pay more for an auto policy.
Fresno drivers with speeding tickets face average monthly car insurance rates of $189 for full coverage and $86 for liability only. The table below shows how liability-only rates compare for drivers with a clean record versus drivers with a speeding ticket in Fresno.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
An at-fault accident will likely result in higher car insurance costs for three to five years, so it’s important to find an affordable auto insurance policy that meets your coverage needs. But your auto insurance premiums may not increase if you purchase accident forgiveness. Additionally, how much they increase depends on the severity of the accident and the total claim amount.
An at-fault accident increases average car insurance rates for Fresno drivers to $219 per month for full coverage and $99 for liability policies. If you have an at-fault accident on your record, you can see how rates might be higher compared to drivers with a clean record.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
A DUI in Fresno is a dangerous and serious offense. In addition to fines and jail time, you may pay the most compared to other drivers and California may require you to purchase SR-22 insurance. Furthermore, you may struggle to find an insurance company that’ll provide coverage, and those that do may charge sky-high rates.
Fresno drivers with DUIs on their records pay average monthly rates of $304 for full-coverage car insurance and $138 for liability only. The table below shows how much rates can increase in Fresno for drivers with a DUI on their records.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Physical and mental impairments make it more difficult for seniors to drive safely.
“Drivers tend to see the lowest prices from age 25 and on. However, once drivers reach ages 70-plus, their reaction times start to slow down, which may result in higher car accidents and more expensive rates,” explains Lauren McKenzie, a senior insurance agent at A Plus Insurance. But because of their low mileage and long history of driving, senior drivers pay less on average than younger drivers in general.
On average, senior drivers in Fresno pay $168 per month for full coverage and $77 for minimum coverage, according to Insurify data. Here are the cheapest car insurance quotes for seniors in Fresno.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
Teenagers have minimal experience behind the wheel and higher accident rates than older drivers.8 While they usually pay more for car insurance because of this, they can save money if they stay on their parents’ policy, maintain good grades, and take a defensive driving course.
In Fresno, teen drivers pay an average of $364 per month for their own full-coverage policy and $165 for liability-only coverage. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for teens and young drivers in Fresno.
Is car insurance more expensive in Fresno?
Average car insurance premiums in Fresno are less expensive than the national average.
It’s also important to note that rates in California vary by city and ZIP code because of factors like population, weather conditions, and accident rates.
More cities in California
Here’s a look at the average monthly cost of car insurance in various cities in California.