Cheapest Auto Insurance in Modesto, California (2025)

Drivers in Modesto can expect to pay an average of $211 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $95 for liability-only coverage. The city’s rates are slightly higher than California’s average of $150 but lower than the national average of $143 per month.

A small city in California’s Central Valley, Modesto is a two-hour drive from the bustling Bay Area. With a population of about 218,000, it’s the 19th-largest city in California.1 Modesto has one of the highest property crime rates in the state and one of the highest auto theft rates in the country, which may contribute to its relatively expensive car insurance rates for a rural city.2

California law requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of auto insurance, so you’ll need to purchase coverage before getting behind the wheel. Premiums vary based on factors like your driving record, age, and location, so it’s crucial to compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before deciding on a policy.

Best and cheapest car insurance companies in Modesto

The cheapest car insurance for one driver isn’t necessarily the cheapest for all drivers, since each insurer weighs driving factors differently. Quote comparison is essential to find an insurance company that suits your needs at an affordable price.

Modesto drivers can find the best car insurance rates from Clearcover, Safeco, and Mile Auto. Well-known insurers, like State Farm, AAA, and GEICO, also offer competitive rates, but their average costs are higher.

Best insurer for affordability: Mercury

Best insurer for high-risk drivers: National General

Best insurer for pay-per-mile insurance: Mile Auto

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Modesto

Different factors, including age, location, and driving record, all affect how much you pay for car insurance. Even though you can’t change some of those factors, you can take steps to lower your insurance costs.

The following tips can help you find the cheapest car insurance in Modesto, CA:

• Ask about discounts. Insurance companies usually offer a variety of discounts that can help you save money on an auto policy, such as good student and defensive driver discounts.

• Bundle your home and auto insurance. Many insurers offer discounts for bundling your car insurance with homeowners, renters, or even life insurance.

• Choose a higher deductible. A higher deductible means a lower premium. Just make sure you can afford to pay it out of pocket if you need to file a claim.

• Keep a clean driving record. Drivers with clean records pay the cheapest rates. Try to drive responsibly and avoid traffic violations.

• Shop around. Compare quotes from at least three auto insurance companies before buying a policy. Each insurer weighs factors differently — you may find cheaper rates for the same coverage from certain companies.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Modesto: USAA

California requires drivers to carry liability car insurance. If you cause an accident, the policy helps pay for vehicle repairs and medical expenses for the other driver and their passengers. But it doesn’t help cover the cost of your repairs.

The cheapest insurer for liability-only car insurance in Modesto is USAA, with an average cost of $79 per month. Here are the best insurance companies for liability-only coverage in Modesto.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Modesto: Anchor

Full-coverage car insurance includes liability coverage, along with collision and comprehensive insurance, which provide more thorough protection and cover your own vehicle. Insurance experts recommend full coverage for most drivers, but if you have an old car that isn’t worth much, you may not need it.

The cheapest insurer for full-coverage car insurance in Modesto is Anchor, with an average cost of $173 per month. Here’s a look at the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in Modesto.

Car insurance requirements in California

California mandates liability insurance, which ensures drivers can cover the vehicle repair and medical costs associated with any accidents they cause. Drivers in the state must have bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.3

California lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which will take 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 are some additional car insurance policies you should consider:

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Car insurance companies use driving record information to determine coverage costs. High-risk violations, like speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI) violations, and at-fault accidents, signify that drivers are more likely to file a claim, meaning it costs more for insurers to provide coverage.

Because of that, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase after an incident. But you can still find affordable rates if you take the time to compare companies. Here’s how much you can expect to pay for car insurance in Modesto with different violations on your driving record.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Speeding tickets often cause your car insurance rates to increase, as speeding increases the likelihood of an accident — and a claim. Even though car insurance costs are higher after speeding, you can still find competitive rates.

The cheapest insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket in Modesto is USAA, with an average cost of $97 per month. Here are the cheapest insurers in Modesto for drivers with a speeding ticket.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA

If you’re responsible for a car crash, it shows on your driving records as an at-fault accident. In California, it will stay on your motor vehicle record for three years. During that time, you can expect your car insurance rates to increase.

The cheapest insurer for drivers with an at-fault accident in Modesto is USAA, with an average cost of $96 per month. Here are the best car insurance companies if you have an at-fault accident on your driving record.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA

Driving under the influence is a high-risk violation that can cause your car insurance costs to increase dramatically. In California, convictions will stay on your driving record for 10 years. You may also lose your license, have to pay a fine, and could even spend up to six months in jail.8 Your insurance company can also choose to cancel or not renew your policy.

It can be difficult to find affordable car insurance after a DUI. However, some insurers specialize in coverage for drivers with DUIs. You’ll need to research companies that offer coverage to drivers with DUIs and compare rates.

The cheapest insurer for drivers with a DUI in Modesto is USAA, with an average cost of $123 per month. The following insurers offer the best quotes for drivers with a DUI in Modesto.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA

Car insurance rates vary depending on a driver’s age. Drivers near retirement age pay some of the lowest rates for car insurance due to experience on the road and safe driving practices. It’s a great time to compare rates from multiple insurers and ensure you get the best deal since rates increase again around age 70.

The cheapest insurer for senior drivers in Modesto is USAA, with an average cost of $66 per month. Here are the best car insurance options for seniors in Modesto.

Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA

Teen drivers pay the highest rates for car insurance due to unsafe driving habits, like speeding and distracted driving. As a parent with a teenage driver, the expense of insurance can add up, but you can take steps to secure a lower rate.

Ask your insurer about multi-car and good student discounts, and keep your teenager on the family insurance plan for as long as possible. The most effective step you can take is to compare quotes from multiple insurers and ask questions before agreeing to a policy.

The cheapest insurer for teen drivers in Modesto is USAA, with an average cost of $148 per month. Here are the best car insurance quotes for teenage drivers in Modesto.

Is car insurance more expensive in Modesto?

Your location has a major effect on your car insurance rates. Modesto drivers pay an average of $153 per month for car insurance, slightly less than the national average. It’s right in the middle of the pack when it comes to California cities, however.

More cities in California

Even though Modesto is near the Bay Area, it’s in the Central Valley, which is quieter and more rural. Drivers in larger Bay Area cities, like San Francisco and Oakland, pay more for car insurance, but drivers in Santa Maria and Chula Vista pay significantly less than Modesto drivers.

Modesto car insurance FAQs