Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Sacramento, California (2025)

As the capital of California, Sacramento touts itself as a transportation hub, with two major interstate highways passing through the city center. However, the average driver in Sacramento spends $2,166 annually in vehicle operating costs from damaged roads, traffic accidents, and congestion, according to the most recent TRIP data.1  The challenging roadways are likely a contributor to Sacramento's car insurance rates.

On average, Sacramento drivers pay $106 per month for a liability-only policy and $231 per month for full coverage. By comparison, the California state averages are $94 and $206 per month, respectively, and national averages are $103 and $182.

Even though car insurance premiums for Sacramento are higher than California’s overall car insurance rates, drivers can still find a great price for their insurance needs. Here’s how you can compare and find the cheapest car insurance rates in Sacramento.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Sacramento

The cheapest and best car insurance company for you depends on your unique driver profile. Drivers have different coverage level needs and budgets, so it’s important to shop around with different companies to find the best rates for the best coverage. Here are a few car insurance companies Insurify identified to start your search for the best car insurance in Sacramento.

Best for liability-only coverage: Mile Auto

Best for drivers with a DUI: Sun Coast

Best for teen drivers: Clearcover

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Sacramento: USAA

Per California law, you must have liability car insurance to drive in Sacramento. This type of policy covers the other driver’s property damage and injuries following an at-fault accident and is generally the cheapest auto policy you can buy.

This table shows the most affordable liability car insurance companies in Sacramento.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Sacramento: Anchor

Full-coverage car insurance provides extra protection and usually includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. These extra coverages pay for damage to your vehicle from accidents — even if you cause one — and non-accident events, like falling objects and theft. You’ll likely need a full-coverage policy if you took out a loan for or lease your vehicle.

Here’s a look at the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in Sacramento, California.

Car insurance requirements in California

California is an at-fault, or tort, state. This means the at-fault driver is responsible for any property damage or injury expenses the drivers or passengers in another vehicle incur in an accident. While California car insurance laws require bodily injury and property damage liability, additional coverage is available for peace of mind. Drivers who don’t show proof of insurance will likely face fees and other consequences.

State 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:3

California’s minimum requirements are just that — minimums. If you want to avoid paying out of pocket for excess costs from an accident you cause, you can raise your liability insurance limits above California’s requirements.

And if you want protection for your own injuries and vehicle damages, here are several optional car insurance products you can add to your policy:

California’s low-cost auto insurance plan

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps qualifying drivers with low income buy affordable car insurance. It costs $232 to $932 a year to buy minimum-liability car insurance through the CLCA, depending on the county. And it also offers additional coverage options, like uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments insurance, for an extra $37 to $107 a year. The eligibility requirements for the program are:

• Have a valid California driver’s license

• Meet income eligibility requirements

• Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have a good driving record or be a new driver

You can learn more and apply for the California car insurance program at MyLowCostAuto.com.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

If your driving record contains incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, you can expect higher car insurance premiums. This is because insurers will consider you a high-risk driver who is more likely to file a claim. Car insurance companies save the lowest premiums for Sacramento drivers with clean records.

Here’s an overview of the insurance companies with the lowest average car insurance quotes in Sacramento, based on driving history.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Speeding often leads to car accidents and was a factor in 29% of traffic fatalities nationwide in 2021, the most recent data available from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.5 In Sacramento specifically, speed was a factor for 652 traffic fatalities and injuries in 2020.6 This increased risk of injury and death causes your premiums to increase if you get a speeding ticket.

Sacramento drivers with speeding tickets face average monthly costs of $280 for full-coverage car insurance and $129 for liability-only policies, Insurify data shows. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers after a speeding ticket in Sacramento.

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

Sacramento reported more than 3,700 traffic fatalities and injuries in 2020.6 So if you cause an accident, your car insurance rates will likely increase, depending on the severity.7

An at-fault accident raises average car insurance rates for Sacramento drivers to $267 per month for full coverage and $122 for minimum coverage. The table below shows the insurers with the lowest quotes for drivers with an at-fault accident on their records in Sacramento.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA

Sacramento reported 809 DUI arrests and 362 alcohol-involved traffic fatalities and injuries in 2020.6 A DUI is a serious offense in California that usually results in fines, jail time, and higher car insurance rates, especially if the state requires SR-22 insurance. You may even struggle to find an insurance company willing to provide coverage if you have multiple negative marks on your driving record. If this is the case, you may have to apply for California’s assigned risk pool for coverage.

Sacramento drivers with DUIs on their records face average monthly insurance rates of $372 for full coverage and $171 for liability only. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with a DUI in Sacramento.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Senior drivers have higher car accident mortality rates than younger drivers, which adds to their risk of loss on the road.8 Generally, car insurance premiums decrease around age 35 and start to increase again around age 70. However, senior drivers typically have much lower average premiums than younger drivers.

In Sacramento, senior drivers see average monthly car insurance rates of $206 for full coverage and $95 for liability-only policies. Here are the average quotes, by insurance company, for senior drivers in Sacramento.

Cheapest car insurance for teens

Teenagers have less experience behind the wheel and present a higher risk of loss from impulsive behaviors, so they tend to pay higher car insurance rates as a result.9 The good news is they can lower their costs if they stay on their parents’ policies or land a good student discount.

Sacramento teens have average car insurance rates of $442 for full coverage and $203 for minimum coverage. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for young adults and teens in Sacramento.

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Sacramento

Finding affordable car insurance is important for your personal finances, and it requires some effort on your part. If you’re looking for lower rates on your car insurance, try these tips during your insurance-shopping process:

• Shop around. Don’t go with the first insurer you find. Instead, request quotes from at least three different car insurance companies so you can compare each company’s lowest prices.

• Look into usage-based insurance. If you don’t drive very often, you can save money with a pay-per-mile policy. Your monthly premium changes based on how many miles you drive.

• Look for discounts. The best car insurance companies usually offer discounts for paying your premiums in full, setting up automatic payments, staying claims-free, getting good grades in school, taking a defensive driving course, and more.

• Bundle policies. If you buy your car insurance from the same company as your homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance, you can usually get a discount on your policies.

• Drive safely. Incidents like speeding and DUIs can raise your car insurance premiums. Make it a priority to be a responsible driver, and your car insurance rates may improve once you have a clean driving record again.

Is car insurance more expensive in Sacramento?

The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $170 per month for liability-only coverage and $253 per month for full coverage. While Sacramento’s average cost for liability insurance is a bit cheaper, its average cost for full coverage is a tad more expensive.

It’s important to note that car insurance premiums vary by city within California due to factors like population, crime rates, and the number of uninsured drivers.9 For example, compared to cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco, Sacramento has lower prices. On the other hand, cities like Fresno and San Diego have lower average quotes than Sacramento.

More cities in California

Here’s a look at average monthly quotes in other California cities.

Sacramento car insurance FAQs