San Bernardino drivers pay a monthly premium of $227 for full-coverage car insurance, which is slightly higher than the California full-coverage average of $208. But San Bernardino’s average car insurance rates are much lower than rates in nearby cities like Los Angeles — possibly due to San Bernardino’s lower rate of severe accidents, less congested highways, and lower population.1 2
San Bernardino residents can still find affordable car insurance from numerous insurers that serve the city. Here’s what you need to know about comparing quotes and finding affordable coverage in the city.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in San Bernardino
When it comes to choosing a car insurance company in San Bernardino, it’s important to carefully assess your coverage needs and budget rather than solely focusing on finding the cheapest policies available. Factors such as your driving history, vehicle type, and coverage preferences can affect your insurance rates significantly.3
Here are some of the top car insurance companies in San Bernardino to help you start your search.
Best insurer for low-mileage drivers: Mile Auto
Best insurer for a digital experience: Clearcover
Best insurer for full coverage: Travelers
How to get the cheapest car insurance in San Bernardino
When looking for affordable car insurance in San Bernardino, remember these valuable tips:
Consider a higher deductible. Choosing a higher deductible for your collision and comprehensive coverage can lead to a lower premium. But make sure you have enough savings to cover the deductible amount in case you need to file a claim.
Shop around. The aim isn’t just to find cheap car insurance in San Bernardino but to find the right policy at the best price. Since insurance companies offer different rates to drivers, it’s essential to compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to secure the most favorable deal.
Bundle policies. Inquire about multi-policy discounts if you buy multiple insurance products with the same company. If you bundle your car insurance with other policies — such as renters insurance, business insurance, life insurance, or homeowners insurance — you can usually get a discount.
Explore potential discounts. Many insurance companies offer discounts based on factors such as good grades, low mileage, or having specific safety features in your car. You can ask your insurance agent about potential discounts that can help you save money.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in San Bernardino: USAA
In San Bernardino, you’ll find several insurance companies that offer low-cost liability-only car insurance. This type of auto insurance coverage pays for other parties’ damages and injuries after you cause an accident.
But it’s important to note that liability-only policies don’t cover your own medical expenses or vehicle repair costs. And if you only buy California’s minimum amount, you could be at financial risk if you cause an accident in which damages exceed your policy’s limits.
Liability coverage in San Bernardino costs an average of $100 per month.
Here are the cheapest liability car insurance companies in San Bernardino.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in San Bernardino: Anchor
While liability-only insurance covers the cost of damages and injuries you cause, full-coverage car insurance goes a step further to cover damages to your own vehicle. This type of insurance typically includes comprehensive and collision insurance in addition to liability coverage.
San Bernardino drivers pay $227 per month for full-coverage insurance, on average.
Here are the cheapest full-coverage policies in San Bernardino.
Car insurance requirements in California
Drivers in California must adhere to the state’s 30/60/15 minimum car insurance requirements. Failure to show proof of insurance or submit proof to the California Department of Motor Vehicles may result in vehicle registration and driver’s license suspension.
State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The table below reflects this change and the types and amount of coverage all drivers need to carry:4
Most insurance companies also offer optional coverages that you can add to your policy for even more protection. Here are some additional coverage options you should consider:
California’s low-cost auto insurance program
California's Low Cost Auto Insurance Program (CLCA) can help qualifying drivers secure affordable coverage while rates increase. This program offers car insurance options at annual premiums from $232 to $932, depending on the county.
To qualify for the program, you must meet the following criteria:
Hold 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
Maintain a good driving record or be a new driver
The program’s auto insurance fulfills the state’s minimum liability requirements. But drivers have the option to include medical payments and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage for an additional annual cost ranging from $37 to $107. Drivers can apply for the program conveniently through MyLowCostAuto.com.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Drivers with a history of incidents like speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), and at-fault accidents may struggle to find affordable car insurance. These incidents typically lead to increased insurance premiums for several years because they suggest a higher probability of future claims.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Exceeding the speed limit while driving is dangerous and poses a significant risk to your safety and other drivers’ safety. Having a speeding ticket on your driving record will likely lead to higher auto insurance premiums for three to five years compared to having a clean record.
San Bernardino drivers with a speeding ticket pay a monthly average of $122 for liability coverage and $276 for full coverage.
To help you find the best insurance rates, here’s an overview of the lowest average monthly quotes for San Bernardino drivers with speeding tickets on their records.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
In 2023, San Bernardino reported 38 fatalities in 37 accidents. An at-fault accident on your driving record typically leads to an increase in auto insurance premiums for three to five years. Insurance companies implement this measure to offset potential financial risks associated with future accidents.
Liability policies cost $116 per month in San Bernardino for drivers with an accident, and full-coverage policies cost $263 per month, on average.
The table below shows the cheapest auto insurance companies for drivers with an at-fault accident in San Bernardino.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
Driving under the influence is a violation that not only poses great danger but also incurs significantly higher car insurance premiums. Drivers with a DUI conviction in California will have to file SR-22 insurance with the state, which can make it difficult to find affordable auto insurance coverage. Insurance companies view a DUI history as high risk and adjust premiums to account for the risk of future claims.
San Bernardino drivers with a DUI pay an average of $161 per month for minimum-coverage policies. Rates for full-coverage policies jump to $365 per month.
If you have a DUI on your record, the following insurance companies offer the most competitive monthly quotes in San Bernardino.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Your age is one of the biggest influences on your car insurance premiums, and rates typically decrease as drivers accumulate experience and enter their mid-20s. But when senior drivers reach approximately 70 years old, premiums might slightly increase due to factors such as potential health concerns and elevated accident risks.6
San Bernardino seniors pay an average of $89 per month for liability-only coverage.
For senior drivers in San Bernardino, here are the insurance companies that offer some of the lowest average monthly quotes, based on Insurify’s data.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
The cost of car insurance for teenagers is often significantly higher compared to older drivers due to their limited experience behind the wheel and higher-risk profiles. As a teenager, one effective strategy to find affordable car insurance is to remain on a parent’s insurance policy, as it often results in more favorable rates. And, teens younger than 18 won’t be able to buy their own policies without the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Minimum-coverage policies cost teen drivers in San Bernardino an average of $192 per month, and full-coverage policies cost $437 per month.
Selecting a safe and reliable vehicle equipped with advanced safety features and maintaining good grades to qualify for good student discounts can further help in finding affordable insurance coverage.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers on their own policies in San Bernardino.
Is car insurance more expensive in San Bernardino?
The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $184 per month for full coverage, and in California, the cost is $208 per month. In San Bernardino, drivers pay slightly more than the national average and the state average — around $227 per month.
Keep in mind that insurance rates can vary significantly based on location, and factors like weather, crime, and traffic patterns also affect rates.
More cities in California
Car insurance rates in San Bernadino are higher than in some other cities across California. But cities like Los Angeles, which saw 338 fatalities in 2023 compared to San Bernardino, typically have higher average car insurance costs.
Here’s how average car insurance quotes in San Bernardino compare to quotes in other California cities.