Cheapest Auto Insurance in San Diego, California (2025)

The overall average monthly cost of car insurance in San Diego is $139. Costs in the city are lower than the California state average of $151 and the overall national average of $144.

San Diego has an average number of auto accidents and has implemented initiatives to improve safety on city streets and sidewalks, which may contribute to the lower-than-average rates.1

Here’s what you need to know about comparing quotes and finding coverage in San Diego.

Cheapest car insurance companies in San Diego

When shopping around for car insurance, you should consider more than your budget. The best auto insurance company for you will depend on a variety of factors, including your coverage needs, age, driving history, average mileage, and more.

San Diego residents have different car insurance companies to choose from, but Mile Auto, Sun Coast, and Clearcover stand out with quality coverage and competitive rates. The average rates below reflect statewide costs in California.

Best insurer for liability-only coverage: Mile Auto

Best insurer for drivers with speeding tickets: Sun Coast

Best insurer for young drivers: Clearcover

How to get the cheapest car insurance in San Diego

Car insurers have variations in coverage options, policy specifics, and underwriting processes, so finding cheap car insurance involves a bit of research and work on your part. You can land the best deal on a policy if you follow these tips:

• Shop around. It’s well worth your time and effort to get quotes from several car insurance companies. This can help you find the lowest price for your particular needs.

• Look for discounts. Car insurance companies usually offer a variety of discounts. You may get one for being a safe driver, insuring multiple vehicles, or installing an anti-theft device.

• Consider pay-per-mile insurance. California doesn’t permit the use of telematics to track driving behaviors, but pay-per-mile insurance is available. This type of insurance might be a good idea for remote workers, retirees, and low-mileage drivers. You’ll only pay for the miles you drive.

• Practice safe driving habits. Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, and DUIs can raise your car insurance premiums. Drive responsibly to avoid them. Good drivers with clean driving records typically earn lower rates.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in San Diego: USAA

Per California law, San Diego drivers must purchase at least liability-only car insurance, which pays for the other driver’s property damage and injuries after an at-fault accident. Because it’s the minimum required auto insurance, it’s typically cheaper than full-coverage policies and liability policies with higher limits.

With a cost of $72 per month, USAA offers the cheapest liability-only insurance in San Diego.

The table below shows average quotes for liability-only policies from popular car insurance companies in San Diego.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in San Diego: Anchor

Full-coverage car insurance usually includes three types of coverage: liability, collision, and comprehensive coverages. With collision and comprehensive coverages on a policy, you have protection against damages to your car after certain events. Drivers with newer or expensive cars may consider full-coverage car insurance to help pay for car repairs after accidents or weather damage. And you’ll likely need a full-coverage policy if you finance or lease your car.

The table below shows the insurance companies with the cheapest quotes for full-coverage auto insurance in San Diego. Drivers can find the cheapest full-coverage insurance with Anchor, with rates of $157 per month.

Car insurance requirements in California

Because California is an at-fault or tort state, the at-fault driver must cover the other driver’s and their passengers’ property damage and injury costs after an accident. Drivers must carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage but can purchase additional coverage for extra peace of mind. They should expect legal and financial consequences if they fail to show proof of insurance.

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 San Diego drivers need to carry:3

Liability-only coverage may not be enough protection for some drivers. Adding more coverage to your auto insurance policy can protect your finances in various situations — not just car accidents. Here are some additional coverages to consider including in your policy:

California’s low-cost auto insurance plan

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps qualifying drivers buy affordable car insurance that meets minimum requirements. 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

The CLCA program costs $232 to $932 a year for minimum-liability car insurance, depending on the county. However, drivers can purchase additional coverage options like uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and medical payments coverage for an extra $37 to $107 a year. You can learn more and apply for the program at MyLowCostAuto.com.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence position you as a riskier driver and can raise your car insurance premiums as a result.5 San Diego drivers with clean records usually pay lower rates than high-risk drivers. And California may require you to buy SR-22 insurance if you’re a high-risk driver, which can keep your rates high for three years.5

Overall, the average cost of car insurance for San Diego drivers with violations on their motor vehicle records is $157 per month, compared to $139 for motorists with clean records. Finding affordable car insurance with a poor driving record isn’t impossible, though. Take a look at Insurify’s data on the cheapest companies for drivers with incidents on their records.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Speeding can impair your ability to respond appropriately in dangerous situations and, in turn, lead to accidents. In 2020, San Diego reported 530 deaths and injuries in speed-related crashes.6 That’s why you may face higher car insurance premiums if you have one or more speeding tickets on your record.

San Diego drivers with speeding violations pay $105 per month for liability coverage and $234 for full-coverage car insurance, on average.

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

Car insurance companies charge higher premiums to drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.5 An at-fault accident can increase your rates for several years. The average cost of liability coverage for San Diego drivers with at-fault accidents is $99 per month. Full coverage costs city drivers a monthly average of $222.

If you don’t have accident forgiveness, here are the auto insurers with the cheapest average quotes for drivers with an at-fault accident in San Diego.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA

Aside from potential fines and jail time, a DUI in San Diego may result in higher car insurance costs. San Diego reported more than 1,300 DUI arrests and 621 alcohol-related deaths and injuries in 2020.6 A DUI can even cause your insurance company to not renew your policy.5

San Diego drivers with DUI convictions have average car insurance costs of $309 per month for full coverage and $138 for liability. This table highlights the average monthly quotes for San Diego drivers with DUIs by car insurance company.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA

Compared to younger drivers, seniors have a higher car accident mortality rate. Average premiums by age group tend to decrease around age 35 and increase a bit around age 70 due to potential changes in eyesight, hearing, and physical capabilities.7

Car insurance for senior drivers in San Diego costs a monthly average of $171 for full coverage and $77 for liability-only policies. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance quotes for seniors in San Diego.

Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA

Teenagers and young adults have less driving experience than older drivers and are more likely to get into a car accident. For this reason, they tend to pay more for auto insurance.1 Fortunately, teens can lower their car insurance premiums if they stay on their parents’ policy or lock in a good student discount.

To start your search for affordable car insurance, the table below shows the cheapest companies for teen drivers in San Diego. The cheapest insurer for teen drivers in San Diego is USAA, with an average cost of $135 per month.

Is car insurance more expensive in San Diego?

The national average for car insurance is $104 per month for a liability-only policy and $184 per month for full coverage. On average, auto policies in San Diego tend to be cheaper. Also, car insurance premiums in California vary by city due to population, vehicle theft and vandalism rates, and other factors. For example, car insurance is more expensive in Anaheim, Bakersfield, and Fresno than in San Diego.

More cities in California

Here’s an overview of the average car insurance quotes for California drivers in various cities in the Golden State.