Cheapest Auto Insurance in San Francisco, California (2025)
USAA has the lowest car insurance rates for Golden Gate City drivers, with liability rates starting at $100 per month.
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San Francisco drivers pay car insurance rates that are on par with state averages. In the Golden Gate City, drivers pay $258 per month for full coverage and $107 for liability-only insurance, while the California state averages are $200 and $93, respectively.
The city’s population density, number of traffic accidents, and vehicle crime and theft rates all contribute to its car insurance costs. But San Francisco drivers can still find affordable coverage by comparing car insurance quotes from multiple companies.
Here’s what you need to know about finding affordable car insurance in San Francisco.
Quick Facts
USAA, National General, and Sun Coast are the cheapest car insurance companies in San Francisco.
In 2023, San Francisco had nearly 2,100 traffic accidents that resulted in injuries, according to city data.
Insurance companies in California can’t use your credit history, gender, or ZIP code when determining your car insurance rates.[?]
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in San Francisco
Finding affordable car insurance coverage in the Bay Area is important, but getting the best price takes more than buying the first policy an insurance company offers you. Compare multiple companies, starting with the ones Insurify identified as some of the best insurers in San Francisco below.
Insurance Company  | IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | Full Coverage | Liability Only | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mile Auto | 8.8 | $108 | $63 | Pay-per-mile coverage |
| Mercury | 7.5 | $194 | $101 | Rideshare drivers |
| USAA | 9.1 | $186 | $81 | Military members and veterans |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Our editorial team spent more than 350 hours developing the Insurify Quality (IQ) Score and scoring insurance companies. The IQ Score objectively analyzes and calculates a score for insurers using more than 15 crucial criteria. The team weighted criteria by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings.
We rate each company on a 1 to 10 scale based on five categories: financial ratings, customer satisfaction, affordability, customer support and transparency, and availability. Insurify updates ratings once a year or as more recent information becomes available.
- Third-party financial ratings: Insurify uses data from AM Best, S&P, Moody’s, and more to compare insurance companies’ credit and ability to pay out future claims.
- Customer satisfaction: To calculate this score, Insurify analyzed more than 55,000 customer reviews across 155 car insurance companies. We also consider third-party ratings from J.D. Power, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and Trustpilot.
- Affordability: Our data scientists analyzed more than 90 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partners across the U.S., as well as available discounts, to calculate an affordability score.
- Customer support and transparency: This measures coverage options, ease of claims filing, and the insurer's transparency surrounding discounts, coverages, and claims process.
- Availability and reach: Insurify scores availability and reach by identifying the number of states in which insurers offer coverage and company size by market share.
Best insurer for pay-per-mile coverage: Mile Auto
Best insurer for rideshare drivers: Mercury
Best insurer for military members and veterans: USAA
How to get the cheapest car insurance in San Francisco
Car insurance companies have their own coverage options, policy discounts, and rates. If you want cheap car insurance, follow these tips to find affordable coverage in the Bay Area:
Shop around. Get car insurance quotes from at least three different companies for the same coverage levels. Compare all your options to find the best one for your unique needs.
Bundle policies. If you bundle your auto insurance policy with homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance, the insurance company will usually apply a discount.
Increase your deductible. A higher collision or comprehensive deductible usually means lower premiums. Just make sure you can afford to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Look for discounts. Most auto insurers advertise long lists of discounts. If you aren’t sure which ones you’re eligible for, you can call an insurance agent and ask which ones the insurer will apply to your policy for lower premiums.
Avoid a coverage lapse. “Maintain auto insurance and avoid any lapse in coverage, as it will cause future policies to be higher,” explains Lauren McKenzie, a senior insurance agent at A Plus Insurance.
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Liability rates start at $100 per month
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Cheapest liability-only car insurance in San Francisco: USAA
California law requires all drivers to have liability car insurance, at a minimum. This type of policy covers the other driver’s property damage and injuries that you cause following an at-fault accident.
Liability-only insurance typically has the lowest rates because of its limited coverage — it won’t cover damages to your car or your injuries from an accident you cause. But people who drive older, low-value cars may choose liability-only coverage to save money on car insurance.
Liability-only coverage in San Francisco costs an average of $107 per month.
Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in San Francisco for liability-only insurance.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $100 |
| National General | $111 |
| Sun Coast | $116 |
| Dairyland | $119 |
| Root | $126 |
| Mercury | $129 |
| Allstate | $138 |
| Farmers | $143 |
| Direct Auto | $145 |
| GEICO | $145 |
| Anchor | $146 |
| Bristol West | $152 |
| State Farm | $155 |
| Travelers | $162 |
| 21st Century | $177 |
| Nationwide | $218 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in San Francisco: USAA
Full-coverage car insurance usually refers to a combination of liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, your lender may require a full-coverage policy.
Furthermore, because full-coverage insurance includes damages to and theft of your vehicle, it may be a good idea to purchase it amid rising car theft rates in San Francisco. Motor theft rates in the city increased by 3.9% from 2021 to 2022. They also increased by 7.1% in the first half of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.[?]
San Francisco drivers pay an average of $258 per month for full-coverage insurance.
Here are the cheapest companies for full-coverage insurance in San Francisco.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $230 |
| Root | $232 |
| Anchor | $235 |
| Mercury | $245 |
| GEICO | $256 |
| Sun Coast | $293 |
| Allstate | $318 |
| National General | $320 |
| Farmers | $326 |
| State Farm | $354 |
| Bristol West | $357 |
| Travelers | $371 |
| Direct Auto | $385 |
| 21st Century | $404 |
| Dairyland | $414 |
| Nationwide | $498 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Car insurance requirements in California
Because California is an at-fault, or tort, state, a driver who causes an accident is responsible for the property damage and injury costs of the other driver and passengers. While California requires bodily injury and property damage liability, drivers can purchase additional coverage for more financial protection. If you’re unable to show proof of insurance, you’ll likely face legal and financial consequences.
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:[?]
Coverage | 2024 Coverage Limits | 2025 Coverage Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident | $30,000 per person / $60,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $5,000 per accident | $15,000 per accident |
Coverage beyond minimum liability is optional for drivers in San Francisco. But you may want to consider adding these coverages to your policy for more protection:
California’s low-cost auto insurance plan
California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) can help eligible drivers purchase affordable car insurance coverage through the state. 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
Buying car insurance through the CLCA costs $232 to $932 per year for minimum-liability car insurance, depending on the county. But it offers optional coverages, like uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments insurance, for an extra $37 to $107 per year. You can learn more and apply for the low-cost car insurance program at MyLowCostAuto.com.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Incidents such as at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions can increase your risk as a driver and cause your car insurance rates to go up for three to five years.
Drivers with these types of violations on their records typically pay much higher premiums than people with clean driving records. Here are the average monthly quotes for people with marks on their driving record.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Speeding reduces the amount of time you have to react to dangerous situations and, in turn, increases the risk of accidents. San Francisco reported 434 speed-related injuries and fatalities in car crashes in 2020.[?] So having a speeding ticket on your record in San Francisco signals to insurers that you’re a risky driver, which leads to more expensive car insurance.
San Francisco drivers with speeding tickets pay average car insurance rates of $316 per month for full coverage and $131 for minimum coverage. The table below highlights the cheapest car insurance policies for San Francisco drivers with speeding tickets.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $100 | $126 |
| National General | $111 | $136 |
| Sun Coast | $116 | $142 |
| Dairyland | $119 | $146 |
| Root | $126 | $165 |
| Allstate | $138 | $175 |
| Mercury | $129 | $178 |
| Anchor | $146 | $178 |
| Farmers | $143 | $179 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $180 |
| GEICO | $145 | $186 |
| Bristol West | $152 | $188 |
| State Farm | $155 | $192 |
| Travelers | $162 | $205 |
| 21st Century | $177 | $227 |
| Nationwide | $218 | $276 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
If you cause an accident, your car insurance costs will likely increase because insurers will consider you a risky driver. But how much your car insurance rates increase depends on the severity of the accident — generally, a fender bender with no injuries won’t increase your premiums as much as a multi-vehicle crash that resulted in injuries.[?]
An at-fault accident can raise rates for San Francisco drivers to a monthly average of $306 for full coverage and $127 for liability-only insurance. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for San Francisco drivers with at-fault accidents on their records.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Accident |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $100 | $125 |
| Sun Coast | $116 | $138 |
| National General | $111 | $139 |
| Dairyland | $119 | $148 |
| Root | $126 | $156 |
| Allstate | $138 | $172 |
| GEICO | $145 | $174 |
| Farmers | $143 | $178 |
| Anchor | $146 | $181 |
| Mercury | $129 | $182 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $187 |
| Bristol West | $152 | $188 |
| State Farm | $155 | $191 |
| Travelers | $162 | $203 |
| 21st Century | $177 | $224 |
| Nationwide | $218 | $274 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
In California, the consequences for a DUI include fines, jail time, and license suspension.[?] A DUI is a serious offense that can also lead to higher car insurance rates and an SR-22 insurance requirement, which can keep your premiums elevated for several years.
The average cost of car insurance for San Francisco drivers with DUIs is $321 per month for full coverage and $133 for liability-only policies. Here are the average car insurance quotes for drivers with a DUI in San Francisco.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With DUI |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $100 | $136 |
| Sun Coast | $116 | $144 |
| National General | $111 | $151 |
| Dairyland | $119 | $162 |
| Root | $126 | $169 |
| Mercury | $129 | $183 |
| Allstate | $138 | $187 |
| GEICO | $145 | $192 |
| Farmers | $143 | $194 |
| Direct Auto | $145 | $197 |
| Anchor | $146 | $203 |
| Bristol West | $152 | $206 |
| State Farm | $155 | $210 |
| Travelers | $162 | $220 |
| 21st Century | $177 | $240 |
| Nationwide | $218 | $296 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Seniors have higher car accident mortality rates than young drivers. In most cases, average premiums decrease around age 35 and increase a bit around age 70 due to an uptick in accident risks.[?] Despite this slight increase, senior drivers tend to pay the lowest premiums compared to other age groups, especially teens and young adults.
On average, senior drivers in the City by the Bay pay $230 per month for full coverage and $95 for minimum coverage. Here are the most affordable quotes for senior drivers in San Francisco.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $83 | $191 |
| National General | $89 | $257 |
| Dairyland | $100 | $349 |
| Sun Coast | $103 | $261 |
| Mercury | $107 | $202 |
| Root | $108 | $198 |
| Allstate | $115 | $265 |
| Farmers | $116 | $264 |
| GEICO | $118 | $207 |
| Direct Auto | $119 | $316 |
| Anchor | $122 | $197 |
| State Farm | $125 | $285 |
| Bristol West | $128 | $301 |
| Travelers | $132 | $302 |
| 21st Century | $142 | $324 |
| Nationwide | $171 | $390 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
Teenagers don’t have a lot of driving experience and have higher crash rates than any other age group.[?] Because of this increased risk, teens pay more for car insurance than older drivers.
Teen drivers in San Francisco pay average monthly insurance rates of $483 for full coverage and $200 for liability only.
Fortunately, teens can save on a policy if they stay on their parents’ insurance and drive an older yet reliable car. Discounts for being a good student or living away from home while attending school can also help reduce costs for teens. Minor teens won’t be able to buy their own insurance policies without the written consent of a parent or guardian.
The table below shows the cheapest car insurance quotes for teen drivers in San Francisco.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $187 | $431 |
| Dairyland | $200 | $697 |
| Sun Coast | $217 | $549 |
| Root | $223 | $411 |
| National General | $228 | $657 |
| Mercury | $244 | $463 |
| Anchor | $257 | $414 |
| GEICO | $266 | $470 |
| Bristol West | $276 | $648 |
| Allstate | $276 | $636 |
| Farmers | $284 | $647 |
| Direct Auto | $288 | $765 |
| State Farm | $303 | $691 |
| 21st Century | $326 | $744 |
| Travelers | $336 | $769 |
| Nationwide | $431 | $985 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Is car insurance more expensive in San Francisco?
Compared to the national average, car insurance rates in San Francisco are more expensive. San Francisco drivers pay $107 per month for liability coverage and $258 per month for full coverage compared to the national monthly averages of $100 for liability coverage and $177 for full coverage.
But you can still land a good deal on a policy. As you shop around and do your research, keep in mind that car insurance premiums vary by city within California due to factors like population and crime rates.
More cities in California
The table below shows how auto insurance quotes in San Francisco compare to other cities in California.
City | Full Coverage | Liability Only |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $258 | $107 |
| Anaheim | $208 | $105 |
| Bakersfield | $186 | $82 |
| Fresno | $182 | $84 |
| Long Beach | $241 | $116 |
| Los Angeles | $311 | $158 |
| Modesto | $203 | $95 |
| Sacramento | $215 | $104 |
| San Diego | $179 | $84 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
San Francisco car insurance FAQs
Learn which factors may contribute to your higher car insurance costs in San Francisco, and read the answers to common questions about car insurance in the city below.
How much is car insurance in San Francisco?
The average cost of car insurance in San Francisco is $107 per month for liability-only insurance and $258 per month for full-coverage insurance.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in San Francisco?
USAA offers the lowest car insurance rates in San Francisco. Its liability policies start at $100 per month. San Francisco drivers can also save with the city’s second- and third-cheapest insurers, National General and Sun Coast, which offer liability policies starting at $111 and $116 per month, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in San Francisco?
Some of the best car insurance companies in San Francisco include USAA, Mercury, and Mile Auto. These companies have lower-than-average quotes and solid Insurify Quality Scores. But you should always compare quotes from at least three different insurers at the same coverage levels to find the cheapest car insurance rates for your unique needs and budget.
Can insurers use your credit score when setting insurance rates in San Francisco?
No. California doesn’t allow car insurance companies to use a driver’s credit history when setting premiums. This means that, with all other factors the same, a San Francisco driver with poor credit won’t pay more than someone with good credit.
Is car insurance more expensive in San Francisco?
Generally, car insurance in San Francisco is more expensive than in many other California cities, except Los Angeles. This could be due to the city’s dense population and three major roadways that feed into a small geographic area — San Francisco is less than 49 square miles with a population of about 800,000 people.
Which company has the lowest car insurance rates in California?
USAA has the lowest car insurance rates in California, with liability-only policies averaging $81 per month.
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