Living only about 10 miles from the ocean and 35 miles from Los Angeles, Santa Ana residents can reach many SoCal destinations in 30 minutes. But owning a car means paying for car insurance. Santa Ana drivers pay an average of $98 per month for liability-only car insurance and $214 per month for full coverage. By comparison, the California state average is $95 for a liability-only policy and $208 for full coverage.

Santa Ana has a population density of more than 11,000 residents per square mile, according to U.S. Census data. Higher population density can lead to traffic congestion, more accidents, and a higher rate of car insurance claims, all of which could contribute to the city’s higher-than-average car insurance costs.

Here’s what you need to know about shopping for and finding affordable car insurance in Santa Ana, California.

3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Ana

The cheapest car insurance company for you will depend on multiple factors. Compare multiple companies, starting with the ones below that Insurify identified as some of the best insurers in Santa Ana.

Best insurer for liability-only coverage: Mile Auto

Best insurer for discounts: GEICO

Best insurer for full coverage: Travelers

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Santa Ana

The top car insurance companies have different premiums and coverage options, so finding affordable insurance may involve a little work on your part. Here’s how you can get cheap car insurance for your needs and budget in Santa Ana:

• Shop around. Get free quotes from at least three different companies at the same coverage levels to find the cheapest policy for your unique needs. Make sure each company you explore is reputable by checking its customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings.

• Choose a pay-per-mile policy. If you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year, you may benefit from pay-per-mile or usage-based car insurance. You’ll only pay for the number of miles you drive each month.

• Bundle policies. Many insurers offer bundling discounts if you purchase more than one insurance product with them. Bundle your car insurance with your home insurance or renters insurance for a discount.

• Practice safe driving habits. “Drivers can help keep their car insurance rates low by always driving safe and avoiding any accidents or tickets,” says Lauren McKenzie, a senior insurance agent at A Plus Insurance.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Santa Ana: USAA

California requires liability car insurance for all drivers. Liability insurance pays for any property damage or injuries you may cause in an at-fault accident. It’s typically the cheapest car insurance policy you can buy because it only covers damages and injuries you cause to other parties, not your own damages or injuries. Liability-only insurance is a good idea for people who drive older vehicles and may not need additional coverages.

But if you lease or finance your vehicle, your leasing company or lender will require you to have full coverage. You should also consider your ability to cover potential out-of-pocket costs in case of an accident before you choose a minimum-coverage policy.

Liability-only insurance in Santa Ana costs an average of $98 per month.

Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for liability-only insurance in Santa Ana.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Santa Ana: Anchor

Full-coverage car insurance usually includes three types of policies: liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Lenders may require it for people who have auto loans or leases. Thought it costs more than liability-only insurance, full coverage provides extra protection by covering damages to your own vehicle, regardless of fault. Consider full-coverage car insurance if you drive a newer vehicle or want more protection for your assets.

Santa Ana drivers pay an average of $214 per month for full coverage.

Here are the cheapest auto insurers for full coverage in Santa Ana.

Car insurance requirements in California

California is an at-fault — or tort — state, which means the at-fault driver must pay for the damage and injury that they cause to other drivers and passengers. While all drivers must carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, optional policies are available for extra peace of mind. California imposes penalties for any driver who fails to show proof of insurance.

State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The table below reflects this change and the types and amount of coverage all drivers need to carry:2

Although California car insurance laws mandate liability coverage, you can add additional coverages to round out your policy and provide more protection. Here are some optional auto coverages you might want to consider as a Santa Ana driver:

California’s low-cost auto insurance plan

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) can help qualifying low-income drivers buy affordable car insurance. Here are the eligibility requirements for the program:

• 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

Car insurance through the CLCA is $232 to $932 per year for minimum-liability car insurance, but these costs vary by county. Drivers can purchase additional coverage options, like uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments insurance, for an extra $37 to $107 per year.

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

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

The lowest premiums are reserved for Santa Ana drivers with clean records. If you have an incident on your record, like an at-fault accident, speeding ticket, or driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, you can expect higher car insurance costs. This is because car insurance companies will consider you a riskier driver and charge more to offset that risk of loss.

Here are the cheapest insurers in Santa Ana by driving history.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Speeding was a factor in 29% of traffic fatalities in 2021 nationwide.4 That’s why speeding tickets usually lead to higher auto insurance premiums, even if you didn’t cause an accident.

On average, Santa Ana drivers with speeding tickets pay monthly rates of $260 for full-coverage car insurance and $119 for minimum coverage. Here are the lowest average car insurance quotes for Santa Ana drivers with speeding tickets on their records, by insurance company.

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

If you cause a car accident, you’ll pay more for car insurance coverage because insurers will view you as a greater risk on the road. How much your car insurance rates increase depends on the severity of the accident and the claim amount.

An at-fault accident in Santa Ana raises average monthly insurance rates to $248 for full coverage and $113 for liability only. The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for drivers with an at-fault accident on their records in Santa Ana.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA

A DUI in California results in serious consequences like fines and jail time. It also leads to higher car insurance rates, especially if California requires you to file an SR-22 insurance form and keep it on file for three years.

Santa Ana drivers with DUIs on their records pay average monthly car insurance quotes of $345 for full coverage and $158 for minimum coverage. The table below shows rates for Santa Ana drivers who have DUIs on their records.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA

Car insurance rates may increase for drivers around age 70 due to age-related changes to vision, hearing, and driving capabilities.5 Despite this age group’s higher accident mortality rate per miles driven, senior drivers in Santa Ana still pay the lowest premiums out of every other age group.

Santa Ana seniors pay car insurance rates that average $191 per month for full coverage and $87 for liability policies. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for senior drivers in Santa Ana.

Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA

Teenagers and young adults are new to driving and less experienced than older drivers. As a result, they get into accidents more frequently, resulting in claims and higher car insurance premiums. By staying on their parents’ policies, qualifying for a good student discount, or completing a defensive driving course, they can save some money on car insurance.

The average cost of car insurance for Santa Ana teen drivers is $412 per month for full coverage and $189 for liability-only policies. Here are the cheapest auto insurers for teens and young drivers in Santa Ana.

Is car insurance more expensive in Santa Ana?

The average cost of car insurance in the U.S. is $104 per month for a liability-only auto policy and $184 per month for full coverage. In Santa Ana, the averages are $98 and $214, respectively.

Note that rates vary by city and ZIP code within California due to factors like population, crime rates, and the number of uninsured drivers.6

More cities in California

Below, you’ll find average quotes for car insurance in other cities in California.