Cheapest Auto Insurance in Santa Maria, California (2025)
Santa Maria drivers can find the cheapest car insurance rates from USAA. The insurer’s liability-only rates start at just $63 per month.
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Drivers in Santa Maria can expect to pay an average of $115 per month for car insurance. The city’s rates are lower than the monthly average of $146 and the national average of $138 per month.
Drivers in Santa Maria pay less likely in part because of the city’s location and comparatively smaller population.[?] Even so, you can find cheaper coverage if you compare car insurance quotes from multiple insurers before buying.
Here’s how you can find the most competitive rates from the best insurers in Santa Maria, California.
Quick Facts
USAA, National General, and Sun Coast are the cheapest car insurance companies for Santa Maria residents.
Your credit history doesn’t affect your insurance coverage rates in California.
Low-income drivers can secure affordable coverage through the California Low-Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA) program.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Maria
Drivers in Santa Maria have affordable coverage options, and the best insurer for you depends on your coverage needs. Driving records, location, average mileage, vehicle type, and age can help determine which insurer offers the best deal.
Clearcover, USAA, and Mile Auto are some of the top picks for drivers in the city. Here’s why.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury | 7.5 | $194 | $101 | Affordability |
| USAA | 9.1 | $186 | $81 | Military members, veterans, and their families |
| Mile Auto | 8.8 | $108 | $63 | Pay-per-mile insurance |
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 affordability: Mercury
Best insurer for military members, veterans, and their families: USAA
Best insurer for pay-per-mile insurance: Mile Auto
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Santa Maria, California
Rates start at $63 per month for liability coverage
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How to get the cheapest car insurance in Santa Maria
Your location and where you live within a city can affect how much you pay for car insurance. Factors like your driving history, age, and vehicle type also affect insurance costs.
But you have ways to save:[?]
Ask about discounts. Most car insurance companies offer discounts for bundling policies, including home insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance. But many insurers also offer rate deductions for good driving, driving fewer miles, and being a student. Ask insurance agents or representatives what discounts apply.
Consider your car’s value. The value of your vehicle determines how much insurance you need. If you have a new or high-value car, it usually makes sense to opt for higher coverage. But if your vehicle is old or worth less, you might need less extensive protection.
Compare quotes. Comparing quotes from at least three companies is the most effective way to save money on car insurance. It’s easier to gauge whether or not you’re getting a good deal once you review more than one offer.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Santa Maria: USAA
Most states, including California, mandate liability-only car insurance. Liability coverage helps pay for vehicle repairs and medical expenses for the other driver when you cause an accident.[?] But there are limitations, and it doesn’t cover your repair costs.
USAA offers the cheapest quotes for liability-only coverage in Santa Maria, with a cost of $63 per month. You can find the most competitive rates from the following insurers.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $63 |
| National General | $70 |
| Sun Coast | $73 |
| Dairyland | $75 |
| Root | $79 |
| Mercury | $81 |
| Allstate | $87 |
| Farmers | $90 |
| Direct Auto | $91 |
| GEICO | $91 |
| Anchor | $92 |
| Bristol West | $96 |
| State Farm | $97 |
| Travelers | $102 |
| 21st Century | $111 |
| Nationwide | $137 |
| Chubb | $173 |
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 Santa Maria: USAA
Full-coverage car insurance typically includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage. If you cause an accident or hit an object, collision coverage can help pay for your vehicle repairs. Comprehensive coverage helps cover costs associated with non-collision damages like theft, vandalism, and natural disasters.
USAA offers the cheapest quotes for full-coverage policies in Santa Maria, with rates of $145 per month. The following insurance companies also offer affordable rates.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $145 |
| Root | $146 |
| Anchor | $148 |
| Mercury | $154 |
| GEICO | $161 |
| Sun Coast | $184 |
| Allstate | $200 |
| National General | $201 |
| Farmers | $205 |
| State Farm | $222 |
| Bristol West | $225 |
| Travelers | $233 |
| Direct Auto | $242 |
| 21st Century | $254 |
| Dairyland | $260 |
| Nationwide | $313 |
| Chubb | $396 |
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
Drivers in California must have liability insurance, which helps pay for vehicle repairs and medical costs for the other driver. In California, liability insurance includes bodily injury and property damage liability coverage.[?]
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 Santa Maria 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 |
As you determine your coverage needs, consider the following policies:
California’s Low-Cost Auto Insurance Program
California offers low-income drivers affordable liability-only coverage through the Low-Cost Auto Insurance (CLCA) program. Drivers can work with select companies to secure coverage amounts lower than the state-mandated limits.[?]
To qualify, you must earn less than the income thresholds set by the state. The size of your family and total income determines eligibility. For example, families of four must make less than $75,000 per year, which is lower than the federal poverty guidelines. You also need a clean driving record, and your car can’t be worth more than $25,000.[?]
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Driving incidents cause your insurance premiums to increase. Car insurance companies determine rates based on your driving record.
Drivers without any incidents can secure lower rates since insurers consider them less risky to insure. However, insurers charge more if you have a speeding ticket, driving under the influence (DUI) violation, or at-fault car accident.
Here’s how each type of incident affects your car insurance rates.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Speeding tickets indicate risky driving, which signifies to insurers that you might be more likely to file a claim. Insurance companies charge more for coverage to compensate for the potential cost of future claims. However, it’s still possible to find competitive rates.
The cheapest insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket in Santa Maria is USAA, with a cost of $79 per month. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Maria after a speeding ticket.
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 | $63 | $79 |
| National General | $70 | $86 |
| Sun Coast | $73 | $89 |
| Dairyland | $75 | $92 |
| Root | $79 | $103 |
| Allstate | $87 | $110 |
| Mercury | $81 | $112 |
| Anchor | $92 | $112 |
| Farmers | $90 | $112 |
| Direct Auto | $91 | $113 |
| GEICO | $91 | $117 |
| Bristol West | $96 | $118 |
| State Farm | $97 | $120 |
| Travelers | $102 | $129 |
| 21st Century | $111 | $142 |
| Nationwide | $137 | $173 |
| Chubb | $173 | $215 |
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
Car insurance companies determine rates based on how likely drivers are to file future claims. If you have an at-fault accident on your driving record, it indicates that you’re more likely to do so. Even though past behavior isn’t always an indicator of future behavior, insurance companies prefer to err on the side of caution.
The cheapest insurer for drivers with an at-fault accident in Santa Maria is USAA, with a cost of $79 per month.
Here’s how much you can expect your car insurance rates to increase with different companies after you cause a car accident.
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 | $63 | $79 |
| Sun Coast | $73 | $87 |
| National General | $70 | $87 |
| Dairyland | $75 | $93 |
| Root | $79 | $98 |
| Allstate | $87 | $109 |
| GEICO | $91 | $109 |
| Farmers | $90 | $112 |
| Anchor | $92 | $114 |
| Mercury | $81 | $114 |
| Direct Auto | $91 | $117 |
| Bristol West | $96 | $119 |
| State Farm | $97 | $120 |
| Travelers | $102 | $128 |
| 21st Century | $111 | $141 |
| Nationwide | $137 | $172 |
| Chubb | $173 | $214 |
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
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious violation that causes your car insurance costs to skyrocket. If you get a DUI in California, convictions remain on your driving record for 10 years. You might also have to pay fines, lose your license, spend time in jail, and face non-renewal from your insurance company.[?]
If you’re navigating the aftermath of a DUI, seek out insurance companies that specialize in coverage. The cheapest insurer for drivers with a DUI in Santa Maria is USAA, with a monthly cost of $86.
Here’s how much you can expect your rates to increase after a DUI.
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 | $63 | $86 |
| Sun Coast | $73 | $91 |
| National General | $70 | $95 |
| Dairyland | $75 | $102 |
| Root | $79 | $106 |
| Mercury | $81 | $115 |
| Allstate | $87 | $118 |
| GEICO | $91 | $120 |
| Farmers | $90 | $122 |
| Direct Auto | $91 | $124 |
| Anchor | $92 | $128 |
| Bristol West | $96 | $130 |
| State Farm | $97 | $132 |
| Travelers | $102 | $138 |
| 21st Century | $111 | $151 |
| Nationwide | $137 | $186 |
| Chubb | $173 | $235 |
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
Your age affects your car insurance costs. Young drivers can expect higher insurance costs throughout their teenage years and young adulthood. Around age 35, prices begin to decrease and continue doing so throughout retirement age. However, rates start to increase again around age 70.
The cheapest insurer for senior drivers in Santa Maria is USAA, with a monthly cost of $52.
Here’s the cheapest car insurance in Santa Maria for seniors.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $52 | $120 |
| National General | $56 | $161 |
| Dairyland | $63 | $219 |
| Sun Coast | $65 | $164 |
| Mercury | $67 | $127 |
| Root | $68 | $125 |
| Allstate | $72 | $167 |
| Farmers | $73 | $166 |
| GEICO | $74 | $130 |
| Direct Auto | $75 | $199 |
| Anchor | $77 | $124 |
| State Farm | $78 | $179 |
| Bristol West | $81 | $190 |
| Travelers | $83 | $190 |
| 21st Century | $89 | $204 |
| Nationwide | $107 | $245 |
| Chubb | $133 | $305 |
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
Teenage drivers spend significantly more on car insurance due to inexperience and risky behavior behind the wheel. Since most teenagers have insurance through parents or guardians, the costs can affect the family budget.
But you can take steps to save money. Ask about good student discounts, buy a car with additional safety features, and keep your teenager on the family insurance plan as long as possible.
With a cost of $118 per month, the cheapest insurer for teen drivers in Santa Maria is USAA.
Here are the cheapest car insurance quotes for teenage drivers in Santa Maria.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Friday, October 31 at 5:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $118 | $272 |
| Dairyland | $126 | $438 |
| Sun Coast | $137 | $345 |
| Root | $140 | $258 |
| National General | $144 | $413 |
| Mercury | $153 | $291 |
| Anchor | $162 | $261 |
| GEICO | $167 | $296 |
| Allstate | $174 | $400 |
| Bristol West | $174 | $408 |
| Farmers | $179 | $407 |
| Direct Auto | $181 | $481 |
| State Farm | $189 | $434 |
| 21st Century | $204 | $468 |
| Travelers | $211 | $483 |
| Nationwide | $271 | $619 |
| Chubb | $366 | $838 |
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 Santa Maria?
No. Average rates in Santa Maria are also lower than the state average, possibly due to the city’s agricultural-heavy setting and comparatively smaller population size. Drivers in bigger nearby cities like Santa Barbara and Moreno Valley pay slightly more per month.
Santa Maria drivers pay an average of $115 per month for car insurance, lower than the state average of $146 and much lower than the national average of $138 per month.
More cities in California
Drivers in nearby California cities pay slightly more for car insurance. For example, drivers in Santa Barbara pay an average of $98 per month, about $20 more. Similarly, Moreno Valley residents pay about $10 more than Santa Maria drivers.
Here are the average quotes for some other California cities.
City | Average Quote: Liability Only | Average Quote: Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Anaheim | $105 | $208 |
| Berkeley | $100 | 237 |
| Fresno | $84 | $182 |
| Long Beach | $116 | $241 |
| Los Angeles | $158 | $311 |
| Oakland | $102 | $242 |
| Sacramento | $104 | $215 |
| San Diego | $84 | $179 |
| San Francisco | $107 | $258 |
| San Jose | $89 | $197 |
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.
Santa Maria car insurance FAQs
Finding the right car insurance can be challenging. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about car insurance in Santa Maria.
How much is car insurance in Santa Maria?
On average, car insurance in Santa Maria costs $162 per month for full coverage and $69 for liability-only insurance. Your exact premium will depend on factors like your location, driving record, age, and gender.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Santa Maria?
USAA offers the cheapest car insurance rates in Santa Maria, starting at $63 for liability-only coverage. Santa Maria drivers can also find cheap rates from National General and Sun Coast, which have liability rates as low as $70 and $73, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in Santa Maria?
Nationwide, State Farm, and USAA are the best car insurance companies in Santa Maria. All boast IQ Scores of above 4 out of 5 and have strong financial strength ratings.
However, the best car insurance company for you may be different, as everyone has unique insurance needs and financial situations. Always be sure to compare quotes from multiple insurers before buying a policy.
Can insurers in California consider your credit score when setting car insurance rates?
No. California law forbids insurers from using your credit history as a factor when setting car insurance rates.
How much does the average person pay for car insurance in California?
The average person pays $146 per month for car insurance in California.
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