Stockton residents pay an average of $225 per month for full-coverage car insurance, which is slightly higher than the California full-coverage average of $208 per month.
But thanks to a low accident rate compared to other major cities like Los Angeles, Stockton drivers pay lower average rates for car insurance than drivers in other California cities.1
Here’s how you can compare quotes and find cheap car insurance companies in Stockton.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Stockton
Choosing the right car insurance company in Stockton requires careful evaluation of your personal needs and circumstances, not just looking for the cheapest auto insurance policies. Factors such as your driving history, vehicle type, and coverage preferences can influence which insurer offers the most affordable prices.
Here are some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Stockton.
Best insurer for teen drivers: Mile Auto
Best insurer for drivers with a DUI: Sun Coast
Best insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Stockton
When searching for cheap car insurance in Stockton, remember these tips:
Prioritize safe driving. Uphold a clean driving record by adhering to traffic laws and avoiding accidents and violations, as this can positively influence your insurance rates.
Consider a higher deductible. If you choose a higher collision or comprehensive deductible, it can reduce your premium. But make sure you have sufficient savings to cover the deductible amount in case you need to file a claim.
Compare quotes. The goal isn’t to find the cheapest car insurance in Stockton but the right policy for the best price. Because insurers quote different rates to drivers, you should compare quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best deal.
Maximize savings through policy bundling. Ask about multi-policy discounts when consolidating your car insurance with other policies, such as renters or homeowners insurance.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Stockton: USAA
Liability-only car insurance offers financial protection in situations where you cause damages or injuries to others in an at-fault car accident. It doesn’t include coverage for your medical expenses or vehicle repairs. This type of insurance covers the medical expenses and property damage of the other party up to the limits specified in your policy, ensuring that you’re financially accountable in the event of an accident.
Liability-only insurance in Stockton costs an average of $91 per month.
Here are the car insurance companies with the cheapest liability-only policies in Stockton.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Stockton: Anchor
Liability-only car insurance provides essential protection against damages and injuries you cause to others, but it doesn’t cover your vehicle or medical bills. On the other hand, full-coverage car insurance offers comprehensive protection that goes beyond liability, ensuring more financial protection.
Full-coverage car insurance is particularly beneficial for drivers with valuable vehicles, people living in areas prone to accidents or theft, or anyone seeking extensive coverage for personal and third-party damages.
Stockton drivers pay a monthly average of $225 for full-coverage car insurance.
If you’re interested in finding the most affordable full-coverage policies in Stockton, refer to the table below.
Car insurance requirements in California
The state of California requires drivers to purchase a minimum level of car insurance known as 30/60/15.
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 requires minimum limits, it’s a good idea to add extra coverage to your auto policy if you’re concerned about paying for repairs after an at-fault accident, theft, or weather-related damage. Consider these optional coverages for added peace of mind:
California’s low-cost auto insurance plan
California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) exists to help low-income drivers buy affordable car insurance. 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
It costs $232 to $932 per year to buy minimum-liability car insurance through the CLCA, depending on the county. But it also offers 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
For drivers with a history of incidents, such as speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), at-fault accidents, or other moving violations, affordable car insurance becomes crucial. It’s important to remember that these incidents typically result in increased insurance premiums for several years since they indicate a higher likelihood of future claims.4
“Your driving record tells a story of what type of driver/risk you are. The more activity you have — for example, tickets or accidents — the more you will pay for car insurance,” says Steve Rivera, partner at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers. “The less activity, or no activity at all, will provide preferred pricing.”
For affordable insurance with a spotty driving record, check out Insurify’s data on the cheapest companies below.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
Stockton reported more than 450 speed-related crashes in 2023, so having a speeding ticket on your driving record will likely result in increased auto insurance premiums compared to having a completely clean record.1
Drivers in Stockton with a speeding ticket pay an average of $111 per month for liability coverage and $274 per month for full coverage.
To assist you in shopping for the best rates, here’s an overview of the average monthly liability-only quotes by insurance company for drivers with a speeding ticket in Stockton.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA
If you have an at-fault accident on your driving record, it’s common for your auto insurance premiums to rise for three to five years. Insurance companies do this to offset potential financial risks associated with future accidents.4
Stockton drivers with an accident pay a monthly average of $105 for liability coverage.
If you live in Stockton and have an at-fault accident on your record, refer to the table below to see the most affordable average liability-only quotes Insurify identified for cost-effective coverage.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
Driving under the influence is undoubtedly a severe offense and results in considerably higher car insurance premiums.4 Plus, California may require you to file SR-22 insurance with the state after a DUI conviction. Insurance companies perceive a DUI history as a substantial financial risk and may increase premiums accordingly.
Stockton had 73 alcohol-related accidents in 2023.1 Liability insurance for Stockton drivers with a DUI costs an average of $147 per month. Full-coverage policies jump to $362 per month.
If you have a DUI on your record, here are the liability-only rates of the cheapest insurers in Stockton.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA
Age plays a crucial role in shaping car insurance rates. Prices generally decrease as drivers gain more experience and reach their mid-20s. But around age 70, premiums might undergo a slight increase due to increased accident risks.5
Senior drivers in Stockton pay an overall average of $141 per month for car insurance.
Here are the insurers with some of the lowest average quotes available for senior drivers in Stockton.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA
Car insurance for teenagers and young adults is frequently much more expensive than for older drivers due to their limited experience on the road and increased risk factors.6 As a teenager, one effective strategy to find affordable car insurance is to remain on a parent’s insurance policy, as it often leads to more favorable premiums. Plus, teens younger than 18 won’t be able to buy their own policy without written consent from a parent or guardian.
Teen drivers in Stockton pay monthly averages of $175 for liability coverage and $433 for full coverage.
Additionally, choosing a safe and reliable vehicle equipped with good safety features and maintaining good grades to qualify for good student discounts can further help in getting affordable insurance. The following table showcases some of the lowest average car insurance quotes available for teens in Stockton, based on Insurify data.
Is car insurance more expensive in Stockton?
Full-coverage car insurance in the U.S. costs $184 per month, on average. Stockton drivers pay more, at $225 per month for the same coverage. But insurance rates can differ significantly by location, and factors such as weather, crime, and traffic affect rates.6
More cities in California
While car insurance rates in Stockton tend to be higher than in many other California cities, there are exceptions. For example, cities like Los Angeles, which experienced significantly more traffic injuries and fatalities in 2023 than Stockton, typically have higher average car insurance costs.
To understand the variations in car insurance expenses, here’s a comparison of average car insurance quotes in some other California cities.