Cheapest Auto Insurance in San Francisco, California (2026)
USAA has the lowest car insurance rates for Golden Gate City drivers, with liability rates starting at $96 per month.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
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Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
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Table of contents
San Francisco drivers pay car insurance rates that are on par with state averages. In the Golden Gate City, drivers pay $247 per month for full coverage and $99 for liability-only insurance, while the California state averages are $190 and $92, 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, Aspire General, and National General 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.[1]
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 | $190 | $98 | Rideshare drivers |
| USAA | 9.1 | $188 | $83 | Military members and veterans |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco 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
| User Reviews | 4.5 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.8 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $70/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $120/mo |
4.5
Best choice in San Francisco, CABased on 193 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mile Auto
Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in San Francisco for
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
How drivers feel about Mile Auto
Drivers appreciate the quality service but find the rates high and claim processing slow.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in San Francisco for
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
Showing recent national reviews - See all 66 Mile Auto reviews
Olanrewaju
Verified Purchase
Reasonable coverage.
Reviewed in Georgia on March 17, 2026
So far, it has been very good.
Leroy
Verified Review
Why was I canceled?
Reviewed in Texas on February 9, 2026
1/14/26: Liked what I saw and purchased Auto Insurance.
1/29/26: Received an email requesting a "Physician's opinion statement." I did not see this requirement in the many pages of fine print. Was given 30 days to submit.
1/31/26: Via email, I requested information on how to cancel my policy and stated that I do not release medical data to anyone. I did not request the policy be canceled.
2/01/26: Relented.
2/03/26: Hand-delivered request to primary care doctor and made an appointment for an Ophthalmologist for 02/10/26.
2/07/26: Received a USPS letter from MileAuto stating the policy would be canceled effective 3/01/26. The reason given was that "Policy no longer meets underwriting requirements." I have no idea what requirements this refers to.
Ronald
Verified Purchase
Monthly Insurance for the Price of Takeout
Reviewed in Ohio on January 11, 2026
I don't drive much, so it makes sense to me. I feel like I would like to have more coverage than just liability. I know they offer more coverage.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
NRNAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
2.18A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
NRWhy we picked this company
Mile Auto launched in 2010 and specializes in pay-per-mile car insurance. It provides cheap coverage for low-mileage drivers by charging a monthly base rate, plus a low per-mile rate. To track mileage, customers send in pictures of their odometers each month.
Pros
Affordable coverage for infrequent drivers
Doesn’t require an in-vehicle telematics device
Some of the lowest rates in San Francisco
Cons
No discounts available
Lenders and leasing companies may not accept this type of coverage
Available in only nine states
Best insurer for rideshare drivers: Mercury
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 7.5 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $111/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $233/mo |
4.0
Best choice in San Francisco, CABased on 638 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about Mercury
Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in San Francisco for
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
How drivers feel about Mercury
Drivers appreciate the attentive customer service and claim handling but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency in pricing. Some also found the company to be lacking in empathy and flexibility.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in San Francisco for
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Showing 25 California reviews for San Francisco drivers - See all 318 Mercury reviews
Fr
Verified Review
Less Expensive
Reviewed in California on March 11, 2026
Unsurpassed affordability.
Karen
Verified Review
My Experience with Mercury Insurance
Reviewed in California on February 1, 2026
My experience with Mercury is excellent. I have had the same agent ever since I first signed up with them, I believe, in the late 1990s. They have discounts I had never heard of and answer all questions immediately. My car is a 2016 Toyota Rav4 LE. I've always had full coverage, I drive very little, I bought it brand new, and I only have 37,389 miles on it, no tickets, no accidents, and no DUI ever. However, my insurance has doubled! I'm retired and live on Social Security. I can't afford insurance that used to be $645.76 per year in 2022, $908.76 per year in 2024, and $1,289.76 in 2025! My question is why is my insurance going up so much when I'm a good driver, have very low mileage, no accidents, and no tickets?
Howard
Verified Review
Automobile Insurance for Older Car with Low Mileage and Older Driver
Reviewed in California on January 20, 2026
The premium is very good in comparison with other more popular car insurance companies, especially when insuring a 28-year-old car with comparatively low miles and a driver over 70 years old.
Fred
Verified Review
Mercury Rates
Reviewed in California on January 16, 2026
No one has offered a lower rate than what I currently pay.
Jeffrey
Verified Review
Mercury - You Can Have 'Em
Reviewed in California on December 7, 2025
Never had a claim, but trying to get a hold of anyone at the office is a lesson in frustration. They jacked up my rates with no notice.
Ingrid
Verified Review
Frustrated
Reviewed in California on November 28, 2025
I was looking for new quotes and found the insurance rate is the best available in my area. However, I found your ads untrue. I did have to provide my age, sex, and phone number to get a quote.
Gregory
Verified Purchase
Saving Money
Reviewed in California on November 24, 2025
In the first month, I saved money!
Dolores
Verified Review
It's an okay insurance. They explained my liability very thoroughly. The only thing I didn't like was the location of their office. Parking is awful and there are too many stairs to tackle to their office.
Reviewed in California on November 17, 2025
It's an okay insurance. They explained my liability very thoroughly. The only thing I didn't like was the location of their office. Parking is awful and there are too many stairs to tackle to their office.
Cristy
Verified Review
Fair
Reviewed in California on October 30, 2025
They raise prices when least expected and do not consider that I have a perfect driving record.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
596NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.95A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
AWhy we picked this company
California rideshare drivers should consider getting a policy from Mercury. Not every insurer offers rideshare insurance, but Mercury offers this coverage in addition to standard car insurance policies. Drivers can also save with discounts for making automatic payments, bundling policies, earning good grades, and more.
Pros
A (Excellent) financial strength rating from AM Best
Competitive rates in San Francisco
Many coverage options and discounts available
Cons
Available in only 11 states
Poor J.D. Power customer and claims satisfaction ratings
Negative customer reviews on Trustpilot
Best insurer for military members and veterans: USAA
| User Reviews | 4.9 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.1 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $96/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $232/mo |
4.9
Best choice in San Francisco, CABased on 3,317 verified driver reviews and ratings
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in San Francisco for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
AI-generated from the text of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best in San Francisco for
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Showing 24 California reviews for San Francisco drivers - See all 1,517 USAA reviews
Richard
Verified Review
USAA Outstanding!
Reviewed in California on March 23, 2026
Outstanding. I have only had to use it once for an accident, but USAA was so helpful. I have been with them for 30+ years and lived in Rhode Island, England, as well as California.
Bertrand
Verified Review
The Least Expensive Insurance
Reviewed in California on March 14, 2026
They are excellent and I understand they are the cheapest. Over the years, many companies called with quotes, but none were cheaper than USAA.
Al
Verified Review
Policy Researching as a Fixed Income Retiree
Reviewed in California on March 6, 2026
As a retiree, we don't drive as much. Our driving records are great. We use autopay. We are looking for lower rates at this time.
Harold
Verified Review
Good Insurance Company
Reviewed in California on January 16, 2026
Lower rates for seniors as other insurance companies advertise.
Josie
Verified Review
Average
Reviewed in California on January 6, 2026
Price increases over the last few years have been terrible.
Richard
Verified Review
World Value
Reviewed in California on December 29, 2025
I have lived all over the world, and this is a great service and value!
Janice
Verified Review
Excellent
Reviewed in California on December 27, 2025
I really don't use it except for the need to be insured to get renewal of registration.
Evie
Verified Review
Very good
Reviewed in California on December 21, 2025
They've been very good to me. I just wish I could get a card to show I have insurance with them.
Steven
Verified Review
Good Claim Service
Reviewed in California on December 19, 2025
Initially contacting them can be a pain, but great service once you do.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
747NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
USAA serves active-duty military, veterans, reserve military members, and their families. In addition to car, home, and life insurance, it offers deposit accounts, loans, and more. It earned an AM Best rating of A++ (Superior) for its financial strength (the highest level possible) and consistently earns above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction scores.
Pros
SafePilot program can save you up to 30% for safe driving
High J.D. Power customer satisfaction ratings
Offers banking and investment services in addition to insurance
Cons
No gap insurance
Restrictive membership eligibility
No live 24/7 customer support
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.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in San Francisco
Liability rates start at $96 per month
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 13,041 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
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 $99 per month.
Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in San Francisco for liability-only insurance.
The below rates in San Francisco, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $96 |
| Aspire General | $103 |
| National General | $106 |
| GEICO | $109 |
| Sun Coast | $109 |
| Mercury | $111 |
| Dairyland | $116 |
| Root | $131 |
| Allstate | $132 |
| Farmers | $135 |
| Direct Auto | $139 |
| Anchor | $140 |
| State Farm | $146 |
| Bristol West | $148 |
| Kemper Special | $149 |
| Travelers | $154 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $166 |
| 21st Century | $168 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in San Francisco: Aspire General
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.[2]
San Francisco drivers pay an average of $247 per month for full-coverage insurance.
Here are the cheapest companies for full-coverage insurance in San Francisco.
The below rates in San Francisco, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Aspire General | $198 |
| Root | $224 |
| USAA | $232 |
| Mercury | $233 |
| GEICO | $238 |
| Kemper Special | $266 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $271 |
| Sun Coast | $275 |
| Dairyland | $287 |
| Anchor | $290 |
| National General | $311 |
| Allstate | $321 |
| Farmers | $329 |
| Bristol West | $347 |
| State Farm | $357 |
| Direct Auto | $369 |
| Travelers | $375 |
| 21st Century | $408 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest recent rates near San Francisco, California
Drivers in and around San Francisco, California have found policies from Anchor Gemini, Farmers, MAPFRE, and more, through Insurify in the last few days.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around San Francisco, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 31, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 31, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around San Francisco, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on March 31, 2026. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer’s unique driver profile.
Rates shown are real-time Insurify user quotes from 500+ insurance companies and Quadrant Information Services data. Insurify’s algorithm excludes anomalous quotes and anonymizes personal details, then displays refined quotes by price, date, and insurer popularity up to 10 days ago from March 31, 2026. 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:[3]
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:
Comprehensive coverage
A comprehensive insurance policy helps pay for vehicle damage for non-collision claims. This can cover damages and losses from theft, falling objects, severe weather, vandalism, and more.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage reimburses you if your car needs repairs or a replacement after an accident with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or light pole, even if you’re at fault. Collision insurance also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage can pay for damages if a driver without car insurance causes an accident or if your vehicle is damaged in a hit-and-run accident. Underinsured motorist coverage pays if the at-fault driver’s liability limits aren’t enough to cover the damages to your vehicle. California requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage to all drivers, but you can decline it by signing a waiver.
Medical payments coverage
Also known as MedPay, medical payments coverage may pay for medical expenses that result from an accident, even if you caused it.
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.
)
Learn More: How Much Car Insurance Do You Need?
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.
Shop for Car Insurance in San Francisco
Monthly rates start at $120 for drivers with an incident
Excellent
4.7 out of 5 based on 13,041 reviews
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
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.[4] 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 $312 per month for full coverage and $125 for minimum coverage. The table below highlights the cheapest car insurance policies for San Francisco drivers with speeding tickets.
The below rates in San Francisco, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $96 | $125 |
| Aspire General | $103 | $130 |
| National General | $106 | $132 |
| GEICO | $109 | $143 |
| Sun Coast | $109 | $138 |
| Mercury | $111 | $155 |
| Dairyland | $116 | $146 |
| Root | $131 | $175 |
| Allstate | $132 | $173 |
| Farmers | $135 | $174 |
| Direct Auto | $139 | $174 |
| Anchor | $140 | $174 |
| State Farm | $146 | $186 |
| Bristol West | $148 | $187 |
| Kemper Special | $149 | $188 |
| Travelers | $154 | $201 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $166 | $210 |
| 21st Century | $168 | $222 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco 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.[5]
An at-fault accident can raise rates for San Francisco drivers to a monthly average of $308 for full coverage and $124 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 in San Francisco, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Accident |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $96 | $125 |
| Aspire General | $103 | $129 |
| National General | $106 | $137 |
| GEICO | $109 | $138 |
| Sun Coast | $109 | $136 |
| Mercury | $111 | $163 |
| Dairyland | $116 | $149 |
| Root | $131 | $170 |
| Allstate | $132 | $172 |
| Farmers | $135 | $175 |
| Direct Auto | $139 | $184 |
| Anchor | $140 | $178 |
| State Farm | $146 | $188 |
| Bristol West | $148 | $189 |
| Kemper Special | $149 | $186 |
| Travelers | $154 | $201 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $166 | $207 |
| 21st Century | $168 | $222 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Aspire General
In California, the consequences for a DUI include fines, jail time, and license suspension.[6] 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 $320 per month for full coverage and $128 for liability-only policies. Here are the average car insurance quotes for drivers with a DUI in San Francisco.
The below rates in San Francisco, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With DUI |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $96 | $134 |
| Aspire General | $103 | $133 |
| National General | $106 | $147 |
| GEICO | $109 | $150 |
| Sun Coast | $109 | $141 |
| Mercury | $111 | $161 |
| Dairyland | $116 | $161 |
| Root | $131 | $183 |
| Allstate | $132 | $184 |
| Farmers | $135 | $188 |
| Direct Auto | $139 | $193 |
| Anchor | $140 | $196 |
| State Farm | $146 | $203 |
| Bristol West | $148 | $206 |
| Kemper Special | $149 | $193 |
| Travelers | $154 | $214 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $166 | $215 |
| 21st Century | $168 | $219 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco 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.[7] 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 $221 per month for full coverage and $89 for minimum coverage. Here are the most affordable quotes for senior drivers in San Francisco.
The below rates in San Francisco, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $79 | $192 |
| National General | $85 | $250 |
| GEICO | $88 | $193 |
| Mercury | $90 | $190 |
| Aspire General | $92 | $177 |
| Sun Coast | $98 | $246 |
| Dairyland | $100 | $247 |
| Allstate | $109 | $266 |
| Farmers | $109 | $266 |
| Root | $112 | $191 |
| Direct Auto | $114 | $304 |
| Anchor | $116 | $241 |
| State Farm | $117 | $286 |
| Travelers | $125 | $305 |
| Bristol West | $126 | $294 |
| Kemper Special | $134 | $238 |
| 21st Century | $135 | $328 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $149 | $243 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco 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.[8] 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 $458 for full coverage and $184 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 in San Francisco, CA, are estimated rates current as of: Tuesday, March 31 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $180 | $434 |
| Aspire General | $191 | $367 |
| GEICO | $197 | $430 |
| Dairyland | $201 | $498 |
| Sun Coast | $202 | $510 |
| Mercury | $208 | $436 |
| National General | $217 | $636 |
| Root | $229 | $391 |
| Anchor | $249 | $517 |
| Allstate | $264 | $642 |
| Bristol West | $267 | $626 |
| Direct Auto | $270 | $717 |
| Farmers | $272 | $662 |
| Kemper Special | $276 | $493 |
| State Farm | $286 | $700 |
| 21st Century | $306 | $744 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $308 | $502 |
| Travelers | $323 | $787 |
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time San Francisco car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in San Francisco 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 $99 per month for liability coverage and $247 per month for full coverage compared to the national monthly averages of $99 for liability coverage and $173 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 | $247 | $99 |
| Anaheim | $205 | $107 |
| Bakersfield | $177 | $83 |
| Fresno | $177 | $85 |
| Long Beach | $226 | $111 |
| Los Angeles | $293 | $148 |
| Modesto | $189 | $93 |
| Sacramento | $210 | $102 |
| San Diego | $173 | $84 |
Disclaimer: Table data is based on real-time San Francisco quotes from Insurify’s network of 500+ insurance partners. Actual rates may vary depending on the policyholder’s individual profile and coverage needs.
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 $99 per month for liability-only insurance and $247 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 $96 per month. San Francisco drivers can also save with the city’s second- and third-cheapest insurers, Aspire General and National General, which offer liability policies starting at $103 and $106 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 $83 per month.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
- Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
- Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
- No additional coverage
- Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
- Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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Sources
- Federal Trade Commission. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores."
- San Francisco Police Department. "Crime Dashboard."
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Insurance Requirements."
- California Office of Traffic Safety. "OTS Crash Rankings Results."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?."
- California Department of Motor Vehicles. "Driving Under the Influence (DUI)."
- Insurance Information Institute. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips."
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. "Teenagers."
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Anna BaluchAuto and Home Insurance Writer
4+ years writing insurance and personal finance content
MBA from Roosevelt University
Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
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Anna leverages her personal finance and insurance knowledge to create educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions.
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Ashley is a seasoned personal finance editor who’s produced a variety of digital content, including insurance, credit cards, mortgages, and consumer lending products.
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
As Senior Director, Media Relations, for Insurance Information Institute, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.