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 $102 per month.
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Written byAnna Baluch
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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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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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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, 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 $290 per month for full coverage and $114 for liability-only insurance, while the California state averages are $222 and $97, 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.[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 | $205 | $112 | Rideshare drivers |
| USAA | 9.1 | $200 | $82 | 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
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $63/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. | $100/mo |
4.1
Best choiceBased on 127 verified guest 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 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 For
Low-mileage drivers
Senior drivers
Cheap full coverage
Reviews (45)
Arthur
Verified Purchase
Excellent
Reviewed in on June 2025
Good rates based on mileage!
Monica Jo
Verified Review
Inexpensive, but No Full Coverage
Reviewed in Ohio on June 2025
If you drive a lot, this isn't the insurance for you! They charge per mile.
Betty
Verified Purchase
Loving it with bumps...
Reviewed in on June 2025
I really don't know what my policy covers. I know I get liability insurance. I love the rates, making car insurance not such a burden on a fixed income. I have troubles here and there with my phone being out of memory, and the office will have to accept my odometer reading text message. But that's my fault; I guess I need a memory card or SD card. But I love Mile Auto.
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 | 3.7 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $138/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. | $257/mo |
3.7
A solid optionBased on 550 verified guest 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 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 For
Competitive rates
Rideshare drivers
Numerous discounts
Reviews (292)
Lawrence
Verified Review
Beware Homeowners
Reviewed in Georgia on June 2025
Sad company charging a 5% deductible for wind and hail damage, especially if the home is older than 5 years.
Scherrie
Verified Review
Rates
Reviewed in California on May 2025
Increased rates every half year.
Diana
Verified Review
Outrageous Premium Escalation
Reviewed in Florida on May 2025
To get my business, they promised a rate of $104 per month. Oops! Somebody made a calculation error; it was actually $127 per month. This amount has escalated every three months for the last 29 months. The June 2025 renewal rate is $256 per month. All this even though I have retired and for the last 18 months drive less than 25 miles per week. Add this to the fact that I have no tickets, no DUI, and filed no claims with any insurance company in more than 10 years.
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. | $102/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. | $253/mo |
4.9
Best choiceBased on 2,109 verified guest 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 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 For
Members of the military community
Outstanding customer service
Competitive rates
Reviews (1,196)
James
Verified Review
Great insurance for those who qualify.
Reviewed in Nebraska on July 2025
When a claim is made, USAA will settle the claim in a fast and reasonable manner. They have your back.
William
Verified Review
May find more affordable.
Reviewed in Washington on July 2025
Great service, too high premiums.
Errin
Verified Review
They Could Do Better!
Reviewed in Florida on July 2025
Average, but not a real discount rate, and rates go up yearly and worsen after even a small claim.
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 $102 per month
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
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 $114 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: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| USAA | $102 |
| National General | $115 |
| Sun Coast | $128 |
| Root | $128 |
| Anchor | $136 |
| Mercury | $138 |
| Dairyland | $138 |
| Allstate | $139 |
| Farmers | $143 |
| Direct Auto | $144 |
| State Farm | $156 |
| GEICO | $162 |
| Travelers | $163 |
| Bristol West | $167 |
| 21st Century | $178 |
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: Anchor
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 $290 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: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Anchor | $220 |
| Root | $243 |
| USAA | $253 |
| Mercury | $257 |
| GEICO | $258 |
| Sun Coast | $319 |
| National General | $334 |
| Allstate | $350 |
| Farmers | $360 |
| State Farm | $390 |
| Direct Auto | $399 |
| Bristol West | $404 |
| Travelers | $409 |
| 21st Century | $445 |
| Dairyland | $453 |
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 recent rates near San Francisco, California
Drivers using Insurify have found quotes as cheap as $54/mo for liability only and $90/mo for full coverage in San Francisco and other California cities.
*Quotes generated for Insurify users in and around San Francisco, California within the last 10 days. Last updated on July 17, 2025. 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 July 17, 2025. 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 July 17, 2025. 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 July 17, 2025. 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.
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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 $117 for drivers with an incident
Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
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 $349 per month for full coverage and $137 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: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Speeding Ticket |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $102 | $123 |
| National General | $115 | $139 |
| Sun Coast | $128 | $154 |
| Root | $128 | $163 |
| Anchor | $136 | $168 |
| Mercury | $138 | $182 |
| Dairyland | $138 | $167 |
| Allstate | $139 | $168 |
| Farmers | $143 | $174 |
| Direct Auto | $144 | $175 |
| State Farm | $156 | $187 |
| GEICO | $162 | $201 |
| Travelers | $163 | $199 |
| Bristol West | $167 | $205 |
| 21st Century | $178 | $220 |
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.[5]
An at-fault accident can raise rates for San Francisco drivers to a monthly average of $334 for full coverage and $131 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: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With Accident |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $102 | $123 |
| National General | $115 | $138 |
| Sun Coast | $128 | $147 |
| Root | $128 | $152 |
| Anchor | $136 | $168 |
| Mercury | $138 | $185 |
| Dairyland | $138 | $167 |
| Allstate | $139 | $167 |
| Farmers | $143 | $173 |
| Direct Auto | $144 | $179 |
| State Farm | $156 | $186 |
| GEICO | $162 | $183 |
| Travelers | $163 | $198 |
| Bristol West | $167 | $203 |
| 21st Century | $178 | $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 car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA
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 $467 per month for full coverage and $184 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: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Clean Driving Record | With DUI |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $102 | $160 |
| National General | $115 | $181 |
| Sun Coast | $128 | $206 |
| Root | $128 | $201 |
| Anchor | $136 | $200 |
| Mercury | $138 | $216 |
| Dairyland | $138 | $217 |
| Allstate | $139 | $218 |
| Farmers | $143 | $225 |
| Direct Auto | $144 | $226 |
| State Farm | $156 | $245 |
| GEICO | $162 | $255 |
| Travelers | $163 | $256 |
| Bristol West | $167 | $262 |
| 21st Century | $178 | $280 |
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.[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 $258 per month for full coverage and $101 for minimum coverage. Here are the most affordable quotes for senior drivers in San Francisco.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $84 | $209 |
| National General | $91 | $263 |
| Root | $110 | $208 |
| Sun Coast | $114 | $284 |
| Anchor | $115 | $185 |
| Allstate | $115 | $290 |
| Dairyland | $115 | $376 |
| Farmers | $115 | $290 |
| Direct Auto | $116 | $321 |
| Mercury | $116 | $217 |
| State Farm | $125 | $312 |
| GEICO | $130 | $207 |
| Travelers | $131 | $330 |
| Bristol West | $139 | $337 |
| 21st Century | $140 | $350 |
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.[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 $554 for full coverage and $218 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: Wednesday, July 16 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Insurance Company | Liability Only | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $190 | $471 |
| Root | $228 | $433 |
| Dairyland | $234 | $769 |
| National General | $237 | $688 |
| Sun Coast | $245 | $610 |
| Anchor | $247 | $400 |
| Mercury | $263 | $489 |
| Farmers | $276 | $696 |
| Allstate | $277 | $697 |
| Direct Auto | $287 | $796 |
| GEICO | $295 | $470 |
| State Farm | $300 | $751 |
| Bristol West | $305 | $737 |
| Travelers | $328 | $822 |
| 21st Century | $332 | $830 |
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 $114 per month for liability coverage and $290 per month for full coverage compared to the national monthly averages of $107 for liability coverage and $192 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 | $290 | $114 |
| Anaheim | $227 | $105 |
| Bakersfield | $207 | $84 |
| Fresno | $193 | $87 |
| Long Beach | $256 | $116 |
| Los Angeles | $345 | $162 |
| Modesto | $218 | $96 |
| Sacramento | $236 | $107 |
| San Diego | $197 | $87 |
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 $114 per month for liability-only insurance and $290 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 $102 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 $115 and $128 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 $82 per month.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 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 BaluchInsurance Writer
Anna Baluch is a Cleveland-based personal finance and insurance expert. With an MBA from Roosevelt University, she enjoys writing educational content that helps people make smart financial decisions. Her work can be seen across the internet on many publications, including Freedom Debt Relief, Credit Karma, RateGenius, and the Balance. Connect with Anna on LinkedIn.
Anna has been a contributor at Insurify since December 2022.
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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Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.