Cheapest Car Insurance in San Diego (2026)

GEICO offers the least expensive coverage for teens and young drivers ($163 per month), adults ($87 per month), seniors ($93), and drivers with a speeding ticket ($56 per month for minimum coverage) and a DUI ($90 per month for minimum coverage) on their record. If you were ruled to be at fault in an accident, you’ll find the lowest price for car insurance with AAA ($62 per month for minimum coverage).

Progressive and State Farm have competitive rates as well and could be the best fit for many drivers, since California car insurance rates are highly individualized based on your driver profile.

At $87 per month, GEICO’s rate for full coverage is the lowest in the city and is 40% cheaper than the citywide average for this coverage level. The company also beats competitors on price for minimum coverage, also called liability-only, offering policies for $37. Progressive has the next cheapest rate for full coverage ($93 per month), while AAA’s rate of $45 monthly for minimum coverage is the second most affordable if you’re looking for basic coverage on your vehicle.

Teenagers and young adults generally pay the highest car insurance rates because they are viewed as more risky due to their limited driving experience. GEICO’s rate of $163 per month for adding a young driver to a family policy is the lowest in the city. State Farm ($179) and Wawanesa ($185) offer competitive rates as well.

Young drivers will generally pay less for car insurance if they stay on their parents’ plan — the savings could amount to hundreds of dollars per year. Another way for this group to save on their premiums (up to 15%) is by taking a defensive driving course.

GEICO’s monthly rate for seniors ($93) is the lowest in our analysis of car insurance costs across San Diego. Not far behind are State Farm ($110) and Progressive ($113). Overall, the five cheapest insurers for seniors have rates that are more than 20% below the citywide average for drivers 65 and older.

Drivers with a blemish on their record typically pay more for car insurance. GEICO has the lowest rates for minimum coverage for people with a speeding ticket ($56 per month) and a DUI ($90). An at-fault accident will raise your cost as well, and AAA’s rate of $62 per month for minimum coverage is the least expensive in San Diego.

It’s best to shop around if you get a driving violation to determine which company will offer the best rate for your situation.

Your location is one of the main factors car insurance companies use when setting rates, and the cost for coverage in San Diego (and California in general) varies widely by ZIP code. Drivers who live in ZIP code 92128 will pay an average of $118 per month for a full coverage policy, the cheapest in the city. At the highest end, ZIP code 92136 will pay an average of $173 for the same policy.

Obtaining multiple quotes for the right coverage you need and looking for discounts are the best ways to save money on your premium.

Finding affordable car insurance in San Diego starts with understanding how insurers price policies across the city. Traffic congestion, theft risk and California’s insurance requirements all shape your premium. 

We partnered with the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services to analyze hundreds of thousands of quotes from 12 insurers across every San Diego ZIP code. 

Our ratings for the best car insurance in San Diego are calculated by a weighted score incorporating affordability (60%), customer experience (30%) and coverage options (10%). 

Read more about our methodology, which reveals which insurers maintain competitive rates across San Diego neighborhoods and driver categories while delivering reliable claims service, not just advertised rates for perfect-record drivers.