Cheapest Car Insurance in San Francisco, CA (2026)

San Francisco drivers pay an average of $852 per year for minimum coverage and $1,836 per year for full coverage. San Francisco has some of California's highest rates due to factors like its dense population, high traffic rates and elevated crime levels.

• Cheapest minimum liability coverage: GEICO has San Francisco's cheapest minimum coverage at $452 per year ($38 monthly). That's 47% lower than the city average of $852, saving you $400 annually. AAA ranks second for minimum coverage at $552 per year ($46 monthly), a 35% savings compared to the city average.
• Cheapest full coverage: GEICO offers the lowest full coverage at $1,059 per year ($88 monthly), 42% below the city average of $1,836. That's $777 in annual savings. Progressive's full coverage costs $1,222 per year ($102 monthly), still 33% below the city average but $163 more than GEICO annually.

San Francisco rates by age group are:

• Adults: GEICO is cheapest at $38 a month; AAA is second at $46
• Seniors: GEICO is cheapest at $41 a month; State Farm is second at $48
• Young drivers: GEICO is cheapest at $76 a month; State Farm is second at $81

Young drivers under 25 can reduce costs through State Farm's Steer Clear program, which uses mobile app tracking to monitor driving habits and rewards safe behavior. Senior drivers over 50 benefit from AAA's Mature Driver Improvement Course.

The cheapest San Francisco rates by violation type are:

• Accident: AAA at $56 a month; GEICO at $66
• Ticket: GEICO at $56 a month; AAA at $56
• DUI: GEICO at $90 a month; Progressive at $118

Minor violations stay on California driving records for three years, after which the rates decrease.

San Francisco car insurance costs differ across neighborhoods. ZIP code 94116 has the highest rates at $185 monthly for full coverage, while 94107 offers the most affordable option at $138 monthly. Check the table below to find specific rates for your San Francisco ZIP code.

Progressive earned 90 out of 100 on MoneyGeek's rating scale. It is the top car insurance company for San Francisco drivers. GEICO follows closely with a score of 87 out of 100. 

We evaluated factors, including agent network ratings, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, J.D. Power studies and customer reviews across multiple platforms, to determine how effectively insurers handle claims and support policyholders.

Progressive offers many standard and specialty coverages, plus unique add-ons. GEICO takes the lead in affordability for residents.

See below for why each insurer excels and which fits your needs.

San Francisco drivers have high car insurance costs among California's highest rates. Shop around, secure better deals and select coverage that fits your needs:

Our insurance experts provide answers to common questions about finding affordable coverage in the Bay Area:

San Francisco has high vehicle theft rates, heavy traffic and frequent fog, all of which affect claims frequency and complicate the analysis.

Data are from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We analyzed hundreds of thousands of quotes across all San Francisco ZIP codes, adjusting for age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation.

Our rating system weights three factors:

Affordability (60%): We compared minimum coverage at California's state liability requirements and full coverage at liability plus comprehensive and collision with $1,000 deductibles.

Customer experience (30%): Google reviews and J.D. Power ratings show how insurers handle claims in practice. Fog-related accidents and vehicle theft are the relevant tests in San Francisco.

Coverage options (10%): San Francisco-specific risks (vehicle theft, uninsured motorists and dense traffic) determine whether a wider coverage menu matters for drivers here.