Best Car Insurance Companies in San Francisco, CA


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You'll need to consider your specific needs and background when selecting an auto insurance provider. GEICO is the best overall and best cheap insurer in San Francisco. It’s also a great pick for young adults. Those who highly value customer service might prefer Chubb, while State Farm is a solid option for senior drivers. Capital Insurance Group offers great deals for teens and drivers with offenses, whereas Travelers is best for drivers with new cars.

We listed our top picks if you’re on the lookout for the cheapest car insurance in San Francisco.

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2024

Table of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)

Why Trust MoneyGeek? Our unique scoring system accounted for claims management reputation, available coverages, affordability and financial stability to select the best providers in San Francisco. We gathered information from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.

352,910Quotes Analyzed
 
18Companies Compared

Best Overall Car Insurance in San Francisco

In San Francisco, the best car insurance providers are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score 75 out of 100 ($973 per year)
  • Progressive: MoneyGeek score 70 out of 100 ($1,096 per year)

GEICO has the cheapest rates of all the companies we looked at and earned the fourth-highest customer satisfaction rating. These excellent scores indicate that policyholders receive great service at a reasonable cost.

Military personnel in San Francisco should consider USAA, which earned a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100. We determined that AAA is the best car insurance company in California, demonstrating how the best company may vary across the state.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

GEICO

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Offers the least expensive rates at $973 per year

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Earned a high customer satisfaction score

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Provides mechanical breakdown insurance

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Has a below-average claims handling score

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Doesn’t offer deductible modification or gap insurance

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

GEICO offers a winning combination of affordable premiums and high-quality customer service. One of its standout features is mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI), a rare supplementary coverage that not many insurers provide.

Policyholders can secure comprehensive protection for all parts and systems of their vehicle with MBI coverage. It offers significantly more coverage at a cheaper price than a standard dealer-extended warranty. To qualify, your car must be less than 15 months old and have a mileage below 15,000. Purchasing MBI coverage can provide a financial safety net for your vehicle.

The company also offers more common coverages, including roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement, which can come in handy for most drivers. Roadside assistance covers the cost of towing, jump starts and flat tire replacement, while rental car reimbursement pays for a rental car if your vehicle needs repairs following a covered accident.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

How the Best Insurers in San Francisco Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs

In San Francisco, GEICO is MoneyGeek’s pick for best overall car insurance out of 15 companies. It charges the least expensive rates at an average of $973 per year and ranked fourth for customer satisfaction, offering a good balance between these two factors. Capital Insurance Group has the best customer service, but its premiums are somewhat pricey, costing around $1,408 per year.

These listed rates are for a full coverage policy. We only provided a MoneyGeek score for an auto insurance company if there was enough data for each scoring component like affordability, customer service and financial stability.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
GEICO75$9734235
Progressive70$1,0963244
State Farm69$1,1854235
Capital Insurance Group68$1,4085313
Mercury60$1,3403233
Chubb59$1,9105435
Allstate58$1,3943244
Hartford56$1,5444244
Nationwide55$1,5233244
Travelers53$1,7254345
Farmers48$1,7203243
CSAA47$1,5093203
Kemper32$1,5741212
State NationalNo Data$1,6504No Data03
National General43$1,7443214

Best Car Insurance in San Francisco for Customer Service

Without taking cost into account, the top auto insurance companies for service quality are:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($1,910 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 68 out of 100 ($1,408 per year)

Chubb received strong marks for customer satisfaction and claims processing. Our analysis found that Chubb’s rates are the most expensive in San Francisco, so its great customer service doesn't come cheap.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Chubb

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Ranked first for claims management and second for customer satisfaction

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Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage

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Not many add-on coverages available

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Doesn’t offer roadside assistance

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Out of the 15 insurers we analyzed, Chubb stood out as a clear winner with the best claims handling and second-best customer satisfaction ratings. Another great perk is its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, which can help maintain your car’s overall performance.

With Chubb’s OEM coverage, drivers can rest assured that their car will be repaired using original parts and safety systems. This is an ideal option for those who want to avoid including aftermarket parts in their car.

Agreed Value coverage is another add-on you can purchase to potentially save thousands of dollars. If your vehicle is deemed a total loss, Chubb will reimburse you for the value of your car based on the value you agreed on at the time you signed your policy. Frequent drivers may also consider adding rental car reimbursement coverage, which covers the cost of a rental car if your vehicle is not drivable due to an accident.

What Makes an Insurer Best for Customer Service?

If you experience issues with or damage to your car, you’ll want a provider who delivers excellent customer service. Auto insurance companies with great service quality tend to quickly address policyholder questions and filed claims. Chubb is our top pick because of its high scores in claims processing and customer satisfaction. Chubb has a slightly lower customer satisfaction score than Capital Insurance Group, our runner-up. However, the latter lagged behind in claims management and offered fewer coverages.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in San Francisco

We evaluated minimum coverage policies based on service quality and affordability and found that the best cheap companies in San Francisco are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score 78 out of 100 ($364 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score 71 out of 100 ($474 per year)

Minimum coverage policies tend to be the most affordable, but they may not provide sufficient coverage — they offer the least amount of financial protection against liability costs and don't cover damages to your own car. The minimum car insurance requirements in California are the same for all cities across the Golden State.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

GEICO

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An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $364 per year

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Offers discounts including safe driving, bundling and seat belt use

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Has high affordability and customer satisfaction ratings

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No pay-in-full or paperless discounts

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Has a low claims handling score

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

GEICO provides the most affordable rates in San Francisco for minimum coverage insurance policies and has a high customer satisfaction rating, making it the best cheap insurer in the city. You can also further decrease your premiums with GEICO’s many discounts.

Policyholders can qualify for a discount if they insure more than one vehicle or combine their auto insurance with a home, renters, mobile or condo insurance policy. If you’ve been accident-free for at least five years or have a student with a good academic record on your policy, you may qualify for the safe driving and good student discounts, respectively.

GEICO also has less common discounts, including discounts for having safety features installed in your vehicle, such as airbags, anti-theft systems and anti-lock brakes. The company also offers discounts if you consistently wear your seat belt or have a new vehicle.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer the Best Cheap Option?

Sometimes the most affordable insurer might not deliver the best experience to policyholders. However, when you choose a top-performing auto insurance company, you don’t need to worry about sacrificing high-quality service for cheap premiums. GEICO, our winner for this category, strikes a balance between affordability and customer experience. While State Farm offers slightly better service quality, its premiums are pricier than GEICO's.

Best Car Insurance in San Francisco for Young Adults

Young adult drivers in San Francisco will likely find a great policy with the following insurers:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score 75 out of 100 ($1,121 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 74 out of 100 ($1,585 per year)

GEICO offers the cheapest rates and has the fourth-best customer satisfaction ratings based on our city-wide analysis, so you don’t need to sacrifice quality for cost. We evaluated the best car insurance for young adult drivers so you can explore the best options available.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

GEICO

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Charges the least expensive premiums at $1,121 per year

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Has good student and driver’s education discounts

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Ranked highly for affordability and customer satisfaction

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Has a below-average claims management rating

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Offers limited add-on coverages

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

GEICO stands out among other insurers in San Francisco thanks to its affordable premiums paired with high-quality customer service. It also provides discounts that drivers in their 20s may find helpful.

For young adults who are also students, GEICO offers a good student discount. To qualify, you must have a good academic record, which generally means maintaining at least a B average. Another way to secure a cheaper premium is with GEICO's driver's education discount, which requires completing an approved driver’s education course.

GEICO also offers handy supplementary coverages like roadside assistance, which takes care of expenses related to flat tire changes, towing, jump starts and lockout services. You can also get rental car reimbursement, which covers the cost of a rental car if you get into an accident and your vehicle isn't driveable for more than 24 hours.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Young Adults?

Drivers in their 20s should look for auto insurance providers that offer ways to save, stellar service quality and affordable rates. GEICO is a prime example that meets these criteria, especially with its age-specific discounts for young drivers. Although Capital Insurance Group has a higher customer satisfaction rating, its rates are significantly more expensive than GEICO’s.

Best Car Insurance in San Francisco for Teens and Their Families

The top-performing auto insurance companies for teens on a family policy in San Francisco are:

  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 77 out of 100 ($3,427 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($2,881 per year)

When ranked against nine other insurers for this category, Capital Insurance Group earned the top spot for customer satisfaction and ranked third for affordability. With this provider, teens and their families can get great service at a low cost.

Teen drivers will pay higher premiums for individual auto insurance policies, so a great way to save on monthly premiums is to add them to a family policy. In San Francisco, doing so will save an average of $673 per year. It's also important to keep in mind that in most cases, teens under 18 cannot legally purchase an individual policy without a parent or guardian to cosign. We compiled a list of the best car insurance for teens to guide your decision-making.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Capital Insurance Group

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Has the third-cheapest family premiums at $3,427 per year

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Offers a good student discount

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Ranked first for customer satisfaction

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Has an average claims management

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Lacks most essential coverages

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Capital Insurance Group outshined similar insurers because it offers the best customer satisfaction at an affordable cost. Teen drivers have the opportunity to secure lower premiums with the company's good student discount — students who maintain a grade-point average of B or higher may be eligible for a discount up to 20%.

Capital Insurance Group's Emergency Roadside Protection is a handy add-on coverage that policyholders can access 24/7, offering peace of mind in the event of a mechanical breakdown. Regardless of where you are located in the U.S., Capital Insurance Group can tow your vehicle for up to 100 miles at no extra charge.

This insurer also provides name-brand auto parts replacement to ensure that aftermarket parts are not used when your vehicle is being repaired, as well as full glass coverage, which pays to repair your vehicle's windows or windshield if they were damaged in a covered incident.

What Makes an Insurer Best for Teens?

Families looking for the best auto insurance provider for teens should find an insurer that offers a balance of affordable premiums and exceptional customer service. You should also look for teen-specific discounts that can further lower rates. Compared to Capital Insurance Group, State Farm offers more affordable premiums and has more discounts for teens but ranks lower in terms of customer service.

Best Car Insurance in San Francisco for Seniors

In San Francisco, the best car insurance providers for senior drivers are:

  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($927 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score 75 out of 100 ($940 per year)

State Farm stood out as the best car insurance company for seniors in our city-wide comparison, offering the most affordable premiums paired with the third-best score in customer satisfaction. On average, drivers around the age of 60 usually pay similar rates to those between the ages of 30 and 50. However, rates for drivers in their 70s are typically more expensive.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

State Farm

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Has the cheapest rates at $927 per year

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Offers roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement

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Has high scores for customer satisfaction and affordability

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Add-on coverages are very limited

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Claims management score is below average

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Senior drivers in San Francisco should consider State Farm since it combines affordable premiums with reliable customer service. The company also offers a senior discount specifically for senior citizens and retired individuals to further reduce costs.

State Farm offers both rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance, two useful add-ons to purchase in case of an accident or vehicle breakdown. Rental car and/or travel reimbursement coverage pays for the cost of a rental car up to the policyholder's chosen limits and up to $500 for meals, accommodation and transportation costs if your vehicle is undrivable following an accident.

You can also add roadside assistance to access State Farm's emergency roadside service, which covers locksmith labor, towing services, mechanical repairs and delivery of gas, oil or tires.

Read MoneyGeek's State Farm Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Seniors?

Drivers in their 60s typically enjoy cheaper auto insurance rates than other age groups since they are considered safe drivers. When shopping for a suitable policy, seniors should select providers with affordable rates and personal injury protection (PIP) — this can help pay for medical bills in case of serious injuries caused by an accident. State Farm is our top pick because it offers discounts specifically for seniors, useful add-ons and cheap premiums.

Best Car Insurance in San Francisco for Drivers With Offenses

Drivers with a violation on their record will most likely get the best policies with the following companies:

  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 77 out of 100 ($2,525 per year)
  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score 71 out of 100 ($2,307 per year)

Capital Insurance Group ranked highly for both affordability and customer satisfaction among the 15 companies we evaluated. Auto insurance premiums usually increase depending on the severity of the driving violation. Compared to a driver with a clean record, drivers with a DUI in San Francisco pay roughly $2,068 more per year, while those with a speeding ticket pay around $603 more annually. Even if rates are pricier for those with a violation, we've compiled the best car insurance for drivers with poor records to help you find a suitable option.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Capital Insurance Group

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Ranks fourth for affordability with an average annual premium of $2,525

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Offers roadside assistance

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Ranks first for customer satisfaction

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Has few optional coverages

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Has a below-average claims score

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Doesn’t offer new car replacement or rental car reimbursement coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Capital Insurance Group stands out due to its relatively affordable rates and excellent customer satisfaction ratings. Drivers with offenses should expect to pay more for car insurance, but it's still possible to get a reasonable premium paired with quality service from Capital Insurance Group.

With this insurer, you can add Emergency Roadside Protection to your policy, which offers peace of mind should your car break down. Capital Insurance Group offers this service 24/7 across all 50 states. Standard policies only have a towing range of 15 to 25 miles, but if you prefer more coverage, you can purchase 100-Mile Roadside Protection.

Capital Insurance Group's other add-on coverages are limited. However, one additional coverage it does offer is name-brand auto parts replacement coverage, which guarantees that your car’s components will be replaced with manufacturer parts following a covered incident. This helps ensure that your car's systems continue to operate properly.

What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With Offenses?

A great auto insurance company for drivers with bad records should provide affordable rates, useful coverages like new car replacement and roadside assistance, and multiple discount opportunities. Although Capital Insurance Group doesn’t have many coverages aside from roadside assistance, it offers a good balance of cost and service. GEICO, our runner-up, provides more coverages and discounts relevant to drivers with poor records. However, it lagged behind in customer service.

Best Car Insurance in San Francisco for Drivers With New Cars

If you’ve recently purchased a new car, the best insurance company in San Francisco is Travelers. Here are our top picks:

  • Travelers: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($1,845 per year)
  • Farmers: MoneyGeek score 48 out of 100 ($2,138 per year)

Travelers came out on top because it ranked second for customer satisfaction and charges the cheapest rates. For this category, we evaluated affordability and customer service for drivers in California with a 2022 model car, and we only included providers that offer new car replacement coverage. This coverage helps cover the cost of a brand-new car of a similar make and model if your car is totaled in a covered accident.

How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?

Travelers

pros

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Has the cheapest rates at $1,845 per year

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Offers new car replacement coverage

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Ranked second for customer satisfaction

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Doesn’t offer original equipment manufacturer (OEM) or deductible modification coverage

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Travelers is our top choice because it charges the least expensive premiums, with an average annual rate of $1,845. The company also delivers stellar customer service.

Travelers' new car replacement add-on coverage makes it a particularly good option for drivers with new cars. This coverage provides additional financial protection for your vehicle — if it's totaled within the first five years of ownership, Travelers will replace it with a brand-new car of the same make and model.

Gap insurance is another optional coverage that is useful for drivers with a financed or leased car. If your vehicle is totaled in a covered incident, gap insurance will help cover the difference between the lease or loan's outstanding balance and your vehicle’s actual cash value.

Read MoneyGeek's Travelers Auto Insurance Review

What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With New Cars?

The best way to financially protect your brand-new vehicle is to select an auto insurance provider that offers new or better car replacement coverage. Travelers, our winner for this category, not only has the lowest rates in San Francisco but also provides this useful coverage. While other car insurance companies scored higher overall, they didn’t offer new or better car replacement coverage and were not included in these rankings.

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How to Find the Best Car Insurance in San Francisco for You

When you’re comparing different providers in San Francisco, it’s worth noting factors such as affordability, customer satisfaction, claims management and financial stability. While our guide offers in-depth analyses of the best insurance companies, feel free to conduct your own research and follow these tips.

  1. 1
    Research customer service reputations in San Francisco

    To evaluate a carrier’s customer satisfaction ratings, MoneyGeek utilized J.D. Power scores and NAIC complaint ratio data. We crafted this guide to speed up your insurance shopping process, but you can double-check our analysis using these sources. The California Department of Insurance is another trustworthy resource if you wish to know more about certain insurance companies or read up on insurance tips.

  2. 2
    Compare quotes

    To get a general idea of how much your car insurance will cost, we suggest that you collect quotes from a minimum of three different carriers. The rates mentioned here are average premiums for sample drivers, so your premiums will likely vary. Factors like your age, location and driving history can heavily influence your quotes.

  3. 3
    Find the coverages you want in San Francisco

    One of the first steps you should take when shopping for insurance is to ensure that the coverage options and discounts you want are available in your area. Some companies may promote different add-ons and discounts that may not be available across the entire U.S. We encourage you to check the insurer's website or contact a representative to confirm.

  4. 4
    Check financial stability ratings

    Another important step is to check the financial strength ratings of the providers you're considering. An insurer’s financial strength rating reflects its ability to fulfill claims regardless of market conditions. Larger companies generally have higher financial stability, while smaller regional insurers may have more difficulty fulfilling claims.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in San Francisco

Choosing the best auto insurance provider in San Francisco should depend on your unique needs and background. We’ve answered the most commonly asked questions so you can make an informed decision.

What is the best car insurance company in San Francisco?

What is the best cheap car insurance company in San Francisco?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.