BestCar InsuranceSan JoseBest Car Insurance Companies in San Jose, CA
Compare Rates and Save on Car Insurance
By , Content Director
Updated: Sep 26, 2023
The best auto insurance company for you depends on your needs and driver profile. GEICO offers the best full and minimum coverage and the best policies for teens and seniors, while Capital Insurance Group is best for young adults and drivers with offenses. Consider Chubb for the best customer experience and Travelers if you have a new car.
MoneyGeek also reviewed the cheapest car insurance companies in San Jose if you want to maximize savings.
BestCar InsuranceSan JoseTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Best Overall - GEICO
Best for Customer Service - Chubb
Best Cheap - GEICO
Best for Young Adults - GEICO
Best for Teens - GEICO
Best for Seniors - State Farm
Best for Driving Offenses - Capital Insurance Group
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best Overall Car Insurance in San Jose
The following companies provide the best auto insurance in San Jose:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($934 per year)
- Progressive: MoneyGeek score of 69 out of 100 ($1,073 per year)
GEICO tops the 14 companies included in our study, offering the cheapest full coverage rates and superb customer service.
With a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100, USAA is the ideal insurer in San Jose for military members and their families. USAA is also the best car insurance company in California overall, closely followed by AAA California.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
An affordable full coverage policy costs $934 per year
Ranks first in affordability and fourth in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)
cons
Below-average claims management score
Doesn’t offer deductible modification, gap insurance or new car replacement coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is ideal for drivers who want good service at affordable premiums. It is the cheapest of the 14 providers, and policy buyers can purchase a few useful coverages as add-ons.
GEICO is one of a handful of insurers that provide mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MBI covers all your car’s parts and systems at a cost lower than the typical dealer extended warranty. To qualify, you must have a new or leased car less than 15 months old with less than 15,000 miles.
The insurer also offers roadside assistance coverage that pays for the cost of flat tires, jump starts, towing and lockout services. GEICO’s rental car reimbursement add-on pays up to a pre-set amount if your car is inoperable for more than 24 hours after a covered incident.
How the Best Insurers in San Jose Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
GEICO is our top pick out of the 15 insurance providers we ranked in San Jose, California. It is the cheapest option, with full coverage policies costing an average of $934 per year. It also ranks fourth in terms of customer satisfaction. However, this insurer only offers two of the four essential coverages. Chubb received the highest marks for claims management, but this comes at a cost — it charges the highest premiums for full coverage.
Note that our analysis focused on rates for a full coverage policy. We only calculated MoneyGeek scores for companies that had sufficient data to satisfy all components in our scoring system.
Best Car Insurance in San Jose for Customer Service
Excluding cost as a consideration, the following car insurance companies offer the best customer service in San Jose:
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($1,760 per year)
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 68 out of 100 ($1,354 per year)
Chubb has the second-highest customer satisfaction rating and the highest claims management rating. However, compared to other providers, Chubb's car insurance policies tend to cost more, which means you're paying a higher premium for its excellent customer service.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
Ranks second in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Ranks first in claims management
Offers rare but useful coverages like original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and diminished value coverages
cons
Most expensive rates out of 14 providers
Lacks common coverages such as roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and gap insurance
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Chubb has a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and processing claims efficiently, making it our clear winner. It only has four add-on coverages, but these can be useful to most drivers and are rarely offered by other insurers.
Chubb’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage is worth purchasing if you’re a purist and want your car’s damaged parts to be replaced with original and not aftermarket parts manufactured by a third party. OEM parts maintain your car’s overall look and safety.
Chubb also offers diminished value coverage which pays you for the agreed-upon value of your car as stated in your policy if it is totaled or stolen.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Customer Service?
Having an insurer that’s easily accessible and reliable, especially when you’re facing the aftermath of an accident, is important. A company’s customer service reputation will give you a good idea of its service quality. Chubb is our top pick due to its high customer satisfaction and claims management ratings.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in San Jose
The best auto insurance providers in San Jose offering policies that meet California’s minimum coverage requirements are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($339 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 65 out of 100 ($464 per year)
Minimum coverage policies are typically the cheapest insurance option available. However, they do not provide enough liability coverage for most drivers’ needs and generally don’t cover damages to your vehicle. Note that California’s minimum car insurance requirements apply to all cities within the state.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $339 per year
Ranks first in affordability and fourth in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Offers discounts for bundling policies, insuring multiple cars and always using a seatbelt
cons
Below-average claims management
No discounts for paying in full and going paperless
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is the ideal option for drivers who want good service at an affordable price. It is the cheapest out of 14 providers, and policy buyers can lower the already rock-bottom rates by taking advantage of several discount opportunities.
This insurer has an impressive lineup of discounts, and most drivers will qualify for at least one. The company offers discounts for bundling an auto policy with a home, renters, condo or mobile home insurance policy, insuring multiple vehicles and staying accident-free for a minimum of five years.
GEICO also rewards drivers who put safety first by providing discounts for completing a defensive driving or driver’s education course and always wearing a seatbelt. You’ll also qualify for a discount if your car has safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes or daytime running lights.
What Makes an Insurer the Best Cheap Option?
The best minimum coverage options have the lowest premiums while offering good service. There’s usually a trade-off between cost and service quality, with insurers compensating for cheap rates by providing below-average customer experience. That’s not the case with our top pick, GEICO, which offers reliable service at the most affordable rates.
Best Car Insurance in San Jose for Young Adults
The following provide the best auto insurance for young adults in San Jose:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($1,074 per year)
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 73 out of 100 ($1,525 per year)
GEICO offers the cheapest premiums while ranking highly on customer service. Policyholders can expect quality service without paying a high cost.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
An affordable full coverage policy costs $1,074 per year
Ranks first in affordability and fourth in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Good student, driver’s education and defensive driving discounts
cons
Below-average claims management score
Limited options for add-on coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is our insurer of choice for young adults who value affordability and good service. It already offers the cheapest premiums out of 14 providers, but policy buyers can reduce their rates further if they qualify for discounts.
The company has a wide selection of discounts, including some that cater to drivers in their 20s. For instance, you’ll qualify for rate reductions if you’re a full-time student with a good academic record. You’ll also get a discount if you’re a member of a partner alumni or fraternity/sorority organization.
GEICO also rewards drivers who complete an accredited driver's education course or a defensive driving course. Ensure your car has safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights or an anti-theft system. These will help you qualify for discounts and protect you against car theft and accidents.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Young Adults?
Most young adults are just starting on their financial journey and have limited funds to spend on insurance. They should look for an insurer offering affordable rates with coverages and discounts specifically tailored to young people. Our winner, GEICO, has the cheapest full coverage policies for San Jose drivers in their 20s. These rates can be reduced further through good student, driver’s education and defensive driving discounts.
Best Car Insurance in San Jose for Teens and Their Families
The best car insurance companies in San Jose for adding a 16-year-old male to a parent’s policy are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($2,165 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($2,291 per year)
Although GEICO and State Farm received the same MoneyGeek score, GEICO’s cheaper rates earned it the top spot on our list. GEICO’s above-average customer satisfaction rating is also on par with other top insurers.
Auto insurance is typically more expensive for teens. Teen drivers can save money by piggybacking on their parent’s policy instead of purchasing a separate policy. Using this strategy, San Jose teens can save an average of $673 per year. We’ve outlined the best car insurance for teens to help you explore the available options.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
An affordable full coverage policy costs $2,165 per year — the cheapest out of nine providers
Above-average customer service score
Offers good student discounts
cons
Below-average claims management rating
Offers only two of the four essential coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is our top pick for teen drivers in San Jose for offering the most affordable premiums and good customer service. It also boasts several discounts for teens. Full-time students with a GPA of “B” or better can get a good student discount. Being a member of GEICO’s partner alumni associations, fraternities or sororities can also help you qualify for extra savings on your insurance.
Teens will find GEICO’s add-on coverages very useful. Its mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a rare offering that covers car repairs, including all parts and systems. It has the added benefit of having your car fixed at a licensed repair shop of your choice. GEICO’s roadside assistance coverage can help teens feel secure on the road. This add-on covers expenses for flat tires, towing, jump starts and lockout services.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Teens?
Driving inexperience can increase teens’ risk of accidents and injury, making them expensive to insure. When selecting the best insurer, compare quotes from different companies and look for student-related discounts. Our top pick, GEICO, offers a good student discount and the cheapest rates for teens. Its roadside assistance coverage can also give teens and their parents peace of mind, especially if they frequently drive to school.
Best Car Insurance in San Jose for Seniors
The best car insurance companies for seniors in San Jose are:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($888 per year)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($902 per year)
State Farm is the best car insurance for seniors, earning top marks for affordability and customer satisfaction. We found that drivers in their 60s pay the same car insurance rates as drivers in their 30s through 50s, but premiums become more expensive for those in their 70s.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $888 per year — the cheapest out of 14 providers
Ranks third in customer satisfaction
Offers roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverages
cons
Weak claims management score
Limited add-on coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm has the most affordable premiums for senior drivers in San Jose and a strong reputation for delivering superb customer experience.
State Farm has a short list of coverage options, but most drivers will find good value from its basic coverages. For an extra $9, you’ll receive roadside assistance that covers towing, mechanical labor, locksmith services and delivery of gas, tires, battery or oil. But note that this excludes the cost of the delivered items. If you purchase rental car coverage, you’ll receive up to $500 in car rental expenses, including meals, lodging and other transportation costs if your car gets damaged in a covered accident.
State Farm also has an extensive lineup of discounts that can make your policy even more affordable, including a discount specifically for seniors. The company also offers discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, insuring multiple cars, and having airbags, anti-lock brakes and an anti-theft system.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Seniors?
The best provider for older drivers offers affordable full coverage policies with personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers medical expenses if you suffer serious injuries in an accident. Our top pick, State Farm, offers PIP, senior discounts, the most affordable premiums and exceptional service.
Best Car Insurance in San Jose for Drivers With Offenses
The following are the best car insurance providers for San Jose drivers with a violation on their record:
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 72 out of 100 ($2,426 per year)
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 69 out of 100 ($3,710 per year)
Capital Insurance Group outpaces its competitors with superior customer service and reasonable rates, making it our top choice for San Jose drivers with offenses. Car insurance rates tend to increase depending on the severity of the violation. In San Jose, a driver with a speeding ticket pays $533 more for the same policy than a driver with a clean record, while a driver with a DUI offense pays $1,086 more.
Although auto insurance is significantly more expensive for drivers with offenses, purchasing a policy from one of the best auto insurers for drivers with poor records can help you save.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
A reasonably-priced full coverage policy costs $2,426 per year
Ranks first in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Offers roadside assistance, custom parts and full glass coverages
cons
Average claims management rating
Offers only one of the four essential coverages
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Capital Insurance Group claims the top spot on our list of the best auto insurance providers in San Jose for drivers with violations for its reasonably-priced full coverage policies and top-notch customer service.
The company’s custom parts coverage add-on pays to use name-brand parts for auto repairs caused by a covered incident. Its full glass coverage can protect you from costly repairs following an accident.
Policyholders who purchase the roadside assistance add-on can request and find rental car or towing services through the company’s app. You can also get a head start on filing a claim right after an accident or even connect with your insurance advisor through the mobile app.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With Offenses?
Drivers with offenses are typically considered risky to insure and consequently pay higher premiums. The best insurance company for drivers with violations offers reasonably-priced full coverage policies and add-on coverages that can cushion the financial blow of accident-related damages to your car. Our top pick, Capital Insurance Group, satisfies these requirements while offering excellent customer service.
Best Car Insurance in San Jose for Drivers With New Cars
The best insurers for drivers of new cars in San Jose are:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($1,529 per year)
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 57 out of 100 ($1,740 per year)
These rankings are based on affordability and service quality for California drivers with a 2022 car model. In our analysis, we only included companies that offer better or new car replacement coverage, which we consider a must-have for all drivers with new cars. New car replacement coverage pays for a brand-new car of the same make and model as your current vehicle if it is totaled in a covered accident.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
Has the cheapest policies at an average annual rate of $1,529
Has a good selection of essential coverages and offers good customer service
Offers new car replacement
cons
Doesn’t offer deductible modification
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers is a solid choice if you have a new car. It has the most affordable policies offering new or better car replacement coverage. The company also offers several add-on coverages.
We recommend buying Premier New Car Replacement coverage with your Travelers’ auto policy. This add-on covers the cost of purchasing a brand new car of the same make and model as your current one if it is totaled within the first five years of purchase. This protection will ease your financial burden, especially if you have an expensive new car.
Another optional coverage worth considering is Travelers’ gap insurance, which will pay for the difference between the actual cash value of your totaled car and the unpaid balance on your auto loan or lease.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With New Cars?
Drivers with new cars should look for an insurer that offers a reasonably priced full coverage policy and new or better car replacement coverage. This add-on will provide financial protection if your car is totaled. Our top pick, Travelers, offers Premier New Car Replacement coverage that pays for a new vehicle of the same make and model if you total your car within five years of purchase.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in San Jose for You
The best car insurance providers strike a good balance between cost, service reputation and financial stability. We’ve collected this information for you and provided our rankings and recommendations. But we also outline the necessary steps to conduct your own research.
1
Research customer service reputations in San Jose
MoneyGeek analyzed customer service ratings of auto insurance providers in San Jose using data from credible sources such as J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study and the NAIC customer complaint index. You can also visit the California Department of Insurance's website for more information about specific companies.
2
Compare quotes
MoneyGeek's quotes are average rates for a sample driver in San Jose, but your actual rates may differ depending on your age and driver profile. When purchasing insurance, it’s always wise to collect personalized quotes from at least three companies to get an accurate estimate of how much insurance will cost you.
3
Find the coverages you want in San Jose
Insurers advertise their coverages and discounts, but sometimes not all are available in every state. Contact the insurer to confirm if the insurance benefits that you want are available in your area.
4
Check financial stability ratings
We recommend reviewing your preferred insurer’s financial strength rating, which indicates how well the company can meet its financial obligations. Larger national companies tend to be more stable than smaller regional insurance providers.
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FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in San Jose
The best car insurer in San Jose for you depends on your driver profile and needs. Here are our answers to the most commonly asked questions to help inform your purchase.
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