Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Carlsbad, CA (June 2024)


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Updated: October 3, 2024

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Finding affordable car insurance in Carlsbad means assessing various factors. State Farm offers the lowest premiums for minimum coverage. For full coverage, National General emerges as the most cost-effective, while families with teen drivers may find State Farm better suited for their needs. Meanwhile, Chubb stands out for customer service excellence as well as being the best overall. The ideal insurer is influenced by individual preferences and coverage necessities.

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2024

Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Carlsbad

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 352,910 quotes in California, including the city of Carlsbad, from 18 companies. We used six sources and original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Carlsbad insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.

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These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Carlsbad, CA, as of June 2024.

352,910Quotes Analyzed
 
18Companies Compared

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Carlsbad

MoneyGeek found that State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance option in Carlsbad for minimum coverage policies.

  • State Farm: $399 per year
  • GEICO: $430 per year

While State Farm and GEICO provide the most affordable options, Chubb offers the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Carlsbad at $695 annually. The difference in annual rates is significant, with a $296 gap between the cheapest and most expensive, illustrating why it's essential to compare car insurance rates to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Minimum Coverage
State FarmAnnual Premium$399Monthly Premium$33
GEICOAnnual Premium$430Monthly Premium$36
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$433Monthly Premium$36
MercuryAnnual Premium$442Monthly Premium$37
AAAAnnual Premium$457Monthly Premium$38
National GeneralAnnual Premium$518Monthly Premium$43
KemperAnnual Premium$536Monthly Premium$45
NationwideAnnual Premium$551Monthly Premium$46
TravelersAnnual Premium$560Monthly Premium$47
State NationalAnnual Premium$565Monthly Premium$47
FarmersAnnual Premium$566Monthly Premium$47
HartfordAnnual Premium$640Monthly Premium$53
AllstateAnnual Premium$660Monthly Premium$55
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$683Monthly Premium$57
ChubbAnnual Premium$695Monthly Premium$58

State Minimum Liability Requirements

In California, from Carlsbad to Cupertino, state law prescribes the mandatory car insurance coverages every driver needs. Here they are:

  • $15,000 bodily injury per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident

Should you carry the baseline policy, it would cover up to $15,000 for injuries to one person in an accident and up to $30,000 for all persons combined. In the event that medical expenses surpass these amounts, you would be responsible for those costs.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Carlsbad

MoneyGeek found that National General offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Carlsbad, ensuring significant savings.

  • National General: $897 per year
  • Progressive: $959 per year

Farmers charges the most for full coverage in Carlsbad at $1,901 per year, which highlights the need for consumers to compare policies; full coverage typically costs more because it offers extensive protection beyond minimum liability insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
National GeneralAnnual Premium$897Monthly Premium$75
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$959Monthly Premium$80
AAAAnnual Premium$1,039Monthly Premium$87
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,046Monthly Premium$87
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,093Monthly Premium$91
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,098Monthly Premium$92
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,241Monthly Premium$103
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,255Monthly Premium$105
State NationalAnnual Premium$1,294Monthly Premium$108
KemperAnnual Premium$1,360Monthly Premium$113
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$1,373Monthly Premium$114
HartfordAnnual Premium$1,402Monthly Premium$117
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,419Monthly Premium$118
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,639Monthly Premium$137
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,901Monthly Premium$158

Do You Need Full Coverage in Carlsbad?

At MoneyGeek, our sample full coverage car insurance policy for Carlsbad markedly elevates the liability coverage over the basic requirement. It provides $100,000 for bodily injury per individual, $300,000 per accident for bodily injuries and property damage liability of $100,000 for each accident. This elevated coverage is termed a 100/300/100 plan.

Full coverage insurance extends beyond mere liability limits, encompassing both comprehensive and collision insurance:

  • Collision Insurance: This insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle when it's damaged through a collision, whether it be with another car or a stationary object. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

  • Comprehensive Insurance: In instances that exclude collisions, such as theft or environmental damage, this insurance aspect covers repair costs for your car and being struck by an animal like a deer.

Opting for full coverage is a prudent choice when it comes to a new vehicle, but for older vehicles, the additional cost may not justify the benefit. It's essential to determine how much car insurance you need by considering the balance between the expense of higher coverage and the risk of being underinsured due to opting for lower coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Carlsbad After a Driving Offense

MoneyGeek found that National General is the most affordable option for drivers in Carlsbad seeking a full coverage policy after various driving incidents, such as a speeding ticket, an at-fault accident or a DUI. Here are the specific details for each situation:

  • Speeding Ticket: National General ($941 per year)
  • At-fault accident: National General ($1,326 per year)
  • DUI: National General ($941 per year)

On the contrary, Hartford has the highest rates for these incidents, particularly after a DUI, with an annual premium of $5,117. The severity of the offense can dramatically affect car insurance rates.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Incident:
Incident:Speeding
National GeneralAnnual Premium$941Monthly Premium$78
AAAAnnual Premium$1,342Monthly Premium$112
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,448Monthly Premium$121
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,550Monthly Premium$129
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$1,572Monthly Premium$131
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,624Monthly Premium$135
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,801Monthly Premium$150
KemperAnnual Premium$1,805Monthly Premium$150
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,805Monthly Premium$150
State NationalAnnual Premium$1,837Monthly Premium$153
HartfordAnnual Premium$2,097Monthly Premium$175
ChubbAnnual Premium$2,144Monthly Premium$179
TravelersAnnual Premium$2,150Monthly Premium$179
NationwideAnnual Premium$2,163Monthly Premium$180
FarmersAnnual Premium$2,632Monthly Premium$219

Insurance rates often escalate with the gravity of a driving infraction due to the increased risk posed to insurers. In Carlsbad, for instance, those with a speeding ticket could face an average annual rate of $1,794, while individuals convicted of a DUI might see their rates soar to around $3,005. This is why you should compare insurance quotes, as finding the right policy could result in significant savings.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Carlsbad for Teens and Their Families

MoneyGeek found that State Farm is the cheapest option in Carlsbad, offering the cheapest car insurance for teens.

  • State Farm: $2,438 per year for female teens and $2,438 per year for male teens
  • GEICO: $2,842 per year for female teens and $2,997 per year for male teens

These premiums reflect a family policy covering two parents and a teen driver. Nationwide holds the distinction of being the most expensive option, with an annual premium of $4,611 for female teen drivers. The stark contrast in pricing, which can amount to a difference of up to $2,173 annually, underscores the importance of comparing insurance rates to secure the most cost-effective policy for adding a teen driver to your plan.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:16
Gender:
Gender:Female
State FarmFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,438Individual Plan Monthly Premium$2,699
GEICOFamily Plan Annual Premium$2,842Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,210
FarmersFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,071Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,527
AllstateFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,083Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,322
ProgressiveFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,088Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,393
Capital Insurance GroupFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,321Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,243
TravelersFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,500Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,164
KemperFamily Plan Annual Premium$4,147Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,536
NationwideFamily Plan Annual Premium$4,611Individual Plan Monthly Premium$6,546

In Carlsbad, as in many U.S. cities, the contrast in auto insurance premiums for teens is stark. On average, a teenage driver pays around $4,023 for an individual policy, whereas being added to a family plan costs substantially less, at about $3,362 on average. The discrepancy in rates is primarily due to insurers viewing teen drivers as high-risk due to their limited driving experience. Teens may also face challenges securing an individual policy without a co-signer due to their risk profile and lack of credit history. It's financially prudent for families to opt for joint plans that offer comprehensive coverage at more affordable rates.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Carlsbad for Military Drivers

MoneyGeek found that National General offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for those with military backgrounds in Carlsbad.

  • National General: $897 per year
  • Progressive: $959 per year

Though USAA is not the top cheapest in Carlsbad, with an annual premium of $1,196, this provider is well-known for crafting services specifically to accommodate active duty military members. For residents with a military background, searching for the cheapest car insurance for military backgrounds is important and should consider both the cost and the personalized services provided by insurers catering to military families.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
National GeneralAnnual Premium$897Monthly Premium$75
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$959Monthly Premium$80
AAAAnnual Premium$1,039Monthly Premium$87
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,046Monthly Premium$87
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,093Monthly Premium$91
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,098Monthly Premium$92
USAAAnnual Premium$1,196Monthly Premium$100
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,241Monthly Premium$103
NationwideAnnual Premium$1,255Monthly Premium$105
State NationalAnnual Premium$1,294Monthly Premium$108
KemperAnnual Premium$1,360Monthly Premium$113
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$1,373Monthly Premium$114
HartfordAnnual Premium$1,402Monthly Premium$117
TravelersAnnual Premium$1,419Monthly Premium$118
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,639Monthly Premium$137
FarmersAnnual Premium$1,901Monthly Premium$158

How to Compare Cheap Carlsbad Car Insurance Quotes Online

In Carlsbad, securing the best car insurance rates can be done using MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator. Input your age, driving history, credit score and coverage preferences to rapidly receive a tailored rate estimate.

Car Insurance Calculator

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

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Rates updated:

Oct 04, 2024

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Best Car Insurance in Carlsbad: Overview

Finding the best car insurance hinges on how you weigh factors such as service, cost, coverage and others. MoneyGeek’s found Carlsbad's outstanding providers:

  • Best overall: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100)
  • Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
  • Best cheap: State Farm (MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100)

Chubb emerges as the predominant choice in Carlsbad, scoring high in both overall value and service quality. State Farm provides economical insurance options that still maintain a high level of service excellence.

Best Overall Car Insurance in Carlsbad

MoneyGeek found that Chubb offers the best car insurance in Carlsbad for drivers seeking quality auto insurance coverage. According to MoneyGeek's analysis, here are the top two providers based on their scores:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($1,639 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100 ($1,373 per year)

Chubb stands out in Carlsbad as the premier choice for full coverage car insurance due to its performance in claims handling and customer satisfaction.

Company logo for Chubb
Best OverallChubb
MoneyGeek Score:
81/ of 100

Overview

Chubb’s high MoneyGeek Score is largely due to its claims handling and customer satisfaction. It also provides rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance, ensuring customers are covered for most roadside incidents and travel inconveniences. Chubb offers OEM coverage and diminished value coverage, protecting customers from value loss due to accidents.

Best Car Insurance in Carlsbad for Customer Service

MoneyGeek found that Chubb offers the best car insurance for customer service in Carlsbad. This distinction is recognized without taking rates into account, focusing solely on the insurer’s superior general satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options.

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,639 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,373 per year)

Chubb stands out in the Carlsbad car insurance market primarily due to its claims handling process and the breadth of coverage options offered to consumers.

Company logo for Chubb
Best for Customer ServiceChubb
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ of 100

Overview

Chubb's MoneyGeek score is due to its satisfaction and claims handling. The company offers coverages like rental car and/or travel reimbursement and roadside assistance. It also offers OEM coverage, which ensures replacement parts match the original quality, important for maintaining performance and value. Chubb also has antique/classic car Insurance and diminished value coverage. c

Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Carlsbad

State Farm is the best option in Carlsbad for consumers seeking top-rated yet affordable car insurance. This distinction is notable because the MoneyGeek score emphasizes not only affordability but also adequacy in claims handling. Here are the two best-scoring providers:

  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($399 per year)
  • Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($442 per year)

State Farm is the leading provider due to its exceptional affordability.

Company logo for State Farm
Best Cheap CompanyState Farm
MoneyGeek Score:
81/ of 100

Overview

State Farm leads with affordability contributing to its MoneyGeek score. The average State Farm customer pays just $399 annually for minimum coverage. Drivers can benefit from reasonably common discounts like airbags and anti-theft systems, enhancing safety and security. State Farm offers discounts like bundling, multiple car and safe driving.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Carlsbad

In Carlsbad, California, the average car insurance premium stands at $1,267. This figure is less than the average car insurance cost across California, which is $1,457. However, when compared to the national average, California's rates are relatively lower, with the state's average cost being $263 less than the national average of $1,720.

The factors influencing car insurance rates extend beyond geographical location, but the impact of location is undeniable. Rates are determined in part by the traffic density, accident frequency and theft rates within a given area. This is why urban areas like Glendale have higher premiums at $2,260, while cities like Santa Maria offer the cheapest premiums at $1,168. In less urbanized areas with lower traffic density, car insurance rates may fall even further.

AnaheimAnnual Premium$1,521
AntiochAnnual Premium$1,471
ArdenAnnual Premium$1,491
BakersfieldAnnual Premium$1,298
BerkeleyAnnual Premium$1,393
BurbankAnnual Premium$1,834
CarlsbadAnnual Premium$1,276
Chula VistaAnnual Premium$1,237
ClovisAnnual Premium$1,305
ConcordAnnual Premium$1,378
CoronaAnnual Premium$1,425
Costa MesaAnnual Premium$1,404
Daly CityAnnual Premium$1,592
DowneyAnnual Premium$1,625
East Los AngelesAnnual Premium$1,669
El CajonAnnual Premium$1,341
El MonteAnnual Premium$1,661
Elk GroveAnnual Premium$1,434
EscondidoAnnual Premium$1,290
FairfieldAnnual Premium$1,301
FontanaAnnual Premium$1,460
FremontAnnual Premium$1,353
FresnoAnnual Premium$1,348
FullertonAnnual Premium$1,551
Garden GroveAnnual Premium$1,567
GlendaleAnnual Premium$2,260
HaywardAnnual Premium$1,446
Huntington BeachAnnual Premium$1,423
InglewoodAnnual Premium$1,820
IrvineAnnual Premium$1,485
Jurupa ValleyAnnual Premium$1,402
LancasterAnnual Premium$1,552
Long BeachAnnual Premium$1,570
Los AngelesAnnual Premium$1,985
ModestoAnnual Premium$1,477
Moreno ValleyAnnual Premium$1,443
MurrietaAnnual Premium$1,320
NorwalkAnnual Premium$1,544
OaklandAnnual Premium$1,545
OceansideAnnual Premium$1,303
OntarioAnnual Premium$1,454
OrangeAnnual Premium$1,366
OxnardAnnual Premium$1,338
PalmdaleAnnual Premium$1,602
PasadenaAnnual Premium$1,672
PomonaAnnual Premium$1,519
Rancho CucamongaAnnual Premium$1,401
RialtoAnnual Premium$1,467
RichmondAnnual Premium$1,457
RiversideAnnual Premium$1,438
RosevilleAnnual Premium$1,364
SacramentoAnnual Premium$1,397
SalinasAnnual Premium$1,259
San BernardinoAnnual Premium$1,455
San DiegoAnnual Premium$1,259
San FranciscoAnnual Premium$1,553
San JoseAnnual Premium$1,338
San MateoAnnual Premium$1,301
Santa AnaAnnual Premium$1,471
Santa ClaraAnnual Premium$1,332
Santa ClaritaAnnual Premium$1,523
Santa MariaAnnual Premium$1,168
Santa RosaAnnual Premium$1,385
Simi ValleyAnnual Premium$1,429
StocktonAnnual Premium$1,489
SunnyvaleAnnual Premium$1,325
TemeculaAnnual Premium$1,338
Thousand OaksAnnual Premium$1,490
TorranceAnnual Premium$1,418
VallejoAnnual Premium$1,444
VenturaAnnual Premium$1,251
VictorvilleAnnual Premium$1,482
VisaliaAnnual Premium$1,241
VistaAnnual Premium$1,267
West CovinaAnnual Premium$1,555

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.