Updated: November 13, 2025
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GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in Modesto at $505 per year for minimum coverage and $1,157 per year for full coverage. Other major insurers serving Modesto include Progressive, AAA and State Farm.
Modesto drivers pay an average of $837 per year for minimum coverage and $1,772 per year for full coverage.
GEICO also offers the cheapest car insurance in California at $465 per year for minimum coverage and $1,091 per year for full coverage.
GEICO provides Modesto's cheapest minimum coverage at $505 per year, 40% below the city average of $837. For full coverage, GEICO charges $1,157 annually compared to Modesto's average of $1,772.
AAA presents another affordable alternative at $513 for minimum coverage and $1,228 for full coverage. GEICO's rates save Modesto drivers approximately $28 monthly for minimum coverage versus typical city premiums.
| GEICO | $42 | $96 | -38% |
| AAA | $43 | $102 | -35% |
| Progressive | $53 | $101 | -31% |
| State Farm | $64 | $143 | -7% |
| Wawanesa | $72 | $141 | -4% |
Adult drivers in Modesto benefit from the most affordable rates at $505 annually with GEICO. Senior drivers pay $550 per year with GEICO. Young drivers face premiums of $1,026 annually with GEICO, roughly double adult rates.
GEICO maintains the lowest rates across all age brackets in Modesto. The significant gap between young and adult driver premiums reflects actuarial data on accident frequency among less experienced drivers. These rate variations make comparing quotes particularly valuable for younger policyholders.
Young drivers in Modesto can find the lowest car insurance rates with GEICO and State Farm, averaging $85 and $91 per month. Both companies offer affordable pricing and reliable coverage for new drivers. Because younger motorists typically face higher premiums, maintaining good grades and safe driving records can help them qualify for lower rates over time.
| Geico | $85 | $1,026 | -34% |
| State Farm | $91 | $1,096 | -30% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | $100 | $1,202 | -23% |
| Farmers | $103 | $1,237 | -20% |
| AAA | $109 | $1,309 | -16% |
For adults aged 26 to 64, GEICO provides the cheapest car insurance in Modesto, with rates about 41 percent below the city average. AAA and Progressive also offer affordable policies for drivers with solid credit and clean driving histories. Adults can reduce their premiums further by bundling policies or enrolling in safe-driving programs that reward consistent, low-risk behavior.
| Geico | $42 | $505 | -41% |
| AAA | $43 | $513 | -40% |
| Progressive | $53 | $637 | -25% |
| State Farm | $64 | $772 | -10% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | $72 | $861 | 1% |
Seniors in Modesto get the most affordable coverage from GEICO, which charges about $46 per month ($550 annually) for minimum coverage and $103 per month ($1,236 annually) for full coverage. These rates make it easy for retirees to maintain financial protection without overspending. Seniors who complete defensive driving courses or drive fewer miles each year may qualify for additional savings.
| Geico | $46 | $550 | -45% |
| State Farm | $55 | $658 | -34% |
| AAA | $61 | $727 | -28% |
| Progressive | $68 | $812 | -19% |
| Farmers | $71 | $856 | -15% |
High-risk drivers in Modesto can still find affordable coverage through GEICO and AAA, both of which offer lower-than-average rates for drivers with DUIs, accidents, or speeding tickets. Maintaining a clean record and completing safety courses can help reduce premiums in the long term.
For Modesto drivers with a DUI, GEICO provides the most affordable car insurance, offering rates about 40 percent lower than the city average for minimum coverage. The company’s pricing structure and nationwide claims support make it a strong choice for drivers working to rebuild their records after a violation.
| Geico | $101 | $1,213 | -40% |
| Progressive | $121 | $1,451 | -28% |
| Farmers | $123 | $1,481 | -27% |
| Mercury Insurance | $132 | $1,583 | -22% |
| Auto Owners | $139 | $1,665 | -18% |
Drivers in Modesto with an at-fault accident can find the lowest rates with AAA, which charges about $53 per month, roughly 53 percent below the city average. AAA’s accident forgiveness program and member benefits make it a reliable choice for drivers looking for stability and savings after an accident.
| AAA | $53 | $636 | -53% |
| Geico | $75 | $897 | -34% |
| Progressive | $87 | $1,046 | -23% |
| Auto Owners | $92 | $1,108 | -18% |
| Farmers | $99 | $1,185 | -13% |
For drivers in Modesto with a speeding ticket, AAA offers the most affordable car insurance options. Minimum coverage costs around $53 per month, while full coverage averages $129 per month. Maintaining a clean record and avoiding new violations can help drivers return to lower premiums within a few renewal cycles.
| AAA | $53 | $636 | -49% |
| Geico | $63 | $757 | -39% |
| Progressive | $79 | $950 | -24% |
| Auto Owners | $89 | $1,064 | -15% |
| State Farm | $96 | $1,148 | -8% |
Progressive leads Modesto insurance providers with a MoneyGeek score of 91, balancing reasonable rates with quality customer service. GEICO follows at 87, offering competitive pricing and streamlined claims processes.
Both carriers demonstrate solid financial strength and reliable claims handling. Progressive's higher rating reflects its strong overall value proposition, while GEICO's lower rates make it attractive for budget-conscious Modesto residents prioritizing affordability.
| Progressive | 91 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| GEICO | 87 | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| AAA | 87 | 2 | 5 | 7 |
| State Farm | 78 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| Travelers | 77 | 9 | 2 | 4 |
Strong customer service ratings
Extensive coverage options
Competitive local rates
Fewer discounts than competitors
Progressive is Modesto's top car insurance provider with balanced coverage and service quality. It charges below the city average while scoring high on customer experience and coverage options. Progressive's extensive coverage choices and quick claims responses work well for most California drivers.
Most affordable rates in Modesto
Multiple discount opportunities
Easy online experience
Limited coverage options
GEICO takes second place in Modesto with the area's cheapest rates. It costs less for seniors, young drivers and drivers with poor credit. GEICO's coverage stays basic compared to competitors, but its simple approach and easy digital tools suit budget-focused drivers.
Modesto drivers pay an average of $837 per year for minimum coverage and $1,772 per year for full coverage. These rates exceed California statewide averages, reflecting the region's higher claim frequency and traffic density.
GEICO's premiums of $505 for minimum coverage and $1,157 for full coverage fall substantially below city averages. This difference translates to potential savings of $332 annually for minimum coverage and $615 for full coverage compared to typical Modesto rates.
| Full Coverage | $148 | $1,772 |
| Minimum Coverage | $70 | $837 |
In Modesto, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $62 to $178 per month. ZIP code 95354 is the most expensive, while 95355 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code on the table below.
| 95350 | $63 | $135 |
Finding affordable car insurance in Modesto can be challenging with California's high average rates, but you can lower your costs with the right approach.
Figure out how much coverage you need before shopping. Our car insurance coverage needs calculator recommends amounts based on your car's value, assets and risk tolerance. You'll establish a baseline for quotes and avoid buying coverage you don't need.
Standard car insurance types aren't your only options. Drive rarely? Pay-per-mile coverage cuts your costs. No car? A non-owner policy protects you for less.
Check average vehicle insurance costs in Modesto before shopping. Knowing typical rates for your age, vehicle and location helps you spot good deals and negotiate better prices.
Combine multiple car insurance discounts to maximize savings. Try bundling policies or getting multi-car discounts if you own several vehicles. Insurers also discount safe driving, defensive driving courses and safety features.
Check insurers' financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores. Look for companies with solid claims handling and customer service in Modesto. Read recent reviews to learn how customers actually experience filing claims and getting help.
Get quotes from at least three insurers. Switch between local agents, online tools and company websites to see all your options. Keep coverage choices identical across quotes for accurate comparisons.
Review your coverage and shop for quotes every year. Better credit, moving or buying a new car changes your rates. Annual reviews catch new discounts and better deals from other insurers.
Car insurance rates in Modesto depend on your driving record, vehicle and coverage choices. GEICO and AAA offer the lowest average premiums in the area, but compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best rate.
GEICO offers the lowest rates in Modesto, with average annual premiums of $505 for minimum coverage and $1,157 for full coverage. Rates vary by personal factors, so compare quotes.
Progressive leads Modesto's car insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100, scoring four points higher than GEICO. Progressive delivers excellent value through competitive rates and quality service.
In Modesto, California, full coverage car insurance costs $1,772 annually, while minimum coverage averages $837. Your actual rates will vary based on individual factors.
Car insurance in Modesto is more expensive than average, ranking 1,079th for minimum coverage affordability and 1,074th for full coverage compared to other California cities.
Modesto drivers face higher insurance costs than many California cities due to theft rates and accident frequency in Stanislaus County. We built this research to show you which insurers offer the lowest rates for your specific driving profile, so you can maintain legal coverage without overpaying.
We collected rate data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services, analyzing hundreds of thousands of quotes from 12 companies across every ZIP code in Modesto. This coverage ensures our data reflects what you'll actually pay based on your neighborhood's risk factors.
Our baseline driver profile:
We started with a 40-year-old male driving a 2012 Toyota Camry LE with a clean record, good credit, and no claims history. This driver logs 12,000 miles annually and maintains continuous coverage with a valid license. From there, we adjusted age, driving record, credit score, and military status to show how rates shift based on your actual situation.
Coverage levels we compared:
California requires minimum liability coverage of $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $25,000 for property damage. These minimums satisfy legal requirements but leave you financially exposed after serious accidents, especially in a state with high medical costs and expensive vehicle repairs.
For full coverage comparison, we used $100,000/$300,000/$100,000 liability limits plus comprehensive and collision with $1,000 deductibles. This level provides stronger financial protection when you cause an accident or your car gets stolen, damaged, or totaled.
How we scored each provider:
We evaluated insurers across three weighted categories:
Affordability (60%): Quotes for common driver profiles compared to local competition
Customer Experience (30%): Reviews from Google, J.D. Power, AM Best, and Reddit discussions about claims handling
Coverage Options (10%): Available policy features, unique offerings, and included benefits
Why this approach works: Modesto's high auto theft rate and congested Highway 99 corridor make both comprehensive coverage and liability limits critical considerations. Our methodology shows you which companies price your specific risk profile competitively while delivering reliable claims service when you actually need coverage to pay out.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
