GEICO offers the lowest car insurance rates in Modesto, with annual premiums of $505 for minimum coverage and $1,157 for full coverage. Other affordable insurers in the city include AAA, Progressive and State Farm.
Car Insurance in Modesto
Updated: October 26, 2025
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Key Takeaways
The cheapest car insurance companies in Modesto are GEICO, AAA and Progressive, with rates up to 38% lower than the city average.
Monthly car insurance costs in Modesto average $148 for full coverage and $70 for minimum coverage.
To find the best cheap auto insurance in Modesto, compare quotes from multiple sources and choose coverage levels that match your needs.
Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in Modesto?
| GEICO | $42 | $96 | -38% |
| AAA | $43 | $102 | -35% |
| Progressive | $53 | $101 | -31% |
| State Farm | $64 | $143 | -7% |
| Wawanesa | $72 | $141 | -4% |
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Compare the Cheapest Modesto Car Insurance for You
Your car insurance rates depend heavily on personal factors like your age, driving record and credit score. Check the table below to find the cheapest insurance company for your specific driver profile.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
Female
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Good
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| Geico | $162 | $1,942 | -26% |
| Farmers | $201 | $2,412 | -8% |
| AAA | $108 | $1,300 | -50% |
| State Farm | $148 | $1,779 | -32% |
| Progressive | $151 | $1,817 | -31% |
Cheapest Car Insurance by Age Group in Modesto
Car insurance rates in Modesto vary significantly by age. Our research identified the most affordable options for each age group:
- Cheapest car insurance for young drivers (16 to 25): GEICO at $85 per month
- Cheapest car insurance for adults (26 to 64): GEICO at $42 per month
- Cheapest car insurance for seniors (65+): GEICO at $46 per month
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Modesto
GEICO and State Farm provide the most affordable car insurance rates for young drivers in Modesto, with monthly premiums starting at $85 and $91 respectively.
Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
Clean
| 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% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Adult Drivers in Modesto
In Modesto, GEICO provides the lowest rates for adult drivers (26 to 64), saving drivers around 41% on average. AAA and Progressive are also among the top affordable providers for this age group.
Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
Clean
| Geico | $42 | $505 | -41% |
| AAA | $43 | $513 | -40% |
| Progressive | $53 | $637 | -25% |
| State Farm | $64 | $772 | -10% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | $72 | $861 | 1% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Senior Drivers in Modesto
For Modesto seniors aged 65 and up, GEICO offers the most affordable car insurance options. Their minimum coverage costs $46 monthly or $550 annually, while full coverage runs $103 per month or $1,236 per year.
Data filtered by:
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
Clean
| Geico | $46 | $550 | -45% |
| State Farm | $55 | $658 | -34% |
| AAA | $61 | $727 | -28% |
| Progressive | $68 | $812 | -19% |
| Farmers | $71 | $856 | -15% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Modesto
If you're a high-risk driver in Modesto, these insurance companies offer the lowest rates based on your situation:
- Cheapest With a DUI: GEICO (from $101 per month)
- Cheapest With an Accident: AAA (from $53 per month)
- Cheapest With a Speeding Ticket: AAA (from $53 per month)
Cheapest Car Insurance With a DUI in Modesto
GEICO offers the most affordable car insurance rates in Modesto for drivers with a DUI. You can save 40% on minimum coverage compared to city averages with this provider.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
| 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% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With an Accident in Modesto
AAA offers the lowest car insurance rates in Modesto for drivers with accident records, with premiums starting at $53 monthly for men. These rates save drivers 53% compared to the city average.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
| AAA | $53 | $636 | -53% |
| Geico | $75 | $897 | -34% |
| Progressive | $87 | $1,046 | -23% |
| Auto Owners | $92 | $1,108 | -18% |
| Farmers | $99 | $1,185 | -13% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket in Modesto
For drivers with speeding tickets in Modesto, AAA provides the most affordable insurance options. Their rates start at $53 monthly for minimum liability and $129 per month for full coverage policies.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
State Minimum Liability Only
Male
Good
| AAA | $53 | $636 | -49% |
| Geico | $63 | $757 | -39% |
| Progressive | $79 | $950 | -24% |
| Auto Owners | $89 | $1,064 | -15% |
| State Farm | $96 | $1,148 | -8% |
Best Car Insurance Companies in Modesto
Modesto's top car insurance companies are Progressive, GEICO, AAA and State Farm, with high MoneyGeek (MG) scores. These providers stand out for delivering excellent value through competitive rates, reliable customer service and comprehensive coverage options.
| 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 |
Progressive: Best Overall Value
pros
Strong customer service ratings
Extensive coverage options
Competitive local rates
cons
Fewer discounts than competitors
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Progressive ranks as Modesto's top car insurance provider due to its well-rounded coverage and service quality. The company offers rates well below the city average while maintaining high scores in both customer experience and coverage options. Progressive stands out for its comprehensive coverage selections and responsive claims service, making it a solid choice for most California drivers.
GEICO: Best for Affordable Coverage
pros
Most affordable rates in Modesto
Multiple discount opportunities
Easy online experience
cons
Limited coverage options
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO earns its spot as Modesto's second-best provider by offering some of the most affordable rates in the area. The company proves particularly cost-effective for several driver categories, including seniors, young drivers, and those with less-than-perfect credit. While GEICO's coverage options are more basic than some competitors, its straightforward approach and user-friendly digital tools make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Modesto?
In Modesto, minimum coverage costs about $70 per month or $837 per year, ranking 1,079th out of all California cities for affordability. Full coverage averages $148 monthly or $1,772 annually, ranking 1,074th among California cities.
| Full Coverage | $148 | $1,772 |
| Minimum Coverage | $70 | $837 |
Compare Personalized Modesto Car Insurance Costs
While our general rate breakdowns help compare costs, this table lets you filter Modesto's average car insurance rates by your specific age, driving record and other key factors.
Data filtered by:
Adult Drivers
Female
100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Good
At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| $204 | $2,448 | 6% |
Modesto Car Insurance Costs by ZIP Code
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.
Data filtered by:
95350
| 95350 | $63 | $135 |
How to Get the Best Cheap Modesto Car Insurance
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.
- 1Calculate your coverage needs
Start by determining how much coverage you actually need for your vehicle and situation. Use our car insurance coverage needs calculator to get a personalized recommendation based on your car's value, assets, and risk tolerance. This creates a solid foundation for comparing quotes and ensures you don't overpay for unnecessary coverage.
- 2Explore alternative coverage types
Beyond standard types of car insurance, consider specialized options that could save you money. If you drive infrequently, pay-per-mile coverage might reduce your costs. Don't own a car? A non-owner policy could provide the protection you need at a lower price.
- 3Know what others pay
Research average vehicle insurance costs in Modesto to set realistic expectations. Understanding typical rates for your age group, vehicle type, and location helps you recognize a good deal when you see one and gives you leverage when negotiating with insurance providers.
- 4Stack your savings with discounts
Maximize your savings by combining multiple car insurance discount opportunities. Consider bundling multiple policies or getting multi-car discounts if you have multiple vehicles. Many insurers also offer discounts for safe driving, completing defensive driving courses, or installing safety features.
- 5Check company ratings and reviews
Research potential insurers' financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores. Focus on companies with strong records in claims handling and customer service in the Modesto area. Read recent customer reviews to understand real experiences with filing claims and getting support.
- 6Get quotes from multiple providers
Contact at least three different insurance companies for quotes. Use a mix of local agents, online tools, and direct carrier websites to ensure you're seeing the full range of available options. Keep your coverage selections consistent across quotes for accurate comparisons.
- 7Review your policy annually
Set a yearly reminder to review your coverage and shop for new quotes. Life changes like improving credit scores, moving, or buying a new car can affect your rates. Regular reviews ensure you're not missing out on new discounts or better rates from other providers.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Modesto: Bottom Line
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.
Cheap Modesto Car Insurance: FAQ
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Modesto, California?
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.
Who offers the best car insurance in Modesto?
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.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Modesto?
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.
Is car insurance in Modesto expensive?
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.
How We Chose the Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in Modesto, CA
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.
