Car Insurance in Pasadena

GEICO provides the most affordable rates for nearly all driver types in Pasadena. Young drivers pay $1,137 annually with GEICO, while adult drivers with clean records pay only $561 per year.

Senior drivers see premiums of $609 per year from GEICO, roughly 9% more than adults pay. Drivers with a speeding ticket pay $840 annually, and those with an at-fault accident face rates of $994 per year.

Pasadena's dense urban environment brings unique insurance considerations, from parallel parking damage in Old Town to congestion on the 210 Freeway. The city's mix of historic neighborhoods, commercial districts and entertainment venues creates varied risk profiles that insurers account for when setting rates.

Among the insurers MoneyGeek surveyed in Pasadena, GEICO's minimum coverage costs $561 annually—42% less than the city average of $990. Their full coverage runs $1,264 per year, substantially below Pasadena's average of $2,077.

Progressive ranks as the second-most affordable option with full coverage at $1,536 per year. AAA rounds out the top three with competitive pricing for Pasadena drivers.

Home to the Rose Bowl and numerous special events, Pasadena sees traffic surges that affect accident rates seasonally. Insurers with strong local claims networks, like the companies we analyzed, handle Pasadena claims more efficiently than carriers without established area presence.

Young drivers under 25 pay the highest insurance costs in Pasadena, while adults enjoy the lowest premiums. GEICO offers young drivers coverage for $1,137 per year.

Adult drivers pay $561 annually with GEICO, saving $576 compared to young drivers. Senior drivers get their best deal from GEICO at $609 per year, just 9% above adult rates.

Pasadena's many colleges and universities mean young drivers often navigate unfamiliar streets near Caltech and Pasadena City College. More experienced drivers who know how to avoid Colorado Boulevard during peak hours and understand local traffic patterns benefit from lower rates.

A spotless driving record in Pasadena earns you GEICO's lowest rate of $561 per year. A speeding ticket increases your annual premium to $840 with GEICO, marking a 50% jump.

An at-fault accident pushes costs to $994 per year, while a DUI raises premiums to $1,348 annually. Violations can more than double your insurance costs compared to maintaining a clean driving record.

Pasadena Police Department's traffic enforcement focuses on speeding in residential areas and DUI prevention near the city's restaurant and entertainment districts. Automated speed enforcement in school zones means tickets can accumulate quickly for drivers unfamiliar with local speed limits.

Progressive earned the top ranking in Pasadena with a score of 89.35 out of 100. The company excels in balancing competitive rates with quality customer service and efficient claims processing.

GEICO takes second place with a score of 87.12, offering exceptional value for budget-minded drivers. Both companies maintain strong financial ratings and low complaint ratios with California regulators.

Car insurance in Pasadena costs an average of $82 per month for minimum coverage and $173 per month for full coverage. These rates fall in the middle range for Los Angeles County cities.

GEICO's minimum coverage rate of $47 monthly demonstrates the potential savings from shopping around. Your actual premium depends on your driving record, age and the coverage level you choose.

In Pasadena, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $72 to $209 per month. ZIP code 91103 is the most expensive, while 91123 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code in the table below.

Our guide shows you how to lower your insurance premiums.

Car insurance rates in Pasadena depend on your driving record, age, vehicle and credit score. While GEICO and Progressive offer the lowest average premiums in the area, compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best rate.

Looking for cheap car insurance in Pasadena? Our research team answers your most common questions about finding affordable coverage that fits your needs. Get clear, straightforward answers to help you make confident insurance decisions.

Pasadena drivers face higher insurance costs than many California cities due to dense urban traffic, elevated vehicle theft rates in Los Angeles County, and above-average accident frequency. We built this research to show you which insurers offer the lowest rates for your specific driving profile, so you can maintain required coverage without overpaying in one of Southern California's more expensive insurance markets.

How We Analyzed Pasadena Car Insurance Rates

We collected rate data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services, reviewing quotes from 12 major insurers across all ZIP codes in the city. This analysis totaled hundreds of thousands of data points to identify options that best fit local drivers.

Our Standard Driver Profile

We used 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. We also adjusted factors like age, driving record, credit score, and military status to identify the best insurers for different types of drivers.

Coverage Levels We Compared

Minimum Coverage: California requires $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 city where medical costs and vehicle values run high.

Full Coverage: 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 damaged, stolen, or totaled—particularly important given Pasadena's elevated auto theft rates and congested urban roadways.

Our Rating Methodology

Our ratings were based on three main factors:

Affordability (60%): Comparing quotes for a range of common driver profiles and evaluating how each company's rates stacked up in Pasadena.

Customer Experience (30%): Reviewing insights from Google reviews, J.D. Power, AM Best, and Reddit discussions to understand overall satisfaction.

Coverage Options (10%): Looking at how many coverage types each insurer offers and whether they provide unique benefits or add-ons.

This methodology identifies insurers offering genuine value for Pasadena drivers navigating one of LA County's more challenging and expensive insurance environments.