Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Pasadena, CA (July 2024)


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Updated: August 4, 2024

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In Pasadena, California, GEICO offers the cheapest minimum and full coverage car insurance policies. It is also the most affordable for families with teens. Chubb provides top service while also providing the best overall value, blending customer satisfaction and price. The best choice may vary with your individual preferences and coverage needs.

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2024

Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Pasadena

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 352,910 quotes in California from 18 companies, used six sources and conducted original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Pasadena 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 Pasadena, CA, as of July 2024.

352,910Quotes Analyzed
 
18Companies Compared

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in Pasadena for minimum coverage policies.

  • GEICO: $538 per year
  • Mercury: $554 per year

Hartford has the most expensive minimum coverage policy, with an annual premium of $950. The difference between GEICO and Hartford is significant, with Hartford's rates $412 more than GEICO's per year. This stark contrast highlights the importance of shopping around to find the best car insurance rates available.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Minimum Coverage
GEICOAnnual Premium$538Monthly Premium$45
MercuryAnnual Premium$554Monthly Premium$46
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$612Monthly Premium$51
KemperAnnual Premium$637Monthly Premium$53
AAAAnnual Premium$683Monthly Premium$57
FarmersAnnual Premium$689Monthly Premium$57
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$731Monthly Premium$61
State NationalAnnual Premium$767Monthly Premium$64
State FarmAnnual Premium$794Monthly Premium$66
National GeneralAnnual Premium$816Monthly Premium$68
ChubbAnnual Premium$849Monthly Premium$71
TravelersAnnual Premium$864Monthly Premium$72
AllstateAnnual Premium$867Monthly Premium$72
NationwideAnnual Premium$867Monthly Premium$72
HartfordAnnual Premium$950Monthly Premium$79

State Minimum Liability Requirements

In California, state law determines the minimum car insurance coverage required. These are the legally mandated limits:

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

If you only carry the minimum coverage required and are at fault in an accident, the policy may pay up to $15,000 for injuries per person, with a maximum of $30,000 in one accident. If damages exceed these limits, you'd be responsible for the remainder out of pocket.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Pasadena, with significant savings compared to the competition. These are the two most affordable providers:

  • GEICO: $1,365 per year
  • Mercury: $1,433 per year

Farmers has the most expensive full coverage policy in Pasadena, at $2,503 per year. This is $1,138 more than GEICO, highlighting the potential savings when you compare car insurance rates. Full coverage policies cost more because they provide more comprehensive protection than minimum liability coverage, including against damage to your vehicle.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,365Monthly Premium$114
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,433Monthly Premium$119
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,462Monthly Premium$122
AAAAnnual Premium$1,506Monthly Premium$125
National GeneralAnnual Premium$1,547Monthly Premium$129
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,574Monthly Premium$131
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$1,668Monthly Premium$139
KemperAnnual Premium$1,751Monthly Premium$146
State NationalAnnual Premium$1,796Monthly Premium$150
HartfordAnnual Premium$1,959Monthly Premium$163
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,965Monthly Premium$164
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,994Monthly Premium$166
NationwideAnnual Premium$2,012Monthly Premium$168
TravelersAnnual Premium$2,320Monthly Premium$193
FarmersAnnual Premium$2,503Monthly Premium$209

Do You Need Full Coverage in California?

Full coverage policies feature higher liability limits. They also provide both comprehensive and collision insurance options.

Collision Insurance: This secures your vehicle against damage resulting from an impact with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

  • Comprehensive Insurance: This protection covers your car against non-collision-related damages such as theft, vandalism, fires, natural phenomena or being struck by an animal like a deer.

For owners of new cars, it's wise to opt for full coverage insurance as protection for your financial interest in the vehicle. In contrast, for older model cars, the additional cost for enhanced coverage may outweigh the benefits, particularly when considering the potential hundreds in extra costs. The key to understanding how much car insurance you need lies in balancing the higher premiums that come with more extensive coverage and the risk of being inadequately covered with a minimum coverage policy.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pasadena After a Driving Offense

MoneyGeek found that the most affordable providers for drivers with a poor driving record in Pasadena seeking full coverage vary based on the specific driving offense:

  • Speeding Ticket: National General ($1,624 per year)
  • At-Fault Accident: Capital Insurance Group ($1,962 per year)
  • DUI: National General ($1,624 per year)

Hartford offers the most expensive rate after a DUI at $7,434 per year. Travelers is the most costly after an at-fault accident ($3,978 per year) and a speeding ticket ($3,566 per year). The type of driving infraction can significantly impact car insurance rates, but affordable options are still available.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Incident:
Incident:Speeding
National GeneralAnnual Premium$1,624Monthly Premium$135
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,893Monthly Premium$158
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$1,922Monthly Premium$160
AAAAnnual Premium$1,955Monthly Premium$163
GEICOAnnual Premium$2,033Monthly Premium$169
AllstateAnnual Premium$2,300Monthly Premium$192
KemperAnnual Premium$2,326Monthly Premium$194
State NationalAnnual Premium$2,559Monthly Premium$213
ChubbAnnual Premium$2,620Monthly Premium$218
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$2,780Monthly Premium$232
State FarmAnnual Premium$2,918Monthly Premium$243
HartfordAnnual Premium$2,975Monthly Premium$248
FarmersAnnual Premium$3,473Monthly Premium$289
NationwideAnnual Premium$3,493Monthly Premium$291
TravelersAnnual Premium$3,566Monthly Premium$297

In Pasadena, as in many U.S. cities, insurance rates escalate with the gravity of driving offenses due to the increased risk they pose to insurers. For example, drivers with a DUI in Pasadena face an average annual rate of $4,317 compared with those with a speeding ticket, whose annual average is $2,562. This significant difference in pricing underscores the need for individuals with driving offenses to diligently compare insurance rates, as it can lead to considerable savings and better match their specific risk profiles with the most advantageous coverage options.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pasadena for Teens and Their Families

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for teens in Pasadena, making it a leading option for affordable coverage.

  • GEICO: $3,504 per year for female teens; Farmers: $3,557 per year for male teens
  • Farmers: $3,557 per year for female teens; State Farm: $3,590 per year for male teens

These rates reflect the cost of insuring a family with two parents and a teen driver. Nationwide is the most expensive provider for teen family policies in Pasadena, with an average annual premium of $6,037 for female teens. The rate difference between the cheapest and the most expensive option — $2,533 per year — reinforces the need for comparison shopping, particularly since teen drivers are considered higher risk and premiums can be substantially higher.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:16
Gender:
Gender:Female
GEICOFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,504Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,957
FarmersFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,557Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,244
State FarmFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,590Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,975
Capital Insurance GroupFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,863Individual Plan Monthly Premium$3,772
AllstateFamily Plan Annual Premium$3,980Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,288
TravelersFamily Plan Annual Premium$4,520Individual Plan Monthly Premium$4,087
ProgressiveFamily Plan Annual Premium$4,586Individual Plan Monthly Premium$5,040
KemperFamily Plan Annual Premium$5,378Individual Plan Monthly Premium$7,180
NationwideFamily Plan Annual Premium$6,037Individual Plan Monthly Premium$8,570

In Pasadena, a stark contrast exists between teen car insurance costs for individual policies vs. family plans. An average teen policy is $5,201 per year while adding a teen to a family plan increases the premium to about $4,356 — a significant $845 difference. Insurers typically quote higher rates for teens due to their lack of driving experience and higher risk profiles. Additionally, obtaining an individual policy can be challenging for teens, as insurers may be wary of underwriting standalone policies for high-risk individuals without an established driving record or credit history. It's often more practical and economical for families to include their teen drivers in a joint policy.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pasadena for Military Drivers

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for military backgrounds in Pasadena. The top two most affordable providers are:

  • GEICO: $1,365 per year
  • USAA: $1,395 per year

Although USAA is the second cheapest option in Pasadena, it offers specialized services tailored to the needs of active-duty military members, further underscoring its value beyond competitive pricing.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
GEICOAnnual Premium$1,365Monthly Premium$114
USAAAnnual Premium$1,395Monthly Premium$116
MercuryAnnual Premium$1,433Monthly Premium$119
ProgressiveAnnual Premium$1,462Monthly Premium$122
AAAAnnual Premium$1,506Monthly Premium$125
National GeneralAnnual Premium$1,547Monthly Premium$129
AllstateAnnual Premium$1,574Monthly Premium$131
Capital Insurance GroupAnnual Premium$1,668Monthly Premium$139
KemperAnnual Premium$1,751Monthly Premium$146
State NationalAnnual Premium$1,796Monthly Premium$150
HartfordAnnual Premium$1,959Monthly Premium$163
State FarmAnnual Premium$1,965Monthly Premium$164
ChubbAnnual Premium$1,994Monthly Premium$166
NationwideAnnual Premium$2,012Monthly Premium$168
TravelersAnnual Premium$2,320Monthly Premium$193
FarmersAnnual Premium$2,503Monthly Premium$209

How to Compare Cheap Pasadena Car Insurance Quotes Online

Finding the best car insurance rates in Pasadena often involves a time-consuming process. Comparing three or more companies can potentially take over an hour.

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator streamlines this task, granting instant savings by concentrating on key factors that influence premiums in the region. Input details such as age, driving history, credit rating and preferred coverage level to swiftly receive an estimated rate.

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 07, 2024

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Best Car Insurance in Pasadena: Overview

Selecting the optimal car insurance depends on your preference for aspects such as service quality, cost and coverage options. MoneyGeek's unique scoring system evaluated these factors across different categories to find Pasadena's leading car insurance providers.

  • Best overall: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 85 out of 100)
  • Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
  • Best cheap: Mercury (MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100)

Chubb is Pasadena's best car insurance provider for overall value and service, demonstrating strong performance in service quality and affordability. Mercury stands out as the top pick for affordable car insurance that still offers a commendable service experience for those prioritizing saving money. Each provider excels in their respective category, offering balanced choices for Pasadena residents based on their unique insurance needs and budgetary constraints.

Overall Best Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Pasadena for drivers seeking the best car insurance. These are the two top providers based on their MoneyGeek scores:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($1,994 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($1,668 per year)

Chubb has the highest MoneyGeek score in Pasenda, largely due to its high claims coverage scores, reflecting the value customers get from its full coverage policy.

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

Overview

Chubb's high MoneyGeek score is primarily due to exceptional claims handling and customer satisfaction. Although it doesn't offer roadside assistance, it does offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement. Chubb also offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, which many drivers find valuable because it pays for replacement parts from the original manufacturer and maintains the integrity and value of the vehicle after repairs.

Chubb's rare coverages include diminished value coverage, which allows you to receive compensation for the loss in value your car may have after an accident, even after repairs. This coverage ensures drivers that their high-value vehicles are protected with genuine parts and safeguarded against diminished resale value. Chubb is a leading option in car insurance, securing its place as the best company by MoneyGeek's standards.

Best Car Insurance in Pasadena for Customer Service

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best car insurance option in Pasadena, focusing on customer service. Rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of general satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options without considering rates.

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,994 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,668 per year)

Chubb stands out in Pasadena for its outstanding balance of claims handling and comprehensive coverage options. Its top position showcases the insurer's commitment to overall client satisfaction and financial stability, distinguishing it from competitors in the market.

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

Overview

Chubb excels in customer satisfaction and claims handling, boosting its high MoneyGeek score. Although it doesn't offer roadside assistance, it does provide rental car and/or travel reimbursement.

Chubb's coverages cater to drivers' various needs. Its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage assures the use of original factory equipment in repairs — a vital feature for maintaining vehicle integrity and value. Classic car enthusiasts will appreciate Chubb's tailored coverage for antique and collectible vehicles, which provides specialized protection. Though not widely applicable, the diminished value coverage potentially allows for recovering a car's lost value after an accident. Its offers and strong scores highlight why Chubb stands out in the auto insurance market.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that Mercury offers the best cheap car insurance in Pasadena, prioritizing affordability while delivering on claims handling and customer satisfaction. If you're looking for affordable, top-notch coverage, consider these providers:

  • Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($554 per year)
  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($849 per year)

Mercury is the leading company, thanks in large part to its superior affordability score, which significantly influences its MoneyGeek score. The score indicates Mercury delivers high value for a minimum coverage policy. Notably, the balance between affordable premiums, customer satisfaction and dependable claims handling sets Mercury apart as the best choice for consumers seeking comprehensive yet budget-friendly car insurance.

Company logo for Mercury
Best Cheap CompanyMercury
MoneyGeek Score:
81/ of 100

Overview

Mercury's exceptional MoneyGeek score is greatly influenced by its affordability and coverage ratings. With an average annual premium of $554, the average driver pays $46 per month for minimum coverage, showcasing exceptional value.

Mercury offers the most common discounts: bundling, multiple car and safe driving. Policyholders also benefit from discounts such as anti-theft system and automatic payment, which enhance security and convenience. Mercury rewards customers who sign up for automatic payment, encouraging reliable, timely bill settlement. Additionally, the company offers a pay in full discount, which provides substantial savings for those capable of making upfront payments. These perks reflect Mercury's commitment to providing cost-effective and valuable services to their clients.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pasadena

In Pasadena, the average car insurance cost is $1,798 per year. This is $236 more than the average car insurance cost in California, which is $1,562. The state average is significantly less than the national average of $1,781, indicating that Californians pay $219 less for car insurance.

Factors such as a driver's age, vehicle and driving history influence the cost of car insurance. However, location is a significant factor. The location's importance stems from elements such as traffic density, rates of vehicular theft and the prevalence of accidents, which vary from city to city. Glendale is the city with the most expensive premium, with a premium of $2,433 — significantly higher than the state average by $871. On the other hand, Santa Maria is the cheapest city, with insurance costs at $1,251, showing a substantial difference of $311 below the state average. These figures indicate that rates could be lower in less urbanized, non-city areas with lower traffic density.

AnaheimAnnual Premium$1,632
AntiochAnnual Premium$1,573
ArdenAnnual Premium$1,592
BakersfieldAnnual Premium$1,394
BerkeleyAnnual Premium$1,489
BurbankAnnual Premium$1,968
CarlsbadAnnual Premium$1,364
Chula VistaAnnual Premium$1,331
ClovisAnnual Premium$1,395
ConcordAnnual Premium$1,473
CoronaAnnual Premium$1,525
Costa MesaAnnual Premium$1,501
Daly CityAnnual Premium$1,712
DowneyAnnual Premium$1,749
East Los AngelesAnnual Premium$1,800
El CajonAnnual Premium$1,438
El MonteAnnual Premium$1,784
Elk GroveAnnual Premium$1,535
EscondidoAnnual Premium$1,382
FairfieldAnnual Premium$1,392
FontanaAnnual Premium$1,565
FremontAnnual Premium$1,446
FresnoAnnual Premium$1,442
FullertonAnnual Premium$1,661
Garden GroveAnnual Premium$1,679
GlendaleAnnual Premium$2,433
HaywardAnnual Premium$1,549
Huntington BeachAnnual Premium$1,523
InglewoodAnnual Premium$1,963
IrvineAnnual Premium$1,585
Jurupa ValleyAnnual Premium$1,507
LancasterAnnual Premium$1,670
Long BeachAnnual Premium$1,685
Los AngelesAnnual Premium$2,138
ModestoAnnual Premium$1,577
Moreno ValleyAnnual Premium$1,546
MurrietaAnnual Premium$1,415
NorwalkAnnual Premium$1,661
OaklandAnnual Premium$1,657
OceansideAnnual Premium$1,396
OntarioAnnual Premium$1,565
OrangeAnnual Premium$1,462
OxnardAnnual Premium$1,436
PalmdaleAnnual Premium$1,722
PasadenaAnnual Premium$1,798
PomonaAnnual Premium$1,630
Rancho CucamongaAnnual Premium$1,503
RialtoAnnual Premium$1,577
RichmondAnnual Premium$1,562
RiversideAnnual Premium$1,543
RosevilleAnnual Premium$1,458
SacramentoAnnual Premium$1,494
SalinasAnnual Premium$1,346
San BernardinoAnnual Premium$1,567
San DiegoAnnual Premium$1,349
San FranciscoAnnual Premium$1,670
San JoseAnnual Premium$1,429
San MateoAnnual Premium$1,385
Santa AnaAnnual Premium$1,577
Santa ClaraAnnual Premium$1,420
Santa ClaritaAnnual Premium$1,634
Santa MariaAnnual Premium$1,251
Santa RosaAnnual Premium$1,479
Simi ValleyAnnual Premium$1,528
StocktonAnnual Premium$1,594
SunnyvaleAnnual Premium$1,413
TemeculaAnnual Premium$1,432
Thousand OaksAnnual Premium$1,589
TorranceAnnual Premium$1,518
VallejoAnnual Premium$1,547
VenturaAnnual Premium$1,341
VictorvilleAnnual Premium$1,598
VisaliaAnnual Premium$1,333
VistaAnnual Premium$1,355
West CovinaAnnual Premium$1,667

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.