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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.