Car Insurance in Riverside


Key Takeaways
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GEICO delivers the cheapest car insurance in Riverside at $515 per year for minimum coverage and $1,185 per year for full coverage, which is 39% below the city average. Progressive and AAA offer competitive alternatives.

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Riverside drivers pay an average of $73 per month for minimum coverage and $155 per month for full coverage.

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GEICO also offers the cheapest car insurance in California at $465 per year for minimum coverage and $1,091 per year for full coverage.

Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in Riverside?

GEICO sets the standard in Riverside with minimum coverage at $515 yearly, beating the city's $878 average by 39%. Their full coverage runs $1,185 annually versus Riverside's average of $1,856.

Progressive comes in second with full coverage rates of $1,298 per year. AAA rounds out the top three with competitive pricing for Riverside drivers.

Riverside's historic designation as California's first "inland city" positioned it as an agricultural and transportation hub, characteristics that persist today. Freight traffic on I-215 and State Route 91, combined with commuters heading to Los Angeles or Orange County, creates varied risk profiles that insurers evaluate carefully.

GEICO$43$99-39%
Progressive$56$108-30%
AAA$56$123-24%
Wawanesa$71$140-9%
State Farm$67$149-7%
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Cheapest Car Insurance by Age Group in Riverside

Young drivers under 25 pay the highest insurance costs in Riverside, while adults get the best deals. GEICO offers young drivers coverage for $1,045 per year.

Adult drivers pay $515 annually with GEICO, saving $530 compared to young drivers. Senior drivers get their best rate from GEICO at $560 per year, just 9% more than adults pay.

The University of California, Riverside brings young drivers to neighborhoods near campus, where rental housing and higher-density areas see more parking lot accidents. Established homeowners in Riverside's historic districts drive less frequently and maintain lower risk profiles.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Riverside

Young drivers in Riverside get the cheapest rates from GEICO, which offers minimum coverage at $87 per month. State Farm follows at $96 monthly, with Wawanesa and Farmers close behind. Insurance costs for drivers ages 16 to 25 are often higher in Riverside due to heavy traffic on State Route 91 and Interstate 215, which increases accident frequency. These companies keep premiums lower than most competitors for young drivers navigating the area’s busy commuter corridors.

Geico$87$1,045-36%
State Farm$96$1,147-30%
Wawanesa Insurance$99$1,193-27%
Farmers$105$1,258-23%
Progressive$121$1,454-11%

Cheapest Car Insurance for Adult Drivers in Riverside

Adult drivers ages 26 to 64 find the lowest premiums through GEICO, which prices policies about 43 percent below the city average. AAA and Progressive also offer strong options for drivers with clean records. Riverside’s mix of suburban neighborhoods, college traffic, and major highways can create variable insurance costs, but these three insurers consistently provide more affordable pricing for adults across the region.

Geico$43$515-43%
AAA$56$667-26%
Progressive$56$668-26%
State Farm$67$808-10%
Wawanesa Insurance$71$855-5%

Cheapest Car Insurance for Senior Drivers in Riverside

Senior drivers in Riverside get the most affordable coverage from GEICO, starting at $47 per month for minimum liability. Full coverage remains competitive at $105 monthly. State Farm and Progressive follow with rates that remain below the city average. These insurers perform well for seniors seeking stable pricing in an area where medical liability claims and repair costs often push premiums higher.

Geico$47$560-47%
State Farm$57$688-35%
Progressive$71$851-19%
Farmers$72$870-18%
AAA$73$880-17%

Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Riverside

High-risk drivers in Riverside can still find budget-friendly options, particularly through GEICO, which leads across all violation categories. Whether the issue is a DUI, at-fault accident, or speeding ticket, GEICO consistently charges the lowest starting monthly premiums in the local market.

  • DUI: GEICO (from $103 per month)
  • Accident: GEICO (from $76 per month)
  • Speeding ticket: GEICO (from $64 per month)

Cheapest Car Insurance With a DUI in Riverside

Drivers with a DUI in Riverside get the lowest rates from GEICO, with premiums beginning at $103 per month. These rates run substantially lower than the city’s typical post-DUI pricing. Farmers and Progressive offer the next most affordable options, but GEICO remains the standout for minimizing the steep surcharges that normally follow a DUI conviction in California.

Geico$103$1,234-43%
Farmers$125$1,505-30%
Progressive$126$1,508-30%
Mercury Insurance$130$1,556-28%
Auto Owners$143$1,713-21%

Cheapest Car Insurance With an Accident in Riverside

For Riverside drivers with an at-fault accident on their record, GEICO provides the cheapest coverage at $76 per month. AAA and Progressive also offer relatively low pricing for accident-affected drivers. Riverside’s high traffic volume often leads to costly accident surcharges, but these insurers maintain more moderate increases than others in the region.

Geico$76$914-36%
AAA$82$987-31%
Progressive$91$1,090-24%
Auto Owners$95$1,138-21%
Farmers$100$1,204-16%

Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket in Riverside

Riverside drivers with a speeding ticket can secure the lowest rates through GEICO, which charges $64 monthly for minimum coverage and offers the cheapest full coverage at $146 per month. AAA and Progressive remain competitive as well. Given Riverside’s active law enforcement presence on major freeways, these lower-cost options help drivers keep premiums manageable after a violation.

Geico$64$771-42%
AAA$75$906-31%
Progressive$83$992-25%
Auto Owners$91$1,095-17%
State Farm$100$1,202-9%

Best Car Insurance Companies in Riverside

Progressive earned the highest ranking in Riverside with a score of 91 out of 100. The company combines competitive rates with strong customer service and efficient claims handling.

GEICO takes second place with a score of 87, offering exceptional value for budget-minded drivers. Both companies maintain solid financial ratings and low complaint ratios with California regulators.

Progressive91232
GEICO87177
AAA84357
Auto Owners81816
Mercury Insurance80665
Progressive

Progressive: Best Overall

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  • High customer satisfaction scores

  • Offers comprehensive coverage

  • Competitive prices for various drivers

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  • Rates higher than the city average

  • Fewer military discount options

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Progressive ranks as Riverside's top car insurance provider by delivering consistent quality across all rating categories. The company has the second-best affordability score and third-best customer service rating in the area. Progressive offers rates below the city average for minimum and full coverage policies. Its extensive coverage options and strong claims handling appeal to drivers wanting comprehensive financial protection.

GEICO

GEICO: Most Affordable

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  • Cheapest rates in the city

  • Multiple driver discounts

  • Strong digital user experience

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  • Fewer policy customization options

  • Customer service ranks below average

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

GEICO offers the most affordable car insurance rates in Riverside, ranking first for affordability among all providers. Its monthly premiums run much lower than the city average for both coverage types. GEICO is cost-effective for several driver categories, including seniors, young drivers and those with bad credit. While tGEICO excels in pricing, its coverage options and customer service ratings fall below other top providers in the area.

How Much Is Car Insurance in Riverside?

Car insurance in Riverside costs an average of $73 per month for minimum coverage and $155 per month for full coverage. These rates fall slightly below California's state average, making Riverside a moderately affordable market.

GEICO's minimum coverage rate of $43 monthly demonstrates the substantial savings possible through comparison shopping. Your actual premium depends on your driving record, age and coverage selections.

Full Coverage$155$1,856
Minimum Coverage$73$878

Riverside Car Insurance costs by ZIP Code

In Riverside, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $61 to $180 per month. ZIP code 92507 is the most expensive, while 92506 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code below.

Data filtered by:
92507
92507$87$180

How to Get the Best Cheap Riverside Car Insurance

Finding affordable car insurance in Riverside can feel overwhelming due to the area's high average rates. Our guide shows you how to get cheaper coverage while maintaining the financial protection you need.

  1. 1
    Calculate your coverage needs

    Determine the coverage you need based on your vehicle's value and financial situation. Use our car insurance coverage needs calculator to get a personalized recommendation. This helps ensure you maintain the right amount of coverage.

  2. 2
    Explore alternative insurance options

    Specialized types of car insurance might better fit your situation. If you drive infrequently, pay-per-mile coverage can save you money. Don't own a car? A non-owner policy is often your best choice.

  3. 3
    Know the market rates

    Research average vehicle insurance costs in Riverside to set realistic expectations. Understanding typical rates for your age group and vehicle type helps you find a good deal when you compare providers.

  4. 4
    Maximize your savings with discounts

    Instead of just one car insurance discount, look for opportunities to stack them. For instance, always check for discounts by bundling multiple policies (like auto and home) or qualifying for multi-car discounts.

    Safe driver programs, vehicle security features and good student status can all help reduce your premium. Ask your agent or check the insurer’s website to find all the potential savings you qualify for.

  5. 5
    Check company reliability

    Research insurers' financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction. Look for companies with strong records in claims handling and customer service in Riverside. A slightly higher premium from a reliable insurer often proves more cost-effective than the cheapest option with poor service.

  6. 6
    Get 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 see all available options. Since each company uses different factors to set rates, comparing multiple quotes is the best way to find the lowest price.

  7. 7
    Review 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 maintain appropriate coverage at the best possible price.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Riverside: Bottom Line

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

Cheap Riverside Car Insurance: FAQ

Looking for cheap car insurance in Riverside? Our research team answers your most common questions about finding affordable coverage that fits your needs. We've analyzed rates and coverage options from major insurers to help you make informed decisions about your policy.

What is the cheapest car insurance company in Riverside, California?

Who offers the best car insurance in Riverside?

What is the average cost of car insurance in Riverside?

Is car insurance in Riverside expensive?

How We Chose the Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in Riverside, CA

Buying car insurance in Riverside is complicated because location and driving history drastically affect your rates. We know you want reliable data tailored to your specific profile. We designed our analysis to simplify your search by rating companies based on local data and matching rates to common Riverside driver types.

Data Collection and Scope

We compiled auto insurance rates by analyzing all ZIP codes in Riverside and gathering hundreds of thousands of quotes. Our research included data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We studied 12 companies offering auto insurance in California to tailor options as closely as possible to you.

Defining Our Sample Driver

We used a sample driver profile to calculate average car insurance quotes in Riverside. This single profile serves as the baseline, allowing you to clearly see how changes to age or driving record impact the final cost.

Our base profile included:

  • 40-year-old male
  • 2012 Toyota Camry LE
  • Clean driving record
  • 12,000 miles driven annually
  • Good credit
  • Valid license, currently insured, and no claims history

We adjusted factors like age, driving record, and credit score to find the most suitable insurance companies for specific driver profiles in Riverside.

Coverage Levels We Used

We compared the most affordable insurance providers for both minimum and full coverage policies. This gives you the flexibility to choose the appropriate financial protection for your needs.

California Minimum Coverage

The minimum coverage requirements in California are:

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

Full Coverage

For a full coverage policy, we used the following limits:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $100,000 property damage liability per accident
  • Comprehensive and collision insurance, each with a $1,000 deductible

Our Best Company Rating Methodology

We rated all companies in Riverside based on three core factors to give you a full picture beyond just price.

  • Affordability (60%): We evaluated quotes for various common driver profiles and compared rates to competition within the city.
  • Customer experience (30%): We used sources like agency reviews on Google, J.D. Power, AM Best and forums like Reddit to gauge customer sentiment.
  • Coverage options (10%): This score reflects the amount of coverage options a provider offers, in addition to the uniqueness of the offering and included benefits.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.


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