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

In Salinas, California, GEICO has the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance and the lowest rates for families with teens. National General is the cheapest provider for full coverage. For customer service, Chubb tops the rankings and is also the best overall, providing a balance of service quality and affordability. Ultimately, the best choice varies with personal coverage requirements and preferences.

MoneyGeek found that GEICO is the cheapest option in Salinas for minimum coverage car insurance. These are the top two companies offering the cheapest car insurance rates:

• GEICO: $372 per year
• Progressive: $388 per year

Chubb has the most expensive minimum coverage policy in Salinas, with an annual premium of $686. You could save up to $314 by choosing GEICO over Chubb, which highlights the importance of shopping around. Finding the right car insurance at the best rate is crucial, emphasizing the benefit of comparing quotes.

Across the Golden State, Californians are required to carry minimum car insurance as defined by state law. These are the mandated limits:

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

If you have the minimum coverage and are involved in an accident that injures another driver, your policy will cover up to $15,000 for that person's injuries. However, if their medical bills reach $25,000, you have to shoulder the remaining $10,000. Similarly, if multiple people are injured and expenses exceed $30,000, the costs above the limit come out of your pocket. Remember, the minimum is the very least you can carry; more coverage always offers greater protection.

MoneyGeek found that National General is the leading option in Salinas for the cheapest full coverage car insurance, offering substantial savings for drivers.

• National General: $889 per year
• Progressive: $968 per year

Farmers has the most expensive full coverage policy in Salinas at $1,890 per year, which is $1,001 more than National General's offer. This rate difference highlights the importance of comparing policies — full coverage is pricier than minimum coverage due to its comprehensive protection against a wide array of incidents.

Full coverage policies have higher liability limits. They also include comprehensive and collision coverage to protect your vehicle further.

• Collision Coverage: This form of insurance is designed to cover the costs of repairs to your own vehicle in the case of a collision with another car or an object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

• Comprehensive Coverage: This insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle for situations other than collisions, covering events such as theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters or being struck by an animal like a deer.

For those with a new vehicle, obtaining full coverage insurance is prudent to protect your new asset. However, owners of older vehicles may find that the additional cost for full coverage doesn't outweigh the benefits, as the vehicle's value may not justify the high premiums. When determining how much car insurance you need, you need to find the right balance: weigh the cost of higher premiums against the risk of being underinsured. Choosing the right insurance coverage is crucial in safeguarding against unexpected expenses without incurring unnecessary costs.

MoneyGeek found that National General is the cheapest car insurance option for drivers with a poor driving record seeking a full coverage policy. Here are the annual premium costs for each violation:

• Speeding Ticket: National General ($933 per year)
• At-Fault Accident: National General ($1,316 per year)
• DUI: National General ($933 per year)

Hartford has the most expensive rates after a DUI at $4,747 per year. Travelers is the priciest option after an at-fault accident and a speeding ticket, at $2,924 and $2,647 per year, respectively. The severity of the traffic offense may significantly impact insurance premiums, but affordable options are available.

In the insurance industry, premiums escalate with the severity of driving violations due to the associated risk factors. For instance, in Salinas, a speeding ticket can lead to an average annual rate of $1,899, while a DUI offense increases premiums to an average of $3,221 per year. It's important for drivers with offenses to diligently compare insurance rates, as finding the most competitive terms can result in significant savings and mitigate the financial impact of higher premiums due to driving infractions.

MoneyGeek found that State Farm is the cheapest option in Salinas, offering the cheapest car insurance for teens. Families can save significantly by choosing carefully, as evidenced by the cost comparisons below:

• State Farm: $2,695 per year for female and male teens
• GEICO: $2,696 per year for female teens; Farmers: $2,711 per year for male teens

These rates reflect a combined policy for two parents and a teenager. Nationwide is the most expensive teen family policy in Salinas, with a premium of $4,479 for female and male teens. This indicates a substantial $1,784 annual difference between State Farm and Nationwide. This rate difference highlights the importance of comparing rates, especially given the heightened insurance costs attributed to high-risk teen drivers.

In Salinas and comparable cities, teens face significantly higher car insurance premiums when purchasing an individual policy, averaging $3,814 per year. In contrast, being added to a joint family policy can reduce the rate to an average of $3,198. This stark difference in rates reflects the higher risk insurers associate with independent teen drivers due to their inexperience and elevated probability of filing claims. As a result, it's also tough for teenagers to secure an individual policy, as insurers often require a demonstrated history of responsible driving — a criterion challenging for young drivers to meet. Thus, it's financially savvy for families to opt for joint plans.

MoneyGeek found that National General is the cheapest option in Salinas, offering the cheapest car insurance for those with military backgrounds. The top contenders are:

• National General: $889 per year
• Progressive: $968 per year

While USAA is often a go-to for those affiliated with the military, it ranked fourth in Salinas with an annual premium of $1,158. Its rates are higher than the top competitors, but it's worth noting that USAA offers exceptional service that specifically caters to the needs of active-duty military members.

Comparing car insurance rates is an important strategy for saving on expenses. However, reviewing three or more quotes can take over an hour.

MoneyGeek’s car insurance calculator streamlines this process. You can receive rate estimates by inputting essential details such as age, driving history, credit score and desired coverage.

Choosing the best auto insurance for you depends on how you value factors like service, cost and coverage. MoneyGeek's research has tailored its scoring system to compare these variables, revealing the top car insurance providers in Salinas for different needs:

• Best overall: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 80 out of 100)
• Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
• Best cheap: Mercury (MoneyGeek score 79 out of 100)

In Salinas, Chubb offers the best overall value and top-notch service, making it a premier choice for those seeking affordability and a high-quality customer experience. Mercury is the optimal provider for budget-conscious consumers, delivering cost-effectiveness and a commendable service experience. Each winner caters to distinct preferences, ensuring a tailored fit for your insurance requirements.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Salinas, providing drivers with an outstanding balance of service and value in their car insurance needs. When searching for the best car insurance, it's important to consider a company's overall performance, including customer satisfaction and affordability. Here are the top two providers in Salinas:

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100 ($1,686 per year)
• Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 80 out of 100 ($1,341 per year)

Although both companies boast a MoneyGeek score of 80, Chubb stands out due to its exceptional customer claims experience and expansive coverage options, making it a top choice for a full coverage policy. This indicates that Chubb customers are generally more satisfied with the handling of their claims, which is a crucial aspect of car insurance.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Salinas for customers needing top-notch car insurance services dedicated to general satisfaction, claims handling and coverages, without prioritizing rates.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,686 per year)
• Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,341 per year)

Chubb distinguishes itself in the market primarily because of its superior claims score and the highest possible stability score, which are significant contributors to its overall MoneyGeek rating. These factors reflect a commitment to providing an exceptional customer experience from the onset of the claim to its resolution, affirming its reliability and trustworthiness in the eyes of policyholders.

MoneyGeek found that Mercury is the best option for cheap car insurance in Salinas, thanks to a weighted emphasis on affordability, claims handling and customer satisfaction.

• Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100 ($415 per year)
• GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100 ($372 per year)

Mercury stands out with its superior blend of reasonable pricing and high customer satisfaction, making it a leading choice for drivers seeking a minimum coverage policy. Its high scores in claims handling and customer service are critical components that contribute significantly to its MoneyGeek score.

In Salinas, California, the average cost of car insurance is $1,346 per year, which is lower than the state average of $1,562. California's average premium is less than the national average of $1,781. Drivers in Salinas, California, are paying $216 less than the state average and $219 less than the national average.

Various factors affect car insurance rates, with geographic location being a significant determinant. Location is pivotal because factors such as accident rates, crime statistics and the cost of living can vary significantly between different areas, influencing the cost of insurance premiums. For instance, Glendale holds the most expensive premium at $2,433, a stark contrast to Santa Maria's $1,251 — the cheapest in California. This $1,182 difference illustrates how insurance rates can differ substantially within the same state. Moreover, insurance costs tend to be lower in non-urban areas where lower traffic density often translates into fewer accidents and claims.