In San Mateo, California, GEICO is the cheapest provider for minimum coverage car insurance. Progressive offers the most affordable rates for full coverage, while families with teens can benefit from lower prices from State Farm. Chubb tops the list for customer service and is also the best overall, presenting supreme value in price and service. The ideal choice for you hinges on personal preferences and coverage needs.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in San Mateo, CA (2024)
GEICO offers San Mateo's cheapest car insurance at $419 per year. Chubb is the best for service and affordability, with a MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100.
Updated: November 21, 2024
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Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in San Mateo
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 San Mateo 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.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in San Mateo, CA, as of July 2024.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in San Mateo
For minimum coverage, MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in San Mateo.
- GEICO: $419 per year
- Mercury: $421 per year
Chubb provides the most expensive minimum coverage policy in San Mateo, at $671 per year. The cost of the cheapest and most expensive policies differ by $252, underlining the importance of comparing car insurance rates to ensure you are getting the best deal.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
GEICO | $419 | $35 |
Mercury | $421 | $35 |
CSAA | $460 | $38 |
State Farm | $465 | $39 |
Progressive | $480 | $40 |
Kemper | $534 | $45 |
National General | $553 | $46 |
State National | $562 | $47 |
Farmers | $569 | $47 |
Capital Insurance Group | $573 | $48 |
Hartford | $613 | $51 |
Allstate | $620 | $52 |
Nationwide | $645 | $54 |
Travelers | $667 | $56 |
Chubb | $671 | $56 |
State Minimum Liability Requirements
For motorists across California, state law prescribes the limits for minimum coverage car insurance:
- $15,000 bodily injury per person
- $30,000 bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
These figures represent baseline protection. For instance, if you're covered by the minimum policy and are at fault in an accident, your insurance would cover up to $15,000 for injuries to one person and a total of $30,000 for all injuries in one accident. Should costs escalate beyond these caps, you have to cover the extra expenses out of pocket.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in San Mateo
MoneyGeek found that Progressive offers San Mateo's cheapest full coverage car insurance.
- Progressive: $1,077 per year
- National General: $1,100 per year
Farmers has the most expensive policy, with an annual premium of $2,017 — $940 more than Progressive's rate. This price difference highlights why it's crucial to compare rates when considering the cheapest full coverage car insurance. Full coverage policies cost more than minimum coverage because they provide comprehensive protection, including collision and non-collision damage.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Progressive | $1,077 | $90 |
National General | $1,100 | $92 |
Mercury | $1,110 | $93 |
GEICO | $1,113 | $93 |
Allstate | $1,164 | $97 |
State Farm | $1,260 | $105 |
State National | $1,284 | $107 |
Hartford | $1,313 | $109 |
Kemper | $1,338 | $112 |
Capital Insurance Group | $1,367 | $114 |
CSAA | $1,431 | $119 |
Nationwide | $1,638 | $136 |
Chubb | $1,656 | $138 |
Travelers | $1,820 | $152 |
Farmers | $2,017 | $168 |
Do You Need Full Coverage in California?
Full coverage insurance has increased liability limits. It also incorporates both collision and comprehensive insurance:
Collision Insurance: This ensures your vehicle is covered for damages incurred when you collide with another vehicle or object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Comprehensive Insurance: This provides financial protection for your car against various non-collision incidents, such as theft, vandalism, fires, damage due to severe weather or getting hit by an animal like a deer.
Opting for full coverage insurance is prudent for brand-new vehicles, so you have comprehensive protection for your sizable expense. Conversely, for older cars, the added cost — which can amount to several hundred dollars — may surpass the benefits. Deciding the amount of car insurance that's right for you requires weighing the increased cost of higher coverage against the risk of being inadequately insured.
Cheapest Car Insurance in San Mateo After a Driving Offense
MoneyGeek found that the impact of driving infractions on insurance premiums in San Mateo can vary with the severity of the offense. When seeking the cheapest company for drivers with a poor driving record, comparing the rates for specific violations is important. The most affordable providers for each type of violation are:
- Speeding Ticket: National General ($1,154 per year)
- At-Fault Accident: Capital Insurance Group ($1,614 per year)
- DUI: National General ($1,154 per year)
CSAA commands the highest rates for individuals with a DUI, at $5,112 per year. This demonstrates how a driver with a DUI pays $3,958 more each year with the most expensive insurer compared to National General, the cheapest option for both a speeding ticket and a DUI violation. This highlights the importance of maintaining a clean driving record and shopping around for the best insurance rates after traffic offenses.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
- Accident
- DUI
- Speeding
National General | $1,154 | $96 |
Mercury | $1,463 | $122 |
Capital Insurance Group | $1,571 | $131 |
GEICO | $1,651 | $138 |
Allstate | $1,688 | $141 |
Kemper | $1,778 | $148 |
CSAA | $1,811 | $151 |
State National | $1,824 | $152 |
State Farm | $1,864 | $155 |
Hartford | $1,957 | $163 |
Progressive | $2,025 | $169 |
Chubb | $2,169 | $181 |
Travelers | $2,746 | $229 |
Farmers | $2,793 | $233 |
Nationwide | $2,831 | $236 |
In San Mateo, the severity of a driving violation can significantly impact insurance rates due to the increased risk perceived by insurers. For instance, drivers with a speeding ticket may face an annual premium of approximately $1,955. Those with a DUI could see rates soar to around $3,304 — a stark difference highlighting the financial consequences of more serious driving offenses. Consequently, diligently comparing insurance rates becomes crucial for individuals with driving infractions to find more affordable options and potentially save hundreds of dollars.
Cheapest Car Insurance in San Mateo for Teens and Their Families
MoneyGeek found that State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for teens in San Mateo for both males and females.
- State Farm: $2,296 per year for female and male teens
- GEICO: $2,832 per year for female teens; Farmers: $2,893 for male teens
These rates illustrate premiums for a policy with two parents and a teen driver, reflecting common family arrangements. Nationwide has the most expensive teen family policy in San Mateo, at $4,797 per year for female and male teens. The $2,501 difference between the most and least expensive options underscores the significant savings that can be achieved by comparing quotes, which is critical given the higher risk profile associated with teenage drivers.
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- Female
- Male
State Farm | $2,296 | $2,542 |
GEICO | $2,832 | $3,197 |
Farmers | $2,893 | $4,264 |
Allstate | $2,914 | $3,139 |
Capital Insurance Group | $3,180 | $3,105 |
Progressive | $3,289 | $3,614 |
Travelers | $3,608 | $3,262 |
Kemper | $4,068 | $5,431 |
Nationwide | $4,797 | $6,809 |
In San Mateo, teenagers seeking car insurance face steep premiums. An individual teen policy costs around $3,992 annually, while adding a teen to a family plan costs about $3,337—a significant difference of $655. Insurers often charge higher rates for teen policies due to the perceived risk associated with inexperienced drivers. Moreover, obtaining an individual policy as a teen can be challenging, primarily because insurers are wary of the higher likelihood of claims, making a family policy more economical and more accessible.
Cheapest Car Insurance in San Mateo for Military Drivers
MoneyGeek found that Progressive is the cheapest option for full coverage car insurance for those with military backgrounds in San Mateo. The company offers significant savings for those who've served. Here are the two most affordable choices:
- Progressive: $1,077 per year
- National General: $1,100 per year
Although USAA is not the cheapest provider, with an annual premium of $1,147, it specializes in serving members of the military with tailored services that accommodate the unique aspects of military life.
- 22-29
- 30-59
- 60 +
- Full Coverage
- Minimum Coverage
Progressive | $1,077 | $90 |
National General | $1,100 | $92 |
Mercury | $1,110 | $93 |
GEICO | $1,113 | $93 |
USAA | $1,147 | $96 |
Allstate | $1,164 | $97 |
State Farm | $1,260 | $105 |
State National | $1,284 | $107 |
Hartford | $1,313 | $109 |
Kemper | $1,338 | $112 |
Capital Insurance Group | $1,367 | $114 |
CSAA | $1,431 | $119 |
Nationwide | $1,638 | $136 |
Chubb | $1,656 | $138 |
Travelers | $1,820 | $152 |
Farmers | $2,017 | $168 |
How to Compare Cheap San Mateo Car Insurance Quotes Online
Finding the most competitive car insurance rates in San Mateo is key to cost savings. However, a comprehensive comparison of at least three companies can take over an hour.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator streamlines this process, providing instant estimations by focusing on crucial factors specific to San Mateo insurance costs. Simply input details such as your age, driving record, credit score and desired coverage to receive your tailored rate estimate swiftly.
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.
Rates updated:
Dec 06, 2024
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Best Car Insurance in San Mateo: Overview
Selecting the best auto insurance in San Mateo hinges on individual preferences, including service quality, cost and coverage. MoneyGeek's evaluation used distinct scoring systems for each category to identify the foremost providers:
- Best overall: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 84 out of 100)
- Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
- Best cheap: Mercury (MoneyGeek score 82 out of 100)
Chubb is San Mateo's premier choice for those seeking a blend of top-tier service and cost-effectiveness. It leads in both the overall and service-specific categories. For consumers prioritizing budget without compromising on service quality, Mercury is the go-to provider for affordability. Each company excels in its specialty, streamlining policyholders' decision-making based on what matters most to them.
Overall Best Car Insurance in San Mateo
MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the top provider of the best car insurance in San Mateo, offering exceptional service and value to its customers. The leading insurance companies are:
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($1,656 per year)
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,367 per year)
Chubb is distinguished by its superior performance. High satisfaction and coverage ratings are the largest contributors to its leading MoneyGeek score, which reflects its commitment to providing comprehensive full coverage policies that effectively meet customers' needs.
Chubb's high MoneyGeek score is bolstered by its exemplary claims handling and customer satisfaction, which ensure customers are content with their experience. Chubb offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, making it well-equipped to provide essential services.
Chubb offers common and widely applicable original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, offering to replace car parts with original equipment after an accident. This is a notable benefit for those looking to maintain their vehicle's integrity. The company also features diminished value coverage, providing compensation if your car's value decreases after an accident, even if it's been fully repaired. This coverage ensures your investment retains its worth. Chubb delivers a balance of quality coverage, fair pricing and customer satisfaction, as evidenced by its coverage options and high satisfaction and claims handling scores.
- Ranks first in the city for claims handling
- Offers OEM coverage and rental car/travel reimbursement
- Ranks second in the city for key coverages
- Ranks second in the city for customer satisfaction
- More expensive than other insurers, ranking 13th for affordability
- Does not offer roadside assistance or gap insurance
MoneyGeek ranks San Mateo's best car insurers by prioritizing customer satisfaction and cost, with claims handling, coverage options and financial strength also key.
Best Car Insurance in San Mateo for Customer Service
MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best car insurance option in San Mateo when it comes to customer service. It earns this rank based on overall customer satisfaction, excellence in claims handling and robust coverage offerings without emphasizing rates.
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,656 per year)
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,367 per year)
With a near-perfect MoneyGeek score, Chubb distinguishes itself by achieving the highest scores in claims handling and coverage options — significant factors contributing to its overall score. Chubb's commitment to superior service and comprehensive coverage sets it apart in the San Mateo car insurance market.
Chubb's exceptional claims and satisfaction ratings are pivotal in achieving its high MoneyGeek score. While it does offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement, it lacks roadside assistance.
Chubb's selection of coverages stands out, especially its widely applicable original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage. This is a rarity in the industry and ensures that your vehicle will receive original manufacturer parts in the event of a repair, maintaining integrity and value. For classic car enthusiasts, its antique/classic car insurance offers tailored protection that appreciates the unique needs of vintage vehicles. Moreover, its diminished value coverage could prove invaluable following an accident, potentially reimbursing you for the lost market value of your car. These offerings and its high scores make Chubb an excellent choice for discerning car insurance customers seeking comprehensive protection.
- Ranks second in the city for general customer satisfaction
- Ranks first in the city for claims handling
- Offers OEM coverage and rental car/travel reimbursement
- Ranks second for coverage
- Does not offer roadside assistance or gap insurance
MoneyGeek ranks San Mateo car insurers by prioritizing customer satisfaction and effective claims processes, with coverage options and financial health also key.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in San Mateo
MoneyGeek found that Mercury offers the best cheap car insurance in San Mateo. Its top MoneyGeek score is primarily due to its high ratings in affordability, customer satisfaction and claims handling.
- Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($421 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 76 out of 100 ($465 per year)
Mercury stands out with the highest score primarily because of its superior affordability, but it also scores well in customer satisfaction and claims service. The score is particularly impressive given that it's for a minimum coverage policy, highlighting the value Mercury provides to cost-conscious drivers in San Mateo.
Mercury excels in affordability and satisfaction, which are crucial factors for its remarkable MoneyGeek score. With an average annual premium of $421, drivers benefit from paying a remarkably low annual fee for minimum coverage. Mercury offers discounts such as anti-theft system and automatic payment options, each tailored to provide additional savings.
Mercury boasts a comprehensive range of discount options, including all the most popular: bundling, multiple car and safe driving. This breadth of discounts indicates the company's commitment to providing value to customers. Other noteworthy discounts include the paperless discount, which encourages environmentally friendly paper-saving practices, and the pay in full discount, both of which provide policyholders with the dual benefits of convenience and savings. Mercury's excellent ratings display its dedication to competitive prices and satisfying customer service.
- Offers both anti-theft and automatic payment discounts
- Ranks second in the city for cost, with an average annual premium of $421
- Ranks third in the city for customer satisfaction
MoneyGeek's best car insurance in San Mateo prioritizes low-cost policies and customer satisfaction, considering claims, coverage options and financial health.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in San Mateo
In San Mateo, California, the average cost of car insurance is $1,385 per month, a figure important for anyone budgeting for automobile expenses. Compared to the California state average of $1,562, San Mateo's costs are lower by $177. Both the city and state premiums are less than the national average cost of car insurance, which is $1,781, making California's costs $219 cheaper on the national scale.
Car insurance premiums are influenced by various factors, including driving record, vehicle type and coverage choices. However, location plays an important role. Urban areas typically experience higher rates due to increased risks of accidents, theft and vandalism associated with dense traffic and population. MoneyGeek found that Santa Maria, California, has the lowest insurance premium at $1,251 per year. In contrast, Glendale has the most expensive premium of $2,433 — a $1,182 difference that highlights the significant impact of location on car insurance rates. Furthermore, rural areas with lower traffic density often enjoy even more favorable rates.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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.