AAA offers the lowest car insurance rates in Santa Clara, with annual premiums of $433 for minimum coverage and $1,027 for full coverage. Other affordable insurers in the city include GEICO, Progressive and State Farm.
Car Insurance in Santa Clara
Updated: August 11, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
Santa Clara's cheapest car insurance companies are AAA, GEICO and Progressive, with savings up to 43% compared to the city average.
Monthly car insurance costs in Santa Clara average $140 for full coverage and $67 for minimum coverage.
To get the best cheap auto insurance in Santa Clara, decide on coverage beforehand and compare quotes from multiple sources.
Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Clara?
| AAA | $36 | $86 | -43% |
| GEICO | $40 | $91 | -38% |
| Progressive | $54 | $101 | -27% |
| State Farm | $60 | $132 | -9% |
| Wawanesa | $67 | $132 | -6% |
Compare the Cheapest Santa Clara Car Insurance for You
Car insurance rates change based on your driving history, age and other personal details, so the cheapest company varies by driver profile. Check the table below to find your best rates by selecting the profile that matches your situation.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| AAA | $91 | $1,090 | -56% |
| State Farm | $138 | $1,650 | -34% |
| Progressive | $151 | $1,811 | -27% |
| Geico | $152 | $1,829 | -27% |
| Farmers | $195 | $2,339 | -6% |
Cheapest Car Insurance by Age Group in Santa Clara
Car insurance prices depend heavily on age, so we've split drivers into three categories: 16 to 25 (young), 26 to 64 (adults), and 65+ (seniors). Based on our data in Santa Clara, here's who offers the lowest rate in each group:
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers: GEICO (from $81 per month)
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Adults: AAA (from $36 per month)
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors: GEICO (from $44 per month)
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in Santa Clara
GEICO and AAA offer the lowest car insurance rates for young drivers in Santa Clara, with monthly premiums starting at $81 and $85 respectively.
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:Clean
| GEICO | $81 | $976 | -35% |
| AAA | $85 | $1,021 | -32% |
| State Farm | $85 | $1,025 | -31% |
| Wawanesa | $94 | $1,127 | -24% |
| Farmers | $97 | $1,163 | -22% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Adult Drivers in Santa Clara
In Santa Clara, AAA provides the lowest rates for adult drivers (26 to 64), saving drivers around 47% on average. GEICO and Progressive are also among the top affordable providers for this age group.
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:Clean
| AAA | $36 | $433 | -47% |
| GEICO | $40 | $480 | -41% |
| Progressive | $54 | $644 | -21% |
| State Farm | $60 | $721 | -12% |
| Mercury | $66 | $795 | -3% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Senior Drivers in Santa Clara
GEICO leads Santa Clara's senior car insurance market with the lowest rates for both coverage types. Seniors pay $44 monthly or $524 annually for minimum coverage. Full coverage costs $97 per month or $1,166 per year through the same provider.
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:Clean
| GEICO | $44 | $524 | -46% |
| State Farm | $51 | $616 | -36% |
| AAA | $52 | $628 | -35% |
| Farmers | $67 | $803 | -17% |
| Progressive | $68 | $820 | -15% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in Santa Clara
If you're a high-risk driver in Santa Clara, these insurance companies offer the lowest rates based on your situation:
- Cheapest With a DUI: GEICO (from $95 per month)
- Cheapest With an Accident: AAA (from $45 per month)
- Cheapest With a Speeding Ticket: AAA (from $45 per month)
Cheapest Car Insurance With a DUI in Santa Clara
GEICO offers the most affordable car insurance rates for Santa Clara drivers with a DUI. Their rates are 45% below the city average for minimum coverage and 42% lower for full coverage policies.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
| GEICO | $95 | $1,143 | -41% |
| Farmers | $115 | $1,384 | -28% |
| Mercury | $115 | $1,384 | -28% |
| Progressive | $119 | $1,432 | -26% |
| AAA | $125 | $1,498 | -23% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With an Accident in Santa Clara
Drivers in Santa Clara with an accident record can find the lowest rates with AAA, starting at $45 per month, which is 59% less than the city's average premium.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
| AAA | $45 | $537 | -59% |
| GEICO | $71 | $854 | -34% |
| Progressive | $87 | $1,043 | -19% |
| Auto-Owners | $88 | $1,055 | -19% |
| Farmers | $92 | $1,108 | -15% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket in Santa Clara
For Santa Clara drivers with speeding tickets, AAA provides the cheapest insurance options. Their minimum liability coverage starts at $45 per month, while their full coverage policy with higher limits costs $108 monthly.
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
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Gender:Male
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Credit Alignment:Good
| AAA | $45 | $537 | -55% |
| GEICO | $60 | $719 | -40% |
| Progressive | $79 | $951 | -21% |
| Auto-Owners | $84 | $1,010 | -16% |
| State Farm | $90 | $1,075 | -10% |
Best Car Insurance Companies in Santa Clara
Santa Clara's top car insurance companies are Progressive, AAA, GEICO, Auto-Owners and Mercury. These providers stand out for their competitive rates, reliable customer service and comprehensive coverage options.
| Progressive | 90 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| AAA | 88 | 1 | 5 | 7 |
| GEICO | 86 | 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Auto-Owners | 81 | 8 | 1 | 6 |
| Mercury | 80 | 6 | 6 | 5 |
Progressive: Best Overall Coverage
pros
Strong coverage options
Good customer service ratings
Multiple discount opportunities
cons
Higher minimum coverage rates
Not cheapest for most drivers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Progressive ranks first in Santa Clara for its blend of coverage options and customer service quality. The company offers extensive coverage choices and add-ons, backed by strong customer satisfaction ratings. While its rates run higher than some competitors at $54 monthly for minimum coverage and $101 for full coverage, Progressive makes up for it with comprehensive protection and reliable claims service.
AAA: Best for Affordable Rates
pros
Lowest rates in Santa Clara
Multiple driver discounts available
Good for high-risk drivers
cons
Limited coverage options
Average customer service ratings
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
AAA offers Santa Clara's most affordable car insurance with minimum coverage starting at $36 monthly. It ranks as the cheapest option for several driver categories, including those with accidents or speeding tickets. Full coverage costs $86 monthly, well below city averages. While AAA's coverage options are basic compared to competitors, its consistently low rates make it an excellent choice for budget-conscious drivers.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, minimum coverage costs about $67 per month or $799 per year, ranking 1,032nd out of all California cities for affordability. Full coverage averages $140 monthly or $1,683 annually, ranking 1,003rd among California cities.
| Full Coverage | $140 | $1,683 |
| Minimum Coverage | $67 | $799 |
Compare Personalized Santa Clara Car Insurance Costs
Find Santa Clara car insurance rates that match your exact profile by filtering the table below for your age, driving record and other personal factors.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:Adult Drivers
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Gender:Female
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
Select
Credit Alignment:Good
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Driving Record:At Fault Accident ($1000-$1999 Prop Dmg)
| $194 | $2,324 | 1% |
Santa Clara Car Insurance Costs by ZIP Code
In Santa Clara, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $57 to $157 per month. ZIP code 95050 is the most expensive, while 95054 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code on the table below.
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ZIP Code:95050
| 95050 | $75 | $157 |
How to Get the Best Cheap Santa Clara Car Insurance
Santa Clara drivers face some of California's highest car insurance rates, and sorting through coverage options can feel overwhelming. This step-by-step guide shows you how to find affordable coverage that fits your needs.
- 1
Calculate your coverage requirements
Start by determining exactly how much coverage you need to protect yourself in Santa Clara. Consider your car's value, your assets, and your risk tolerance. Use our car insurance coverage needs calculator to get a personalized recommendation.
- 2
Explore alternative insurance options
Learn about different types of car insurance that could save you money. If you drive infrequently, consider pay-per-mile coverage. Don't own a car? Look into non-owner insurance for occasional driving.
- 3
Know the local price range
Research average vehicle insurance costs in Santa Clara to set realistic expectations. Understanding the usual rates helps you recognize good deals and avoid overpaying. Compare prices across different companies to ensure you're getting competitive rates.
- 4
Maximize your available discounts
Take advantage of every possible car insurance discount. Consider bundling multiple policies or getting multi-car discounts. Safe driver programs and defensive driving courses can also lead to significant savings.
- 5
Check company ratings and reviews
Research insurance providers' financial strength and customer service ratings. Look for companies with strong claims-handling records and positive customer feedback in the Santa Clara area. Consider both local and national insurers.
- 6
Get quotes from multiple providers
Request quotes from at least three different insurance companies. Use online tools, local agents and direct carrier websites to ensure you're seeing all available options. Keep your coverage selections consistent across quotes for accurate comparisons.
- 7
Review your policy annually
Set a yearly reminder to review your car insurance policy. Life changes, driving habits, and insurance rates can all affect your premium. Regular reviews ensure you maintain the right coverage at the best price for your current situation.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Clara: Bottom Line
Car insurance rates in Santa Clara depend on your age, driving record and vehicle type. While AAA and GEICO offer the lowest average premiums in the area, compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best rate.
Cheap Santa Clara Car Insurance: FAQ
Get straightforward answers about finding affordable car insurance in Santa Clara. Our FAQ section helps you understand coverage options and save money while maintaining the protection you need.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Santa Clara, California?
AAA offers the lowest rates in Santa Clara, with average annual premiums of $433 for minimum coverage and $1,027 for full coverage. Rates vary by personal factors, so compare quotes.
Who offers the best car insurance in Santa Clara?
Progressive leads Santa Clara's car insurance market with a MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100, scoring two points higher than AAA. The company combines competitive rates with quality customer service.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Santa Clara?
In Santa Clara, full coverage car insurance costs $1,683 annually, while minimum coverage averages $799. Your actual rates will vary based on individual factors.
Is car insurance in Santa Clara expensive?
Car insurance in Santa Clara costs more than average, ranking 1,032nd for minimum coverage affordability and 1,003rd for full coverage compared to other California cities.
How We Chose the Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Clara, CA
To help Santa Clara drivers find the most affordable auto insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed Santa Clara auto insurance rates based on data and information from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We studied all ZIP codes in Santa Clara and hundreds of thousands of quotes for 12 companies offering auto insurance in California to tailor options as closely as possible to you.
Santa Clara Driver Profile
MoneyGeek created a sample driver profile to calculate car insurance quote averages in Santa Clara with the following characteristics:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
- Good credit
- Valid license
- Currently insured
- No claims history
Certain factors, such as age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation, were adjusted to find the most suitable insurance companies for specific driver profiles.
Coverage Levels in Santa Clara
MoneyGeek compared the most affordable insurance providers for both minimum and full coverage auto insurance policies.
The minimum coverage requirements in California are:
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $60,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 property damage liability per accident
For a full coverage policy, we used the following coverage 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 Santa Clara based on the following rating scale:
- Affordability (60% of score): We evaluated quotes for various common driver profiles and compared rates to competition within the city to get this score.
- Customer Experience (30% of Score): Sources like agency reviews on Google, J.D. Power, AM Best and forums like Reddit were used to gauge customer sentiment and experiences across the board to get this score.
- Coverage Options (10% of Score): This score takes into account the amount of coverage options a provider has in addition to the uniqueness of offering and included benefits.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.