Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Santa Clara, CA (2024)


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Finding the right coverage in Santa Clara is influenced by your coverage preferences and personal driving profile. For full coverage, Progressive is the cheapest, whereas GEICO is the least expensive for minimum coverage. State Farm offers the best rates for families with teen drivers.

Chubb is best for customer service, but Capital Insurance Group is the best overall for balancing cost and service. Your choice ideally incorporates your coverage needs and service expectations.

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2024

Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Santa Clara

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 352,910 quotes in California, including the city of Santa Clara, from 18 companies. We used six sources and original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Santa Clara 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.

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These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Santa Clara, CA as of July 2024.

352,910Quotes Analyzed
 
18Companies Compared

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Santa Clara

GEICO is the most affordable option in Santa Clara for minimum coverage car insurance.

  • GEICO: $412 per year
  • Mercury: $413 per year

The most expensive minimum coverage policy in Santa City is offered by Chubb, with an annual premium of $743. That's $331 more than GEICO, highlighting why consumers should compare rates to find the cheapest car insurance.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Minimum Coverage
GEICO$412$34
Mercury$413$34
CSAA$424$35
Progressive$442$37
Capital Insurance Group$543$45
National General$553$46
Farmers$554$46
State Farm$562$47
Kemper$591$49
State National$612$51
Allstate$627$52
Travelers$679$57
Hartford$693$58
Nationwide$705$59
Chubb$743$62

State Minimum Liability Requirements

For drivers across California, state law dictates the minimum car insurance coverage required. Here's the breakdown:

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

For instance, if you hold a minimum coverage policy and are at fault in an accident, the policy would cover up to $15,000 for an individual's injury and a total of $30,000 for injuries to all persons affected. Should costs exceed these amounts, you'd be responsible for the remaining expenses out of pocket.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Santa Clara

Progressive is the cheapest full coverage car insurance option in Santa Clara.

  • Progressive: $1,022 per year
  • GEICO: $1,083 per year

Farmers offers the most expensive full coverage policy in Santa Clara, with an annual rate that is $928 higher than Progressive. This considerable gap highlights the importance of comparing rates for full coverage car insurance, which generally costs more than minimum coverage due to the broader protection it provides, such as collision and comprehensive coverage.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Progressive$1,022$85
GEICO$1,083$90
National General$1,100$92
Mercury$1,117$93
Allstate$1,142$95
CSAA$1,275$106
Capital Insurance Group$1,317$110
State National$1,397$116
State Farm$1,420$118
Hartford$1,452$121
Kemper$1,510$126
Nationwide$1,715$143
Chubb$1,804$150
Travelers$1,888$157
Farmers$1,950$162

Do You Need Full Coverage in California?

A full coverage policy in Santa Clara includes coverage for damage to your own vehicle in the form of comprehensive and collision coverages. It usually also includes increased liability limits.

  • Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another vehicle or a stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

  • Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage insures your vehicle against various types of damage not caused by collisions, including theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer.

If you have a new vehicle, it's wise to opt for full coverage insurance for more robust financial protection. If you're leasing or have a car loan, you are typically required to carry full coverage insurance.

On the other hand, owners of older vehicles may find that the extra cost — which can amount to several hundred dollars more per year — is not justified by the value of the vehicle. When deciding how much car insurance coverage you need, consider your ideal balance: more extensive coverage comes with higher premiums, but getting less coverage means you may pay more out of pocket if you need to file a claim.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Clara After a Driving Offense

National General is the cheapest option in Santa Clara for drivers with a variety of offenses. Below are the cheapest providers for each specific offense:

  • Speeding ticket: National General ($1,154 per year)
  • At-fault accident: Capital Insurance Group ($1,557 per year)
  • DUI: National General ($1,154 per year)

Among these companies, Hartford has some of the most expensive rates for each offense, with a particularly significant jump for a DUI at $5,298 per year. This highlights the variance car insurance rates can have based on the severity of the violation.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Incident:
Incident:Speeding
National General$1,154$96
Mercury$1,473$123
Capital Insurance Group$1,515$126
GEICO$1,606$134
CSAA$1,612$134
Allstate$1,653$138
Progressive$1,917$160
State National$1,986$166
Kemper$2,009$167
State Farm$2,107$176
Hartford$2,174$181
Chubb$2,364$197
Farmers$2,699$225
Travelers$2,857$238
Nationwide$2,967$247

In Santa Clara, as in many cities, insurance premiums typically escalate with the severity of a driving offense. For example, drivers with a speeding ticket might expect to pay an average annual premium of approximately $2,006, while those with a DUI offense could be looking at nearly $3,398.

This difference highlights the significance for people with driving infractions to diligently compare insurance rates to identify potential savings and obtain the most cost-effective coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Clara for Teens and Their Families

In Santa Clara, State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for teens. Here are the two most cost-effective providers:

  • State Farm: $2,573 per year for female and male teens
  • GEICO: $2,732 per year for female teens and $2,881 per year for male teens

These rates reflect the combined annual premium for a policy that comprises two parents and a teen driver.

Nationwide is the priciest option for teen family policies in Santa Clara, with the annual premium for a female teen being $5,063. This highlights a substantial savings opportunity of $2,490 when comparing State Farm to Nationwide. Such a significant difference underscores the importance of comparing insurance rates, especially when adding high-risk drivers like teenagers to your policy.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age:
Age:16
Gender:
Gender:Female
State Farm$2,573$2,849
GEICO$2,732$3,085
Farmers$2,808$4,140
Allstate$2,916$3,141
Progressive$3,079$3,383
Capital Insurance Group$3,088$3,016
Travelers$3,733$3,375
Kemper$4,575$6,108
Nationwide$5,063$7,188

In Santa Clara and throughout the United States, the disparity in car insurance premiums for teens is considerable, especially when comparing individual policies to those bundled with a family plan. On average, an individual teenage driver might face an annual premium of roughly $4,092, while being added to a family plan could significantly reduce the rate to about $3,413. This difference often stems from insurance providers considering teens' lack of driving experience and higher risk factors, leading to increased individual policy rates.

Consequently, it is not just a matter of cost but also of accessibility because teens may struggle to secure an individual policy due to these perceived risks. For families, the prudent financial move is clear: adding a teen driver to the family insurance plan can result in considerable savings while still providing necessary coverage.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Santa Clara for Military Drivers

In Santa Clara, Progressive offers the cheapest car insurance for military backgrounds. The two most affordable providers are:

  • Progressive: $1,022 per year
  • GEICO: $1,083 per year

Although not the cheapest, USAA is also a competitive option, ranking at $1,156 per year. USAA is renowned for its tailored service to active duty military members.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Age Group:
Age Group:30-59
Coverage:
Coverage:Full Coverage
Progressive$1,022$85
GEICO$1,083$90
National General$1,100$92
Mercury$1,117$93
Allstate$1,142$95
USAA$1,156$96
CSAA$1,275$106
Capital Insurance Group$1,317$110
State National$1,397$116
State Farm$1,420$118
Hartford$1,452$121
Kemper$1,510$126
Nationwide$1,715$143
Chubb$1,804$150
Travelers$1,888$157
Farmers$1,950$162

How to Compare Cheap Santa Clara Car Insurance Quotes Online

In Santa Clara, comparing car insurance rates is a key strategy for cost savings. However, the process is often cumbersome, potentially requiring over an hour to examine rates from three or more companies.

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator can help you streamline this process. By inputting details like age, driving history, credit score and preferred coverage, you can instantly receive rate estimates.

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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.

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Rates updated:

Dec 06, 2024

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Best Car Insurance in Santa Clara: Overview

Choosing the best auto insurance depends on how you prioritize factors like service, cost, coverage and other variables. MoneyGeek's unique scoring system evaluates carriers in Santa Clara across these aspects to guide your decision:

  • Best overall: Capital Insurance Group (MoneyGeek score 82 out of 100)
  • Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
  • Best cheap: Mercury (MoneyGeek score 82 out of 100)

With different victors in each category, the recommendations cater to varied preferences. Mercury may appeal to budget-focused drivers who still expect decent service. Chubb stands out for consumers seeking premier customer service, irrespective of cost. Capital Insurance Group offers a strong mix, providing balanced service and affordability, making it the top choice for those who desire overall value.

Overall Best Car Insurance in Santa Clara

In Santa Clara, Capital Insurance Group offers the best comprehensive car insurance policy.

  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,317 per year)
  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100 ($1,804 per year)

Capital Insurance Group stands out largely due to its high satisfaction and affordability. This score reflects a full coverage policy, ensuring comprehensive protection for Santa Clara drivers.

Company logo for Capital Insurance Group
Best OverallCapital Insurance Group
MoneyGeek Score:
82/ of 100

Overview

Capital Insurance Group has high customer satisfaction and claims handling scores. It offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement. Another standout feature is roadside assistance, a common coverage that offers peace of mind in case of vehicle breakdowns.

Capital Insurance Group provides value with custom parts coverage, a boon for those with customized vehicles, giving them confidence in the event of repairs. This policy ensures that you always receive name-brand parts, maintaining the integrity and performance of your vehicle.

Best Car Insurance in Santa Clara for Customer Service

Chubb offers exceptional car insurance focusing on customer service. Its MoneyGeek score signifies excellence in overall satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options, independent of rate consideration.

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,804 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,317 per year)

Chubb distinguishes itself as the premier choice with its unparalleled claims handling and comprehensive coverages. With attention to such critical aspects of car insurance, Chubb stands out for providing customers with superior service and peace of mind.

Company logo for Chubb
Best for Customer ServiceChubb
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ of 100

Overview

Chubb scores highly in customer satisfaction and claims handling. The company provides rental car and/or travel reimbursement, as well as antique/classic car insurance and diminished value coverage.

The availability of OEM coverage, ideal for ensuring repairs with original manufacturer parts, is especially noteworthy for vehicle owners concerned about maintaining authenticity and value.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Santa Clara

Mercury offers the best cheap car insurance in Santa Clara, striking an optimal balance between affordability and customer satisfaction. Here’s how the top companies rank:

  • Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($413 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 ($543 per year)

Mercury stands out not only for its competitive pricing but also for its solid performance in customer satisfaction and claims handling, major factors contributing to its high MoneyGeek score for minimum coverage policies.

Company logo for Mercury
Best Cheap CompanyMercury
MoneyGeek Score:
82/ of 100

Overview

Mercury's average annual premium for minimum coverage is a $413, highlighting the minimal financial burden on the average driver. Mercury has a comprehensive range of discounts, including bundling, good student, multiple car and safe driving. This diversity in discount offerings underscores its commitment to providing value to customers.

Particularly useful are the reasonably rare discounts like pay in full, encouraging policyholders to manage their finances efficiently by rewarding upfront annual payments. Additionally, the paperless discount leverages digital convenience and fosters environmental responsibility, offering savings for opting into electronic documentation and signatures.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Santa Clara

In Santa Clara, California, the average cost of car insurance is currently $1,562 per month, identical to California's overall average. However, when evaluated against the national average car insurance rate of $1,781, Californians pay $219 less.

Location is a decisive factor influencing car insurance rates, impacting premiums due to variables such as accident rates, vehicle thefts and the cost of living. For example, in Glendale, the city with the highest car insurance premium, policyholders pay an average of $2,115 — a contrast to the $1,106 premium in Santa Maria, which is the cheapest. This demonstrates a difference of $1,009 within the same state.

In less urbanized regions with reduced traffic congestion, insurance rates may drop even further, underscoring the significance of location in determining car insurance costs.

Anaheim$1,632
Antioch$1,573
Arden$1,592
Bakersfield$1,394
Berkeley$1,489
Burbank$1,968
Carlsbad$1,364
Chula Vista$1,331
Clovis$1,395
Concord$1,473
Corona$1,525
Costa Mesa$1,501
Daly City$1,712
Downey$1,749
East Los Angeles$1,800
El Cajon$1,438
El Monte$1,784
Elk Grove$1,535
Escondido$1,382
Fairfield$1,392
Fontana$1,565
Fremont$1,446
Fresno$1,442
Fullerton$1,661
Garden Grove$1,679
Glendale$2,433
Hayward$1,549
Huntington Beach$1,523
Inglewood$1,963
Irvine$1,585
Jurupa Valley$1,507
Lancaster$1,670
Long Beach$1,685
Los Angeles$2,138
Modesto$1,577
Moreno Valley$1,546
Murrieta$1,415
Norwalk$1,661
Oakland$1,657
Oceanside$1,396
Ontario$1,565
Orange$1,462
Oxnard$1,436
Palmdale$1,722
Pasadena$1,798
Pomona$1,630
Rancho Cucamonga$1,503
Rialto$1,577
Richmond$1,562
Riverside$1,543
Roseville$1,458
Sacramento$1,494
Salinas$1,346
San Bernardino$1,567
San Diego$1,349
San Francisco$1,670
San Jose$1,429
San Mateo$1,385
Santa Ana$1,577
Santa Clara$1,420
Santa Clarita$1,634
Santa Maria$1,251
Santa Rosa$1,479
Simi Valley$1,528
Stockton$1,594
Sunnyvale$1,413
Temecula$1,432
Thousand Oaks$1,589
Torrance$1,518
Vallejo$1,547
Ventura$1,341
Victorville$1,598
Visalia$1,333
Vista$1,355
West Covina$1,667

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.