GEICO offers San Diego's lowest car insurance rates — $450 per year for minimum coverage and $1,040 annually for full coverage. Other affordable options in the city include AAA, Progressive and State Farm.
Car Insurance in San Diego
Updated: August 13, 2025
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Key Takeaways
San Diego's cheapest car insurance companies are GEICO, Progressive and AAA, with savings up to 39% compared to the city average.
Monthly car insurance costs in San Diego average $137 for full coverage and $64 for minimum coverage.
To get the best cheap auto insurance in San Diego, decide on coverage beforehand and compare quotes from multiple sources.
Who Has the Cheapest Car Insurance in San Diego?
| GEICO | $37 | $87 | -40% |
| Progressive | $49 | $93 | -31% |
| AAA | $45 | $106 | -26% |
| State Farm | $57 | $128 | -10% |
| Mercury | $65 | $133 | -3% |
Compare the Cheapest San Diego Car Insurance for You
Your car insurance rate depends heavily on your driving history and personal details, so the cheapest company varies by driver profile. Check the table below to find which insurer offers the lowest rates for your specific 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 | $120 | $1,438 | -40% |
| State Farm | $133 | $1,598 | -34% |
| Progressive | $138 | $1,659 | -31% |
| GEICO | $146 | $1,748 | -27% |
| Farmers | $188 | $2,259 | -6% |
Cheapest Car Insurance by Age Group in San Diego
Car insurance prices vary significantly by age group in San Diego. We analyzed rates from major insurers to find the most affordable options for different age groups:
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers (16 to 25): GEICO at $76 per month
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Adults (26 to 64): GEICO at $37 per month
- Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors (65+): GEICO at $41 per month
Cheapest Car Insurance for Young Drivers in San Diego
GEICO and State Farm provide the most affordable car insurance options for drivers aged 16 to 25 in San Diego, with monthly premiums beginning at $76 and $81, 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 | $76 | $912 | -37% |
| State Farm | $81 | $968 | -33% |
| Wawanesa Insurance | $93 | $1,120 | -22% |
| Farmers | $95 | $1,146 | -20% |
| Progressive | $106 | $1,267 | -12% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Adult Drivers in San Diego
In San Diego, GEICO provides the lowest rates for adult drivers (26 to 64), saving drivers 43% on average. AAA 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
| GEICO | $37 | $450 | -43% |
| AAA | $45 | $546 | -30% |
| Progressive | $49 | $586 | -25% |
| State Farm | $57 | $683 | -13% |
| Mercury | $65 | $783 | 0% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Senior Drivers in San Diego
For San Diego seniors aged 65 and up, GEICO provides the most affordable car insurance options. The minimum coverage costs $41 monthly or $489 annually, while full coverage runs $93 per month or $1,112 per year.
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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 | $41 | $489 | -47% |
| State Farm | $48 | $580 | -37% |
| Progressive | $62 | $745 | -19% |
| AAA | $62 | $746 | -19% |
| Farmers | $66 | $793 | -14% |
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in San Diego
If you have a high-risk driving profile, these San Diego insurance providers offer the lowest monthly rates:
- Cheapest With a DUI: GEICO (from $90 per month)
- Cheapest With an Accident: AAA (from $62 per month)
- Cheapest With a Speeding Ticket: GEICO (from $56 per month)
Cheapest Car Insurance With a DUI in San Diego
GEICO offers the most affordable car insurance rates in San Diego for 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 | $90 | $1,076 | -42% |
| Progressive | $109 | $1,309 | -30% |
| Mercury | $114 | $1,365 | -27% |
| Farmers | $115 | $1,375 | -26% |
| Auto Owners | $132 | $1,583 | -15% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With an Accident in San Diego
AAA offers San Diego's lowest car insurance rates for drivers with accidents, starting at $62 monthly. This state minimum liability coverage costs 40% 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 | $62 | $740 | -40% |
| GEICO | $67 | $798 | -36% |
| Progressive | $79 | $950 | -23% |
| State Farm | $88 | $1,053 | -15% |
| Auto Owners | $88 | $1,055 | -15% |
Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket in San Diego
San Diego drivers with a speeding ticket can find the most affordable rates through GEICO. Their minimum liability coverage starts at $56 per month, while full coverage costs about $128 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
| GEICO | $56 | $673 | -41% |
| AAA | $59 | $708 | -38% |
| Progressive | $72 | $865 | -24% |
| Auto Owners | $84 | $1,012 | -12% |
| State Farm | $85 | $1,014 | -12% |
Best Car Insurance Companies in San Diego
San Diego's top car insurance companies are Progressive, GEICO, AAA, State Farm and Mercury. These providers stand out for offering competitive rates, quality customer service and comprehensive coverage options.
| Progressive | 91 | 2 | 3 | 2 |
| GEICO | 87 | 1 | 7 | 7 |
| AAA | 84 | 3 | 5 | 7 |
| State Farm | 80 | 4 | 4 | 7 |
| Mercury | 79 | 5 | 6 | 5 |
Progressive: Best Overall Value
pros
Strong customer service ratings
Extensive coverage options
Competitive rates across driver types
cons
Not the cheapest for minimum coverage
Higher rates for young drivers
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Progressive ranks first in San Diego by offering a strong mix of coverage options and customer service. Their full coverage rates run about $93 monthly, well below the city average of $137. The company scores particularly well in coverage options and claims handling. Progressive maintains strong ratings across affordability, customer experience, and coverage quality, making it a reliable choice for most San Diego drivers.
GEICO: Best for Affordable Rates
pros
Lowest rates in San Diego
Many driver discounts available
Easy online experience
cons
Limited coverage options
Lower customer satisfaction scores
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO offers San Diego's most affordable car insurance with minimum coverage starting at $37 monthly. They excel at providing budget-friendly options across multiple driver categories, including seniors, young drivers, and those with driving violations. GEICO ranks as the cheapest option for six different driver types in San Diego. While their coverage options are more limited than some competitors, their straightforward approach and competitive pricing make them an excellent choice for cost-conscious drivers.
How Much Is Car Insurance in San Diego?
In San Diego, minimum coverage costs about $64 per month or $770 per year, ranking 979th out of all California cities for affordability. Full coverage averages $137 monthly or $1,641 annually, ranking 961st among California cities.
| Full Coverage | $137 | $1,641 |
| Minimum Coverage | $64 | $770 |
Compare Personalized San Diego Car Insurance Costs
Find San Diego car insurance rates that match your exact profile by filtering the table below by age, driving history and other personal factors.
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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)
| $188 | $2,255 | -2% |
San Diego Car Insurance Costs by ZIP Code
In San Diego, car insurance rates by ZIP code range from $54 to $173 per month. ZIP code 92136 is the most expensive, while 92128 is the cheapest. Check the average rates for your ZIP code below.
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ZIP Code:92136
| 92136 | $80 | $173 |
How to Get the Best Cheap San Diego Car Insurance
Finding affordable car insurance in San Diego can feel overwhelming, with local rates well above the national average and countless coverage options to sort through. Our step-by-step guide will show you proven ways to lower your rates while getting the right coverage for your needs.
- 1
Calculate your coverage requirements first
Start by determining exactly how much coverage you need for your San Diego driving situation. Consider your vehicle's value, your assets and California's minimum requirements. Use our car insurance coverage needs calculator to get a personalized recommendation.
- 2
Explore alternative coverage types
Different types of car insurance can save you money based on your driving habits. If you drive infrequently, consider pay-per-mile insurance. Don't own a car? Look into non-owner coverage for occasional driving.
- 3
Know the average costs
Research average vehicle insurance costs in San Diego to set realistic expectations. Understanding typical rates for your age group, vehicle type and location helps you recognize good deals and avoid overpaying for coverage.
- 4
Stack available discounts
Maximize savings through car insurance discount opportunities. Consider bundling multiple policies or getting multi-car discounts. Safe driver programs, good student discounts, and military discounts can also reduce your premium significantly.
- 5
Check company ratings and reviews
Research insurance providers' financial strength and customer satisfaction ratings. Focus on companies with strong records in claims handling and customer service in Southern California. Look for insurers offering digital tools and local agents for convenient policy management.
- 6
Get quotes from multiple providers
Contact at least three different insurance companies for quotes. Use a mix of local agents, online comparison tools and direct insurer websites. Each company calculates rates differently, so comparing multiple quotes helps you get the best deal.
- 7
Review coverage annually
Set a yearly reminder to review your car insurance policy. Your circumstances and insurance needs may change, and new discounts or better rates might become available. Regular policy reviews ensure you maintain optimal coverage at the best possible price.
Cheapest Car Insurance in San Diego: Bottom Line
Your car insurance rates in San Diego depend on your driving record, vehicle type and coverage needs. GEICO and Progressive offer the lowest average premiums in the area, but compare quotes from multiple providers to find your best rate.
Cheap San Diego Car Insurance: FAQ
Our insurance experts analyzed rates from major providers to answer your questions about cheap car insurance in San Diego. Find clear answers to help you save on the coverage you need.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in San Diego, California?
GEICO offers San Diego's lowest rates, averaging $450 for minimum coverage and $1,040 for full coverage. Actual rates vary by personal factors, so compare multiple quotes.
Who offers the best car insurance in San Diego?
Progressive leads San Diego's car insurance providers with a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100, scoring four points higher than GEICO. Progressive combines excellent affordability with quality customer service.
What is the average cost of car insurance in San Diego?
San Diego drivers pay $1,641 for full coverage and $770 for minimum coverage car insurance annually. Your actual rates will vary based on individual factors.
Is car insurance in San Diego expensive?
Car insurance in San Diego costs more than average, ranking 979th for minimum coverage affordability and 961st for full coverage compared to other California cities.
How We Chose the Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in San Diego, CA
To help San Diego drivers find the most affordable auto insurance companies, MoneyGeek analyzed San Diego auto insurance rates based on data and information from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We studied all ZIP codes in San Diego and hundreds of thousands of quotes for 12 companies offering auto insurance in California to tailor options as closely as possible to you.
San Diego Driver Profile
MoneyGeek created a sample driver profile to calculate car insurance quote averages in San Diego 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 San Diego
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 San Diego 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.