Cheapest Car Insurance in San Francisco, CA (2025)

San Francisco drivers pay an average of $852 per year for minimum coverage and $1,836 per year for full coverage. San Francisco has some of California's highest rates due to factors like its dense population, high traffic rates and elevated crime levels.

• Cheapest minimum liability coverage: GEICO has San Francisco's cheapest minimum coverage at $452 per year ($38 monthly). That's 47% lower than the city average of $852, saving you $400 annually. AAA ranks second for minimum coverage at $552 per year ($46 monthly), a 35% savings compared to the city average.
• Cheapest full coverage: GEICO offers the lowest full coverage at $1,059 per year ($88 monthly), 42% below the city average of $1,836. That's $777 in annual savings. Progressive's full coverage costs $1,222 per year ($102 monthly), still 33% below the city average but $163 more than GEICO annually.

Car insurance rates in San Francisco vary dramatically by age, with younger drivers experiencing the steepest costs. Here are the most affordable options by age group:

• Adults: GEICO leads at $38 monthly, followed by AAA at $46
• Seniors: GEICO offers the best value at $41 monthly, with State Farm close behind at $48
• Young drivers: GEICO provides the lowest rates at $76 monthly, while State Farm charges $81

Young drivers under 25 can reduce costs through State Farm's Steer Clear program, which uses mobile app tracking to monitor driving habits and rewards safe behavior. Senior drivers over 50 benefit from AAA's Mature Driver Improvement Course.

San Francisco drivers can find affordable coverage with insurers offering lower rate penalties for specific violations. Here's where to find the most budget-friendly options by violation type:

• Accident: AAA at $56 and GEICO at $66 monthly
• Ticket: GEICO at $56 and AAA at $56 monthly
• DUI: GEICO at $90 and Progressive at $118 monthly

Minor violations stay on California driving records for three years, after which the rates decrease.

San Francisco car insurance costs differ across neighborhoods. ZIP code 94116 has the highest rates at $185 monthly for full coverage, while 94107 offers the most affordable option at $138 monthly. Check the table below to find specific rates for your San Francisco ZIP code.

Progressive earned 90 out of 100 on MoneyGeek's rating scale. It is the top car insurance company for San Francisco drivers. GEICO follows closely with a score of 87 out of 100. 

We evaluated factors, including agent network ratings, complaint data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, J.D. Power studies and customer reviews across multiple platforms, to determine how effectively insurers handle claims and support policyholders.

Progressive offers many standard and specialty coverages, plus unique add-ons. GEICO takes the lead in affordability for residents.

See below for why each insurer excels and which fits your needs.

San Francisco drivers have high car insurance costs among California's highest rates. Shop around, secure better deals and select coverage that fits your needs:

Our insurance experts provide answers to common questions about finding affordable coverage in the Bay Area:

San Francisco drivers pay some of California's highest car insurance rates. We built this analysis to help you find reliable coverage without overpaying for your specific situation.

We analyzed hundreds of thousands of quotes from major insurers using data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. Our research covered all San Francisco ZIP codes and adjusted for driver profiles including age, driving record, credit score and military affiliation. This approach reveals which insurers offer competitive rates for drivers like you, not just average citywide prices. The analysis was complicated by San Francisco's specific risks including heavy traffic, high vehicle theft rates and frequent fog that reduces visibility.

Our rating system weighs three factors:

Affordability (60%): Premiums matter most when you're deciding whether you can maintain coverage long-term. We compared minimum coverage (California's state liability requirements) and full coverage (liability plus comprehensive and collision with $1,000 deductibles) to show savings across coverage levels.

Customer experience (30%): Google reviews and J.D. Power ratings reveal how insurers handle claims and resolve problems. This factor accounts for real customer interactions during stressful moments like filing fog-related accident claims or handling vehicle theft reports.

Coverage options (10%): More choices mean better odds of matching coverage to San Francisco risks like vehicle theft, uninsured motorists and accidents caused by dense traffic conditions.