San Francisco Car Insurance

How much does car insurance cost in San Francisco, CA? Check out the average rates that drivers pay below.

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What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in San Francisco?

San Francisco is a coastal city famous for its oceanic views, great artistic and cultural history, and stellar tourist attractions. The town is renowned for the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Prison and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Although San Francisco has a transit system, you'll still need a vehicle to visit every museum, five-star restaurant, and shopping boutique within the city. Having a car and solid car insurance helps.

Are you a San Francisco resident that needs insurance coverage for your vehicle? SmartFinancial can help you find affordable insurers that fit your needs and budget. In this article, you'll learn about the auto insurance requirements for California.

Monthly Average Rates by Country, State, and City

Car insurance rates vary from driver to driver and are based on many factors that include driving history, claims history and where you live. Each city in California has different rates, and below, you can compare average rates with the national average. According to our data, drivers who live in San Francisco typically pay around $163.95 per month compared to the national average of $146.47 per month. The best way to get a low rate is by comparison shopping. SmartFinancial can do that for you at no cost while pairing you with a reputable insurance company so you have no surprises if you have an accident.

AreaAverage Monthly Rate
National $146.47
California $146.60
San Francisco, California $163.95

San Francisco, CA Best Car Insurance Companies

car insurance in San Francisco

Certain insurers will offer you better rates than others based on a myriad of factors, so you may get a better deal from one insurer over another for various reasons, and that’s why it’s important to compare. According to our data, Capital Insurance Group generally has the most affordable car insurance in San Francisco coming in around $72.67 per month. Other companies to consider if you live in San Francisco is Travelers with an average cost of $72.83 per month and Country which typically runs around $88.92 per month. Check out the full list below. SmartFinancial rates the following insurers as the best insurance companies for drivers in San Francisco.

RankCompanyAverage Monthly RateComparison State Average
1 Capital Insurance Group $72.67-50.43%
2 Travelers $72.83-50.32%
3 Country $88.92-39.34%
4 Direct Auto $106.20-27.56%
5 Kemper Auto Premier $112.52-23.25%
6 Kemper Personal Insurance $138.20-5.73%
7 Esurance $147.410.55%
8 Mercury Insurance Company $151.113.07%
9 American Family $158.758.29%
10 SAFECO $159.829.02%

How Much is Car Insurance in San Francisco, CA?

how much is auto insurance in San Francisco

Rates can vary from city to city. The residents of Anaheim typically pay $147.61 per month while people who live in Bakersfield will pay $135.16 per month on average. See what people pay for car insurance in other cities in California.

California CitiesMonthly Average Rate
Anaheim $147.61
Bakersfield $135.16
Fresno $133.63
Long Beach $152.69
Los Angeles $183.72
Oakland $161.43
Pasadena $160.36
Riverside $144.17
Sacramento $144.13
San Bernardino $143.62
San Diego $128.19
San Francisco $163.92
San Jose $139.47
Santa Barbara $127.16
Stockton $138.17

Cheap Car Insurance in San Francisco by Zip Codes

find cheap auto insurance in San Francisco

Every zip code rates differently with every insurer. Your zip code determines the crime rate in your area as well as other risks. Below, you can see how average rates range across the state of California. If you live in an area that is rated high in crime, you can make sure to garage your car in a safe place. That ought to save you some money. Covered and gated structures are best. Make sure to tell your insurance agent about the precautions you’re taking.

San Francisco, CA ZIP CodeAverage Monthly Rate
94016$94.03
94080$100.50
94102$168.25
94103$166.06
94104$232.86
94105$181.19
94107$153.55
94108$146.55
94109$161.80
94110$153.58
94111$154.82
94112$171.94
94114$162.90
94115$158.58
94116$154.90
94117$140.22
94118$148.01
94119$421.23
94121$149.56
94122$172.11
94123$157.81
94124$176.10
94127$171.91
94128$106.26
94129$136.36
94130$201.87
94131$149.62
94132$167.28
94133$154.09
94134$171.12
94138$72.74
94141$316.10
94142$112.18
94143$129.41
94146$212.31
94158$165.51
94188$146.25
94402$103.50
94549$145.85
95014$175.74

Car Insurance Rates by Driver's Age Group in San Francisco

Generally speaking, you pay more in car insurance the younger you are and the older you are. Teens and young adults often pay around $319.84 per month in San Francisco. Compare that to drivers in their 30’s who typically pay around $159.13 per month drivers in their 40s at $152.09 per month. It’s always a good idea to check for discounts that apply at any age. Some discounts include away-at-school discount, safe driver discount, mature driver discount, good student discount as well as multi-policy and bundling discounts.

Age GroupAverage Monthly Rate
16-19$319.84
20s$202.85
30s$159.13
40s$152.09
50s$137.14
60s$140.08
70+$150.83

Cheapest Insurance for Teenage Drivers in San Francisco

If you are teen in San Francisco you are probably looking for a good deal on car insurance. Since teenage drivers typically pay the highest rates of any other age group, it’s important to compare multiple companies. According to our research, Kemper Auto Premier typically charges around $102.20 per month. This is likely the most affordable option in San Francisco. You might also want to consider Mercury Insurance Company and California Capital who also offer good affordable policies for teen drivers.

CompanyAverage Monthly Rate
Kemper Auto Premier$102.20
Mercury Insurance Company$285.90
California Capital$312.92
USAA$329.41
State Farm$338.20

Cheapest Insurance for 20 Year-olds in San Francisco

20 year-olds in San Francisco might want to consider Direct Auto who, on average, offers car insurance rates around $56.20 per month. Kemper Auto Premier , Kemper Personal Insurance , Mercury Insurance Company and Esurance are also in the top 5 cheapest rates available.

CompanyAverage Monthly Rate
Direct Auto$56.20
Kemper Auto Premier$114.09
Kemper Personal Insurance$151.18
Mercury Insurance Company$164.47
Esurance$192.89

Cheapest Insurance for 30 Year-olds in San Francisco

If you are in your 30s in San Francisco our research has found that Kemper Auto Premier typically has the most affordable coverage coming in around $104.12 per month, followed by Mercury Insurance Company at $136.45 and Direct Auto at $141.41.

CompanyAverage Monthly Rate
Kemper Auto Premier$104.12
Mercury Insurance Company$136.45
Direct Auto$141.41
Esurance$144.04
SAFECO$156.36

Cheapest Insurance for 40 Year-olds in San Francisco

On average, Capital Insurance Group offers car insurance for 40 year-olds in San Francisco for around $72.67 per month. If you are looking for affordable coverage, you may also want to consider Travelers or Country. The full list of top companies is below.

CompanyAverage Monthly Rate
Capital Insurance Group$72.67
Travelers$72.83
Country$88.92
Kemper Personal Insurance$95.00
Kemper Auto Premier$109.18

Cheapest Insurance for 50 Year-olds in San Francisco

Oftentimes 50 year-olds enjoy some of the lowest rates of any other age group. In San Francisco we found that Direct Auto generally offers the most affordable coverage at $75.19 per month.

CompanyAverage Monthly Rate
Direct Auto$75.19
Kemper Auto Premier$108.22
Esurance$121.39
Kemper Personal Insurance$126.25
Mercury Insurance Company$149.17

Cheapest Insurance for 60 Year-olds in San Francisco

If you live in San Francisco and you’re in your 60s, our data indicates that Esurance usually has the best rates at $123.68 per month. The top 5 list of car insurance companies is below.

CompanyAverage Monthly Rate
Esurance$123.68
SAFECO$143.30
21st Century$149.38
USAA$150.13
Auto Club$154.12

Driver's Coverage Auto Insurance Rates in San Francisco, CA

driver's coverage

Typically, drivers who currently have car insurance coverage will receive a cheaper monthly quote than drivers who do not. Since car insurance is a requirement in all 50 states, companies may question why you don't currently have coverage. Because of this, they may see you as a higher risk driver. In San Francisco, the average monthly rate for a driver who is currently insured is $161.90 while drivers who are not currently covered will pay around $165.96.

CoverageAverage Monthly Rate
Not Currently Insured $165.96
Currently Insured $161.90

Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in San Francisco

auto insurance quotes in San Francisco city

Your vehicle plays a big part in how you rate for car insurance. The more your car is worth, the higher your car insurance rate. To lower your monthly premiums, you can set a higher deductible, but you’ll need to pay that deductible if you have an accident. Generally speaking, the newer a car is, the more it’s worth, and you may pay more in premiums, but the latest safety features will earn you a discount. The overall safety ratings of a car are also considered when determining your rate. In San Francisco a driver of a 2018 Chrysler 300 can expect to pay around $139.04 per month while someone that owns a 2023 Hyundai Tucson may pay around $92.03 per month. Check out the list of recent quotes in San Francisco below.

VehicleAverage Monthly Rate
2018 Chrysler 300$139.04
2023 Hyundai Tucson$92.03
2025 Lexus NX$395.74
2021 Toyota Corolla$105.59
2001 Mercedes-Benz Clk$123.55
2016 Toyota Corolla$111.68
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan$86.77
2017 Audi A4$125.53
2021 Toyota Rav4$83.57
2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E$190.03

FAQ's for Drivers in San Francisco, CA

driver’s frequently asked question in San Francisco

San Francisco Auto Insurance Requirements

The California Department of Motor Vehicles mandates all drivers to show proof of insurance (or financial responsibility. Individuals must carry documentation of their coverage at all times and whenever law enforcement requests it. They must also provide it when renewing the vehicle's registration.

The California DMV accepts the following forms of insurance:

  • Motor vehicle liability insurance policies
  • Cash deposits of $35,000 with DMV
  • DMV-issued self-insurance certificates, and
  • Surety bonds for $35,000 from licensed businesses in California

What Is the Minimum Amount of Liability Coverage Requirement in San Francisco?

The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles (according to California Insurance Code §11580.1b) are:

  • Bodily injury liability coverage: $15,000 for injury/death to one personal injury and $30,000 per accident minimum
  • Property damage liability coverage: $5,000 minimum
  • Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident minimums
  • Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: $3,500 minimum

The state's minimum requirements may not provide enough coverage if at-fault in a car wreck. You may need additional insurance, especially if you have expensive assets. SmartFinancial can help you find affordable car insurance to protect you in case the worst happens. Fill out the form on this page to get started.

What Is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit in San Francisco?

Driving Under the Influence means you had alcohol or other substances in your system while operating your vehicle. In San Francisco, it is illegal for a person to drive an automobile with the following blood alcohol concentration (BAC):

  • BAC of 0.08 percent or higher, if the person is 21 years old or older
  • BAC of 0.01 or higher if the person is under 21 years old
  • BAC of 0.01 or higher at any age, if the person is on a DUI probation
  • BAC of 0.04 percent or higher in any vehicle requiring a CDL
  • BAC of 0.04 percent or higher when a passenger for hire is in the vehicle at the time of an offense.

California also penalizes drivers impaired by drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal). The DMV will administrate against your driving privileges after you're detained or arrested for a DUI.

Unfortunately, no one is perfect. If you get a DUI on your record, it can significantly increase your auto insurance rates. SmartFinancial can help you find lower insurance rates. You can fill out the form on our page and comparison shop for insurers that meet your needs.

Can I Register My Car Without Insurance in San Francisco?

No, you can't register a car anywhere in California without insurance. San Francisco residents must have valid liability insurance coverage for their vehicles when they register their automobiles. The insurance policy must be issued by companies approved by California's Department of Financial Services and certified by the DMV. Insurance must be under the same name of the vehicle's registrant and remain in effect.

Check Out Other Rates in San Francisco, CA Nearby Cities:

Alameda, CA

San Bruno, CA

Berkeley, CA

South San Francisco, CA

Daly City, CA

 

Oakland, CA

 

Richmond, CA

 

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Commute Time in San Francisco, CA

32.9 Miles
map

Commute Time in United States

26.4 Miles
people

Number of Nearest Insurance Agents in San Francisco, CA

165

Methodology
The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.

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