San Jose Car Insurance

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 Jose typically pay around $139.51 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.

San Jose, CA Best Car Insurance Companies

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, Direct General generally has the most affordable car insurance in San Jose coming in around $46.26 per month. Other companies to consider if you live in San Jose is Capital Insurance Group with an average cost of $72.67 per month and Travelers which typically runs around $72.83 per month. Check out the full list below. SmartFinancial rates the following insurers as the best insurance companies for drivers in San Jose.

How Much is Car Insurance in San Jose, CA?

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.

Cheap Car Insurance in San Jose by Zip Codes

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.

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

Generally speaking, you pay more in car insurance the younger you are and the older you are. Teens and young adults often pay around $269.23 per month in San Jose. Compare that to drivers in their 30’s who typically pay around $131.22 per month drivers in their 40s at $122.67 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.

Cheapest Insurance for Teenage Drivers in San Jose

If you are teen in San Jose 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, Direct Auto typically charges around $58.46 per month. This is likely the most affordable option in San Jose. You might also want to consider Kemper Auto Premier and Mercury Insurance Company who also offer good affordable policies for teen drivers.

Cheapest Insurance for 20 Year-olds in San Jose

20 year-olds in San Jose might want to consider Kemper Auto Premier who, on average, offers car insurance rates around $92.69 per month. Kemper Personal Insurance , Direct Auto , Mercury Insurance Company and USAA are also in the top 5 cheapest rates available.

Cheapest Insurance for 30 Year-olds in San Jose

If you are in your 30s in San Jose our research has found that Direct General typically has the most affordable coverage coming in around $43.36 per month, followed by Capital Insurance Group at $72.67 and Travelers at $72.83.

Cheapest Insurance for 40 Year-olds in San Jose

On average, Direct General offers car insurance for 40 year-olds in San Jose for around $49.16 per month. If you are looking for affordable coverage, you may also want to consider Direct Auto or Kemper Personal Insurance. The full list of top companies is below.

Cheapest Insurance for 50 Year-olds in San Jose

Oftentimes 50 year-olds enjoy some of the lowest rates of any other age group. In San Jose we found that Kemper Auto Premier generally offers the most affordable coverage at $87.11 per month.

Cheapest Insurance for 60 Year-olds in San Jose

If you live in San Jose and you’re in your 60s, our data indicates that Clearcover usually has the best rates at $58.46 per month. The top 5 list of car insurance companies is below.

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

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 Jose, the average monthly rate for a driver who is currently insured is $138.77 while drivers who are not currently covered will pay around $140.22.

Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in San Jose

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 Jose a driver of a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado can expect to pay around $118.00 per month while someone that owns a 2018 Honda Civic may pay around $42.83 per month. Check out the list of recent quotes in San Jose below.

FAQ's for Drivers in San Jose, CA

San Jose Auto Insurance Requirements

The California Department of Motor Vehicles requires insurance (or financial responsibility) on all vehicles parked or operated on the state’s roads. Drivers must carry evidence of their coverage at all times. Individuals must provide insurance documentation when requested by law enforcement or during traffic collisions. They must also provide proof of coverage when renewing the vehicle’s registration.

According to the DMV, acceptable forms of insurance include 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 Jose?

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 you’re at-fault in a serious car wreck. Consider buying more insurance, especially if you have significant assets. If you're at-fault, the other driver could sue you. You could lose your savings or your home. SmartFinancial can help you find affordable car insurance to ensure you have enough protection 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 Jose?

In San Jose, it is illegal for a person to operate a vehicle 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 –- with or without a CDL -- issued to the driver.
• BAC of 0.04 percent or higher, when a passenger for hire is in the vehicle at the time of an offense.

California also imposes penalties upon people who use drugs (prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal) that impair their ability to drive. The DMV can take administrative action against you. They could suspend your driving privileges after you’re detained or arrested for a DUI. Unfortunately, no one is perfect. If you have a DUI conviction, 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 Jose?

No, you can’t. San Jose residents must sign up for valid liability coverage for their vehicles when they register. Insurers should have approval from California’s Department of Financial Services and DMV certification. Insurance must be issued under the same name of the vehicle’s registrant and remain in effect at all times.

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