![Amy Beardsley](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/eba68b2981/amy-beardsley.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/56x56/smart/filters:quality(90))
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Updated
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Table of contents
Drivers in Fresno, California, pay about $111 per month for basic liability insurance and $213 per month for full coverage, according to Compare.com data. And with California’s minimum insurance requirements set to increase in January 2025, those prices might edge up even more.
But you can still find affordable rates with companies like Clearcover. We compare car insurance companies to help you find the cheapest policies and explore the best ways to save on coverage in Fresno.
Fresno drivers pay an average of $162 per month for auto insurance.
Clearcover has the cheapest car insurance rates in Fresno, at $103 per month.
California’s minimum coverage requirements will increase from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15 in 2025, which could raise basic policy premiums.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Fresno?
Location ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Liability ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Fresno | $111 | $213 | $162 |
California | $113 | $205 | $159 |
National average | $92 | $176 | $135 |
In Fresno, the average car insurance bill is about $162 per month, according to Compare.com data. To put that into perspective, consider that the statewide average is $159 per month. Of course, these are just averages — your rate could be higher or lower depending on factors like your driving record and the car you choose.
Next, let’s examine the cheapest auto insurance companies offering the lowest rates around town.
Fresno’s Cheapest Car Insurance Companies
Even though Fresno’s average car insurance is a bit high, some insurers offer more ways to save on auto coverage — especially if you have a good driving record or are eligible for specific discounts.
The table below shows the five companies that offer the cheapest car insurance in Fresno, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
Clearcover | $103 |
Sun Coast | $115 |
Mercury | $120 |
Safeco | $136 |
Anchor General | $142 |
Clearcover has the lowest auto insurance rates in Fresno, with a monthly average of just $103. Up next, we’ll break down the best car insurance options for different types of drivers to give you an idea of which company might be right for you.
The 3 Best Fresno Insurance Companies of 2024
The “best” car insurance really depends on your unique needs, but Fresno has some clear standouts depending on your situation. We analyzed available insurers and narrowed the selection to the top three.
The following companies balance affordable premiums and coverage options with customer service. Here are our top picks for different driver types in Fresno.
Best for discounts: Mercury
Average premium: $120 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.28 out of 5
Easy-to-earn discounts
Fast, simple online quote process
Strong local insurance agent network
Mixed reviews for claims and customer satisfaction
No telematics discount in California
Limited coverage customization
Mercury shines when it comes to car insurance discounts. Along with the standard ones like bundling and good driver discounts, the company offers discounts for auto-pay, electronic signature savings, and even paying your policy in full. Mercury offers many ways to trim your bill, making it a smart way to keep costs down without sacrificing the essentials.
Best after a DUI: Clearview
Average premium: $142 per month
Compare.com Rating: 3.37 out of 5
Affordable rates for high-risk drivers
Highly rated mobile app
Military discount available
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints
No additional discounts available
Gap coverage not available
Clearcover is the go-to for Fresno drivers with a DUI. Fresno County saw over 4,300 DUI arrests in 2020, according to the most recent data from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), but Clearcover specializes in helping California high-risk drivers get back on the road. It offers rates well below the industry average for drivers with DUIs.
The company’s user-friendly app and website simplify policy and claims management make an attractive option for modern drivers.
Best people who work from home: Safeco
Average premium: $136 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.59 out of 5
Great savings for low-mileage drivers
Helpful local agents in Fresno
High claims satisfaction
Must purchase a policy through an agent
Higher-than-average number of customer complaints
Below-average customer service ratings
Safeco is a great option for low-mileage discounts if you work from home and don’t rack up a lot of time behind the wheel. With nearly 40,000 people working from home in Fresno, Safeco rewards those limited commutes with savings.
The company’s RightTrack program tracks your driving habits and can drop your rates even more. Plus, you can cash in on Safeco’s claims-free cash back — you’ll get up to 5% of your premium back in your pocket for each claims-free year.
Cheapest Basic Liability Coverage: Clearcover
The more car insurance coverage you want, the more you’ll pay. Basic liability insurance — the cheapest policy you can buy — covers other drivers’ damages when you cause a car crash but not your own. Keep in mind that California is raising its minimum limits in January 2025, which means even basic coverage could get more expensive.
The table below highlights Fresno’s top five companies offering the cheapest car insurance, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
Clearcover | $68 |
Sun Coast | $72 |
Mercury | $87 |
Anchor General | $94 |
Safeco | $102 |
Clearcover has the most affordable basic liability coverage in Fresno, with an average rate of $68 per month, according to our research. But if you’re considering upgrading to full-coverage car insurance for more protection, keep reading — we’ll explore it in more detail next.
Cheapest Full-Coverage Insurance: Clearcover
Full-coverage insurance is like the VIP of car insurance. It includes liability coverage and collision and comprehensive insurance, which protects your vehicle against accidents, theft, and even things like a tree branch crashing into your car. But this additional protection costs more.
The below table lists the companies offering the cheapest full-coverage insurance in Fresno, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|
Clearcover | $138 |
Mercury | $154 |
Sun Coast | $157 |
Safeco | $170 |
Anchor General | $190 |
Clearcover takes the crown with the lowest full-coverage rate, at $138 per month, according to our research.
But your car insurance bill is about more than your coverage levels. Let’s see how age affects your premium.
Compare Fresno Auto Insurance Rates by Age
Age plays a big role in how much your car insurance bill is every month, and each age group faces different risks on the road. Teens have higher rates because insurers consider them the riskiest to insure, while older drivers tend to get the best rates due to their lower risk.
The table below outlines how age affects the cost of auto coverage and highlights the cheapest insurer for each group and its monthly premium, according to Compare.com data.
Age Group ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Teens | $257 | Clearcover | $168 |
20s | $197 | Clearcover | $109 |
30s | $152 | Clearcover | $96 |
40s | $144 | Clearcover | $92 |
50s | $139 | Clearcover | $85 |
60s | $127 | Clearcover | $92 |
70s | $130 | Clearcover | $95 |
Now, let’s take a closer look at the cheapest options for teens and seniors.
Cheapest for teens: Clearcover
Car insurance is the most expensive for teens — and for good reason. It’s not just their inexperience behind the wheel; young drivers are more likely to speed and drive distracted, especially if they have friends in the car, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Fresno teens pay an average monthly premium of $257, according to our data. But Clearcover has the lowest rate for this group, at $168 per month.
Cheapest for seniors: Clearcover
As you get closer to retirement age, car insurance rates tend to decline. Many of California’s 5+ million drivers aged 65 and older pay less for coverage. Seniors drive fewer miles, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) — and that helps to explain this group’s lower premiums.
Fresno seniors in their 60s pay an average monthly rate of $127, according to our data. But Clearcover offers this group the best deal, at $92 per month.
Compare Fresno Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Your driving record is another important factor in what you’ll pay for car insurance. A clean record keeps your rates low, while things like speeding tickets, accidents, and driving under the influence (DUIs) can cause your premiums to skyrocket.
The table below shows what Fresno drivers with different driving histories pay for insurance and the cheapest company for each record, according to our data.
Driving Record ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
---|---|---|---|
Clean record | $162 | Clearcover | $99 |
Speeding ticket | $219 | Clearcover | $137 |
At-fault accident | $231 | Clearcover | $159 |
DUI | $232 | Clearcover | $147 |
Let’s explore which companies offer the most competitive rates based on your driving history.
Cheapest insurer after a ticket: Clearcover
A speeding ticket indicates to insurers that you’re a risky driver, which can lead to an increase in your insurance rates. On average, premiums increase by 27% nationally after just one ticket, according to Compare.com data.
Fresno drivers with a recent ticket pay an average rate of $219 per month for auto coverage. Clearcover offers the most affordable option for ticketed drivers, with an average monthly price of $137.
Cheapest insurer after an accident: Clearcover
If you’ve been in an at-fault accident, your insurance bill will likely increase. Our data shows prices jump by an average of 34% nationwide after an accident.
In Fresno, the average car insurance premium is $231 per month for drivers after an accident. But Clearcover offers the lowest rate for this group, at $159 per month.
Cheapest insurer after a DUI: Clearcover
You’ll also see a price hike after a DUI conviction, as it’s one of the most serious driving infractions. Nationally, the average premium increase is 50%, according to Compare.com data. While the average monthly cost of auto insurance for residents of Fresno with a DUI is $232, Clearcover offers some relief for your budget as the most affordable option, with an average rate of $147 per month.
California Auto Insurance Requirements
The California Department of Insurance requires drivers to have at least 15/30/5 in liability coverage to stay legal on the road. That breaks down to $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, and $5,000 in property damage coverage.
But as of January 2025, minimum liability limits will increase to the following:
$30,000 in bodily injury coverage per person
$60,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident
$15,000 in property damage coverage
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage — which protects you if you’re in an accident with someone who doesn’t have enough (or any) insurance — is a good coverage to have, but it’s optional for California drivers.
How to Get Cheaper Car Insurance in Fresno
Finding the most affordable coverage in Fresno doesn’t have to feel like a chore. You have plenty of options to keep more money in your pocket if you follow these simple steps:
Bundle policies: Buy your auto and home insurance from the same company to qualify for a multi-policy discount.
Ask about low-mileage discounts: If you drive less (under 12,000 annually), you may qualify for lower rates.
Follow the rules of the road: Safe drivers with a clean driving record often qualify for better rates.
Raise your deductible: A higher deductible usually means a lower monthly premium. Just make sure you set aside enough cash to cover the extra cost if you need to file a claim.
Shop around: Comparing quotes from different companies is the best way to find the most competitive option.
Fresno Auto Insurance FAQs
If you still have questions about auto insurance coverage in Fresno, below are answers to common questions people ask.
Which company has the cheapest car insurance in Fresno?
Clearcover has the cheapest car insurance rates in Fresno, with an average monthly premium of $103, according to Compare.com data. But how much you pay will vary depending on your driving profile.
How much is car insurance in Fresno?
Car insurance in Fresno costs an average of $162 per month, according to our data. But your personal quote for auto coverage can cost more or less based on your coverage level, driving record, and other factors.
How much car insurance coverage does California require?
California requires drivers to have at least $15,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. Starting in 2025, these limits will increase to 30/60/15.
What happens if you drive without insurance in Fresno?
If an officer catches you driving without insurance in Fresno, the state could suspend your vehicle registration. When that happens, you could be on the hook for fines and damages if you’re in an accident, and the state could take your car away.
Why is car insurance so expensive in California?
Car insurance in California is expensive because of factors like traffic volume, accident rates, natural disasters, and other state-specific regulations that affect how much insurers can charge for coverage.
Data Methodology:
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources:
California Department of Motor Vehicles, “Annual Report of the California DUI Management Information System,” accessed October 18, 2024.
United States Census, “American Community Survey,” accessed October 18, 2024.
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, “Highway Statistics 2022,” accessed October 18, 2024.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Teen Driving,” accessed October 18, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Older drivers,” accessed October 18, 2024.
California Department of Insurance, “Introduction to Auto Insurance,” accessed October 18, 2024.
California Department of Motor Vehicles, “Financial Responsibility (Insurance) Requirements for Vehicle Registration,” accessed October 18, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” accessed October 18, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed October 18, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Anchor Gen Ins Co National Complaint Index Report,” accessed October 18, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “Safeco Ins Co Of Amer National Complaint Index Report,” accessed October 18, 2024.
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![Amy Beardsley](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/eba68b2981/amy-beardsley.jpg/m/96x96/smart/filters:quality(90))
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/100x100/smart/filters:quality(90))
![Lequita Westbrooks](https://a.storyblok.com/f/295508/1f152b4c61/img_3113.jpg/m/56x56/smart/filters:quality(90))
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.