+120 more*These quotes are from Compare.com users in and around San Diego, California within the last 10 days. Updated on September 18, 2026
*These quotes are from Compare.com users in and around San Diego, California within the last 10 days. Updated on September 18, 2026
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Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
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Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
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Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
Updated
San Diego drivers pay an average of $131 per month for car insurance. That’s lower than both California’s statewide average and the national average.
San Diego is a dense city with heavy traffic, but it has fewer auto accidents and vehicle thefts than cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles.[1] [2] That’s why rates in the city are surprisingly affordable.
USAA, Aspire General, and Sun Coast offer the cheapest car insurance in San Diego. We’ll explore average rates for different types of drivers and show you how to find affordable auto insurance.
USAA is the cheapest insurer in San Diego, with average rates of $77 per month.
Liability coverage in San Diego costs an average of $89 per month, and full coverage costs $172.
USAA, Progressive, and Mercury are Compare.com’s top picks for car insurance in San Diego.
Every driver is different, with unique coverage needs and budgets. So there isn’t one “best” insurance company for everyone. The right company for you depends on a variety of factors, like your driving record and the type of vehicle you drive.
We found three of the best auto insurance companies in San Diego, based on their average rates, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and coverage options. Check them out below.
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $77/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $180/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.6 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
San Diego has a large military presence, with over 115,000 active-duty personnel and more than 230,000 veterans. USAA offers unique benefits for military members, including discounts for keeping your vehicle on base or storing it during deployment.
The company also offers two telematics programs. SafePilot rewards you for safe driving habits, and SafePilot Miles saves you money for driving fewer miles.
Above-average customer satisfaction rating
Robust digital tools and mobile app
A++ (Superior) financial strength rating
Available only to military members, veterans, and their families
Limited in-person support
Gap insurance not available
| J.D. Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 635 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.3 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $98/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $200/mo |
Customers appreciate the initial affordability and claim handling but dislike the frequent and unexplained rate increases, as well as the poor customer service.
Progressive is the best choice if you want unique coverage options. In addition to standard coverages, Progressive offers add-ons like loan/lease payoff, trip interruption, rideshare coverage, and pet injury coverage. Progressive also makes it easy to get a quote online and ranks above average for customer satisfaction in California.
Above-average customer satisfaction rating
Easy online quotes
Wide variety of coverages and discounts
Snapshot not available in California
New car replacement not available
Poor Trustpilot rating
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 3.8 /5 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $85/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $173/mo |
Mercury Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.6 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.1 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.4 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the quality of the coverage but find the premiums high, especially after a no-fault accident. Some feel the support could improve.
Mercury offers a wide variety of discounts, including for electric vehicles, auto pay, and bundling. It even has coverage options other insurers don’t, like gap insurance and rideshare coverage. Mercury also has agents throughout the state to help you with personalized support.
Few customer complaints
Gap insurance available
Large network of local agents
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Below-average customer satisfaction score
More expensive than some competitors
Price is an important factor for most drivers when shopping for insurance. But the cheapest company for your neighbor might be more expensive for you. That’s why it’s important to compare car insurance quotes to find the most affordable rates.
The table below highlights the five cheapest insurers in San Diego, according to Compare.com data.
 | |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Average Premium $112/mo* | Average Premium $128/mo* | Average Premium $128/mo* | Average Premium $143/mo* | Average Premium $164/mo* |
Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating N/A | Overall Rating |
Value | Value | Value | Value N/A | Value |
Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service N/A | Customer Service |
Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling N/A | Claims Handling |
Special Highlight High-risk driversAI-generated from 1 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 211 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 865 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 0 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 71 user reviews |
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Like nearly every state, California requires drivers to have liability car insurance to legally drive. Liability coverage helps pay for damages and injuries you cause to someone else in an accident, but not your own. Here are the minimum liability insurance requirements you must meet in the Golden State:[3]
$30,000 per person of bodily injury liability coverage
$60,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
$15,000 of property damage liability coverage
While California requires a minimum amount of coverage, most drivers should consider increasing their limits or buying a full-coverage policy. Full-coverage car insurance includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage. That extra coverage helps pay for damages to your car, as well as injuries and damage you cause to others. It even covers non-collision-related incidents, like vandalism and theft.
Most experts recommend purchasing more coverage than California’s minimum requirements. Medical bills and repair costs can quickly exceed minimum liability limits, leaving you on the hook to pay the difference. Here are some additional coverages to consider for better financial protection:
Collision: Collision coverage reimburses you for damages after a collision with another vehicle or object. It also covers pothole damage.
Comprehensive: Comprehensive insurance covers non-collision damage, like theft, vandalism, falling objects, fire, and hail. It may also cover windshield repair and replacement, depending on the insurer.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM): UM/UIM covers your injuries and damages if a driver without enough insurance — or no insurance at all — hits your car.
Medical payments (MedPay): MedPay covers your and your passengers’ medical bills and funeral expenses resulting from a covered accident, regardless of fault.
Gap insurance: If you total your vehicle in an accident, gap insurance pays the difference between your car’s value and your loan balance.[4]
Category | Price |
|---|---|
| $78 | 3.7% |
| $97 | 5.5% |
| $115 | 7.0% |
| $134 | 7.5% |
| $153 | 8.4% |
| $172 | 8.4% |
| $190 | 7.6% |
| $209 | 7.5% |
| $228 | 6.8% |
| $246 | 6.1% |
| $265 | 5.2% |
| $284 | 4.8% |
| $303 | 4.2% |
| $321 | 3.5% |
| $340 | 3.2% |
| $359 | 2.8% |
| $377 | 2.4% |
| $396 | 2.0% |
| $415 | 1.8% |
| $433 | 1.6% |
How much you pay for car insurance depends on a variety of factors. Your age, driving record, and coverage choices all affect your car insurance premiums. For example, safe drivers typically pay less for car insurance than drivers with a history of speeding tickets or at-fault accidents.
That’s why it’s important to check the average rates for drivers with profiles similar to yours. Let’s take a look at the average rates for different driver profiles in San Diego, based on Compare.com data.
Driver or Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer |
|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | USAA |
| Full coverage | Aspire General |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | USAA |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | USAA |
| Drivers with a DUI | USAA |
| Teens | USAA |
| Seniors | USAA |
Liability-only coverage is usually the cheapest insurance you can buy, but it doesn’t offer much protection. Liability insurance covers only injuries and damages you cause to another driver, not your own. It’s best for drivers with less valuable cars who can afford to repair them out of pocket.
San Diego drivers pay an average of $89 per month for liability-only insurance. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for liability coverage in San Diego, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $77 |
| Aspire General | $79 |
| Sun Coast | $81 |
| GEICO | $82 |
| Mercury | $85 |
| National General | $86 |
| Dairyland | $94 |
| Direct Auto | $100 |
| Root | $100 |
| Farmers | $108 |
| Anchor | $109 |
| Bristol West | $117 |
| State Farm | $117 |
| Kemper Special | $120 |
| Travelers | $124 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $132 |
| 21st Century | $135 |
| First Acceptance | $180 |
| Chubb | $210 |
Full-coverage car insurance offers more protection than liability coverage. It covers damages you cause to another driver, plus your own damages. Most drivers can benefit from the extra protection full-coverage car insurance provides. If you have an auto loan, your lender will likely require you to purchase it.
In San Diego, the average full-coverage rate is $172 per month. Here are the five cheapest insurers offering full-coverage car insurance in San Diego, based on data from Compare.com.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Aspire General | $146 |
| Root | $162 |
| GEICO | $173 |
| Mercury | $173 |
| USAA | $180 |
| Kemper Special | $198 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $201 |
| Sun Coast | $205 |
| Anchor | $212 |
| National General | $242 |
| Dairyland | $244 |
| Farmers | $255 |
| Direct Auto | $261 |
| Bristol West | $268 |
| State Farm | $276 |
| Travelers | $290 |
| 21st Century | $316 |
| First Acceptance | $426 |
| Chubb | $492 |
Rates in San Diego start at $77 per month.
Even a single speeding ticket can cause your insurance rates to go up. Speeding is a leading contributor to motor vehicle deaths, so insurers raise premiums after a ticket because they consider you more likely to file a claim.[5] The average monthly rate for San Diego drivers with a recent ticket is $167 per month.
Fortunately, you can find a lower rate by switching to an insurer with better rates for drivers with a ticket on their record. The following chart shows the five cheapest companies for drivers with a ticket, based on Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $100 |
| Aspire General | $101 |
| Sun Coast | $103 |
| National General | $108 |
| GEICO | $108 |
| Dairyland | $117 |
| Mercury | $118 |
| Root | $120 |
| Direct Auto | $127 |
| Anchor | $136 |
| Farmers | $139 |
| Bristol West | $149 |
| State Farm | $149 |
| Kemper Special | $153 |
| Travelers | $162 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $168 |
| 21st Century | $179 |
| First Acceptance | $229 |
| Chubb | $270 |
If you cause an accident, your insurer will likely increase your premium because you’re at a higher risk of filing future claims. The average rate for people with a recent accident in San Diego is $167 per month.
Fortunately, you can minimize these costs by switching to an insurer better for drivers with a recent accident. Check out the chart below for the cheapest insurers in San Diego for drivers with a recent accident, according to data from Compare.com.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| Aspire General | $101 |
| USAA | $102 |
| Sun Coast | $104 |
| GEICO | $107 |
| National General | $113 |
| Dairyland | $122 |
| Root | $124 |
| Mercury | $125 |
| Direct Auto | $135 |
| Anchor | $140 |
| Farmers | $143 |
| Bristol West | $153 |
| State Farm | $154 |
| Kemper Special | $154 |
| Travelers | $166 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $169 |
| 21st Century | $183 |
| First Acceptance | $231 |
| Chubb | $278 |
A driving under the influence (DUI) conviction is one of the most serious traffic violations. Intoxicated driving contributes to roughly 30% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S., so your insurance rates will go up after a DUI.[6] The average rate for people with a DUI in San Diego is $178 per month.
But you’re not necessarily stuck with higher rates. Some insurers specialize in working with high-risk drivers, even people with DUIs. Here are the cheapest insurers for San Diego drivers with a DUI, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $108 |
| Aspire General | $108 |
| Sun Coast | $110 |
| GEICO | $115 |
| National General | $120 |
| Mercury | $126 |
| Dairyland | $131 |
| Direct Auto | $140 |
| Root | $140 |
| Farmers | $151 |
| Anchor | $151 |
| Kemper Special | $163 |
| Bristol West | $163 |
| State Farm | $163 |
| Travelers | $173 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $180 |
| 21st Century | $183 |
| First Acceptance | $245 |
| Chubb | $293 |
Teen drivers have the highest car insurance rates of any age group. Teens lack experience behind the wheel and usually have riskier driving habits. That’s why the average rate for teens in San Diego is $233 per month.
But if you’re a teen driver or have one on your policy, you have ways to lower your costs. The following chart outlines the cheapest insurers for San Diego teens, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $139 |
| Aspire General | $140 |
| Sun Coast | $144 |
| GEICO | $146 |
| Root | $148 |
| Mercury | $152 |
| Dairyland | $160 |
| National General | $168 |
| Direct Auto | $192 |
| Bristol West | $204 |
| Anchor | $207 |
| Farmers | $212 |
| Kemper Special | $213 |
| State Farm | $223 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $235 |
| 21st Century | $236 |
| Travelers | $253 |
| First Acceptance | $320 |
| Chubb | $422 |
Seniors tend to have the cheapest rates of any age group. Older drivers usually have decades of driving experience and are more likely to follow the rules of the road.[7] Seniors living in San Diego pay an average monthly rate of $119 for coverage.
But even though seniors already pay affordable car insurance rates, you can find an even better deal with the right insurer. Here are the five cheapest companies for seniors in San Diego, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| USAA | $64 |
| GEICO | $67 |
| Mercury | $69 |
| National General | $69 |
| Aspire General | $72 |
| Sun Coast | $74 |
| Dairyland | $82 |
| Direct Auto | $84 |
| Farmers | $88 |
| Anchor | $89 |
| Root | $94 |
| State Farm | $94 |
| Bristol West | $100 |
| Travelers | $102 |
| Kemper Special | $109 |
| 21st Century | $109 |
| Kemper Rsvp | $120 |
| Chubb | $163 |
| First Acceptance | $163 |
Local rates start as low as $77 per month.
Below, you’ll find answers to some common questions about car insurance in San Diego.
Car insurance in San Diego costs an average of $131 per month, according to Compare.com data. Liability-only coverage averages $89 per month, and full-coverage averages $172.
USAA is the cheapest auto insurance company in San Diego, with average rates of $77 per month, according to Compare.com data.
USAA, Progressive, and Mercury are some of the best car insurance companies in San Diego, according to Compare.com. But the best company for you depends on a variety of factors, like your driving record and coverage needs.
Not typically. Car insurance in San Diego averages $131 per month, according to Compare.com data. That’s compared to California’s statewide average of $146 per month and the national average of $142.
Not typically. Most experts recommend buying more coverage than California’s minimum liability coverage requirements. Medical bills and repair costs can quickly exceed liability limits, and you’d have to pay the difference out of pocket. You should consider increasing your liability limits or buying a full-coverage policy for even more protection.
Full-coverage car insurance in San Diego costs an average of $172 per month, according to Compare.com data.
Many different factors affect how much you pay for car insurance in San Diego. Your age, ZIP code, and driving record are just a few details that influence your rates. Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find the cheapest price for the coverage you need.
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.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
Jamie Johnson is a Kansas City-based personal finance writer who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. Her work has also been featured on several of the top finance and business sites in the country, including Insider, Credit Karma, Bankrate, Rocket Mortgage, Fox Business, Quicken Loans, and The Balance.
For the past seven years, she’s dedicated more than 10,000 hours of research and writing to more than 2,000 articles about personal finance topics.
Matthew Gross is an editor at Compare.com. With a background in editing and SEO, he’s passionate about creating content that helps readers get the information they need to make more informed decisions. Prior to Compare.com, Matthew brought his user-centered approach to his work with global brands like Apple and Adobe.
Matthew graduated from Illinois State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in Journalism.
Professor of Risk Management
25+ years in insurance
Former commercial lines underwriter
David Marlett is a Professor of Risk Management in the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian State University. In his role, he serves as Managing Director of the university’s Brantley Risk & Insurance Center and holds the IIANC Distinguished Professorship. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Invest program and previously chaired the Loman Advisory Committee for the CPCU Society.
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.