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While San Francisco residents enjoy spectacular ocean views and one of the highest average incomes in major US cities, it is unfortunately also one of the most costly cities to call home. So it might not come as a surprise that car insurance rates here soar well above both the state and national averages. The good news is that with a little research, you may be able to trim down your monthly car insurance premium. Compare the average car insurance costs in San Francisco and get tips for driving in this city.
San Francisco drivers can expect to pay higher car insurance premiums than drivers in many other parts of the state, with an average yearly premium of $2,502. Compare that to California’s state average of $1,968 and the national average of around $1,300, and it’s easy to see that the cost of car ownership is pricier in San Fran.
There are a few things that factor into why auto insurance rates in San Francisco are so high.
San Francisco County is the fifth most densely populated county in the US.
Property crime is 113% higher in San Francisco than the California average.
The Bay Area is known for its dense fog, which can up the rate of car accidents throughout the city.
Although you’re going to pay more for car insurance in San Francisco than you probably would in a small town in the Midwest, it’s still worth your while to compare providers. To help you in your search, we’ve done some of the legwork for you.
Discover coverage that’s broader than competitors, valuable discounts up to 30% off and perks like shrinking deductibles that reward no claims.
Company | Average annual rate | Read review |
---|---|---|
Wawanesa | $1,374 | |
USAA | $1,547 | Read review |
California Capital | $1,581 | |
Geico | $1,592 | Read review |
United | $1,653 | |
Esurance | $1,903 | Read review |
Progressive | $2,009 | Read review |
Metropolitan | $2,097 | Read review |
State Farm | $2,236 | Read review |
Mercury | $2,352 | Read review |
San Francisco and Los Angeles are two of the most congested cities in California, so it stands to reason that they’re also home to two of the highest car insurance rates in the state. According to our data, drivers in San Francisco will generally pay an average of $264 less than Los Angeles drivers, but this can vary based on your exact location within each city.
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One way to cut down on your car insurance premium is to trim down your coverage. However, getting only the state minimum requirements could end up costing you a lot more out of pocket later on if you get in an accident.
You’ll pay considerably more for a low coverage policy compared to just the state minimum coverage. However, if you’re already paying for low coverage, it’ll only cost you about $300 more per year to bump up to medium coverage. Here, we compare various coverage options and the average rates for each in San Francisco.
To legally drive in California, you’ll need auto insurance that includes at least:
You may see this written as 15/30/5 when shopping around for car insurance.
When it comes to Uninsured Motorist (UM) and Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage, which protects you in the event of an accident with someone who doesn’t have insurance or doesn’t have enough insurance, California is an opt-out state. This means that California insurance companies are required to offer you UM/UIM insurance, but you can opt out by signing a waiver.
Although these coverage options are optional in the state of California, you might want to add them to your policy if you have a regular commute in San Francisco.
If you live in the state of California, you could save 20% on car insurance if you qualify for its state-mandated Good Driver Discount. To qualify, you’ll need to have:
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Driving in San Francisco is similar to driving in other parts of the state, except for the fact that there’s going to be significantly more traffic here than in rural areas. When driving through San Francisco, keep these tips in mind.
You might think that flashy sports cars would be the most popular choices among San Francisco residents, but many drivers here prefer more practical and wallet-friendly vehicles. The most popular makes of cars driven in San Francisco include:
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With its characteristically foggy weather, dense population and high crime rates, San Francisco unfortunately has some of the steepest car insurance rates in the state. But the good news is that there are ways to trim your bill without sacrificing much-needed coverage options.
A great place to start is by comparing car insurance policies with your current rates and coverage level to see if you can find a better deal.
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