Best cheap car insurance companies in San Francisco

Some of the best car insurance companies that made it to our list of cheapest car insurance companies in San Francisco include Capital, Wawanesa and Geico. However, affordable rates are only one of many factors when shopping for car insurance in California. To help you find and compare the best cheap car insurance companies in San Francisco, we reviewed average annual rates from Quadrant Information Services based on minimum and full coverage for 40-year-old male and female drivers with good credit and clean driving records.

In addition to cost and discounts, we also rated each company with a Bankrate Score — on a 5.0 scale — that takes into account coverage options, insurer availability, customer experience, policy management options and financial strength ratings. The Bankrate Scores are also based on overall provider scores or rankings from J.D. Power, AM Best, and other third-party rating agencies. Some companies may score higher with J.D. Power in a particular region, while its overall Bankrate Score is based on the provider’s national scores.

Capital Insurance Group

Capital Insurance Group is a smaller regional company that sells policies exclusively on the West Coast and does not have a J.D. Power score. While Captial received one of our lower Bankrate Scores, it has the cheapest car insurance rates in San Francisco for drivers seeking full coverage. Along with options to personalize your policy and save money with additional discounts, Capital also sells homeowners and renters insurance, which allows policyholders to bundle discounts and consolidate both billing accounts into one payment. Commercial insurance, agriculture insurance, and umbrella policies are also available. On the downside, the company’s website offers limited extras and you cannot receive a quote or file a claim online.

Wawanesa

Another regional insurer, Wawanesa ranked number one in the 2022 J.D. Power Insurance Study for customer satisfaction in California — which indicates positive customer experiences are the norm. Wawanesa’s premiums can be highly competitive compared to other carriers. Its good selection of discounts — including for safe drivers and loyal customers — can bring your rate down even further. While Wawanesa’s no-frills website covers only the essentials, it does allow you to file a claim, pay your bill and handle your policy management.

Learn more: Wawanesa Insurance review

Geico

Geico is in the middle of the pack on our list of cheapest car insurance companies in San Francisco, with an average annual rate of $1,708 for full coverage, or around $142 per month and $363 for minimum coverage, or about $30 per month. Still situated well below the average cost of car insurance in California, Geico also scored well on consumer satisfaction with J.D. Power and earned a top spot as Best Budget Auto Insurance Company in the 2023 Bankrate Awards. While Geico has limited options for customizable coverage, it tends to deliver on affordable pricing for high-risk drivers and offers an extensive list of discounts, which include good driver discounts, safety discounts and affinity group discounts for military, federal employees and others.

Learn more: Geico Insurance review

Progressive

Although Progressive’s average cost of car insurance for San Francisco is at the higher end compared to the providers we reviewed, the company still has many benefits for drivers in most situations. This provider’s average annual premium for full coverage insurance is $2,070 or about $173 per month and for minimal coverage is $552 per year, which is around $46 per month—still well under the San Francisco average. Progressive has several discount opportunities, from as simple as enrolling in automatic payments to participating in its Snapshot telematics program. And while Progressive scores below average on J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction index, their easy-to-navigate app and online services allow policyholders to purchase, change and pay for a policy plus file a claim without having to pick up the phone.

Learn more: Progressive Insurance review

State Farm

As the largest auto insurance company in the U.S., according to the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I), State Farm is one of the most prominent names in insurance. As one of the best car insurance companies in San Francisco, State Farm has one of the highest Bankrate Scores, but it comes in slightly below average on J.D. Power’s customer satisfaction index. While they have the highest premiums on our list, drivers can still find their average annual rates for full coverage at $2,110 or around $176 monthly or their minimal coverage at $466 per year or $39 monthly, well below the San Francisco average. Having the cheapest rates isn’t always the most important factor, and State Farm is one of the few carriers offering products like rideshare coverage, life insurance and landlord insurance. It also offers home insurance and provides help with home loan needs.

Learn more: State Farm Insurance review

How to get and keep the cheapest car insurance in San Francisco

Getting and keeping the cheapest car insurance in San Francisco is easier if you practice safe driving habits and maintain a clean, claims-free driving history. Here are a few more tips on how to get the most from your insurance providers, while also enjoying the most affordable rates possible.

• Shop around. Comparing quotes from at least three car insurance companies in San Francisco should give you a good idea of which provider offers the coverage you need at the best price. Speak with a licensed agent to discuss coverage limits that are best for your circumstances and your budget. You could consider saving more on coverage by increasing your deductibles – if practical for your financial situation.
• Drive safely. Many larger insurers offer telematics driving programs that are easy to use and monitor your driving while you’re behind the wheel. By demonstrating you’re a safe driver, you may be able to save considerably on your insurance, depending on the carrier and other factors unique to you. Taking a simple defensive driving course is another way to potentially save money on your premiums. Check with the insurers when you collect quotes to see which discounts available in your area could save you the most.