Find Car Insurance in Modesto, California

What You Should Know about Car Insurance in Modesto, CA

Modesto, which means “modesty” in Spanish, got its name in 1870 when founder W.C. Ralston refused to have the city named after him. Despite its name, this municipality has plenty to boast about — both in its history and present. Known to have neighborly residents, the famous, welcoming Modesto Arch sits 25 feet high at the city’s entrance and reads “Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health,” wishing success upon all who enter.

Surrounded by lush agricultural land, Modesto has a lot going on. From the Modesto Nuts minor league baseball games to the Graffiti Summer events, which have car shows and music festivals honoring the car culture of the ’50s and ’60s, there is plenty of excitement in Modesto.

The roads in town can get pretty hectic, so make sure your vehicle has good coverage in case you get into an accident. Expert agents are waiting to help you find the best auto insurance at the best price in California.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Modesto, California?

Insuring your vehicle in this state costs more than the national average. The price of obtaining car insurance in California varies by the type of coverage you choose. If you get a policy that only covers the state’s minimum liability requirements, you will pay approximately $636 annually. If you get a full coverage plan, it will cost you $2,291 per year. These numbers are higher than nationally, where those policies cost $622 and $2,014, respectively.

Why Is Insurance So Expensive in California?

Several factors contribute to the high cost of coverage in California. First, the state has a high rate of accidents. This means that insurers have to deal with many claims from drivers in the Golden State. Also, accident-related expenses, such as repairs and healthcare costs, are more expensive than in other parts of the country. When there is an accident, carriers have to cover these types of bills. Therefore, they charge customers more money for their coverage than in other states.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in California

This chart compares average monthly rates in Modesto to some of California’s other cities.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Modesto	$201	$66
Stockton	$209	$96
Fremont	$150	$90
San Diego	$179	$61
Los Angeles	$305	$114

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Modesto?

Discounts are another great way drivers can get lower premiums. You can qualify for these based on various factors set forth by your insurer. These are a few examples your carrier might offer:

• Good student discount
• Low-mileage discount
• Safe driver discount
• Safety feature discount
• Retention discount

Notable Car Insurance Laws in Modesto

Municipalities across the U.S. rely on state laws and do not pass their own insurance legislation. However, here are some state laws and facts that do affect Modesto drivers.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in California?

Every state has different criteria that drivers must satisfy before they can operate a vehicle. The minimum coverage requirements in the Golden State include:

• A minimum of $15,000 of liability coverage for bodily injury per person who is hurt in an accident
• At least $30,000 for bodily injury per accident in case more than one person gets hurt
• A minimum of $5,000 for property damage caused in an accident

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Modesto?

Uninsured drivers may not operate a vehicle in the state and will not be able to register their car without proof of coverage. If you get caught behind the wheel without a policy in place, the penalties could get severe, including:

• Possible license suspension
• Possible vehicle impoundment
• A $100 to $200 fine for a first offense
• A $200 to $500 fine for a second offense
• Additional penalties based on court proceedings

Do Modesto-Specific Laws Play a Role in Determining Your Insurance Premiums?

California allows insurers to look at many factors that determine your premiums. Your carrier will review your information and the coverage-related decisions you make before supplying you with a quote. The following are some of the details they will examine:

• Your vehicle’s theft rate: Thieves’ appetites vary by make and model. They consider factors such as value and difficulty level. The higher the theft rate, the more you will pay for coverage.
• The replacement cost of your car: If an expensive vehicle gets totaled in an accident, it will cost the insurer more to replace than a cheaper car. Insurers factor the amount they might have to pay out into your premiums.
• Your age: Young drivers pay higher rates than others since they are inexperienced and tend to have a high rate of claims. Pricing decreases continuously with time until your senior years, at which time the rates might increase.
• The amount of miles you drive: The less you are on the road, the less time you have to get into an accident and file a claim. Therefore, people who work from home or locally and do not drive much often pay less for coverage.
• Your marital status: The state is pretty firm about not allowing carriers to base rates on non-driving-related factors, but it still allows for adjustments for marital status since statistics show that married people are slightly less likely to file claims.

Here Is What You Need To Know When Driving in California

California is a beautiful place, but there are several issues to look out for as you drive the state:

• Beware of visibility issues due to fog as you cruise along the coastline
• In the northern region, you may have issues with heavy rain, which can cause slippery roads and hydroplaning
• Some mountainous areas are subject to snowfall and other areas to high winds

Although much of the state has light traffic patterns, urban centers and some of the highways that lead to busy cities may get very congested, especially at peak periods. At InsureOne, our expert agents help you find the best auto insurance with customizable options that best meet your needs for driving around the Golden State.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Modesto Per Year?

While not many databases keep updated statewide crash statistics, the California Office of Traffic Safety has records through 2021 that track fatalities and injuries. See below how Modesto fares next to some other cities in the Golden State.

City	Injuries or Fatalities Resulting from Crashes, 2021
Modesto	1,999
Stockton	1,705
Fremont	575
San Diego	5,056
Los Angeles	11,202

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Modesto?

Many people who operate vehicles in the state do not have proper coverage, including 17% who were completely uninsured in 2022. Consider this statistic when discussing options with your agent because it shows that if you get into an accident, even if you are not at fault, there is a decent chance that you will have to rely on your own coverage to pay for your damages.