Find Car Insurance in Salinas, California

What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Salinas, CA

Salinas, located in Monterey County, California, is known for its ties to novelist John Steinbeck, the author of classics such as “The Grapes of Wrath,” who was born in Salinas and wrote about the area in some of his works. Located about an hour from San Jose and the Bay Area, Salinas boasts an abundance of wineries and farms, earning it its nickname, “the Salad Bowl of the World.”

You can step back in time and learn about Steinbeck’s history at the National Steinbeck Center, the Steinbeck House, and the Steinbeck Family Gravesite. In addition to this literary tie, Salinas is also known for its California Rodeo, which began in 1911 and is now the largest rodeo in California. Stopping by The Farm is always an enjoyable adventure where you can pick up any of the abundance of fresh produce, from tomatoes to pumpkins, and take part in various workshops, including farming, floral arranging, and art.

With so many activities in this lush setting and easy proximity to the Bay Area, you might find yourself spending a lot of time on the road. Be sure you protect yourself before you set out with the best auto insurance at the best prices in California from agents who provide white-glove service.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Salinas, California?

The average cost of the minimum liability coverage in California is about $636 per year, while full coverage is around $2,291 per year. This is above the U.S. average of $622 for minimum and $2,014 for full coverage.

Actual costs vary depending on your unique circumstances. Residents of larger cities like Los Angeles, for instance, where there is an increased risk of crime and traffic accidents, will likely pay more than residents of Salinas.

What Does Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability Mean?

If you are unsure whether to choose full coverage vs. liability only, we can help.

Liability coverage pays for property damage and bodily injuries, including lost wages and pain and suffering (or death), you cause others up to your policy’s limits in an accident that is your fault, but it excludes coverage for your own damage.

To ensure your property is protected, you will need full protection, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage, along with the state-mandated liability coverage. Collision protection covers accident damage to your vehicle, while comprehensive protection pays for non-accident losses, such as theft, vandalism, and natural events, like a tree falling on your car.

Ask your agent about medical payments coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, roadside assistance, and other available add-ons you can obtain to give you the complete protection you need.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in California

To get an idea of how much you might pay in comparison to other Californians, the chart below shows the average monthly premiums drivers in different California cities pay:

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Salinas	$168	$47
Yreka	$146	$40
Santa Clarita	$205	$61
San Jose	$192	$51
Sacramento	$208	$64

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Salinas?

Besides bundling, there are other ways to save on your policy. Ask your agent about how to get a lower premium through discounts, such as:

• Good driver
• Good student
• Military
• Low mileage
• Anti-theft

Notable Car Insurance Laws in Salinas

Salinas drivers follow California’s laws. California is an at-fault state, which means the driver determined to be at fault in an accident is financially responsible for repairing the damage. Percentages of blame may be assigned to all drivers in a wreck.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Salinas?

Driving in California without the minimum required insurance is illegal. The state will also prevent you from renewing your auto registration if you are uninsured.

California requires its drivers to carry the following liability coverage:

• Bodily injury or death: $30,000 per person
• Bodily injury or death: $60,000 per accident
• Property damage: $15,000 per accident

If you cause damage over your policy limits, you will be responsible for paying the remainder out of your own pocket. For this reason, you might consider buying more insurance than the state-required minimum.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Salinas?

If a police officer catches you driving uninsured in Salinas, you may receive a ticket, lose your license, and your vehicle could be impounded. These penalties all include monetary repercussions that could add up to more than you would have paid for the cost of insurance. Long-term consequences include the potential for increased insurance costs.

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

You might wonder why your friend in another Salinas neighborhood or even in another city, such as Sacramento, pays a different policy rate than you. California allows its insurers to base policy rates on certain factors, including:

• Your home zip code
• Your age
• Your car’s age
• Years of driving experience
• Your driving record

Here’s What You Need to Know When Driving in California

Lane splitting, defined as driving a motorcycle between rows of stopped cars in the same lane, is legal in California, so pay extra attention and always use your turn signal before changing lanes. According to the California Highway Patrol, it is illegal to intentionally block a motorcyclist who is lane splitting, and if you are in the far-left lane, you should give motorcyclists room to pass by moving to the far left of your lane.

Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise in California. Stay alert for pedestrians, especially in severe weather, at night, in unexpected places, and when you encounter a stopped vehicle at a crosswalk, which may indicate that pedestrians are crossing.

If you come across a horseback rider on the highway, what should you do? Horseback riders on public streets must follow the same rules of the road as drivers. The same applies to drivers of vehicles, such as mopeds and motorized bicycles.

Even when you are following the laws, an accident can happen anywhere at any time. Your InsureOne agent can help make sure you are protected with insurance customized to your unique needs.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Salinas Per Year?

In 2023, there were 3,727 fatal car accidents in California. The chart below shows the 2023 statistics for Salinas and four other California cities as compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Motor Vehicle Crash Data:

City	Annual Average Number of Fatal Car Crashes
Salinas	2
Yreka	0
Santa Clarita	8
San Jose	60
Sacramento	63

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Salinas?

While the Golden State requires its drivers to show financial responsibility by purchasing insurance, about 17% of drivers were uninsured in California in 2022, ranking it at number 11 in the list of uninsured motorists by state.

This relatively high number shows how essential it is to protect yourself. Adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy offers added protection in case one of these drivers crashes into you.

Speak with your agent, who can provide you with personalized insurance choices that offer notable cost savings.