What You Should Know About Car Insurance in San Francisco, CA

San Francisco is home to the Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, the Marina District, Alcatraz Island, and many other famous attractions. Home to teams like the 49ers, the Golden State Warriors, and the San Francisco Giants, this city is packed with action. Located between the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, there is no lack of shoreline and maritime activities for all interests.

The social scene is hopping, arts and culture ring throughout the city, and you can find over a dozen options for higher education in town. Hit the road and visit the sites after talking to an InsureOne concierge agent who will get you the best auto insurance at the best price in California.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in San Francisco, California?

You must have car insurance in California before operating a vehicle. Like other states, the Golden State requires drivers to obtain at least a minimum liability policy, which costs an average of $636 compared to $622 in the other states. For a much higher level of protection, you can choose a full coverage policy, which costs $2,291 compared to the $2,014 average in other states.

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Why Is Insurance So Expensive in California?

Insurers base their rates on the likelihood of paying out claims, and they try to calculate approximate costs should they indeed have to pay claims. California’s costs for parts, labor, and replacing vehicles are higher than in many other parts of the country. Expensive healthcare costs mean that when there is an injury due to an accident, insurers will have to cover costly medical bills. The state also deals with relatively high accident and theft rates. Excessive heat in parts of the state might contribute to irritable drivers who are more likely to cause a crash.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in California

Your exact location affects your premiums. This table illustrates how rates can be different depending on the city in which you live.

City Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
San Francisco $183 $114
Sacramento $214 $76
San Diego $179 $61
San Bernardino $215 $96
Los Angeles $305 $114

How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in San Francisco

As part of its mission to be a one-stop shop for all coverage needs, InsureOne offers customers cost savings by bundling policies such as auto and homeowners insurance. Generally, when you obtain more than one policy from the same carrier, they will give you a more affordable rate on your policies. In fact, if you capitalize on this cost-cutting method properly, you can save up to 25%.

Because of this, you should always try to bundle your home and auto coverage with the same insurer. Expert InsureOne agents will work hard to maximize your savings. They will compare pricing and bundling discounts for both types of insurance with multiple carriers and will customize a plan that gets you the best coverage at the best rates with a high-quality insurer.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in San Francisco?

The expert agents at InsureOne will also look for some of the many types of discounts to which you might be entitled. Each carrier has a different set of discounts they offer, and as part of the concierge service InsureOne agents offer, they will find a carrier that will let you take advantage of multiple discounts. These are some examples of what might be available to you:

  • Paperless billing discounts
  • Premium up-front discounts
  • Loyalty discounts
  • Military personnel discounts
  • Low-mileage discounts
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Notable Car Insurance Laws in San Francisco

Municipalities in California, including San Francisco, follow state insurance laws. The following are some that might affect your coverage requirements and rates.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in San Francisco?

As a resident of the Golden State, you may not drive a vehicle without first obtaining the following minimum levels of coverage, in case you cause an accident:

  • $15,000 liability for bodily injury per person
  • $30,000 liability for bodily injury per accident
  • $5,000 property damage

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in San Francisco?

If you fail to obtain the above minimum coverages, you will not be able to register your vehicle in California. Operating a vehicle without a minimum policy will subject you to the following if an officer catches you:

  • $100 to $200 fine for a first offense
  • $200 to $500 fine for second-time offenders
  • Possible license suspension
  • Possible vehicle impoundment
  • A judge may apply additional penalties or fines

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

Most states give insurers free rein over how they determine their rates. However, California restricts carriers to factors that more or less directly affect their risk. Here are some of the allowable details about yourself or your vehicle that California insurers may use when determining your rates:

  • Your zip code: Every location, down to the zip code, can have different theft and accident rates. Insurers consider this before delivering a quote.
  • Probability of theft: In addition to theft rates, insurers consider your anti-theft features, which may prevent your vehicle from being stolen.
  • Your vehicle’s trim: Repair and replacement costs may differ even within a make or model, so carriers base your premium cost on your exact trim.
  • Additional coverage options: You can add roadside assistance, personal injury protection, or rental car reimbursement to your policy, but these will also increase your coverage cost.
  • Driving record: If you have a lot of accidents or tickets on your record, California insurers may charge you more than drivers with a clean history.
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What Happens If I Damage Property in California?

As soon as you cause an accident, make sure to call the police. They will come to the scene to assess any damages and ensure you and anyone else involved are okay. If you, a passenger, or others need medical assistance, you should immediately let the 911 operator know so they can send emergency services to your location.

If you are injured, you must file a police report within 24 hours. You must also notify the DMV within 10 days of any accident where someone is hurt or if you caused more than $1,000 in property damage. If the losses resulting from a crash you cause are within your coverage limits, your insurer will cover the costs minus your deductible. If they exceed your limits, you may have to pay for the remaining balance with your own funds.

At InsureOne, our expert agents help you find the best auto insurance with customizable options that best meet your needs. This includes connecting you with high-quality carriers who help you through every step of the claims process if you cause an accident.

Typical Driving Conditions in San Francisco

San Francisco is a busy city. Expect extended rush hour traffic from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the possibility of heavy action a half-hour to an hour before and after each time period. Although there is an abundance of public transportation options, there could be extra activity during off hours as well due to professional sports teams, special events, and the busy social scene in the city.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in San Francisco Per Year?

The following statistics for 2021 are based on records by the California Office of Traffic Safety:

City Injuries or Fatalities Resulting from Crashes
San Francisco 3,435
Sacramento 4,296
San Diego 5,056
San Bernardino 1,433
Los Angeles 11,202

 

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in San Francisco?

According to the Insurance Information Institute, in 2022, 17% of California drivers were uninsured.

Get Covered by the Best Car Insurance in San Francisco, California Today

Rely on InsureOne’s concierge insurance services to get you the best coverage at affordable prices. We have expert agents ready to personalize an insurance policy that meets your specific needs and preferences.

Our agents will save you time and energy by doing all the work necessary to obtain a unique policy tailored to you and your family. You can contact us by coming to one of our physical locations, calling us at (800) 836-2240, or visiting our website to get started.