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Best cheap car insurance in Fresno for 2024
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Best cheap car insurance companies in Fresno
Although car insurance in Fresno is pricier than the national average cost of car insurance, Fresno drivers still have plenty of cheap insurance companies to choose from, but finding the lowest price may not be their only consideration. To find the best cheap car insurance companies in Fresno for your lifestyle, Bankrate reviewed the latest average quoted premiums using data from Quadrant Information Services.
Factors that go into our five-point Bankrate Score scale include elements like customer service, customer satisfaction, mobile app availability and local agent presence. Specifically, we analyzed the California region of the 2023 J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study for customer satisfaction. The closer a provider scores to five on our Bankrate Score, the better it fared across these categories.
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Geico made our list: Geico offers one of the cheapest average minimum coverage premiums in Fresno and won three 2024 Bankrate Awards: Best Auto Insurance Company Overall (tie), Best Budget Auto Insurance Company and Best for Young Drivers. While Geico no longer has local agents in California, drivers can still get a policy online, through the mobile app or with an agent over the phone.
Why Geico may be cheapest for minimum coverage: Along with low rates, Geico has more discount options than most carriers, including telematics, discounts for teen drivers and affiliation discounts for various clubs and memberships. Additionally, Geico ranks 4th in the California region of J.D. Power's 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study for customer satisfaction.
| Bankrate Score | 4.4 |
| J.D. Power | 626/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A++ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Nationwide made our list: Although Nationwide came in slightly below the industry average for customer satisfaction in the California region of the J.D. Power study, it has a wide variety of insurance products and coverage options drivers might not be able to find with other carriers. Nationwide has insurance options for classic cars, gap insurance, rental car coverage and roadside assistance.
Why Nationwide may be cheapest for drivers with accidents: Although eligibility and rates will vary by driver, Nationwide is one of the cheapest insurance options for Fresno drivers if they have an at-fault accident on their record. Nationwide also offers accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible options.
| Bankrate Score | 4 |
| J.D. Power | 627/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A+ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Mercury made our list: This carrier has an A (Excellent) rating with AM Best and a network of local agents throughout California. Additionally, Mercury offers rideshare coverage and RealDrive, its low-mileage insurance program.
Why Mercury may be cheapest for full coverage: Mercury offers some of Fresno's cheapest annual rates for full and minimum coverage. Mercury policyholders may save even more with potential discounts for good drivers, bundling, autopay and good students.
| Bankrate Score | 3.8 |
| J.D. Power | 596/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why National General made our list: National General policyholders can choose from various add-on coverage options and receive a lifetime guarantee on car repairs if their vehicle is fixed by an approved shop after a covered claim. The carrier's emergency expense allowance will pay up to $500 for essential expenses if you're stranded due to a covered claim. However, the carrier specializes in high-risk coverage and is not scored by J.D. Power for customer satisfaction.
Why National general may be cheapest for DUIs: National General is a nonstandard carrier specializing in cheap auto rates for high-risk drivers. This insurer offers below-average rates in Fresno for drivers with DUIs on their driving record. National General also provides SR-22 and FR-44 filings when needed.
| Bankrate Score | 3.3 |
| J.D. Power | 590/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A+ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Wawanesa made our list: Wawanesa is only available in California and it offers young Fresno drivers some of the cheapest auto insurance rates. Wawanesa is ranked first in customer satisfaction on J.D. Power's 2023 Auto Insurance Study for California and offers standard coverage and endorsements.
Why Wawanesa may be cheapest for young drivers: While Wawanesa does have a lower Bankrate Score, the rates it offers for teen drivers are drastically lower than other carriers in the area. This low score is partially due to its limited digital tools.
| Bankrate Score | 2.8 |
| J.D. Power | 628/1,000 |
| AM Best Rating | A |
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyCalifornia drivers grapple with high repair costs, busy roadways and strict insurance laws. With the auto insurance landscape constantly changing, knowing where to turn for reliable information can be challenging. Bankrate's editorial team includes licensed agents with decades of real-world industry experience to help you make smart decisions on coverage that fits your needs. Every hard-earned penny counts, and Bankrate is here to help you feel confident in where you choose to purchase your car insurance.
46
years of industry experience
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
The cheapest car insurance companies in Fresno
Full coverage auto insurance rates in Fresno are 7 percent less than the average cost of car insurance in California. Comparing personalized quotes will reveal the cheapest carriers for you. These companies offer the lowest average rates for Fresno drivers and may be a good place to start your comparison shopping.
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|---|---|---|
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$534
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$1,583
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|
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$496
|
$1,980
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|
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$409
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$2,149
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|
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$551
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$2,130
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|
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$612
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$2,379
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How much is car insurance in Fresno, California?
The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Fresno is $2,644 per year, which is 7 percent less than the state average of $2,835. Fresno drivers who carry car insurance with minimum coverage pay an average of $615 per year, which is 8 percent less than California's average minimum rate of $670. Car insurance is a highly individualized product. What you pay for insurance will depend on factors such as your driving history, driving experience, coverage selection and more.
Fresno rates for teens
Teens drivers, also referred to as youthful operators in the insurance industry, are considered high-risk drivers in most states. It takes time to learn good driving skills, such as avoiding road hazards and adjusting your driving to accommodate weather conditions. New drivers have yet to learn those skills, and behaviors like forgetting to wear a seatbelt and speeding cause more frequent and more severe accidents. Car insurance companies underwrite and rate for this added risk, which is why teens cost so much to insure.
Teens may be able to save money by staying on their parents' policy for as long as possible. When adding a new driver to an existing policy, the driving history and experience of the named insured and other active drivers might help offset a young driver's risk.
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|---|---|---|
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$1,029
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$955
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$1,055
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$976
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$1,131
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$922
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|
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$1,151
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$1,090
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|
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$1,197
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$978
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|---|---|---|
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$3,369
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$3,197
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$3,652
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$3,576
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$4,147
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$4,180
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|
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$4,433
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$3,983
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|
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$4,621
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$3,951
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Fresno rates for young drivers
Car insurance rates for young drivers usually start to decrease as they age and gain more driving experience. Around the age of 20, it is common for young adults to move out of the family home and get their own place and their own car insurance. To help save money when starting a new policy, keep in mind that some discounts, like driver training and good student discounts, can move with you to your policy until you turn 25. At 25, drivers are moved into the standard risk pool where age less impacts auto premiums.
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|---|---|---|
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$820
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$483
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$863
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$661
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$910
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$708
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$914
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$699
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$939
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$716
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|---|---|---|
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$2,986
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$1,933
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$3,109
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$2,692
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$3,725
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$3,193
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$3,748
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$2,457
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$3,851
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$3,297
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Fresno rates for adults
Drivers are grouped into various risk pools with other drivers who share similar characteristics. Age is one example of a risk pool. By age 30, drivers should see significantly reduced rates as long as they maintain a clean driving record. As drivers age into their 40s and 50s, they usually see some of the lowest average rates of any age group.
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|---|---|---|---|
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$419
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$409
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$403
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$525
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$496
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$485
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|
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$549
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$534
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$514
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|
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$567
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$550
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$540
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|
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$583
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$556
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$546
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|---|---|---|---|
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$1,604
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$1,583
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$1,703
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|
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$2,100
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$1,980
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$1,925
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|
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$2,215
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$2,149
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$2,057
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|
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$2,239
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$2,130
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$1,975
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|
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$2,488
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$2,379
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$2,285
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Fresno rates for senior drivers
As we get older, our depth perception and response time can begin to fade. And while we can make accommodations for these changes in our day-to-day lives, the risk of being in a car accident starts to increase around the age of 60. High car insurance rates for seniors can be problematic since many live on a fixed income, but finding carriers with senior discounts may help.
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|---|---|---|
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$402
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$427
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$487
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$598
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$505
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$465
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$543
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$570
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|
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$545
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$567
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|---|---|---|
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$543
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$1,529
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|
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$487
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$2,259
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|
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$565
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$2,169
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|
|
$402
|
$2,140
|
|
|
$612
|
$2,263
|
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
Compare auto insurance rates
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The cheapest car insurance in Fresno by driving record
Between commuting to work and school and pleasure driving, accidents can happen no matter how careful you are. When searching for the cheapest auto insurance in Fresno, having speeding tickets or accidents on your driving record can make it challenging. Bankrate's editorial team used proprietary data provided by Quadrant Information Services to help you find the cheapest Fresno car insurance for various driving infractions.
Car insurance with a speeding ticket in Fresno
There is a strong correlation between speeding and car crashes, which is why car insurance carriers usually apply surcharge points to a policyholder when they receive a speeding ticket. Drivers can be fined up to $1,000 for a speeding ticket in California and along with a higher insurance rate, the penalties add up. Below, you can find Fresno car insurance companies that offer the lowest average rates for drivers with speeding tickets.
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|---|---|---|
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$545
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$1,655
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$593
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$2,995
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|
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$604
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$2,983
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|
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$663
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$2,701
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|
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$723
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$4,255
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Car insurance after an accident in Fresno
Between drowsy driving and distracted driving, car accidents have been on the rise nationwide. After an at-fault car accident, your insurer can surcharge your policy for up to three years in California. While drivers with accident forgiveness on their policies might not see a spike in premiums, most drivers do. Finding a carrier that charges lower-than-average rates for drivers involved in at-fault accidents can help you save money during your surcharge period.
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|---|---|---|
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$665
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$3,136
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$868
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$4,199
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$876
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$2,638
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$879
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$4,020
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$918
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$3,419
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Car insurance after a DUI in Fresno
DUIs are deemed high-risk driving behavior, and not all insurance companies will underwrite this risk. It is common for drivers who receive DUIs to need an SR-22 filing for three to five years after the offense. If you receive a DUI, make sure your carrier will continue your policy and complete your SR-22, if they can't, you may need to find a carrier that can.
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|---|---|---|
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$737
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$2,241
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$818
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$3,991
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$940
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$4,670
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|
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$965
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$3,780
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$1,052
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$5,390
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Minimum coverage requirements in Fresno
To legally drive in the state of California, you need to carry at least a minimum amount of liability insurance, including the following coverages and limits:
- $15,000 in bodily injury per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
California insurers are also required to offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but drivers have the option to decline it. Although these are the listed minimums, drivers of California-registered vehicles could forego these limits by way of making a $35,000 cash deposit to the Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV), obtaining a self-insured certificate from the DMV or purchasing a $35,000 surety bond from a company licensed in California.
Minimum coverage car insurance rates vary state by state and may be cheaper than full coverage plans. However, not all drivers benefit from choosing the minimum amount of coverage. If you are in an at-fault accident and the damages exceed your insurance amount, you will have to pay the difference out of pocket. In addition, liability insurance only provides reimbursement for the damages you cause others. To include protection for your vehicle, you would need full coverage. In fact, if you plan on getting a car loan or leasing a vehicle, you will likely be required to purchase a full coverage car insurance policy.
With so many options at your fingertips, you may want to take time to find the best and cheapest car insurance in California for your specific needs.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze the latest rates in November 2024 for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates include the most recent approved rate changes filed by insurance companies that affect our profile. These revised rates are then weighted based on the population density in each geographic region so that policyholders can see the impact rates have in their areas. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 20-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
Bankrate Score
Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
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Cost & ratings 50%
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Coverage & savings 30%
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Support 20%
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
