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Best cheap car insurance in Sacramento 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.
The best car insurance companies in Sacramento
Finding the cheapest average car insurance rates in Sacramento is important to many drivers. But the cost of coverage doesn’t tell the whole story, so Bankrate developed a five-point scoring system to help shoppers identify which California car insurance companies may be best for them. Our proprietary Bankrate Scores go beyond average rates to incorporate financial strength ratings from AM Best, customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, coverage availability, digital tools and more.
![LOGO](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/240x114/52f47a19b5/geico_logo.png)
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Geico made our list: Geico has one of the highest Bankrate Scores on our list (4.4) and a financial stability rating of A++ (Superior), which may provide peace of mind to Sacramento drivers who need to file a claim. With nationwide availability, easy-to-use digital tools and claims and customer service agents available 24/7, Geico policyholders can file claims and make policy changes anytime. However, California drivers should know that Geico no longer has local agents in the state.
Why Geico is the best for cheap average rates: Geico is known for its affordable pricing. In fact, it’s one of our 2024 Bankrate Awards winners (tied with Auto-Owners) for Best Budget Auto Insurance Company. Geico also offers several discount opportunities that may help military members, federal employees, safe drivers, good students and other policyholders save even more on car insurance.
Bankrate Score | 4.4 |
J.D. Power | 626/1,000 |
AM Best score | A++ |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Progressive made our list: Progressive typically has some of the lowest car insurance rates for Sacramento drivers. In addition to various discount opportunities, Progressive has several endorsements for policy customization and is the 2024 Bankrate Awards winner for Best Auto Insurance Company for High-Risk Drivers.
Why Progressive is the best for digital tools: The digital tools offered by Progressive may help drivers in Sacramento to easily manage their policies — and potentially save money. The company allows policyholders to make changes, pay bills and file claims online or via the mobile app. Plus, Progressive's Name Your Price Tool helps customers find coverage that fits their budget, and its Snapshot telematics program rewards drivers with savings for good driving behaviors.
Bankrate Score | 4.4 |
J.D. Power | 635/1,000 |
AM Best score | A+ |
![LOGO](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/200x42/7f87f568fb/travelers.png)
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Travelers made our list: Travelers boasts a Superior financial strength rating from AM Best and typically offers lower car insurance rates than the national average. Sacramento drivers may appreciate Travelers' vast coverage options and discounts, especially the hybrid/electric car discount.
Why Travelers is the best for local agents: Travelers offers online and app-based policy management. Drivers can download ID cards, make payments, file claims and more whenever and wherever it’s convenient. But for drivers who prefer to do business in person, Travelers has local agents throughout the Sacramento area.
Bankrate Score | 4.2 |
J.D. Power | |
AM Best score | A++ |
![LOGO](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/200x95/6660999ac7/aaa-new.png)
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Not available
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Not available
Why AAA made our list: AAA may not have the cheapest average rates for full coverage in Sacramento, but it does tend to have low average premiums for minimum coverage. In addition, its roadside assistance packages may be attractive to residents of California, where congested traffic, mountain roads and desert highways can make for tricky driving conditions.
Why AAA is the best for membership perks: AAA is one of the few car insurance companies with membership benefits and perks that extend beyond car insurance. Members of AAA can choose from several packages that may include discounts toward vacations, hotels, auto parts, merchants and more.
Bankrate Score | 3.4 |
J.D. Power | 663/1,000 |
AM Best score | A |
Bankrate Score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Mercury made our list: Mercury has an A (Excellent) rating with AM Best and a network of local agents throughout Sacramento. While most of the coverage options with Mercury are relatively basic, it usually offers low average rates for both full and minimum coverage. Those who don’t drive often may benefit from Mercury’s RealDrive low-mileage insurance program, too.
Why Mercury is the best for rideshare coverage: Sacramento drivers with side hustles may have a hard time finding car insurance if they participate in ridesharing. Mercury is one of the few insurance companies to offer ridesharing coverage that applies during offline/personal use and when the ride-hailing app is on but the driver hasn't connected with a rider yet. According to Mercury's website, the cost of rideshare insurance can start as low as $0.90 per day.
Bankrate Score | 3.8 |
J.D. Power | 596/1,000 |
AM Best score | A |
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyThe insurance landscape in California is constantly in flux in part due to the high risk of loss associated with extreme weather. It's crucial for drivers to have dependable information at their disposal so they can make educated decisions about their insurance needs. At Bankrate, our editorial team includes licensed insurance agents who bring valuable industry experience to the table. We study the latest rate data from Quadrant Information Services, along with customer satisfaction reviews from third parties. We consider factors like policy availability, coverage options and potential benefits to spotlight insurance providers that may suit your requirements.
46
years of industry experience
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
The cheapest car insurance companies in Sacramento
Drivers in big cities like Sacramento tend to face an increased chance of car accidents due to population density, as well as a higher risk of theft and vandalism. This contributes to the higher cost of insurance drivers may encounter here. Extreme weather-related risks like wildfires, flooding and earthquakes can influence rates to tick up further. To find the cheapest car insurance, experts recommend gathering quotes from several insurers. It may be beneficial to start your search with the following companies based on Bankrate’s analysis of average annual premiums.
Insurance company | Average annual min coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
---|---|---|
$458
|
$1,782
|
|
$502
|
$2,022
|
|
$612
|
$2,070
|
|
$431
|
$2,175
|
|
$721
|
$2,566
|
How much is car insurance in Sacramento, California?
Auto insurance can be expensive, especially in the Golden State where average rates are higher than what is typical nationwide. The average cost of car insurance in Sacramento is $2,698 per year for full coverage. Minimum coverage costs an average of $676 per year. For comparison, the national average cost of full coverage is $2,329 a year — 16 percent more than in Sacramento.
Sacramento rates for teens
In California, age and driving experience are considered when determining car insurance rates. Teen drivers commonly have the highest premiums when compared to other age groups. The reason? Driving statistics show that young drivers are more likely to speed and less likely to consistently wear a seat belt, which leads to more frequent and deadly car crashes. Since drivers must be over 18 to sign a legal contract, the average rates below are for teen drivers added to their married parents’ policies.
Insurance company | 16-year-old* | 18-year-old* |
---|---|---|
$1,078
|
$1,000
|
|
$1,112
|
$1,028
|
|
$1,179
|
$962
|
|
$1,200
|
$979
|
|
$1,462
|
$1,423
|
Insurance company | 16-year-old* | 18-year-old* |
---|---|---|
$4,116
|
$3,945
|
|
$4,183
|
$3,638
|
|
$4,381
|
$4,252
|
|
$4,740
|
$4,256
|
|
$4,964
|
$4,242
|
Sacramento rates for young drivers
While young drivers can save money by remaining on their parents' policies for as long as possible, they may need to get their own policy once they move out of their parents’ home. Car insurance rates for young Sacramento drivers start to decline as they gain more driving experience but usually remain elevated until they turn 25. To keep car insurance rates for young adults in check, drivers should focus on maintaining a clean driving record and asking about discounts (like good student or student-away-at-school savings) that may apply to them.
Insurance company | 20-year-old | 25-year-old |
---|---|---|
$864
|
$510
|
|
$916
|
$707
|
|
$991
|
$756
|
|
$993
|
$761
|
|
$1,038
|
$685
|
Insurance company | 20-year-old | 25-year-old |
---|---|---|
$3,324
|
$2,884
|
|
$3,673
|
$2,391
|
|
$3,800
|
$2,488
|
|
$4,127
|
$3,549
|
|
$4,135
|
$2,679
|
Sacramento rates for adults
After age 25, drivers are no longer grouped in the youthful driver risk pool. This means those with clean driving records are likely to pay less than younger drivers with the same coverage.
Insurance company | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 50-year-old |
---|---|---|---|
$441
|
$431
|
$425
|
|
$559
|
$502
|
$533
|
|
$576
|
$458
|
$532
|
|
$631
|
$612
|
$593
|
|
$635
|
$630
|
$585
|
Insurance company | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 50-year-old |
---|---|---|---|
$1,973
|
$2,070
|
$2,134
|
|
$2,234
|
$2,175
|
$2,122
|
|
$2,256
|
$1,782
|
$2,066
|
|
$2,277
|
$2,022
|
$2,008
|
|
$2,658
|
$2,651
|
$2,442
|
Sacramento rates for senior drivers
It's typical for senior drivers to see their car insurance rates tick up with age. This is due to observed trends such as a decline in sight, reaction time and other changes that might affect a driver’s capacity to avert accidents and unexpected road situations. However, rising car insurance rates for seniors can be curbed by drivers by utilizing senior discounts and asking about a reduced mileage auto insurance policy.
Insurance company | 60-year-old | 70-year-old |
---|---|---|
$423
|
$450
|
|
$534
|
$656
|
|
$536
|
$493
|
|
$557
|
$602
|
|
$624
|
$711
|
Insurance company | 60-year-old | 70-year-old |
---|---|---|
$625
|
$1,887
|
|
$557
|
$2,201
|
|
$534
|
$2,431
|
|
$423
|
$2,167
|
|
$739
|
$2,381
|
The cheapest car insurance in Sacramento by driving record
Your driving history plays a major role in your ability to secure cheap auto insurance in Sacramento. Even the most attentive drivers may commit a traffic violation or be involved in an accident at some point, which can cause auto insurance premiums to increase significantly. Bankrate’s editorial team examined data from Quadrant Information Services to help pinpoint the cheapest car insurance in Sacramento based on your driver profile.
Car insurance with a speeding ticket in Sacramento
Speeding tickets in California can cause auto insurance to be more expensive. The average cost of full coverage car insurance in Sacramento after a speeding ticket is $3,852 per year. This is 0 percent more than the city average of $2,698. But not all companies rate speeding tickets the same way. Comparing rates and coverage options between insurance carriers may help you find a lower rate.
Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
---|---|---|
$625
|
$3,021
|
|
$627
|
$2,054
|
|
$728
|
$2,897
|
|
$759
|
$3,080
|
|
$791
|
$3,272
|
Car insurance after an accident in Sacramento
Not all car accidents will cause your car insurance rate to increase. Accidents where you are deemed at fault are the ones that will likely generate a policy surcharge and cause your premium to remain elevated for up to three years. Sacramento car insurance after an at-fault accident costs, on average, $4,629 per year for full coverage.
Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
---|---|---|
$700
|
$3,181
|
|
$933
|
$4,308
|
|
$990
|
$4,283
|
|
$1,009
|
$3,263
|
|
$1,030
|
$3,866
|
Car insurance after a DUI in Sacramento
Drunk driving is considered a high-risk driving behavior. Car insurance for drivers with a DUI can be costly and is not always easy to obtain. If you are convicted of a DUI, you will need to make sure your insurance company can file a California SR-22 on your behalf if the courts require it. If they cannot, you may need to switch to a nonstandard carrier. Sacramento drivers pay an average of $ per year for full coverage car insurance after a DUI, or 61 percent less than the city average for drivers with a clean record.
Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
---|---|---|
$844
|
$2,770
|
|
$950
|
$3,851
|
|
$991
|
$4,718
|
|
$1,071
|
$4,381
|
|
$1,171
|
$4,626
|
Minimum coverage requirements in Sacramento
In almost every state, drivers are legally required to carry car insurance. Mandatory coverage types and policy limits vary by state. California law requires all drivers to have at least the following:
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 in property damage liability per accident
Alternatively, drivers may elect to make a $35,000 cash deposit with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or obtain an equivalent DMV-issued self-insurance certificate from a licensed company.
Keep in mind that state-mandated minimum insurance does not provide coverage for damage your vehicle incurs in an accident you cause. It is designed to help pay for property damage or driver/passenger injuries others sustain if you’re deemed at fault. For this reason, insurance experts recommend that drivers purchase additional types of insurance (like collision and comprehensive coverage) and higher policy limits if they can afford to do so.
For Sacramento drivers, comprehensive coverage may be particularly beneficial. This coverage pays out in the event of a covered theft or vandalism loss, which is more common in a bigger city. It also covers losses from wildfires, high winds, earthquakes and flooding.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze August 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 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 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.
-
Cost & ratings 50%
-
Coverage & savings 30%
-
Support 20%
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.