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Renata Balasco

Senior Content Strategist

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Renata joined The Zebra in 2020 as a Customer Experience Agent. Since 2021, she has worked as licensed insurance professional and content strategist.…

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Nathan Foster

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Nathan is an insurance professional with a focus on creating positive customer experiences with more than 10 years of industry experience.

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Ross Martin

Insurance Writer

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Ross joined The Zebra as a writer and researcher in 2019. He specializes in writing insurance content to help shoppers make informed decisions.

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How much does car insurance cost in Fremont?

The rates for auto insurance in Fremont are around $157 per month or $939 for a six-month policy. This is about $27 less than the California state average ($966) and about $197 more than the US national average of $742. In our research, Wawanesa was the company with the most affordable rates in Fremont — $523 for a six-month policy.

The car insurance rate in Fremont is the second highest in the state and 40% of our customers in Fremont think they're paying too much for their coverage. If you're curious about rates from other companies in Fremont or simply want to understand why prices are the way they are, then keep reading to learn more about the factors that go into the cost of car insurance.

Car Insurance in Fremont vs. California Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Fremont Average $939
California Average $966

The cheapest car insurance companies in Fremont

1st place medal
1st place: Wawanesa

The cheapest company in Fremont is Wawanesa, with average 6-month rates at $523 ($87 per month).

2nd place medal
2nd place: GEICO

GEICO offers the second-cheapest rates in Fremont. Monthly costs start at $110, or $657 for a six-month policy.

3rd place medal
3rd place: National General

National General takes third place with average rates at $729 for a six-month policy in Fremont. 

The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Fremont:

  • The average cost of a car insurance policy in Fremont is $939 per six-month policy — or $157 per month.
  • The cheapest company in Fremont is Wawanesa ($523 every six months).
  • 40% of Zebra customers in Fremont stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current provider.

Are you paying too much for auto insurance?

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Fremont car insurance rates by company

According to our research, Wawanesa stands out as the least expensive car insurance provider in Fremont, providing complete coverage for the year 2024. The monthly average cost for this coverage is $87, which translates to $523 for a half-year policy. GEICO takes second place with an average cost of $110 each month or $657 for a six-month policy.

Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Fremont, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $523
GEICO $657
National General $729
USAA $778
Progressive $887
Allstate $1,001
State Farm $1,006

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology

The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.

The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.

For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.


Shop around for the best rates


You don't have to spend countless hours trying to save money on car insurance. With our comparison tool, you can effortlessly find affordable auto insurance that offers excellent service. Just type in your ZIP code, and you'll see rates from leading insurers such as State Farm, GEICO, Travelers, and many others.

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Average car insurance in Fremont by rating factor

Determining your car insurance premiums is a complex process that takes into account several factors. While most insurers use rating factors, the emphasis placed on each one can differ depending on the carrier. For instance, one insurer may prioritize a driver's credit score, while another may delve into their driving record.

Keep in mind that the best insurance provider for you might shift over time, much like your insurance requirements will evolve throughout your life. Regularly request quotes to ensure you're receiving the most favorable rates and appropriate coverage.

Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?

A: Fremont car insurance costs can be affected by end-of-year earnings, which is the comparison between the premiums earned and the claims paid out to the insureds. Insurance companies in busy cities like Fremont have to balance staying competitive with covering their expenses. Even if you haven't filed a claim, your rates might still be higher with some providers due to their earnings and costs.

Auto insurance premiums by age in Fremont

Calculating your insurance premium involves considering a variety of factors, with age being a key ingredient. Among the data used to assess risk, it is commonly observed that teenage drivers tend to have a higher accident rate compared to other age brackets. Hence, they are faced with higher costs when it comes to car insurance. In Fremont, teenage drivers have to pay $1,259 more than drivers in their 20s, representing a 105% increase.

This is the largest rate hike among any age group, but it is not personal. Insurance companies need to balance out the cost of paying claims, which is why rates are naturally higher for teenage drivers. The good news is that as experience grows and safe driving records accumulate, prices will even out in a few years, providing some relief.

Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Fremont, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $878
GEICO $1,546
USAA $1,707
National General $1,734
State Farm $1,766
Progressive $2,196
Allstate $2,216
Age Bracket Cheapest Companies Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
20s Wawanesa $574
30s Wawanesa $466
40s Wawanesa $466
50s Wawanesa $466
60s Wawanesa $466
70s Wawanesa $457

Zebra Tip: The cheapest company for Fremont drivers across all age groups are Wawanesa, GEICO, and National General


In Fremont, drivers aged 20 to 40 constitute the largest percentage of motorists, as per our research. This category of drivers pays around $1,073 biannually. If they opt for any of the companies we recommend, they may save as much as 38%.

Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Fremont

The level of coverage you choose is a key determinant of your car insurance premium. According to our data, a quarter of Fremont drivers carry only the state minimum coverage, which is one way to save money in the short term but can also leave you in a lurch in the event of a serious accident. Adding collision coverage or comprehensive coverage (also referred to as "full coverage") will increase your rates significantly, but this also provides much more coverage than the bare minimum if you were to make a claim. Full coverage typically means you'll have a deductible — this can be a way to save, and still have peace of mind!

The higher the deductible, the cheaper your rates will be. Look into adjusting your deductible if you want to have full coverage but need to bring your monthly payment down.

Roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage are extra coverage types that can provide a sense of security while driving. Carrying these types of coverage may also have an effect on your premium, but The Zebra advises having these to add an additional layer of protection on the road.

Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?

A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.

In the event that you lease or finance your car, specific coverages will be required of you. Nevertheless, according to our data, of drivers in Fremont own their cars outright. If you fall into this category and are contemplating dropping comprehensive or collision coverage, we suggest that you first obtain the actual cash value of your vehicle from a reputable source such as Kelley Blue Book.

A general guideline is that if your vehicle's value is less than $4,000, it is possible to forego collision coverage. Doing so can result in reduced insurance premiums, but it also means you will have to pay for repairs out of pocket in the event of an accident. Ultimately, the decision to maintain full coverage on a lower-value vehicle is yours to make, taking into account the advantages and disadvantages.

Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Fremont, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
GEICO $179
USAA $221
Wawanesa $232
Progressive $254
National General $269
State Farm $315
Allstate $353

Most of our customers in Fremont opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand this is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. California's 15/30/5 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.

Learn more about insurance laws in California.

Fremont car insurance rates by credit score

Using a driver's credit score to influence premiums is considered discriminatory in California and is therefore not used as a rating factor when determining how much you'll pay for auto insurance each year. 65% of The Zebra's Fremont customers have a good (680-719) credit score.

car insurance in Fremont by credit score

Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident

At-fault and collision-type accidents are the most common types of insurance claims. Aside from the stress and anxiety that an accident can cause, it can also make your premiums become much more expensive. In 2023, an at-fault accident raised Fremont's average car insurance rates by anywhere from $157 to $270 per month. The cheapest company in Fremont for car insurance after an at-fault accident is Wawanesa.

The best way to avoid steep hikes on your premium is to drive safely — this is the case in Fremont and everywhere else! Accidents do happen, and sometimes it's outside of your control, but do your best to avoid traffic citations and violations to keep your rates affordable. Speeding tickets, reckless driving and DUI charges may each result in drastic rate increases.

Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Fremont, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $789
National General $1,070
USAA $1,104
GEICO $1,190
State Farm $1,590
Progressive $1,751
Allstate $2,169

Fremont car insurance rates by violation

Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Fremont.

Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Fremont, CA
Accident/Violation Avg. 6 Mo. Premium % Rate Increase $ Rate Increase
One Med/PIP claim $939 0% $0
None $939 0% $0
Two comp claims $939 0% $0
Two Med/PIP claims $939 0% $0
One comp claim $939 0% $0
Not-at-fault accident $944 0% $4
At-fault accident - less than $1000 $960 2% $21
Failure to show documents $1,230 31% $291
Driving with expired registration $1,238 32% $299
Driving without lights $1,241 32% $301
Failure to wear a seat belt $1,244 32% $305
Child safety restraint $1,247 33% $308
Illegal turn $1,306 39% $367
Failure to stop at a red light $1,306 39% $367
Following too closely $1,306 39% $367
Speeding in school zone $1,307 39% $368
Speeding 6 - 10 MPH over limit $1,307 39% $368
Speeding 11 - 15 MPH over limit $1,307 39% $368
In 65 MPH zone $1,307 39% $368
Driving too slowly $1,307 39% $368
Speeding 16 - 20 MPH over limit $1,307 39% $368
Failure to yield $1,307 39% $368
Cell phone violation $1,308 39% $369
Texting while driving $1,308 39% $369
Speeding 21 - 25 MPH over limit $1,312 40% $373
Improper passing $1,323 41% $384
Passing school bus $1,345 43% $406
Wrong way/wrong lane $1,549 65% $610
Operating a vehicle without permission $1,588 69% $648
At-fault accident - $1000-$2000 $1,617 72% $677
At-fault accident - greater than $2000 $1,617 72% $677
Open container $1,721 83% $782
Driving with a suspended license $1,996 113% $1,057
Reckless driving $2,340 149% $1,401
Racing $2,367 152% $1,428
Leaving scene of an accident/hit and run $2,376 153% $1,437
DUI $2,444 160% $1,505
Refusal to submit to a chemical test $2,444 160% $1,505

Why is car insurance in Fremont so expensive?

The cost of auto insurance in Fremont is significantly higher than the national average, but fairly close to the average in the state of California. Fremont car insurance can be pricey for several reasons. Firstly, as with many large cities, the cost of living is generally high, and Fremont is no exception to this rule. As the cost of living increases, so too does the cost of doing business for insurance companies. In addition, other factors such as age, location, and driving history can also contribute to high insurance costs in Fremont.

Below you'll find a rundown of why car insurance is so expensive in Fremont — regardless of your driving profile.

wallet icon
Cost of living

Because of its proximity to notoriously expensive cities like San Francisco and San Jose, Fremont experiences similar woes with a high cost of living. The Bay Area as a whole is known to be an expensive place to live and pay bills. Naturally, necessities like car insurance are typically higher than in other parts of the state. 

Where you live in Fremont, specifically, will impact your insurance rates. Crime, theft, and uninsured motorists vary by ZIP code. Insurance companies realize that some areas in Fremont are more prone to crime, and if you happen to live in one of those neighborhoods, you'll likely pay more than someone who lives in a safer part of town.

Expensive Fremont ZIP codes: 90010, 90210, 90028, 90038, 90017

Cheap Fremont ZIP codes: 90501, 90732, 90248, 90022, 90045

weather
Weather risk

While California is famous for its mild, pleasant weather, the state is still susceptible to natural disasters, especially wildfires. With over 9,200 fires and two million acres burned in 2021, California tops the list nationally for wildfire events.[1]

In the past, catastrophic damage caused by weather and other natural disasters has bankrupted insurance companies. While this is less likely to occur in California insurance companies will raise their rates to anticipate further weather-related losses. In fact, many companies have pulled out of the California homeowners insurance market due to wildfire risks.

drivers
Number of drivers

With a greater populace, Fremont has more automobiles traversing its roads compared to the countryside regions of California, resulting in an increase in accidents. Such accidents bring with them additional expenses linked to accident claims, which ultimately affects other drivers in the vicinity through higher premiums, irrespective of whether they drive safely or not. If you're in a collision with an uninsured driver in Fremont, the entire cost of repairs might fall on your shoulders.

Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Fremont


According to statistics, around one in four drivers in Fremont are uninsured, leaving drivers at risk of being involved in accidents that insurance may not cover. One possible solution to this issue is to purchase uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) which provides assistance in situations where the other party is uninsured or underinsured. UMPD also offers the added benefit of being typically more affordable than collision insurance, with a lower deductible and reduced rate increases after filing a claim.


Bundling insurance policies in Fremont

Everywhere you look, it appears that car insurance expenses are on the rise. Fortunately, for drivers in Fremont, there are still ways to cut down on costs. By bundling various policies with a single provider, you can easily obtain a discount. For instance, if you have home or renters insurance, it's a good idea to inquire with your insurance company about bundling your auto insurance together with them. Additionally, do your research and examine bundle discounts provided by other companies. It's possible that by combining your premiums, you may be able to save up to 10%. You can get more information about combining home and auto insurance.

bundling home and auto insurance in Fremont
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Fremont, CA
Company Avg. 6 Mo. Premium
Wawanesa $523
GEICO $657
National General $676
USAA $704
Progressive $761
State Farm $794
Allstate $982

Some things may be out of your control. However, drivers can work to make themselves more appealing to insurance companies. The best advice is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes with as many insurers as possible to find the most affordable rate that doesn't compromise coverage and service. This is especially true if any personal factors have changed (like moving or celebrating a birthday). Try as you might, some companies are just more expensive than others; don't be afraid to switch.

Find the best rates for both auto and home insurance in minutes!

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Frequently asked questions

In Fremont, the average cost of a six-month car insurance policy is $939, which translates to approximately $157 per month, making it pricier than the national average ($742) and close to the California state average ($966).

Teen drivers in Fremont pay almost $2,500 for a six-month policy, or roughly $400 per month. To save costs on car insurance for young drivers with their policies, we advise parents or guardians to add them to their own policies.

With an average of $523 per six-month policy, Wawanesa stands out as the insurance company with the most affordable rates in Fremont.


Find affordable rates in minutes!

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How much is car insurance near me? — explore more cities near Fremont, CA


About The Zebra

The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.

  • The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
  • The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
  • The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
  • The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.