San Bernardino, CA Car Insurance
Compare Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in San Bernardino.
How much does car insurance cost in San Bernardino?
The average cost of car insurance in San Bernardino for a six-month policy is $1,052 or an average monthly cost of $175. In 2024, Wawanesa offers the most affordable car insurance in San Bernardino with a rate of $593 for a six-month policy. San Bernardino drivers pay more than the California average of $966 for car insurance every six months, but less than the national average of $880.
Nonetheless, 30% of our users in San Bernardino feel that they need insurance now. If you are in the same situation or need assistance selecting the appropriate coverage, read on to learn how you can secure a fair rate based on factors such as credit score and coverage level.
| Car Insurance in San Bernardino vs. California | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| San Bernardino Average | $1,052 |
| California Average | $966 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in San Bernardino
Wawanesa has the cheapest coverage in Bakersfield at $99 per month or $593 for a six-month policy.
In second place is GEICO, with rates of $807 per six-month policy. This breaks down to about $134 on a monthly basis.
The third cheapest company on our list is Capital Insurance Group. On average, a CIG policy in Bakersfield costs $817 per six-month policy.Â
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in San Bernardino:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in San Bernardino is $1,052 per six-month policy — $175 per month.
- The cheapest company in San Bernardino is Wawanesa, a regional carrier serving California and Oregon ($99/month).
- 30% of Zebra customers in San Bernardino stated they used our product because they were need insurance now for car insurance with their current provider.
- California is one of the top states for wildfires which fall under the comprehensive coverage category of car insurance.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
San Bernardino car insurance rates by company
San Bernardino drivers can save on car insurance by selecting Wawanesa, which our 2024 data reveals to be the most affordable carrier for full coverage. An average policy with Wawanesa costs $99 per month or $593 per six-month policy, while GEICO is the second most affordable at $897 per month or $134 for a six-month policy.
Keep reading to learn more about the highest-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
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Cheapest car insurance companies in San Bernardino, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $593 |
| GEICO | $807 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $817 |
| USAA | $848 |
| Progressive | $1,011 |
| Nationwide | $1,142 |
| Allstate | $1,166 |
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
San Bernardino drivers can easily find the best and cheapest car insurance coverage with our comparison tool. Simply enter your ZIP code and compare rates from leading carriers like Progressive, Allstate, GEICO, Farmers, and others to get the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
Average car insurance in San Bernardino by rating factor
The use of rating factors is widespread among car insurance companies in San Bernardino. These factors, which can include driving history, age, and credit score, among others, all play a role in determining policy rates. While different companies may place a higher priority on certain factors over others, all rating factors are important when it comes to calculating premiums.
Your car insurance needs can fluctuate as you grow older or encounter modifications in your personal situation, emphasizing the significance of regularly obtaining quotes to confirm that you're still accessing the most advantageous rates. San Bernardino could be the optimal location for car insurance in your case.Â
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A:Â In San Bernardino, end-of-year earnings (the revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying out claims) is a key factor in determining car insurance rates. Even if you haven't filed any claims, you could still be paying more with a particular insurer due to the cost of doing business in the area. By understanding these rating factors, you can make informed decisions about your coverage and find the best rates.
Auto insurance premiums by age in San Bernardino
Although insurance companies may prioritize rating factors differently, age is typically the most significant factor when it comes to determining car insurance rates in San Bernardino. Young drivers are often viewed as high-risk, resulting in increased premiums compared to drivers in their 20s and beyond. In San Bernardino, the difference in rates paid by teen drivers and drivers in their 20s is over $1,300, a full 104% increase; the highest such difference of any two age groups.
While it may seem unfair, insurance companies in San Bernardino charge higher rates for teen drivers in order to offset the increased cost of paying out claims for young and inexperienced drivers. As a business, they are in the business of risk management and use rating factors such as age to accurately assess risk and ensure fair pricing for all drivers.
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Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in San Bernardino, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $989 |
| USAA | $1,881 |
| GEICO | $1,890 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,906 |
| Progressive | $2,504 |
| Allstate | $2,549 |
| Nationwide | $3,654 |
| Age Bracket | Cheapest Companies | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | Wawanesa | $650 |
| 30s | Wawanesa | $539 |
| 40s | Wawanesa | $539 |
| 50s | Wawanesa | $539 |
| 60s | Wawanesa | $539 |
| 70s | Wawanesa | $529 |
Zebra Tip: The cheapest companies for San Bernardino drivers between 20-30 are Wawanesa, GEICO and USAA.
In San Bernardino, drivers between the ages of 20-29 make up 33% of drivers on the road, according to our data. On average, this group pays $1,340 every six months for car insurance. However, by comparing rates from different providers, drivers in this age group may be able to save up to 35% on their car insurance premiums.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in San Bernardino
The type of coverage you select for your auto insurance policy can greatly affect your monthly premium. While minimum coverage is the least expensive option, it also provides the lowest level of protection. Our data indicates that 50% of San Bernardino drivers have opted for the basic coverage level.
While collision and comprehensive coverage— known as "full coverage" insurance— can provide greater protection for your vehicle, they come at a higher cost. Though they may increase your premium, they can provide valuable protection in emergencies or accidents. The Zebra's experts recommend these coverages for added peace of mind.
If you want to ensure you have comprehensive protection on the road, consider adding coverages like roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage to your auto insurance policy. While they may increase your premium, they can provide valuable protection in emergencies or accidents. The Zebra's experts recommend these coverages for added peace of mind.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
If you're an owner of a vehicle in San Bernardino, it's worth considering if dropping collision or comprehensive coverage is a smart move for you. Checking the actual cash value of your car can help you determine if it's worth it to keep these coverages or drop them to save on premiums. However, keep in mind that dropping these coverages means you will be responsible for any damages or repairs in the event of an accident.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in San Bernardino, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $214 |
| USAA | $247 |
| Wawanesa | $266 |
| Progressive | $279 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $328 |
| Nationwide | $358 |
| Allstate | $375 |
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. This might include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits, better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
50% of The Zebra's customers in San Bernardino choose the basic level of coverage, but it may not be right for you. Carrying the minimum is a surefire way to bring insurance costs down — but at what point does it become too risky? That's a personal call, but keep in mind that by carrying the bare minimum you could be stuck paying for damages beyond your liability limits.
California's minimum coverage is 15/30/5. This means you're required to carry liability insurance 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. This would probably be enough in a straightforward situation or fender-bender, but if there is an accident involving multiple vehicles or physical injuries it likely won't be enough coverage.
Learn more about insurance laws in California.
San Bernardino 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. 66% of The Zebra's San Bernardino customers have a good (680-719) credit score.
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
Among all types of insurance claims, at-fault accidents and other collisions are the most frequent. These types of claims can significantly raise your insurance rates, with an at-fault accident increasing average rates in San Bernardino from $175 to $304 per month. After an at-fault accident, the cheapest insurance company in San Bernardino is Wawanesa.
To keep your car insurance rates low, it's important to maintain a clean driving record. All violations can lead to rate increases, but some have a more significant impact than others, such as speeding, accidents, and DUIs/DWIs. In San Bernardino, these violations will remain on your record and affect your premium for three to five years, depending on the severity of the citation.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in San Bernardino, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $891 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,198 |
| USAA | $1,206 |
| GEICO | $1,456 |
| Nationwide | $1,670 |
| Progressive | $1,992 |
| Allstate | $2,550 |
San Bernardino car insurance rates by violation
Check out the table below to get an idea of how different citations can affect your insurance premiums in San Bernardino. Keep in mind that each violation has its own impact on rates, so it's good to have a sense of what to expect.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in San Bernardino, CA
Why is car insurance in San Bernardino so expensive?
Car insurance rates in San Bernardino are higher than the state of California's average and the national average, according to our research. The city's population density and the high cost of repairs are factors that can contribute to the rates. It's important to remember that individual factors, such as your driving history or the demographic you fall into, can significantly affect your premium. Here's a breakdown of why car insurance can be expensive in San Bernardino.
Where you live in San Bernardino can impact your car insurance rates. While individual factors like driving history and demographics are crucial in determining rates, premium calculations are also affected by the area you live in. Crime rates, theft, and uninsured motorists vary by ZIP code, so some areas of the city are riskier for insurance companies. If you live in a high-crime area, you will likely pay more for car insurance than someone who lives in a safer neighborhood.
Expensive San Bernardino ZIP codes: 92403, 92401, 92410, 92408, 92411
Cheap San Bernardino ZIP codes: 92354, 92346, 92407, 92404, 92405
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California has one of the most comfortable climates around, but it's also had plenty of experience with Mother Nature's wrath, which can raise insurance rates drastically. California actually ranked #1 on the list of top states for wildfires in 2021, with over 2 million acres burned.[1] Although the city center itself may not be especially at risk, the dry landscape around San Bernardino is especially vulnerable. Consider comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle investment in the event of a natural disaster such as a wildfire.Â
Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding is also covered under your comprehensive coverage. Although San Bernardino (like most of California) is typically in a drought, when it does rain it often arrives fast, and San Bernardino can experience flash flooding. If you have a new or nice vehicle, we definitely recommend considering comprehensive coverage as part of your Bakersfield car insurance policy.
San Bernardino, being a large city, offers various transportation options. The city has a bus system, and the downtown area is bike and electric-scooter-friendly. Nonetheless, driving a personal vehicle remains the primary mode of transportation. With more drivers on the road, the likelihood of accidents increases, which can lead to rising insurance costs.
Our data indicates that around 40% of drivers in San Bernardino are uninsured during the quote process. According to the Insurance Information Institute, on average, 17% of drivers in California are uninsured. To protect yourself from being responsible for damages caused by uninsured drivers, consider adding uninsured motorist coverage to your insurance policy.
Zebra Tip: Use your comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle against wildfires
San Bernardino residents can rely on comprehensive coverage to safeguard against damages resulting from weather-related occurrences. If concerns arise about the vulnerability of your vehicle to potential harm from flooding or other weather-related incidents, carefully assessing the suitability of this coverage becomes imperative.
Furthermore, it is highly recommended to carry uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) in cities like San Bernardino, where the number of uninsured drivers is notably high. UMPD coverage offers essential protection in cases of damage caused by underinsured or uninsured drivers and often entails a lower deductible and more budget-friendly premiums compared to collision coverage, potentially resulting in reduced rate increases following a claim.
Bundling insurance policies in San Bernardino
In San Bernardino, taking advantage of discounts offered by your insurance provider is one of the best ways to save on your policy. Insurance companies often offer a multi-policy discount, which allows policyholders to save if they insure two or more policies with the same company. Bundling your home and car insurance is a popular way to qualify for this discount.
Should you possess or find yourself in need of a policy to protect your dwelling, the prospect of bundling said policy with your auto provider in San Bernardino should not be overlooked. Alternatively, conducting a comprehensive search to procure both policies from a different insurance carrier may present avenues to secure discounts.
Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
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Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in San Bernardino, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $593 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $692 |
| USAA | $767 |
| GEICO | $807 |
| Nationwide | $862 |
| Progressive | $866 |
| Allstate | $1,144 |
In San Bernardino, drivers can work to make their insurance profile more appealing to insurers by taking a few key steps. One of the most important pieces of advice we offer is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes with as many companies as possible. This can help you find the most affordable rate without compromising on coverage or service. Additionally, consider making changes to any personal factors that may affect your premium. If you're still having trouble finding an affordable policy, don't be afraid to switch to a more affordable provider.Â
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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.