Insurance
Car Insurance in San Diego
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
Advertiser disclosure: AssistQuote may be paid when you visit or do business with a partner through our links. The provider sets your price. How we make money
Driving to Mexico: buy separate coverage
The California Department of Insurance says most policies don't provide coverage in Mexico. It's a different story for the rest of North America: most policies do cover you in other states, U.S. territories, and Canada.
Before you cross:
- Buy Mexican auto insurance for the dates of your trip, from a company licensed to sell it. Short-term policies are common for day trips and weekends.
- Call your insurer and ask what, if anything, your policy covers across the border. Get the answer in writing.
- Check your rental car rules. Rental agreements may limit or ban driving into Mexico.
A crash in Mexico without the right coverage can mean legal trouble on top of the repair bill. Don't treat this as optional.
What California requires
Since January 1, 2025, California's minimum is 30/60/15:
- $30,000 for injury or death of one person
- $60,000 for injury or death of two or more people
- $15,000 for damage to other people's property
$15,000 doesn't go far if you hit a newer car on the I-5 or I-805. Ask what higher limits cost.
California rules that save you money
The Good Driver discount. If you've been licensed for at least 3 years in a row and have no more than one point on your record, you qualify. Your rate must be at least 20% lower than a non-Good Driver's rate at the same company.
Limits on canceling your policy. Once a California policy is issued, the insurer can cancel or non-renew it only for:
- fraud or material misrepresentation,
- not paying your premium, or
- a substantial increase in the risk it's insuring.
Low Cost Auto program. If money is tight, California runs a program for income-eligible drivers. Learn more at mylowcostauto.com or call 1-866-602-8861.
Theft and uninsured drivers
California had 136,988 vehicle thefts in 2025, the most of any state and more than 20% of all U.S. thefts. Comprehensive is the coverage that pays if your car is stolen.
About 20.4% of California drivers were uninsured in 2023, the 8th highest rate in the country. Uninsured motorist coverage pays your bills when one of them hits you.
What drives car insurance prices in San Diego
- Your driving record. California law puts it at the top of the list, and it decides your Good Driver discount.
- Miles you drive each year. A long commute costs more.
- Years of driving experience.
- Your car, your coverage, and your ZIP code.
Not a quote or an offer. Your price comes from the insurance company.
[Compare quotes]
Related services
Own a home in California? See California homeowners insurance. Want more protection than the minimums? See umbrella insurance.
More car insurance guides: Car insurance cost · SR-22 insurance · High-risk car insurance · Liability-only car insurance · Car insurance for teens · How to lower car insurance · What affects your auto insurance price · What comprehensive covers · Car insurance without a car · Umbrella insurance · All car insurance
Car insurance by city: Houston · Dallas · San Antonio · Austin · Fort Worth · Chicago · Atlanta · Miami · Philadelphia · Phoenix · Charlotte · Seattle · Las Vegas · Denver · Memphis
More California guides: California car insurance · California homeowners insurance · California roofing
Why AssistQuote is different
On some websites
They ask who you are first
Some forms want your name and phone number before they show you anything useful. You may not know which companies will get it, or how many will call.
Here, you choose
Answer a few questions without giving your name, email or phone number. See prices, what to ask, and providers to explore. You choose who to contact and what to share with them.
- 1
Check local costs
See typical price ranges for your area and what moves the price up or down.
- 2
Tell us what you need
Answer a few questions about the work, not about who you are.
- 3
You decide what's next
Save or email your options, or visit a provider when you're ready.
Cost information is not a live rate, quote or offer. A provider shown here is not an endorsement. Each provider sets its own prices, privacy and contact rules.
Questions people ask
Ready to see auto insurance options in San Diego?
Start with your ZIP code. You will see typical local costs and options to explore. No phone number, email or name needed to look.
You choose if, when and who to contact.
Related services
Life Insurance
Compare life insurance options to help protect the people who depend on you.
Final Expense Insurance
Compare small whole life options intended to cover funeral and end of life costs.
Umbrella Insurance
Explore additional liability coverage above your existing policies.
Homeowners Insurance
Compare homeowners coverage options for your house and belongings.
Sources
- California Department of Insurance, Automobile insurance guide
- California Department of Insurance, Automobile insurance brochure (coverage in Mexico)
- California Insurance Code § 1861.02 (rating factors and Good Driver discount)
- National Insurance Crime Bureau, U.S. vehicle thefts experience historic decline (Mar. 18, 2026)
- Insurance Information Institute, Uninsured motorists (IRC 2023 data)
- Insurance Information Institute, Auto insurance affordability (IRC)