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Cheapest car insurance in Salinas, California (Apr 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Salinas, California.
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Jasmine Kanter
Expert Insurance Writer
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Maria Cruz, Expert Insurance Writer & Editor

How to find the cheapest car insurance in Salinas, CA

Auto insurance in Salinas,
California
, typically costs around $87 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and approximately $150 per month for full coverage insurance. Salinas drivers pay 11% less than the national average for insurance.  
Insurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Progressive
$167
Viola, 23
Zip: 93906
Audi TT 2.0T
• State Minimum Liability
Nationwide
$156
Billy, 29
Zip: 93907
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$105
Lillie, 60
Zip: 93912
Nissan Versa S
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$130
Herbert, 29
Zip: 93905
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
National General
$86
Verna, 20
Zip: 93901
Hyundai Genesis 5.0L
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Apr 16, 2024

Cheapest Salinas car insurance for good drivers

The factors that insurers use to
calculate your car insurance premiums
include your zip code, driving history, claims history, the car you drive, and more. Although most of these factors are out of your control, you can do your best to be a good driver.
By keeping your driving record clean, you could save up to 40% on your car insurance premiums. Jerry's DriveShield™ helps you monitor your driving habits and unlock discounts for driving safely. See how much money other drivers saved by using DriveShield™.
Customer
Driving Score
Insurance Savings
Has Violations
Insurance Coverage
Giovanni, 25
88
28%
No
  • 100/300
  • Comp/Collision
Alex, 34
98
35%
No
  • State Minimum Liability
  • Minimum Coverage
Paul, 44
76
20%
No
  • 50/100
  • Comp/Collision
Dina, 54
96
31%
No
  • 50/100
  • Comp/Collision
David, 65
74
24%
No
  • 50/100
  • Comp/Collision

Best car insurance companies in Salinas

Because every customer receives a different
car insurance quote
based on their driver profile, there isn’t a single cheapest car insurance company for everyone. Nor is there a “best”—it all depends on how much you value factors like customer service and claims handling.
Jerry conducted the largest insurance shopping survey in the country to see what customers thought of their car insurance providers. Surprisingly, big-name insurers like GEICO and State Farm received mixed reviews for affordability and customer service, while small insurers like
Aspire Advantage
and
National General
received high praise.
Here’s how drivers in Salinas rated various companies on a scale from 0 to 5.
Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
Progressive
4.4
3.9
3.9
4.3
USAA
4.3
4.8
4.8
4.8
Geico
4
3.5
3.8
3.9
State Farm
3.9
3.3
3.7
4
Liberty Mutual
2.8
3.2
2.7
2.7
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How'd we get these scores?

Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Salinas

California’s minimum car insurance requirements
reflect how much insurance you need to carry to drive legally as well as the cheapest coverage option in Salinas. However, minimum liability coverage provides minimal financial protection. 
You’ll need full coverage if you want to cover the cost of repairing or replacing your own vehicle—but that’s not as easy to get in the Golden State as it once was thanks to the current car insurance crisis. Take a listen to what Jerry’s experts have to say about the state of the insurance industry in California, and how it could affect your policy choices in Salinas.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Salinas

Salinas drivers must carry the minimum amount of
liability insurance
coverage required in California to drive legally. A minimum-liability insurance policy includes at least:
The minimum coverage limits are usually shortened to “15/30/5”. Liability insurance pays for any damages—including the cost of medical treatments and repairing or replacing any property—that you cause while driving.
Jerry helped these Salinas car owners get minimum liability coverage at the lowest price possible:
card cover
Viola (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93906)
carAudi TT 2.0T
$167
per month
card cover
Mattie (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93901)
$182
per month
card cover
Luis (35 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93905)
$118
per month

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Salinas?

If you cause a car crash,
California’s car accident laws
will hold you liable for the other driver’s medical bills and vehicle repairs. The total cost will probably exceed California’s minimum coverage limits, especially if anyone is severely injured.
Plus, your liability coverage limits could be stretched far beyond the accident date to a personal injury lawsuit. California gives car accident victims two years to sue for bodily injuries and three years for property damages. 
The bottom line: For better financial protection, expert insurance agents recommend drivers raise their liability insurance limits to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100.

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Salinas

To protect yourself from the costs of repairing or replacing a car, you need
full coverage car insurance
, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage.
Collision insurance
covers the cost of repairing or replacing your car after an accident with another car or stationary object. You can file a claim regardless of whether or not you were at fault.
Comprehensive insurance
covers damage caused by theft, vandalism, or natural disasters that are not related to a collision. You can’t file a claim for damages that you caused yourself.
If a car is leased or financed, the lender will usually include full coverage in the list of conditions in the contract. You might also want to pick up roadside assistance, or
uninsured motorist coverage
to guard your finances from a costly collision with somebody who isn’t carrying any insurance at all!
Jerry helped drivers get some of the cheapest quotes for full coverage in Salinas.
Insurance coverageInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$160
Hettie, 25
Zip: 93906
Nissan Altima 2.5
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$130
Herbert, 29
Zip: 93905
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$105
Lillie, 60
Zip: 93912
Nissan Versa S
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$156
Billy, 29
Zip: 93907
Toyota Tacoma Double Cab
• 25,000/50,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Clearcover
$182
Russell, 33
Zip: 93901
Infiniti Q40
coverageLast Updated Apr 16, 2024
Getting the lowest rates on your auto insurance policy is easier and faster if you compare quotes online. Jerry offers free quotes and a team of licensed insurance agents to answer your questions and help you weigh the pros and cons of different coverage options.
Lower my car insurance too!

Average cost of auto insurance in Salinas, CA

After helping countless drivers in Salinas find car insurance, Jerry discovered that minimum liability coverage costs an average of $87 per month or $1,048 per year. Full coverage insurance, on average, costs $150 per month or $1,800 per year.
Average rates can give you a rough idea of your insurance costs, remember that each driver's premiums are determined by many factors including their driving record, claims history, and demographics.

Average cost of car insurance in Salinas by ZIP code

Auto insurance rates can vary even in the same city. High-risk neighborhoods have higher rates of traffic, auto theft, car accidents, and other risky factors. Move to a large urban center and you’ll pay more for car insurance than a quiet farm in a corner of the map.
Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
93901
$86
$228
93905
$70
$162
93906
$75
$134

Car insurance quotes in Saginaw by rating factors

Salinas insurance companies weigh many rating factors when deciding your premiums, including:
  • Your driving history: If you've been in an accident or received a ticket, you'll be charged more for insurance.
  • Your age: As young drivers have limited driving experience, insurance companies consider them a higher risk.
  • Your vehicle: Collision and comprehensive coverage tend to be more expensive for luxury, high-performance, and sports cars.
  • Your parking spot: Rates are costlier in neighborhoods with high rates of auto theft or vandalism.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Salinas?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Driving experience, marital status, zip code.
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Gender, age, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, insurance history.
Learn more about the car insurance rating factors in Salinas:

Cheap car insurance quotes in Salinas after driving violations

Your
California driving record
significantly affects your auto insurance rates. Insurance companies see a history of violations as an indication of future financial losses, so they charge more to compensate.
Any one of the following violations can increase your insurance rates:
  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • At-fault accidents
  • Reckless driving
  • Driving on a suspended license

Cheapest insurance in Salinas, California after a speeding ticket

If you receive a speeding ticket in Salinas, your car insurance premiums could increase by around 40%. However, some providers—not to mention Jerry—don’t mind offering affordable rates to drivers with a mistake or two in their past.  
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Safeco
$80
Lily, 34
Zip: 93915
Buick Rainier
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 6-10
Progressive
$82
Aiden, 37
Zip: 93907
Hyundai Elantra
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Apr 13, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Salinas after DUI

A
DUI in California
could raise your premiums by a maximum of 170%. Switching to a provider that charges the minimum for a past DUI can help you cut costs.
You’ll have to compare quotes from multiple car insurance providers to find who can offer you the best price. Jerry has helped many Salinas drivers find affordable auto insurance rates even with a DUI on their record.
card cover
Pearl (28 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93907)
$152
per month
card cover
Roxie (34 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93905)
carAudi S4 Prestige
$171
per month
card cover
Lizzie (31 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93906)
$124
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Salinas after an at-fault accident

Your car accident and claim history are two of the biggest factors affecting your car insurance rates. 
Since California is an at-fault state, an at-fault accident can raise your insurance rates by a significant amount. However, Jerry has helped many Salinas drivers save money on car insurance after an accident.
Accident typeInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$268
Rhoda, 35
Zip: 93907
Tesla Model S
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Nationwide
$124
Alexander, 57
Zip: 93906
Jeep Cherokee Latitude
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Travelers
$130
Nelle, 29
Zip: 93905
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Bristol West
$124
Katherine, 31
Zip: 93906
Dodge Challenger SXT
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Apr 13, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Salinas after other driving violations

Your car insurance costs can also increase after other driving violations, like reckless driving or driving with a suspended license. Jerry has helped drivers around Salinas find affordable premiums after a variety of driving errors.
ViolationInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Illegal Turn
Allstate
$212
Carlos, 22
Zip: 93905
Subaru WRX
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal
Progressive
$167
Jorge, 23
Zip: 93906
Audi TT 2.0T
• State Minimum Liability
Cell Phone
National General
$68
Melvin, 57
Zip: 93901
Ford Fusion SE
• State Minimum Liability
Careless Driving
National General
$166
Caroline, 26
Zip: 93906
Toyota Corolla LE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal
Clearcover
$206
Don, 33
Zip: 93905
Hyundai Sonata Sport
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Apr 16, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Salinas by experience

Inexperienced drivers typically pay higher insurance rates than more experienced motorists. As drivers gain more experience, their rates begin to drop… and then rise again in tandem with a greater risk of accidents and injuries after the age of 75.

Cheapest car insurance in Salinas for young drivers 

Teen drivers between 16 and 19 and new drivers of any age pay high insurance rates for the same reason that a full coverage policy is a good idea: their risk of getting into an accident is higher.
You can save up to $2,055 a year on
car insurance for teen drivers
by adding them to the policy of a parent, guardian, or older household member. Comparing quotes with Jerry could help you save even more.
card cover
Viola (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93906)
carAudi TT 2.0T
$167
per month
card cover
Mattie (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93901)
$182
per month
card cover
Clearcover
Benjamin (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
25,000 per person
50,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93905)
carChevrolet Silverado C1500
$99
per month
card cover
Leila (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93905)
$403
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Salinas for senior drivers

Senior drivers
are generally more likely to be involved in an accident and to receive injuries. This can make accessibility to affordable car insurance difficult for seniors.
card cover
Rachel (68 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93902)
$70
per month
card cover
Roy (69 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93908)
$57
per month

Cheap auto insurance quotes in Salinas based on insurance history

Your car insurance rates also hinge on your insurance history and whether you're currently covered or not. Any
car insurance lapses
lead to higher rates.
Jerry helps drivers in Salinas compare car insurance quotes, find the best deal, and keep it. You can opt-in for payment reminders, renewal reminders, and other insurance services through the app.
card cover
Dora (23 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93906)
carAudi TT 2.0T
$167
per month
card cover
Pauline (29 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93905)
carChevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
$130
per month
card cover
Myrtie (42 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93906)
$102
per month
card cover
Mayme (29 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93907)
$156
per month
card cover
Clearcover
Phillip (31 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
25,000 per person
50,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSalinas, CA
(Zip Code: 93906)
$138
per month

How to lower car insurance costs in Salinas

1. Shop around and compare quotes

Each car insurance company has its own rules for deciding your premium, and the rules are always changing. To make sure you're not overpaying, insurance agents recommend comparing quotes from at least three companies every six months. 
Jerry makes it possible to check the rates of over 55 top insurance providers in just 45 seconds. The App Store’s number one insurance app provides a free and easy way for you to find the best auto insurance coverage for the best price.

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

All insurers have
car insurance discounts
, but they don’t all offer the same ones. Commonly offered discounts include:
  • Good driver discounts: California state law requires insurers to offer a 20% discount for drivers with one or fewer points on their licenses. You can also get a discount by holding a Cali driver’s license continuously for three years with no at-fault accidents causing injury or death.
  • Telematics discounts: Many companies offer discounts to drivers using telematics to monitor their driving habits. Some may even provide a discount just for signing up.
  • Good student discounts: If you're a full-time student in high school or college with a B average or better, you likely qualify for a discount.
Nearly every insurance provider also offers bundling discounts. You can save by combining two or more of the following insurance products:

3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage

If you have full coverage car insurance, increasing your deductible is a simple way to lower monthly expenses without sacrificing coverage—just remember that this is more of a last resort option and should only be done if you can afford the increase.

FAQ

How much is car insurance in Salinas?

Residents of Salinas typically pay an average of $87 per month, or $1,048 per year, for state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in Salinas averages $150 per month or $1,800 per year. 
However, car insurance costs vary widely based on individual situations, so shopping around for quotes is crucial. 

What is the cheapest car insurance in Salinas?

According to Jerry's data from Salinas drivers, car insurance averages $54 per month for state-minimum coverage and $177 per month for full coverage. 
While no single insurance company is the cheapest for everyone, Travelers ($25/month), Mapfre ($27/month), and Kemper Preferred ($30/month) offer some of the lowest state minimum coverage rates on average. Embark General ($98/month), Hugo ($111/month), and Encompass Insurance ($114/month) offer some of the cheapest full coverage rates on average.

What is the best car insurance in Salinas? 

If the best car insurance means the best customer service, your top picks in California are Metlife,
Encompass
, and Direct Auto. They received positive ratings from real policyholders in Salinas in Jerry’s nationwide insurance shopping survey.

What is the minimum car insurance in Salinas, California?

In California, the minimum insurance requirements follow the 15/30/5 rule, i.e. $15,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person (to a maximum of $30,000 per accident) and $5,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. 
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). 
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.  
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings. 
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

Meet our experts

avatar
Jasmine Kanter
Jasmine Kanter is an insurance writer specializing in subjects relating to home ownership, car insurance requirements, and driving tips. Jasmine combines her background in communication and languages with a passion for writing to create straightforward, yet comprehensive content that’s accessible to car enthusiasts, beginners, and everyone in between. Since joining the Jerry team, Jasmine has penned nearly 300 articles covering subjects from how to save money on homeownership costs to roadside assistance service reviews.
Prior to joining Jerry, Jasmine worked as a storyboard analyst for Depanneur Films and a training assistant for Assistance Services Group.
avatar
Maria Cruz
badge icon
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
Maria is an insurance writer with over 10 years of experience as a professional writer. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2023, she worked at various online publications like Nimble Media, Factinate.com, and served as editor-in-chief at The Medium. She holds a double major in English and Professional Writing and Communications.
avatar
Josh Damico
badge icon
Head Of Insurance Operations
badge icon
18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.