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Find the Best Car Insurance in Fontana, CA (Apr,2024)

Drivers in Fontana, California pay approximately $1,231 annually for car insurance—but drivers can continue to save by comparing prices.
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Maria Cruz
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Amy Bobinger, Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
On average,
auto insurance
in Fontana,
California
costs approximately $593 per year for a liability-only policy and $1,720 annually for full coverage. For most Fontana drivers,
Allstate
is the cheapest insurance company.

Average cost of car insurance in Fontana, CA

Car insurance in Fontana, California costs approximately $593 per year for the state minimum liability amounts, and $1,720 for full coverage. For both types of policies, drivers in Fontana generally pay more than the California state average but less than the
national average
.
Coverage type
Fontana
California
United States
Full coverage
$1,720
$1,610
$1,794
Minimum coverage
$593
$559
$741
All coverage
$1,231
$1,143
$1,365

The best car insurance companies in Fontana, CA

When shopping for car insurance in Fontana, it’s important to compare insurance quotes from several of the top providers in the area to find your best overall rate. Some of the most cost effective insurers include: 
  • Allstate
  • AAA
Other car insurance providers like Progressive and Travelers offer several
car insurance discounts
and programs to help offset their slightly higher Fontana prices.  
Provider
Average annual full coverage rate
Average annual state minimum rate
$1,032 
$276
$1,194
$444
Clearcover
$1,412
$459
$1,442
$319
$1,586
$543

Best for most drivers: Allstate

Years in business: 92
Jerry user rating: 5/5A.M.
Best financial rating: A+ (Superior)
Average annual full coverage cost: $1,032
Average annual state minimum cost: $276
Allstate doesn’t just have affordable Fontana car insurance—in a recent Jerry survey, customers also praised their excellent customer service, company transparency, and easy policy management and setup processes via the mobile app. With additional telematics programs, car insurance discounts, and several coverage options, drivers of all profiles can find savings with Allstate.
Read More

Best for teen drivers: Clearcover

Years in business: 4
Jerry user rating: 5/5
A.M. Best financial score: A- (Excellent)
Average annual full coverage cost: $1,412
Average annual state minimum cost: $49
Teen drivers can often find some of the lowest car insurance coverage rates with Clearcover—and through the ease of the mobile app, they’re also able to update their policy and contact customer support quickly and effectively.   
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Best for drivers with violations: Progressive

Years in business: 86
Jerry user rating: 4/5
A.M. Best financial score: A+ (Superior)
Average annual full coverage cost: $2,104
Average annual state minimum cost: $674
Progressive provides high-risk drivers the opportunity to lower their auto insurance rates through their Snapshot program, which rewards motorists with premium discounts for practicing safe driving habits. Progressive also supplies car insurance to drivers with SR-22 requirements.
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Since 2022, car insurance rates in California rose by 11.1%, with companies like Progressive and Allstate raising their premium costs by 13.9% and 33.2% respectively.1  If you’ve experienced
rising insurance policy costs
and can’t explain why, here are a few factors that could be the reason:
  • Growing wildfires: This year alone, California has experienced 6,999 wildfires.2  While that number is lower than 2022, it still has had a large impact on car insurance rates in California, with most providers foregoing both home insurance and auto insurance policies due to the increased risk of claims. 
  • Inflation and car part shortages: The limited availability and higher overall cost of auto components are leading insurers to raise their premiums to offset the growing expense of repairing and replacing vehicles after an accident.
  • High risk of accidents: Between 2020 and 2021, traffic fatalities increased in California by 7.6%, leading to higher insurance rates. 3

What’s the minimum car insurance required in California?

In the state of California, drivers are required to purchase the following
liability insurance
limits: 
Keep in mind that
California’s state minimum amounts
will only provide coverage for any injuries, deaths, or damage you cause to other parties in an accident. As a result, it’s recommended that drivers purchase higher coverage limits, such as $50k/$100k/$50k or $100k/$300k/$100k for added protection.
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Expert Insurance Agent Insight

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Licensed Insurance Agent, 6 years experience
I highly recommend carrying higher limits than state minimums for bodily injury and property damage coverages. Your coverage limits should always exceed your current net worth. I'd consider limits of $100,000/$300,00 or higher as these coverages can better protect you from the damages and injury you may cause in an auto accident.

Liability vs. full coverage: Which do you need in Fontana, CA?

State minimum car insurance and full coverage car insurance differ in the scope of protection they offer: 
  • Generally costs around $539 per year
  • More affordable than full coverage, but provides less protection and can leave you financially vulnerable if your limits max out after an accident.
  • Averaging cost of $1,720 annually
  • Typically includes liability coverage and add-on insurance options, such as comprehensive coverage and collision coverage. 
  • Protects your vehicle from both collision and non-collision related events, including severe weather, theft, and vandalism
If you have a high-value or newer model vehicle, you may benefit more from a full coverage policy. And if you’re leasing or financing a vehicle, you’ll typically be required to carry at least comprehensive and collision coverage as part of your auto insurance policy. 

Optional add-on coverage

Along with liability-only and full coverage car insurance, most providers also offer optional add-on coverages to help drivers build more robust policies: 
  • Comprehensive coverage
    : Often a part of a full coverage policy, comprehensive coverage will pay for any vehicle damages due to severe weather, theft, or vandalism.
  • Collision coverage
    : On the other hand, collision coverage will cover vehicle damages from collision-related events, whether it’s with another vehicle, a mailbox, or a post. 
  • Rental reimbursement
    : If your car is in need of repairs after a car accident, rental reimbursement will cover the cost of a rental vehicle while your car is in the shop.
  • Gap coverage
    : This type of coverage pays for the ‘gap’ between your car’s actual cash value and the amount remaining on your vehicle lease or loan if it’s declared a total loss. 
  • Medical payments (MedPay)
    : MedPay will pay for any medical expenses for you and your passengers after a crash, excluding lost wages. 

Roadside assistance in Fontana, California

As California’s climate starts to change and droughts and wildfires become more commonplace, optional insurance services, like roadside assistance, are essential.
Roadside assistance, or
towing and labor coverage
, provides aid to stranded motorists, and covers almost everything from lockouts to jumpstarts, tire changes, and towing services. Drivers in Fontana can either add it to their insurance policy through providers such as Progressive and Travelers, or purchase a membership from a roadside assistance provider, like AAA.

Penalties for driving without insurance in Fontana CA

Driving without insurance
is illegal in California, and drivers caught without the proper proof of insurance in Fontana can face hefty fines and penalties:4
Offense
Fine
Jail 
License suspension
SR-22 filing
First offense
Up to $200
No
No
No
Subsequent offense
Up to $500
No
No
No
First offense after collision
Up to $200
No
Up to 4 years
Yes
Subsequent offense after collision
Up to $500
No
Up to 4 years 
Yes
In addition, drivers may be subject to penalty assessments and potential vehicle impoundment. Drivers can have their license reinstated in Fontana during the last three years of the suspension if they maintain their SR-22 certificate for the entire three-year period.

What affects the cost of car insurance in Fontana CA?

When determining your California insurance rates, providers use a variety of factors to assess your potential risk. This includes: 
  • Age: Young drivers often see the highest car insurance rates out of any age group due to their perceived lack of driving experience, whereas drivers 25 and older tend to see lower costs.
  • Marital status: Compared to single drivers, married couples tend to have some of the cheapest rates as they are considered less risky drivers. 
  • Driving record: Drivers who have violations on their driving record, such as a speeding ticket or at-fault accident, will typically experience higher car insurance costs than those with a clean record.
  • Crime rates: Locations with higher crime rates, such as theft and vandalism, most oftentimes see increased auto insurance prices.
  • Vehicle type: Your vehicle’s make, model, and age can either increase or decrease your premiums. Newer model and high-value cars generally have more expensive insurance costs compared to their older counterparts.
Unlike most states, California does not allow gender, homeownership, or credit score to affect your car insurance premiums. 

Age

Young drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 can see some of the highest car insurance quotes, as they have accumulated less experience behind the wheel in contrast to older drivers. However, once drivers hit 25, they tend to see their rates decrease as a result of a longer driving history, and lower risk profile. 
Age group
Average monthly full coverage costs
Average monthly state minimum costs
18-21
$310
$111
22-25
$200
$64
26-34
$130
$45
35-44
$139
$47
45-54
$132
$46
55-64
$82
$36

Marital status

If you’re married, you’ll typically experience lower than average auto insurance costs as you’re less likely to engage in risky driving behaviors, have more experience driving, and are generally more likely to bundle policies, such as homeowners insurance and auto insurance. In comparison, single drivers generally have on or above average rates.
Relationship status
Average monthly full coverage costs
Average monthly state minimum costs
Married
$128
$48
Single
$165
$55

Vehicle type

The type of vehicle you own also plays a significant role in determining your car insurance rates due to variations in factors such as repair costs, safety features, and overall risk profiles. 
High-performance and newer model cars often incur higher premiums as they tend to have higher repair expenses, while safer and
more economical models
may qualify for lower rates.
Popular California vehicles
Average monthly full coverage cost
Average monthly state minimum cost
$152
$83
$166
$86
$166
$92
$185
$100

Crime rates

According to the California Highway Patrol, an estimated 18% of all statewide vehicle thefts took place in the San Francisco Bay Area, making it the second highest location in California for vehicle thefts next to Southern California.  5
As a result of the higher risk of theft and vandalism in the Bay Area, car insurance rates are increasing. The tables below compare rates in the cheapest and most expensive ZIP codes in Fontana to paint a bigger picture of just how much your location can change your premium costs.

The most expensive ZIP codes in Fontana

ZIP codeAverage annual premium
92336$1,851
92337$1,676
92335$1,511

The cheapest ZIP codes in Fontana

ZIP codeAverage annual premium
92335$1,511
92337$1,676
92336$1,851

Driving record

Your
California driving record
is one of the biggest determinants of your overall car insurance rates. The more violations you have, the more you’ll pay in premiums due to your higher risk level. On the other hand, drivers with a
clean driving record
qualify for lower rates and car insurance discounts. 
Driving history
Average full coverage monthly costs
Average state minimum monthly costs
No violations
$143
$49
Violations
$164
$52
Rate increase
4%
14%

SR-22 insurance in Fontana, California

In California, if your license is suspended due to a DUI or other serious violation, you may be required to file for an SR-22 certificate in order to have your license reinstated.
An
SR-22 certificate
works as proof of financial responsibility, and is filed on your behalf by your insurance company. This certificate proves to the DMV that you carry the minimum amount of car insurance required in the state of California. 

How to find affordable car insurance in Fontana, CA

Fontana drivers often pay more than the state average for car insurance. To lower costs and save on premiums, consider trying these strategies: 
  • Shop around: Comparing auto insurance quotes from different providers will help you find the best rates for your specific driver profile.
  • Raising your deductible: Increasing your deductible amount can lower your premium costs—however, be careful to only raise it to a limit you can realistically afford.
  • Keep a clean record: Drivers who maintain a clean driving record often see cheaper premiums and will qualify for safe driving discounts.
  • Look for discounts: Most providers offer car insurance discounts to help drivers save on insurance. Some of the most common discounts include good student, multi-policy, and paid in full.
  • Partner with a broker: Working with a
    car insurance broker
    like Jerry can help you find low-cost insurance in Fontana customized to your specific needs and budget. Unlike insurance agencies, Jerry works for you to help you save. 

Methodology 

All premium data in this article comes from real car insurance quotes obtained through the Jerry app and analyzed by our editorial team. Jerry’s data scientists analyzed over 25 million real quotes issued to users in Jerry’s proprietary database. Jerry is partnered with 55+ insurance companies in 48 states. 
Unless otherwise stated, all data represents the average of the lowest quoted price at time of writing (12/15/2023) for a currently insured single driver between the ages of 35 and 65 with a single vehicle. 
Minimum coverage refers to policies with the following coverage limits: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $5,000 per accident in property damage coverage.
Full coverage refers to policies that contain at least the minimum liability required by law in California along with comprehensive and collision insurance with deductibles of either $500 or $1,000. 

FAQs

What are the types of car insurance?

There are
six main types of car insurance
—liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, personal injury protection, and medical payments. Beyond these options, there are also add-on insurances that can help you build a stronger policy. 

What are the top three companies in California for car insurance?

The top three providers in California for affordable car insurance include Travelers, Gainsco, and Allstate. 

How much car insurance do I need in Fontana, California?

Drivers in Fontana, California need at least the state minimum amount of car insurance, which includes $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury protection and $5,000 per accident in property damage protection. 

What is the average cost of car insurance for a teen driver in Fontana?

Teen drivers in Fontana, California, on average, pay $310 per month for a full coverage car insurance policy, and $111 per month for the state minimum. 

How much does it cost to buy car insurance in Fontana?

Fontana car insurance typically costs around $1,720 per year for a full coverage policy, and $593 annually for the state minimum. 

How much coverage do I need in Fontana, California?

Most drivers will benefit from a full coverage policy complete with comprehensive and collision coverage, higher liability limits, and add-on insurance options, such as roadside assistance and rental reimbursement. 

What are the best ways to continue to save on car insurance in Fontana?

You can continue to save on car insurance in Fontana by shopping for discounts, raising your deductible, and comparing free quotes from different providers. You may also be able to save by bundling multiple insurance products, like combining your car insurance policy with your home insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance.

Who has the cheapest insurance for bad driving records in Fontana?

Most drivers in Fontana with a poor driving record find the most savings with companies including Progressive and Travelers, who both offer discounts and telematics programs to help policyholders lower their premiums. 

Sources

Meet our experts

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Maria Cruz
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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.
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Amy Bobinger
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Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars.
Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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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.