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Cheapest car insurance in San Francisco, California (Nov 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in San Francisco, California.
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Amy Bobinger
Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Sarah Gray, Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Writer and Editor

Cheapest car insurance quotes in San Francisco

On average,
auto insurance
in San Francisco costs about $76 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $185 per month for full coverage insurance. San Francisco drivers pay -- than the
California
average.  
Check out some real savings Jerry found drivers like you in San Francisco:
Insurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Progressive
$218
Leah, 53
Zip: 94109
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$127
Adrian, 33
Zip: 94123
Volvo XC70
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
Safeco
$243
Lizzie, 23
Zip: 94133
Jeep Renegade Sport
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$134
Irene, 27
Zip: 94107
Honda Civic Sport
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Mercury
$84
Myrtie, 28
Zip: 94105
Volkswagen Jetta S
• 30,000/60,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 20, 2024

Cheapest San Francisco car insurance for good drivers

Insurance rates are calculated based on your driving record, age, zip code, past claims, and vehicle type. While the majority of these factors aren’t in your control—you can be a good driver and keep your driving record clean.
Good drivers in San Francisco can save up to 40% on their insurance, and with Jerry's DriveShield™, you can track your driving and unlock discounts for safe driving habits. Discover how other drivers are using DriveShield™ to save on their insurance below.
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 San Francisco

There is no single best car insurance company for everyone. The most important reason is that every customer gets different
car insurance quotes
based on their profile—meaning that the most affordable company is different for everyone. Besides price, you also need to consider factors such as claims handling and customer service. 
To help drivers better compare the cheapest car insurance companies, Jerry conducted the largest insurance survey in the nation—and what we found surprised us. While big-name carriers like GEICO and State Farm got mixed reviews for policy cost and customer service, smaller insurers like Aspire Advantage and National General came through with the highest ratings from actual customers. 
The table below shows how drivers in San Francisco rate different companies on a scale of 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 San Francisco

California has a minimum liability insurance requirement, which is the minimal amount of car insurance you need to have in San Francisco and gives you the cheapest rate. But minimum liability often isn’t enough coverage: you should consider getting full coverage if you want to cover the repair or replacement costs for your own car.  

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in San Francisco

In order to legally hit the road, San Francisco , California drivers need to meet California minimum coverage limits for bodily injury liability and property damage liability
California minimum liability coverage includes $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for damage to property. These coverages are commonly referred to as 15/30/5 coverage. With this basic liability coverage, you’ll be covered up to the policy’s limits if you cause injuries or property damage while driving. 
Here are some examples of San Francisco car owners that Jerry recently assisted with obtaining minimum liability coverage.
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Rebecca (33 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94132)
carToyota Venza
$184
per month
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Agnes (31 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94108)
carBMW X5 Xdr40e
$84
per month
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Madge (31 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94103)
carHonda Civic EX
$151
per month
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Franklin (29 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94102)
carToyota RAV4 LE
$138
per month
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Callie (29 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94134)
carTesla Model Y
$115
per month

Do you need more than minimum coverage in San Francisco?

Most drivers in San Francisco need higher liability coverage than the 15/30/5 state minimum mandated by
California car insurance laws
In an at-fault accident, you could be responsible for medical bills and vehicle repairs well over the 15/30/5 limit, especially if you cause serious injuries to another person. If the car is totaled, the cost to replace it can be more than $40,000—well above that scant $5,000 property damage limit. 
And keep in mind:
California’s car accident laws
allow drivers to file bodily injury lawsuits for up to two years after a car accident and sue for property damage for up to three years—so your liability extends long past the initial accident! 
The bottom line: For better financial protection, drivers should consider purchasing a full coverage with higher liability limits of 50/100/50 or 100/300/100.

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in San Francisco

Full coverage car insurance
is the only way to protect yourself from costs associated with repairing or replacing your car. 
Full coverage includes comprehensive and collision coverage.
Collision coverage
covers the cost of fixing or replacing your car after an accident, while
comprehensive coverage
pays out if your car is stolen or damaged by something other than a collision, such as vandalism, theft, or natural disasters. If you have a loan on the car, your lender will typically require collision and comprehensive coverage.  
On top of a full-coverage policy, you can purchase
uninsured motorist coverage
to guard against uncovered injuries or damage in an accident caused by a driver without car insurance. 
The table below shows some recent examples of cheapest San Francisco full coverage quotes that Jerry’s agents helped our customers obtain.
Insurance coverageInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$218
Leah, 53
Zip: 94109
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$243
Lizzie, 23
Zip: 94133
Jeep Renegade Sport
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$426
Timothy, 28
Zip: 94134
Honda CR-V EX
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$170
Elva, 41
Zip: 94107
Honda Pilot Touring
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Clearcover
$220
Sean, 47
Zip: 94110
Tesla Model 3
coverageLast Updated Nov 25, 2024
The easiest and fastest way to find the cheapest car insurance for your preferred coverage option is to compare car insurance rates online.
Jerry,
a top insurance agency
, offers a free app that compares car insurance quotes and provides end-to-end service to customers with the help of 100+ licensed insurance agents.
Lower my car insurance too!

Average cost of car insurance in San Francisco

By helping lots of drivers in San Francisco find car insurance, we found that the average cost for minimum liability coverage is $76 per month or$914 per year. The average cost for full coverage insurance in San Francisco is $185 per month or $2,223 per year.
While average insurance rates can help you predict your own insurance costs, it's important to note that each driver's insurance premium is calculated based on many factors such as the type of car, driving record, claims history, and demographics. 

Average cost of car insurance in San Francisco by zip code

Even within the same city, car insurance rates can still vary based on where you live. Neighborhoods that have a greater incidence of auto theft, car accidents, and other situations that can lead to insurance claims will be flagged as “high-risk.” Drivers living in these neighborhoods tend to pay more than people in other areas of the city.
Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
94112
$85
$274
94124
$113
$385
94109
$76
$135
94103
$106
$355
94110
$73
$249
94107
$98
$240
94102
$95
$305
94134
$82
$296
94121
$70
$193
94116
$61
$259
94132
$70
$364
94105
$72
$395
94115
$141
$210
94118
$63
$114
94117
$74
$235
94131
$135
$274
94114
$78
$263
94123
$75
$204
94133
$77
$333
94108
$82
$318

Car insurance quotes in San Francisco by rating factors 

Insurance companies in San Francisco use many rating factors when
deciding your auto insurance premium
:  
  • Your driving record and claims history: Insurance companies will charge more if you’ve had accidents or tickets. 
  • Your age: Drivers younger than 25 years old will pay higher insurance rates as insurance companies consider young drivers a higher risk due to limited driving experience. 
  • The kind of car you have: Collision and comprehensive coverage are more costly for luxury, high-performance, and sports cars. 
  • Where you keep your car: Rates are likely higher if you regularly park your car in a neighborhood with a higher incidence of auto insurance claims. 
  • How you use your car: Insurance companies often charge more if you drive your car to and from work than use it for leisure.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in San Francisco?

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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 San Francisco:

Cheap car insurance quotes in San Francisco after driving violations

Your
California driving history
impacts your auto insurance quotes. If insurance companies notice a history of violations, they’ll see you as a higher risk and charge a steeper rate. Some common violations that could increase your insurance rates include:
  • Speeding
  • DUIs
  • At fault accident 
  • Reckless driving 
  • Driving on a suspended license

Cheapest car insurance in San Francisco after speeding ticket

In San Francisco, a speeding ticket could increase your car insurance rate by about 13%. Jerry is proud to help drivers with varying speeding tickets save on car insurance.  
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Allstate
$73
Helena, 43
Zip: 94160
Pontiac Solstice
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
Speeding 6-10
Travelers
$56
Martin, 34
Zip: 94143
Chevrolet Corvette
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 20, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in San Francisco after DUI

In San Francisco,
a DUI violation
can increase your insurance rate by as much as 22%. If you have a DUI offense on your record, car insurance rates can vary significantly from one insurance company to another. You may need to compare rates from many insurance companies to find low-cost options after a DUI.
Jerry has helped many San Francisco drivers obtain affordable auto insurance rates after a DUI.
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Herman (35 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94116)
carLexus NX 300
$260
per month
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Clearcover
Alexander (38 years old)
coverageCoverage
25,000 per person
50,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94103)
carHonda Civic EX
$158
per month
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Clara (35 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94115)
carBMW X5 xDrive40i
$122
per month

Cheapest car insurance in San Francisco after an at-fault accident

One of the most important factors affecting car insurance rates is your car accident or claim history. For San Francisco drivers, car accidents could result in an average rate increase of 15%.
California is an at-fault state. If you were involved in an at-fault accident in the recent past, your car insurance rates could skyrocket. Jerry has helped many San Francisco drivers save on car insurance after accidents. 
Accident typeInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$424
Bruce, 27
Zip: 94103
Mazda 3 Select
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Safeco
$230
Douglas, 37
Zip: 94115
Infiniti G37
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Not At Fault
Travelers
$133
Francis, 41
Zip: 94109
Buick Rendezvous CX
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$149
Lela, 32
Zip: 94110
Honda FIT Sport
• 20,000/40,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in San Francisco after other driving violations

In addition to speeding tickets and DUIs, other violations such as
reckless driving
and driving on a suspended license can also cause your in car insurance costs to increase in San Francisco.
We’ve compiled a list of various other driving violations and how we helped drivers with these violations save on their car insurance.
ViolationInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Defective Equipment
Progressive
$371
Albert, 31
Zip: 94134
Volkswagen Tiguan SE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal
Safeco
$414
Herman, 32
Zip: 94116
Honda Civic Sport
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Cell Phone
National General
$150
Jane, 46
Zip: 94124
BMW X6 sDrive35i
• State Minimum Liability
Driving on Sus. License
Progressive
$69
Olivia, 43
Zip: 94112
Toyota Camry LE
• State Minimum Liability
Failure to Obey Signal
Nationwide
$426
Daniel, 27
Zip: 94134
Honda CR-V EX
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Improper Passing
Bristol West
$184
Phillip, 55
Zip: 94112
Toyota Corolla L
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 22, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in San Francisco by driving experience

Inexperienced drivers, such as teens or newly licensed motorists, pay higher than average insurance rates. As drivers gain more experience, their insurance rates can drop. Car insurance costs often start rising again at the age of 75 due to increased risk factors.

Cheapest car insurance in San Francisco for young drivers

Teen drivers
aged 16 to 19 pay the highest insurance rates out of any age group in San Francisco. For teen car owners that drive a newer car, full coverage would afford better financial protection as teens are more likely to get into accidents.
In the meantime, teens should consider sharing a policy with a household member, such as a parent or guardian. Most drivers can save up to $2,055 annually by keeping a teen driver on their policy, and with Jerry, you may be able to save even more.
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Ethan (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94118)
$83
per month
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Lizzie (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94133)
carJeep Renegade Sport
$243
per month
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Ronald (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94124)
$148
per month
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Carrie (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94109)
carFord Fusion SEL
$126
per month
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Clearcover
Helen (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
25,000 per person
50,000 per accident bodily injury
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94115)
carHonda Civic EX
$132
per month

Cheapest car insurance in San Francisco for senior drivers

Older drivers
in San Francisco are more likely to be involved in an accident. Furthermore, they’re much more vulnerable to injuries after a car accident. All of this can be very expensive, which is why car insurance companies charge older adults in San Francisco more for coverage.
card cover
Herbert (67 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94134)
carNissan Sentra S
$136
per month
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Edna (92 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94115)
carToyota Camry XLE
$191
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in San Francisco based on insurance history

An important factor in your car insurance rates is your insurance history—i.e., whether you are currently insured or not.
Any lapse in your insurance coverage
usually leads to an increase in car insurance rates.
To help our customers make insurance payments on time and to avoid a lapse in coverage, Jerry sends payment reminders to eligible customers when a payment is coming up or if they’re late on their payments.
We have helped many customers who are currently not insured or have had a lapse in coverage find savings on a new auto insurance policy.
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Virginia (41 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
25,000 per person
50,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94121)
carAudi A5 Premium Plus S-Line
$109
per month
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Estella (27 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94134)
carHonda CR-V EX
$426
per month
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Isabelle (23 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94133)
carJeep Renegade Sport
$243
per month
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Katharine (40 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94107)
carHonda Pilot Touring
$170
per month
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Darrell (23 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationSan Francisco, CA
(Zip Code: 94109)
carJeep Cherokee Sport
$116
per month

How to lower car insurance costs in San Francisco

1. Shop around and compare quotes

Different insurance companies use different rules to set your premium, and those rules are constantly changing! To make sure you always have the most affordable car insurance, experts recommend comparing quotes from at least three companies and shopping for new rates every six months. 
Jerry makes this tedious process simple! In just 45 seconds, Jerry can collect quotes from a pool of 55+ top insurance providers to help you identify the best auto insurance coverage at the best price. Better yet—Jerry provides this service for free! 

2. Hunt for car insurance discounts

Every insurance company offers
a set of discounts
, but the exact discount offered varies by company. Some common discounts include: 
  • Good driver discounts. California state law mandates 20% insurance discounts for drivers with one or fewer points on their license who have continuously held a license for three years with no at-fault accidents responsible for injury or death.
  • Telematics discounts. Many companies offer easy-to-win discounts to drivers who use telematics to track their driving habits. You might even get a discount just for signing up!
  • Good student discounts. Are you a full-time student in either high school or college? Do you have a B average or better? You probably qualify for a discount from your insurance company.

3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage

If you’ve got full coverage car insurance, increasing your deductible is an easy way to keep your monthly expenses low without sacrificing coverage.

FAQ

How much is car insurance in San Francisco?

People living in San Francisco pay on average $76 per month – or $914 per year – on state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in San Francisco costs on average $185 per month or $2,223 per year. 
With car insurance though, there’s no such thing as average. It is important to know that car insurance varies greatly based on a driver’s individual situation. Shopping around for car insurance quotes is the best way to get an accurate idea of how much you can expect to pay on insurance. Luckily, Jerry is here to take the hassle out of insurance shopping! At the click of a button, Jerry will help you compare personalized quotes from top insurance providers. Best of all, it’s 100% free. 

What is the cheapest car insurance in San Francisco?

Based on thousands of San Francisco drivers Jerry has worked with, car insurance in San Francisco costs an average of $76 per month for state-minimum coverage and $185 per month for full coverage.
No single insurance company has the cheapest insurance for everyone, but by shopping for insurance quotes, you can find the cheapest insurance company for you. Jerry takes the hard work and the waiting out of insurance shopping – generating you quotes with the best coverage and best prices in seconds, 100% free. Try Jerry Today!   

What is the best car insurance in San Francisco?

Shopping for the best coverage at the best price is important, but customer service may play a role in what insurance company you pick, too. Metlife,
Encompass
, and Direct Auto receive good ratings from San Francisco drivers, based on the largest car insurance survey in the nation conducted by Jerry.
Learn more about how fellow car owners rate various insurance companies and get free quotes in seconds with Jerry.

What is the minimum car insurance in San Francisco, California?

California's minimum insurance requirements—known as the 15/30/5 rule—mandate the following:

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
Amy Bobinger
badge icon
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.
avatar
Sarah Gray
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Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Writer and Editor
Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car.
Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
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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.