- San Diego car insurance cost averages $1,902 per year for a full coverage insurance policy.
- Auto insurance rates for a few popular vehicles in San Diego include the GMC Sierra at $173 per month, Nissan Rogue at $146, and Mazda CX-5 at $125.
- For cheap auto insurance in San Diego, CA, models like the Subaru Crosstrek, the Kia Seltos, and the Hyundai Venue have better rates.
How much does car insurance cost in San Diego?
San Diego car insurance costs an average of $1,902 per year, which is 12.1% more than the U.S. average rate of $1,685. The average cost of car insurance per month in San Diego is $159 for full coverage auto insurance.
In the state of California, the average price for car insurance is $2,134 per year, so the average cost in San Diego is $232 less per year. The average cost of insurance in San Diego compared to other California locations is approximately $102 per year cheaper than in Fresno, $86 per year less than in San Jose, and $474 per year less than in San Francisco.
Driver age influences the price you pay for car insurance, so the list below illustrates these differences by showing the difference in average car insurance rates in San Diego for different driver ages.
Car insurance cost in San Diego, CA, for drivers age 16 to 60
- 16-year-old driver – $6,804 per year or $567 per month
- 17-year-old driver – $6,362 per year or $530 per month
- 18-year-old driver – $5,946 per year or $496 per month
- 19-year-old driver – $5,380 per year or $448 per month
- 20-year-old driver – $3,778 per year or $315 per month
- 30-year-old driver – $2,002 per year or $167 per month
- 40-year-old driver – $1,902 per year or $159 per month
- 50-year-old driver – $1,730 per year or $144 per month
- 60-year-old driver – $1,698 per year or $142 per month
The next chart shows average San Diego, CA, car insurance cost broken out for both different driver ages and policy deductibles. Rates are averaged for all 2023 vehicle models including luxury brand cars and SUVs.
The average cost of auto insurance per month in San Diego is $159, with policy prices ranging from $120 to $366 for the data in the prior chart.
Auto insurance rates have different premiums for every driver and slight changes in driver risk profiles can have meaningful effects on car insurance cost. The possibility of a wide range of rates stresses the need for accurate car insurance quotes when shopping online for the cheapest rate.
The cost of car insurance for San Diego’s favorite vehicles
The previous auto insurance rates in this article are the average cost across all 2023 model year vehicles, which is handy when making generalized comparisons like the cost difference between driver ages or locations.
For deeper car insurance rate comparisons, however, the rates will be more accurate if we look at the specific model of vehicle being insured. Later on in this article, we get into both rates by vehicle segment and rates for many different specific vehicles, but for now, let’s look at just a few of the more popular vehicles to discover how auto insurance rates compare in San Diego.
The chart below displays the cost of auto insurance in San Diego for the more popular models.
The models that have high popularity in San Diego tend to be compact and midsize sedans like the Honda Civic, Hyundai Elantra, and Toyota Camry and compact or midsize SUVs like the Honda CR-V, Chevy Equinox, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Other popular vehicles from other vehicle segments include luxury models like the Infiniti Q50 and Infiniti QX60, pickup trucks like the Ford Ranger and Ram 1500, and sports cars like the Audi TT and Porsche 911.
We explore rates for lots more vehicles later in this article, but before that, let’s revisit some of the general concepts that were presented in the data up to this point.
- San Diego, CA, car insurance cost is more than the U.S. average – $1,902 (San Diego average) versus $1,685 (U.S. average)
- Insurance for teens can cost a lot – The average cost ranges from $4,784 to $6,804 per year for insurance on a teen driver in San Diego, CA.
- Insurance rates drop considerably from age 20 to 30 – The average 30-year-old San Diego, CA, driver will pay $1,776 less annually than a 20-year-old driver, $2,002 compared to $3,778.
- San Diego car insurance prices are cheaper than the California state average – $1,902 (San Diego average) compared to $2,134 (California average)
- Auto insurance gets more affordable as you age – Rates for a 50-year-old driver in San Diego are $2,048 per year cheaper than for a 20-year-old driver.
Which cars have cheap insurance in San Diego, California?
The models with the best car insurance prices in San Diego tend to be compact SUVs like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Subaru Crosstrek, and Mazda CX-5.
Average car insurance rates for those models cost $1,518 or less per year, or $127 per month, for a policy with full coverage.
Some additional vehicles that come in near the top in our cost comparison are the Honda HR-V, Subaru Forester, Hyundai Kona, and Ford Edge.
The average rates are slightly higher for those models than the cheapest crossovers and compact SUVs at the top of the rankings, but they still have an average cost of $1,612 or less per year ($134 per month) in San Diego.
The following table ranks the cheapest vehicles to insure in San Diego, sorted by average cost.
| Rank | Make/Model | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | $1,438 | $120 |
| 2 | Subaru Crosstrek | $1,450 | $121 |
| 3 | Nissan Kicks | $1,458 | $122 |
| 4 | Honda Passport | $1,476 | $123 |
| 5 | Nissan Rogue Sport | $1,484 | $124 |
| 6 | Mazda CX-5 | $1,494 | $125 |
| 7 | Buick Encore | $1,514 | $126 |
| 8 | Buick Envision | $1,518 | $127 |
| 9 | Kia Seltos | $1,540 | $128 |
| 10 | Subaru Ascent | $1,546 | $129 |
| 11 | Hyundai Venue | $1,548 | $129 |
| 12 | Subaru Impreza | $1,572 | $131 |
| 13 | Ford Maverick | $1,576 | $131 |
| 14 | Chevrolet Colorado | $1,580 | $132 |
| 15 | Honda HR-V | $1,580 | $132 |
| 16 | Acura RDX | $1,586 | $132 |
| 17 | Hyundai Kona | $1,594 | $133 |
| 18 | Subaru Forester | $1,602 | $134 |
| 19 | Ford Edge | $1,610 | $134 |
| 20 | Honda CR-V | $1,612 | $134 |
| 21 | Mazda CX-30 | $1,614 | $135 |
| 22 | Ford Explorer | $1,618 | $135 |
| 23 | Volkswagen Atlas | $1,622 | $135 |
| 24 | Chevrolet Trax | $1,632 | $136 |
| 25 | Nissan Murano | $1,632 | $136 |
A list of 25 ranked vehicles really is not a great way to present a complete summary of car insurance rates in San Diego. A better way to group and rank rates in a practical manner is by organizing them by their automotive segment. The sections below list the top 20 vehicles with the most affordable insurance rates for the six main segments.
Cheapest car insurance rates in San Diego
The Subaru Impreza takes the top ranking for the cheapest non-luxury sedan or hatchback to insure in San Diego, followed closely by the Volkswagen Jetta, Subaru Legacy, Nissan Sentra, and Toyota Corolla. The 2023 model averages $1,572 per year to insure with full coverage.
Not the cheapest, but still very affordable, are cars like the Toyota Camry, Toyota Prius, Kia K5, and Mazda 3, with an average cost of $1,832 per year or less.
Some additional 2023 models that make the list include the Honda Civic, Tesla Model 3, Volkswagen Arteon, and Chrysler 300, which average between $1,832 and $1,990 per year for full-coverage insurance in San Diego.
From a monthly standpoint, car insurance rates on this segment in San Diego for a safe driver will start around $131 per month, depending on where you live.
When vehicle size is considered, the cheapest non-luxury compact car to insure in San Diego is the Subaru Impreza at $1,572 per year, or $131 per month. For midsize 2023 models, the Subaru Legacy is cheapest to insure at $1,750 per year, or $146 per month. And for full-size sedans, the Chrysler 300 is most affordable to insure at $1,854 per year, or $155 per month.
The next table ranks the twenty cars with the most affordable average car insurance rates in San Diego.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | Compact | $1,572 | $131 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | Compact | $1,734 | $145 |
| Subaru Legacy | Midsize | $1,750 | $146 |
| Nissan Sentra | Compact | $1,764 | $147 |
| Toyota Corolla | Compact | $1,782 | $149 |
| Volkswagen Golf | Compact | $1,786 | $149 |
| Toyota Prius | Compact | $1,792 | $149 |
| Toyota Camry | Midsize | $1,806 | $151 |
| Mazda 3 | Compact | $1,822 | $152 |
| Kia K5 | Midsize | $1,832 | $153 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | Midsize | $1,848 | $154 |
| Chrysler 300 | Full-size | $1,854 | $155 |
| Honda Civic | Compact | $1,862 | $155 |
| Kia Forte | Compact | $1,864 | $155 |
| Mitsubishi Mirage G4 | Compact | $1,874 | $156 |
| Nissan Leaf | Compact | $1,912 | $159 |
| Honda Accord | Midsize | $1,918 | $160 |
| Toyota Crown | Midsize | $1,928 | $161 |
| Tesla Model 3 | Midsize | $1,942 | $162 |
| Volkswagen Arteon | Midsize | $1,990 | $166 |
See our comprehensive guides for compact car insurance, midsize car insurance, and full-size car insurance to view data for vehicles not featured in the table.
Don’t see insurance cost for your vehicle? That’s no problem! Enter your zip code at the bottom of the above table and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get free car insurance quotes from top-rated car insurance companies in California.
Cheapest SUV insurance rates in San Diego
Ranking at the top for the cheapest San Diego car insurance rates in the non-luxury SUV segment are the Nissan Rogue Sport, Subaru Crosstrek, Honda Passport, Nissan Kicks, and Chevrolet Trailblazer. Car insurance quotes for these 2023 models average $1,484 or less per year, or around $124 per month.
Additional SUVs that have cheaper rates are the Subaru Ascent, Kia Seltos, Buick Encore, and Mazda CX-5, with an average cost to insure of $1,546 per year or less.
Car insurance in this segment for the average driver can cost as low as $120 per month, depending on where you live.
The comparison table below ranks the twenty SUVs with the cheapest car insurance rates in San Diego, starting with the Chevrolet Trailblazer at $120 per month and ending with the Chevrolet Trax at $136 per month.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | Compact | $1,438 | $120 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | Compact | $1,450 | $121 |
| Nissan Kicks | Compact | $1,458 | $122 |
| Honda Passport | Midsize | $1,476 | $123 |
| Nissan Rogue Sport | Compact | $1,484 | $124 |
| Mazda CX-5 | Compact | $1,494 | $125 |
| Buick Encore | Compact | $1,514 | $126 |
| Buick Envision | Compact | $1,518 | $127 |
| Kia Seltos | Compact | $1,540 | $128 |
| Subaru Ascent | Midsize | $1,546 | $129 |
| Hyundai Venue | Compact | $1,548 | $129 |
| Honda HR-V | Compact | $1,580 | $132 |
| Hyundai Kona | Compact | $1,594 | $133 |
| Subaru Forester | Compact | $1,602 | $134 |
| Ford Edge | Midsize | $1,610 | $134 |
| Honda CR-V | Compact | $1,612 | $134 |
| Mazda CX-30 | Compact | $1,614 | $135 |
| Ford Explorer | Midsize | $1,618 | $135 |
| Volkswagen Atlas | Midsize | $1,622 | $135 |
| Chevrolet Trax | Compact | $1,632 | $136 |
For more car insurance comparisons, see our guides for compact SUV insurance, midsize SUV insurance, and full-size SUV insurance.
Don’t see rates for your SUV? Enter your zip code at the bottom of the above table and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get free San Diego car insurance quotes from the best car insurance companies in California.
Cheapest luxury cars to insure in San Diego, CA
In our comparison, the top five cheapest luxury cars to insure in San Diego are the Acura Integra, BMW 330i, Acura TLX, Cadillac CT4, and Genesis G70. Rates for for these five cars range from $1,706 to $2,024 per year.
Additional models that have affordable insurance rates are the Lexus ES 250, BMW 330e, Lexus ES 350, and BMW 228i, with an average cost of $2,064 per year or less.
Ranked in the lower half of the top 20, cars like the Lexus RC 350, BMW 230i, Mercedes-Benz C300, Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45, and Audi A3 cost between $2,064 and $2,120 per year for full-coverage insurance in San Diego.
On a monthly basis, full-coverage insurance on this segment in San Diego for a safe driver starts at around $142 per month, depending on the company.
When vehicle size is considered, the most affordable small luxury car to insure in San Diego is the Acura Integra at $1,706 per year. For midsize luxury models, the Cadillac CT5 is the cheapest model to insure at $2,042 per year. And for full-size luxury models, the Audi A5 has the most affordable rates at $2,130 per year.
The rate comparison table below ranks the twenty luxury cars with the lowest-cost car insurance in San Diego, starting with the Acura Integra at $1,706 per year and ending with the Volvo S60 at $2,120 per year.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura Integra | Compact | $1,706 | $142 |
| BMW 330i | Compact | $1,930 | $161 |
| Acura TLX | Compact | $1,960 | $163 |
| Cadillac CT4 | Compact | $1,984 | $165 |
| Genesis G70 | Compact | $2,024 | $169 |
| Cadillac CT5 | Midsize | $2,042 | $170 |
| Lexus ES 350 | Midsize | $2,048 | $171 |
| BMW 330e | Compact | $2,054 | $171 |
| Lexus ES 250 | Midsize | $2,060 | $172 |
| BMW 228i | Compact | $2,064 | $172 |
| Lexus RC 300 | Midsize | $2,068 | $172 |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35 | Midsize | $2,072 | $173 |
| Audi A3 | Midsize | $2,076 | $173 |
| BMW 230i | Compact | $2,080 | $173 |
| Mercedes-Benz C300 | Compact | $2,096 | $175 |
| Audi A4 | Compact | $2,106 | $176 |
| Lexus RC 350 | Compact | $2,108 | $176 |
| Audi S3 | Compact | $2,120 | $177 |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | Midsize | $2,120 | $177 |
| Volvo S60 | Compact | $2,120 | $177 |
See our comprehensive guide for luxury car insurance to view data for vehicles not featured in the table.
Don’t see rates for your luxury car? That’s no problem! Enter your zip code at the bottom of the above table and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get cheap San Diego car insurance quotes from top-rated car insurance companies in California.
Cheapest luxury SUVs to insure in San Diego
Sitting at number one in San Diego for cheapest average insurance rates in the luxury SUV segment is the Acura RDX, costing an average of $1,586 per year. Second place is the Lexus RX 350 at $1,700 per year, and the third most affordable is the Cadillac XT4, costing an average of $1,714 per year.
Some other luxury SUVs that rank well include the Mercedes-Benz GLA250, Cadillac XT5, Mercedes-Benz GLB 250, and Cadillac XT6, with average cost of $1,850 per year or less.
Ranked lower than 10th place, but still in the top 20, models like the Mercedes-Benz GLC300, Lincoln Nautilus, BMW X1, Acura MDX, and Lexus NX 350 cost between $1,850 and $1,936 to insure per year.
From a monthly standpoint, full-coverage car insurance on this segment in San Diego for an average middle-age driver can cost as low as $132 per month, depending on your location and insurance company.
If rates are ranked by vehicle size, the cheapest compact luxury SUV to insure in San Diego is the Acura RDX at $1,586 per year. For midsize luxury SUVs, the Lexus RX 350 is the cheapest model to insure at $1,700 per year. And for large luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC90 has the best rates at $1,960 per year.
The table below ranks the twenty luxury SUVs with the most affordable average auto insurance rates in San Diego.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RDX | Compact | $1,586 | $132 |
| Lexus RX 350 | Midsize | $1,700 | $142 |
| Cadillac XT4 | Compact | $1,714 | $143 |
| Volvo XC40 | Compact | $1,748 | $146 |
| Infiniti QX50 | Midsize | $1,760 | $147 |
| Lexus UX 250h | Compact | $1,778 | $148 |
| Cadillac XT5 | Midsize | $1,806 | $151 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLA250 | Compact | $1,846 | $154 |
| Cadillac XT6 | Midsize | $1,850 | $154 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 | Compact | $1,850 | $154 |
| Lexus NX 250 | Compact | $1,874 | $156 |
| Acura MDX | Midsize | $1,890 | $158 |
| Lexus NX 350h | Compact | $1,896 | $158 |
| Lexus NX 350 | Compact | $1,908 | $159 |
| Lexus NX 450h | Compact | $1,912 | $159 |
| Lincoln Corsair | Compact | $1,912 | $159 |
| Lincoln Nautilus | Midsize | $1,922 | $160 |
| BMW X1 | Compact | $1,924 | $160 |
| Alfa Romeo Tonale | Compact | $1,928 | $161 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC300 | Compact | $1,936 | $161 |
For all luxury SUV comparisons, see our complete guide for luxury SUV insurance.
Is your luxury SUV not in the list? No problem! Enter your zip code at the bottom of the table above and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get free car insurance quotes from top companies in California.
Cheapest sports cars to insure in San Diego, California
The four most affordable sports cars to insure in San Diego are the Mazda MX-5 Miata at $1,756 per year, Audi TT at $1,968 per year, Ford Mustang at $2,060 per year, and BMW Z4 at $2,074 per year.
Not the cheapest in the list, but still ranking well, are cars like the Toyota GR86, Toyota GR Supra, Subaru BRZ, and Nissan Z, with an average car insurance cost of $2,290 per year or less.
As a cost per month, full-coverage car insurance in San Diego on this segment for an average middle-age driver starts at around $146 per month, depending on where you live. The next table ranks the sports cars with the cheapest insurance rates in San Diego, starting with the Mazda MX-5 Miata at $1,756 per year and ending with the Lexus LC 500 at $2,854 per year.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | Sports Car | $1,756 | $146 |
| Audi TT | Sports Car | $1,968 | $164 |
| Ford Mustang | Sports Car | $2,060 | $172 |
| BMW Z4 | Sports Car | $2,074 | $173 |
| Subaru WRX | Sports Car | $2,100 | $175 |
| Nissan Z | Sports Car | $2,128 | $177 |
| Toyota GR Supra | Sports Car | $2,164 | $180 |
| BMW M2 | Sports Car | $2,190 | $183 |
| Toyota GR86 | Sports Car | $2,192 | $183 |
| Subaru BRZ | Sports Car | $2,290 | $191 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | Sports Car | $2,344 | $195 |
| BMW M3 | Sports Car | $2,394 | $200 |
| Lexus RC F | Sports Car | $2,446 | $204 |
| Porsche 718 | Sports Car | $2,448 | $204 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | Sports Car | $2,484 | $207 |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53 | Sports Car | $2,638 | $220 |
| Jaguar F-Type | Sports Car | $2,728 | $227 |
| Porsche Taycan | Sports Car | $2,788 | $232 |
| BMW M4 | Sports Car | $2,822 | $235 |
| Lexus LC 500 | Sports Car | $2,854 | $238 |
Need rates for a different vehicle? Enter your zip code at the bottom of the table above and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get free car insurance quotes from top-rated companies in California.
Cheapest pickup insurance rates in San Diego
Ranked at #1 in San Diego for cheapest auto insurance in the pickup truck segment is the Ford Maverick, with an average cost of $1,576 per year. Second place is the Chevrolet Colorado at $1,580 per year, in third place is the Nissan Frontier, costing an average of $1,640 per year, and the fourth cheapest is the Ford Ranger, at an average of $1,684 per year.
Not the cheapest in the list, but still ranking well, are pickups like the Nissan Titan, Honda Ridgeline, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford F150, with an average cost to insure of $1,930 per year or less.
Auto insurance in San Diego for this segment for a safe driver starts at an average of $131 per month, depending on where you live and the company you use.
The next table ranks the pickups with the most affordable car insurance rates in San Diego.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Maverick | Midsize | $1,576 | $131 |
| Chevrolet Colorado | Midsize | $1,580 | $132 |
| Nissan Frontier | Midsize | $1,640 | $137 |
| Ford Ranger | Midsize | $1,684 | $140 |
| GMC Canyon | Midsize | $1,724 | $144 |
| Toyota Tacoma | Midsize | $1,736 | $145 |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | Midsize | $1,764 | $147 |
| Nissan Titan | Full-size | $1,878 | $157 |
| Honda Ridgeline | Midsize | $1,884 | $157 |
| Ford F150 | Full-size | $1,930 | $161 |
| GMC Sierra 2500 HD | Heavy Duty | $1,946 | $162 |
| Jeep Gladiator | Midsize | $1,976 | $165 |
| Toyota Tundra | Full-size | $1,998 | $167 |
| GMC Sierra 3500 | Heavy Duty | $2,008 | $167 |
| GMC Sierra | Full-size | $2,072 | $173 |
| Ram Truck | Full-size | $2,076 | $173 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | Full-size | $2,078 | $173 |
| Chevrolet Silverado HD 2500 | Heavy Duty | $2,084 | $174 |
| Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500 | Heavy Duty | $2,092 | $174 |
| Nissan Titan XD | Heavy Duty | $2,120 | $177 |
See our guides for midsize pickup insurance and large pickup insurance to compare rates for all truck makes and models.
Looking for insurance rates for a different truck? No problem! Enter your zip code at the bottom of the above table and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get cheap San Diego car insurance quotes from top-rated car insurance companies in California.
Tips for cheaper San Diego auto insurance rates
Smart drivers in San Diego are always looking to reduce the monthly expense for insurance So take a minute to read through the money-saving ideas in this next list and maybe you can save a little money on your next policy.
- Get a discount from your employment. Some insurance companies offer discounts for having a job in professions like doctors, members of the military, lawyers, dentists, scientists, high school and elementary teachers, and others. Getting this discount may save between $57 and $192 on your car insurance bill, subject to the policy coverages selected.
- Save money by qualifying for discounts. Discounts may be available if the insured drivers are good students, are senior citizens, take a defensive driving course, drive a vehicle with safety or anti-theft features, choose electronic billing, or many other discounts which could save the average San Diego driver as much as $324 per year on the cost of auto insurance
- Buy vehicles that are cheaper to insure. The make and model of vehicle you drive is one of the biggest factors in the price you pay for auto insurance. As an example, a Subaru Outback costs $654 less per year to insure in San Diego than a Subaru BRZ. Lower performance vehicles cost less to insure.
- Avoid accidents for cheaper auto insurance rates. Multiple at-fault accidents raise rates, possibly as much as $2,658 per year for a 20-year-old driver and even as much as $578 per year for a 60-year-old driver. So be a cautious driver and save.
- Lower policy cost by raising deductibles. Increasing deductibles from $500 to $1,000 could save around $276 per year for a 40-year-old driver and $538 per year for a 20-year-old driver.
