- Average car insurance cost in San Jose is $1,800 per year, or around $150 per month.
- San Jose car insurance costs an average of $54 per year more than the California state average rate and $249 per year more than the United States national average.
- For cheap auto insurance in San Jose, SUV models like the Chevrolet Trailblazer, Nissan Kicks, and Mazda CX-5 have some of the best rates.
- A few vehicles with the cheapest car insurance in San Jose for their segment include the Mazda CX-5 ($1,370 per year), Cadillac XT5 ($1,772 per year), Acura ILX ($1,658 per year), and Chevrolet Tahoe ($1,810 per year).
- Car insurance quotes in San Jose have significant variability from as low as $38 per month for minimum liability limits to over $657 per month for teenagers and other high-risk drivers.
What is average car insurance cost in San Jose?
The average cost to insure a vehicle in San Jose is $1,800 per year, which is 16.1% more than the overall national average rate of $1,551 per year. The average monthly cost of car insurance in San Jose is $150 for a policy with full coverage.
The average cost of car insurance in California is $1,746 per year, so San Jose drivers pay an average of $54 more per year than the overall California state-wide average rate. The cost of insurance in San Jose compared to other California locations is about $86 per year more expensive than in San Diego, $372 per year less than in San Francisco, and $12 per year less than in Fresno.
The age of the rated driver is one of the biggest factors in determining the price of car insurance. The list below illustrates this point by breaking down average car insurance rates for driver ages 16 through 60.
Average car insurance cost for San Jose, California, drivers age 16 to 60
- 16-year-old rated driver – $6,446 per year or $537 per month
- 17-year-old rated driver – $6,020 per year or $502 per month
- 18-year-old rated driver – $5,620 per year or $468 per month
- 19-year-old rated driver – $5,082 per year or $424 per month
- 20-year-old rated driver – $3,570 per year or $298 per month
- 30-year-old rated driver – $1,894 per year or $158 per month
- 40-year-old rated driver – $1,800 per year or $150 per month
- 50-year-old rated driver – $1,638 per year or $137 per month
- 60-year-old rated driver – $1,608 per year or $134 per month
The chart below displays additional costs for drivers age 20 to 60 by showing a range of rates for different driver ages, policy deductibles, and policy risk factors.
Average rates in the previous chart range from $1,494 per year for a middle-aged driver who qualifies for most policy discounts to $4,074 per year for a 20-year-old driver with a poor driving record or too many at-fault accidents. The overall average rate we use to compare different vehicles is the 40-year-old safe driver rate, which has an average cost of $1,800 per year in San Jose.
As a monthly expense, car insurance cost in San Jose ranges from $125 to $340 for the risk profiles shown in the chart above.
Auto insurance rates are not the same for everyone and can change frequently. The possibility of a wide range of rates emphasizes the need to get multiple car insurance quotes when trying to find a cheaper car insurance policy.
Popular models in San Jose tend to be compact or midsize cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Camry and small or midsize SUVs like the Ford Escape and Subaru Outback.
A few additional popular vehicles in San Jose from other segments include luxury cars like the Acura ILX, Lexus ES 350, and Tesla Model S, luxury SUVs like the Cadillac XT5, Lexus RX 350, and BMW X5, and pickup trucks like the Toyota Tacoma, Chevy Silverado, and Ram 1500.
We cover additional rates in a little bit, but before we get into that data, let’s take a quick look at the main concepts that were covered up to this point.
- Auto insurance for teenagers is expensive in San Jose – Average rates range from $4,520 to $6,446 per year for teenage driver insurance in San Jose, California.
- Lower deductible insurance is more expensive than high deductible – A 40-year-old driver pays an average of $538 more per year for a policy with $250 deductibles compared to $1,000 deductibles.
- San Jose car insurance prices are more expensive than the California state average – $1,800 (San Jose average) versus $1,746 (California average)
- San Jose car insurance cost is more than the U.S. average – $1,800 (San Jose average) versus $1,551 (U.S. average)
- Average cost per month ranges from $128 to $512 – That is the average auto insurance price range for insured drivers age 16 to 60 in San Jose, CA.
What are the cheapest vehicles to insure in San Jose?
The models with the cheapest average auto insurance quotes in San Jose tend to be small SUVs like the Mazda CX-5, Chevrolet Trailblazer, and Toyota C-HR. Average auto insurance rates for those compact SUVs cost $1,504 or less per year, or $125 per month, to have full coverage.
A few other vehicles that are ranked high in our overall cost comparison are the Subaru Ascent, Hyundai Kona, Acura RDX, and Subaru Impreza. Insurance rates are a little bit more for those models than the cheapest compact SUVs that rank near the top, but they still have an average cost of $1,560 or less per year in San Jose.
The table below breaks down the 40 car, truck, and SUV models with the cheapest auto insurance in San Jose, ordered by annual cost.
| Rank | Make/Model | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mazda CX-5 | $1,370 | $114 |
| 2 | Nissan Kicks | $1,406 | $117 |
| 3 | Chevrolet Trailblazer | $1,414 | $118 |
| 4 | Honda Passport | $1,446 | $121 |
| 5 | Subaru Crosstrek | $1,446 | $121 |
| 6 | Chevrolet Colorado | $1,482 | $124 |
| 7 | Buick Encore | $1,488 | $124 |
| 8 | Toyota C-HR | $1,490 | $124 |
| 9 | Nissan Rogue Sport | $1,504 | $125 |
| 10 | Hyundai Venue | $1,526 | $127 |
| 11 | Buick Envision | $1,532 | $128 |
| 12 | Kia Seltos | $1,536 | $128 |
| 13 | Ford Maverick | $1,540 | $128 |
| 14 | Acura RDX | $1,544 | $129 |
| 15 | Subaru Ascent | $1,546 | $129 |
| 16 | Toyota Corolla Cross | $1,546 | $129 |
| 17 | Subaru Forester | $1,558 | $130 |
| 18 | Hyundai Kona | $1,560 | $130 |
| 19 | Mazda MX-5 Miata | $1,560 | $130 |
| 20 | Subaru Impreza | $1,562 | $130 |
| 21 | Volkswagen Tiguan | $1,564 | $130 |
| 22 | Chevrolet Spark | $1,570 | $131 |
| 23 | Honda CR-V | $1,576 | $131 |
| 24 | Cadillac XT4 | $1,582 | $132 |
| 25 | Mazda CX-30 | $1,594 | $133 |
| 26 | Ford Ranger | $1,598 | $133 |
| 27 | Honda HR-V | $1,618 | $135 |
| 28 | Ford Edge | $1,622 | $135 |
| 29 | Ford Ecosport | $1,630 | $136 |
| 30 | Chevrolet Trax | $1,650 | $138 |
| 31 | Subaru Outback | $1,652 | $138 |
| 32 | Acura ILX | $1,658 | $138 |
| 33 | GMC Terrain | $1,658 | $138 |
| 34 | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | $1,662 | $139 |
| 35 | Hyundai Tucson | $1,670 | $139 |
| 36 | Nissan Murano | $1,672 | $139 |
| 37 | Toyota Tacoma | $1,672 | $139 |
| 38 | Chevrolet Bolt | $1,680 | $140 |
| 39 | Chevrolet Equinox | $1,682 | $140 |
| 40 | Honda Odyssey | $1,682 | $140 |
The above table containing 40 of the cheapest vehicles to insure in San Jose probably isn’t the best way to show a comprehensive summary of San Jose insurance rates. Considering we track over 700 makes and models of vehicles, only about 6% of vehicles are displayed. Let’s rethink this, dig deeper, and reorganize the models with the cheapest rates in a more sensible format, by automotive segment.
This next article section goes into detail about the average cost of auto insurance by vehicle segment. The average rates shown in the chart should give a good idea of the types of vehicles that have the overall best rates. Then the six subsequent sections show the models with the most affordable car insurance in each unique segment.
San Jose car insurance rates by vehicle segment
When shopping around for a new or used vehicle, it is useful to know which styles of vehicles have less expensive insurance rates. As an example, maybe you want to know if compact SUVs have cheaper car insurance than minivans or if full-size pickups cost less to insure than midsize pickups.
The next chart displays average auto insurance cost by vehicle segment in San Jose. As a general rule, compact SUVs, vans, and midsize pickups tend to have the least expensive average rates, while large luxury, performance, and sports cars have the most expensive rates.
Average auto insurance rates by segment are sufficient to form a general comparison, but cost ranges significantly within each automotive segment shown in the previous chart.
For example, in the midsize car segment, average San Jose insurance rates range from the Subaru Legacy costing $1,746 per year for full coverage insurance to the Kia Stinger at $2,120 per year, a difference of $374 within that segment.
Also, in the midsize truck segment, insurance rates range from the Chevrolet Colorado costing $1,482 per year up to the Rivian R1T at $2,288 per year.
In the upcoming sections, we remove some of this variability by comparing auto insurance rates for specific vehicles rather than by segments.
Cheapest car insurance rates in San Jose, California
The four highest ranking 2-door and 4-door sedans and hatchbacks with the cheapest auto insurance in San Jose are the Subaru Impreza at $1,562 per year, Chevrolet Spark at $1,570 per year, Volkswagen Golf at $1,730 per year, and Subaru Legacy at $1,746 per year.
Other models that have cheaper rates include the Toyota Corolla, Nissan Sentra, Honda Insight, and Kia K5, with an average cost of $1,770 per year or less.
Ranked from 10th to 20th place, cars like the Honda Civic, Toyota Prius, Hyundai Accent, Mazda 3, and Volkswagen Passat cost between $1,770 and $1,870 per year for insurance in San Jose.
Auto insurance rates in this segment for a safe driver starts at around $130 per month, depending on your location and insurance company. The rate comparison table below ranks the cars with the cheapest insurance in San Jose, starting with the Subaru Impreza at $1,562 per year ($130 per month) and ending with the Chevrolet Malibu at $1,870 per year ($156 per month).
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Impreza | Compact | $1,562 | $130 |
| Chevrolet Spark | Compact | $1,570 | $131 |
| Volkswagen Golf | Compact | $1,730 | $144 |
| Subaru Legacy | Midsize | $1,746 | $146 |
| Honda Insight | Midsize | $1,748 | $146 |
| Volkswagen Jetta | Compact | $1,750 | $146 |
| Nissan Sentra | Compact | $1,756 | $146 |
| Kia K5 | Midsize | $1,766 | $147 |
| Toyota Corolla | Compact | $1,768 | $147 |
| Toyota Camry | Midsize | $1,770 | $148 |
| Kia Rio | Compact | $1,776 | $148 |
| Volkswagen Passat | Midsize | $1,780 | $148 |
| Honda Civic | Compact | $1,782 | $149 |
| Mazda 3 | Compact | $1,782 | $149 |
| Mazda 6 | Midsize | $1,792 | $149 |
| Toyota Prius | Compact | $1,800 | $150 |
| Hyundai Accent | Compact | $1,822 | $152 |
| Hyundai Veloster | Compact | $1,838 | $153 |
| Kia Forte | Compact | $1,842 | $154 |
| Chevrolet Malibu | Midsize | $1,870 | $156 |
See our guides for compact car insurance, midsize car insurance, and full-size car insurance to compare rates for all makes and models.
Looking for a different vehicle? That’s no problem! Enter your zip code at the bottom of the table and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get free San Jose car insurance quotes from top-rated car insurance companies in California.
Cheapest SUVs to insure in San Jose
The four lowest-cost non-luxury SUVs to insure in San Jose are the Mazda CX-5 at $1,370 per year, Nissan Kicks at $1,406 per year, Chevrolet Trailblazer at $1,414 per year, and Subaru Crosstrek at $1,446 per year.
Not the cheapest SUVs to insure, but still affordable, are SUVs like the Toyota C-HR, Nissan Rogue Sport, Buick Envision, and Buick Encore, with an average cost to insure of $1,532 per year or less.
Auto insurance in San Jose for this segment for a good driver can cost as low as $114 per month, depending on where you live and the company you use.
If prices are ranked by vehicle size, the cheapest compact SUV to insure in San Jose is the Mazda CX-5 at $1,370 per year, or $114 per month. For midsize models, the Honda Passport is cheapest to insure at $1,446 per year, or $121 per month. And for full-size SUVs, the Chevrolet Tahoe has the best rates at $1,810 per year, or $151 per month.
The rate comparison table below ranks the twenty SUVs with the most affordable insurance in San Jose, starting with the Mazda CX-5 at $114 per month and ending with the Ford Edge at $135 per month.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda CX-5 | Compact | $1,370 | $114 |
| Nissan Kicks | Compact | $1,406 | $117 |
| Chevrolet Trailblazer | Compact | $1,414 | $118 |
| Honda Passport | Midsize | $1,446 | $121 |
| Subaru Crosstrek | Compact | $1,446 | $121 |
| Buick Encore | Compact | $1,488 | $124 |
| Toyota C-HR | Compact | $1,490 | $124 |
| Nissan Rogue Sport | Compact | $1,504 | $125 |
| Hyundai Venue | Compact | $1,526 | $127 |
| Buick Envision | Compact | $1,532 | $128 |
| Kia Seltos | Compact | $1,536 | $128 |
| Subaru Ascent | Midsize | $1,546 | $129 |
| Toyota Corolla Cross | Compact | $1,546 | $129 |
| Subaru Forester | Compact | $1,558 | $130 |
| Hyundai Kona | Compact | $1,560 | $130 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan | Compact | $1,564 | $130 |
| Honda CR-V | Compact | $1,576 | $131 |
| Mazda CX-30 | Compact | $1,594 | $133 |
| Honda HR-V | Compact | $1,618 | $135 |
| Ford Edge | Midsize | $1,622 | $135 |
See our guides for compact SUV insurance, midsize SUV insurance, and full-size SUV insurance to compare rates for all makes and models.
Looking for rates for a different SUV? No sweat! 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 car insurance companies in California.
Cheapest luxury car insurance rates in San Jose
Ranking in the top five for the lowest-cost San Jose car insurance rates in the luxury car segment are the BMW 330i, Acura TLX, Mercedes-Benz A220, Acura ILX, and Volvo S60. Auto insurance quotes for these 2022 models average $161 or less per month.
Also ranking in the top 10 are models like the Lexus RC 300, BMW 228i, Alfa Romeo Giulia, and BMW 330e, with an average cost of $2,000 per year or less.
From a monthly standpoint, full-coverage car insurance in San Jose on this segment for a good driver starts at around $138 per month, depending on the company and your location.
If ranked by vehicle size, the cheapest small luxury car to insure in San Jose is the Mercedes-Benz A220 at $1,772 per year. For midsize luxury models, the Acura ILX is the cheapest model to insure at $1,658 per year. And for full-size luxury models, the Audi A5 has the best rates at $2,112 per year.
The comparison table below ranks the twenty luxury cars with the cheapest car insurance rates in San Jose, starting with the Acura ILX at $1,658 per year and ending with the Audi S3 at $2,094 per year.
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura ILX | Midsize | $1,658 | $138 |
| Mercedes-Benz A220 | Compact | $1,772 | $148 |
| BMW 330i | Compact | $1,904 | $159 |
| Acura TLX | Compact | $1,912 | $159 |
| Volvo S60 | Compact | $1,932 | $161 |
| BMW 330e | Compact | $1,940 | $162 |
| BMW 228i | Compact | $1,950 | $163 |
| BMW 230i | Compact | $1,964 | $164 |
| Lexus RC 300 | Midsize | $1,994 | $166 |
| Cadillac CT4 | Compact | $1,998 | $167 |
| Alfa Romeo Giulia | Compact | $2,000 | $167 |
| Lexus RC 350 | Compact | $2,004 | $167 |
| Genesis G70 | Compact | $2,030 | $169 |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA35 | Midsize | $2,044 | $170 |
| BMW i4 | Midsize | $2,056 | $171 |
| Cadillac CT5 | Midsize | $2,060 | $172 |
| Audi A3 | Midsize | $2,080 | $173 |
| Audi A4 | Compact | $2,084 | $174 |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA45 | Midsize | $2,090 | $174 |
| Audi S3 | Compact | $2,094 | $175 |
See our guide for luxury car insurance to compare rates for all makes and models.
Don’t see insurance rates for your 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 luxury SUV insurance rates in San Jose, CA
Ranking at the top of the list for the most affordable San Jose car insurance rates in the luxury SUV segment are the Volvo XC40, Cadillac XT4, Acura RDX, Lexus NX 250, and Cadillac XT5. Car insurance prices for these 2022 models average $1,792 or less per year, or around $149 per month.
Also ranking well are SUVs like the Lexus UX 200, BMW X1, Lexus NX 350, and Lexus NX 350h, with an average cost to insure of $1,838 per year or less.
Full-coverage auto insurance for this segment in San Jose for an average middle-age driver starts at around $129 per month, depending on the company and where you live.
If vehicle size is considered, the most affordable compact luxury SUV to insure in San Jose is the Acura RDX at $1,544 per year, or $129 per month. For midsize luxury SUV models, the Cadillac XT5 is the cheapest model to insure at $1,772 per year, or $148 per month. And for large luxury SUVs, the Volvo XC90 is the cheapest model to insure at $1,948 per year, or $162 per month.
The next table ranks the twenty SUVs with the most affordable car insurance in San Jose, starting with the Acura RDX at $1,544 per year ($129 per month) and ending with the Lincoln Corsair at $1,908 per year ($159 per month).
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acura RDX | Compact | $1,544 | $129 |
| Cadillac XT4 | Compact | $1,582 | $132 |
| Volvo XC40 | Compact | $1,734 | $145 |
| Cadillac XT5 | Midsize | $1,772 | $148 |
| Lexus NX 250 | Compact | $1,792 | $149 |
| BMW X1 | Compact | $1,794 | $150 |
| Lexus NX 350h | Compact | $1,804 | $150 |
| Lexus UX 250h | Compact | $1,806 | $151 |
| Lexus NX 350 | Compact | $1,836 | $153 |
| Lexus UX 200 | Compact | $1,838 | $153 |
| Jaguar E-Pace | Midsize | $1,848 | $154 |
| Lexus RX 350 | Midsize | $1,854 | $155 |
| Acura MDX | Midsize | $1,864 | $155 |
| Lincoln Nautilus | Midsize | $1,882 | $157 |
| Lexus NX 450h | Compact | $1,888 | $157 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLB 250 | Compact | $1,892 | $158 |
| Lexus RX 450h | Midsize | $1,898 | $158 |
| Land Rover Evoque | Compact | $1,904 | $159 |
| Infiniti QX50 | Midsize | $1,906 | $159 |
| Lincoln Corsair | Compact | $1,908 | $159 |
See our guides for luxury SUV insurance to compare rates for additional makes and models.
Don’t see your luxury SUV in the list? No sweat! 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 car insurance companies in California.
Cheapest sports cars to insure in San Jose
Ranking at the top for the lowest-cost San Jose car insurance rates in the performance and sports car segment are the Mazda MX-5 Miata, Ford Mustang, Toyota GR86, Subaru WRX, and BMW Z4. Auto insurance quotes for these models average $175 or less per month.
Not the cheapest sports cars to insure, but still affordable, are models like the Subaru BRZ, BMW M3, Toyota GR Supra, and Audi TT, with an average cost to insure of $2,328 per year or less.
As a cost per month, car insurance rates in San Jose on this segment for a good driver will start around $130 per month, depending on your company and location. The comparison table below ranks the twenty sports cars with the cheapest average car insurance rates in San Jose, starting with the Mazda MX-5 Miata at $1,560 per year ($130 per month) and ending with the Lexus LC 500 at $2,966 per year ($247 per month).
| Make/Model | Vehicle Type | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mazda MX-5 Miata | Sports Car | $1,560 | $130 |
| Ford Mustang | Sports Car | $1,898 | $158 |
| BMW Z4 | Sports Car | $1,940 | $162 |
| Subaru WRX | Sports Car | $2,046 | $171 |
| Toyota GR86 | Sports Car | $2,098 | $175 |
| Toyota GR Supra | Sports Car | $2,144 | $179 |
| Audi TT | Sports Car | $2,192 | $183 |
| Subaru BRZ | Sports Car | $2,258 | $188 |
| Chevrolet Corvette | Sports Car | $2,266 | $189 |
| BMW M3 | Sports Car | $2,328 | $194 |
| Porsche 718 | Sports Car | $2,434 | $203 |
| Chevrolet Camaro | Sports Car | $2,494 | $208 |
| Lexus RC F | Sports Car | $2,542 | $212 |
| Dodge Challenger | Sports Car | $2,562 | $214 |
| Mercedes-Benz AMG GT53 | Sports Car | $2,600 | $217 |
| Jaguar F-Type | Sports Car | $2,720 | $227 |
| Porsche Taycan | Sports Car | $2,794 | $233 |
| Porsche 911 | Sports Car | $2,862 | $239 |
| BMW M4 | Sports Car | $2,868 | $239 |
| Lexus LC 500 | Sports Car | $2,966 | $247 |
Don’t see your sports car? Not a 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 car insurance companies in San Jose.
Cheapest pickup truck insurance rates in San Jose
The top-ranked model in San Jose for cheapest auto insurance rates in the pickup truck segment is the Chevrolet Colorado, at an average of $1,482 per year. Second place is the Ford Maverick costing $1,540 per year, the third most affordable is the Ford Ranger, at an average of $1,598 per year, and the fourth most affordable is the Toyota Tacoma, at an average of $1,672 per year.
Rounding out the top 10 are pickups like the GMC Canyon, Jeep Gladiator, Ford F150, and Hyundai Santa Cruz, with average rates of $1,770 per year or less.
From a monthly standpoint, car insurance rates in this segment for a middle-age safe driver can cost as low as $124 per month, depending on where you live. The table below ranks the pickups with the lowest-cost car insurance rates in San Jose, starting with the Chevrolet Colorado at $1,482 per year ($124 per month) and ending with the GMC Sierra 3500 at $2,114 per year ($176 per month).
| Make/Model | Vehicle Size | Annual Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Colorado | Midsize | $1,482 | $124 |
| Ford Maverick | Midsize | $1,540 | $128 |
| Ford Ranger | Midsize | $1,598 | $133 |
| Toyota Tacoma | Midsize | $1,672 | $139 |
| Nissan Frontier | Midsize | $1,714 | $143 |
| GMC Canyon | Midsize | $1,724 | $144 |
| Hyundai Santa Cruz | Midsize | $1,728 | $144 |
| Ford F150 | Full-size | $1,740 | $145 |
| Honda Ridgeline | Midsize | $1,756 | $146 |
| Jeep Gladiator | Midsize | $1,770 | $148 |
| GMC Sierra | Full-size | $1,836 | $153 |
| Nissan Titan | Full-size | $1,900 | $158 |
| Chevrolet Silverado | Full-size | $1,934 | $161 |
| Toyota Tundra | Full-size | $1,934 | $161 |
| Ford F350 Super Duty | Heavy Duty | $1,954 | $163 |
| Chevrolet Silverado HD 3500 | Heavy Duty | $1,970 | $164 |
| Nissan Titan XD | Heavy Duty | $2,022 | $169 |
| Ram Truck | Full-size | $2,056 | $171 |
| GMC Sierra 2500 HD | Heavy Duty | $2,100 | $175 |
| GMC Sierra 3500 | Heavy Duty | $2,114 | $176 |
See our guides for midsize pickup insurance and large pickup insurance to compare rates for all truck makes and models.
Is your pickup truck not in the list? No sweat! Enter your zip code at the bottom of the table above and click the orange ‘GO’ button to get free car insurance quotes from the best companies in California.
Helpful tips to save on car insurance
San Jose drivers are always searching for ways to reduce the monthly expense for insurance, so take a minute or two to look through the savings concepts below and maybe you’ll find a way to save some money the next time you need to insure a vehicle.
- Don’t be dumb behind the wheel. In order to get cheap auto insurance in San Jose, it’s necessary to drive conservatively. In fact, just a couple minor incidents on your driving report could increase auto insurance cost by as much as $470 per year. Being convicted of a major violation such as failing to stop at the scene of an accident could raise rates by an additional $1,646 or more.
- Auto insurance is cheaper with higher deductibles. Raising your physical damage coverage deductibles from $500 to $1,000 could save around $232 per year for a 40-year-old driver and $452 per year for a 20-year-old driver.
- Shop your coverage around. Taking the time to get free car insurance quotes could significantly reduce the cost of insurance. Companies make rate modifications frequently and you do not have to wait for your renewal to change companies.
- Stay claim free and save. Most insurance companies give a discounted rate if you have no claims on your account. Car insurance is intended to be used for significant financial loss, not minor claims.
- Clean up your credit to lower your rates. Drivers who have credit scores over 800 could save a minimum of $283 per year versus a slightly lower credit score between 670-739. Conversely, an imperfect credit score below 579 could cost around $328 more per year. Not all states use credit score as a rating factor, so check with your agent or company.
- If your vehicle is older, remove optional coverages. Removing physical damage coverage (comprehensive and collision) from older vehicles can reduce the cost of car insurance significantly.
