Best Cheap Car Insurance in Santa Clarita for 2021

Navigating the vast network of Los Angeles County’s roadways is a never-ending challenge and poses risks. In 2017, the last year for which there is data available, more than 277,000 people sustained injuries and nearly 4,000 people lost their lives in California auto accidents, according to the California Highway Patrol. The same year, 1,000 people were injured and 10 people died on Santa Clarita roads and highways.

Santa Clarita automobile owners pay an average annual auto insurance premium of $876 for minimum coverage and $2,253 for full coverage. Insuring a car in Santa Clarita is expensive, but price is not the only factor to consider when shopping for a policy. We searched the market and found a few carriers that offer a good selection of coverages, great discounts, excellent customer support and the financial strength to meet their claims obligations.

Best car insurance companies in Santa Clarita

While low premiums are important to most auto insurance shoppers, other factors are equally important. Bankrate chose its top five Santa Clarita car insurance providers based on their financial strength, customer service, standard and optional coverages and discount programs. We also considered average annual rates, provided by Quadrant Information Services, for both minimum and full coverage auto insurance.

Wawanesa

In J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study, Wawanesa earned the top rank, with an overall customer satisfaction index score of 853 out of 1,000. And, based on Bankrate’s research, the provider’s car insurance rates rank among the top five lowest in Santa Clarita.

Wawanesa offers all the standard auto insurance coverages you need, plus great optional coverages, including rental car reimbursement. You can choose from three rental car reimbursement plans, which pay between $900 and $1,500 per covered loss. The provider also extends a range of great discounts, including up to a 22{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} loyalty discount for California Coast Credit Union members.

State Farm

State Farm offers exceptional standard automobile insurance coverages, plus a few add-ons. The insurer’s optional roadside assistance coverage helps pay for a wide range of breakdown expenses, including gas delivery, locksmith lockout service, mechanical labor, tire changes and towing.

State Farm’s Steer Clear program helps young drivers improve their skills, while extending a discount to participants who complete the coursework. Drivers who enroll in the program can view training videos, take quizzes and review lessons using the Steer Clear mobile app. To achieve certification, participants must complete five hours of driving, in 10 or more trips. High school and college students under the age of 25 can also earn up to a 25{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} car insurance discount if they make good grades.

Geico

Geico offers great rates and a full selection of standard coverages, plus a few optional coverages. The insurer’s mechanical breakdown insurance, which few providers offer, pays all parts and labor costs, except for general maintenance and replacement of parts due to wear and tear. Geico offers the coverage for vehicles that have less than 15,000 miles on the odometer and are under 15 months old. Mechanical breakdown coverage features a $250 deductible for each covered loss and is renewable for up to 100,000 miles or seven years, whichever comes first.

Geico also extends a wide range of discounts. You can earn up to a 23{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} discount if your car is equipped with air bags or an anti-theft system and up to 25{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} off if you insure more than one vehicle. Geico also offers a 15{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} discount to military members and up to an additional 25{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} discount when they are on emergency deployment.

Progressive

With Progressive, auto insurance shoppers can save money even before they buy a policy. The provider’s online quote tool enables shoppers to compare Progressive’s rates alongside other carriers. Progressive’s Name Your Price tool allows you to enter the amount you can afford to pay for car insurance and see available coverage options.

Along with a full lineup of standard coverages, Progressive also offers optional gap insurance. If your financed vehicle is totaled in a covered loss, gap insurance helps pay the difference between the insurance settlement and the amount you still owe a lender. The provider also offers custom parts and equipment coverage, which pays up to $5,000 for customized gear such as navigation systems, stereos and wheels.

Cheapest car insurance in Santa Clarita

California drivers pay an average annual auto insurance premium of around $2,065, much higher than the $1,674 national average. Unfortunately, Santa Clarita motorists pay even higher average rates, around $2,253 per year for full coverage and $876 for minimum coverage. But Bankrate found several insurers that offer average annual rates far below the city average.

All five of these providers have earned an “A” or better AM Best financial strength rating. AAA, Geico and State Farm earned above industry average ratings in J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study, while Mercury ranked below average and Travelers did not make the cut in the California region.

Four of these five carriers offer usage-based insurance programs, while State Farm only offers California customers the Steer Clear program for young drivers. And all these insurers offer ways for you to save money, including driver training, good driver, good student and multi-vehicle discounts. Discounts vary by provider.

Santa Clarita insurance requirements

California law requires all automobile owners to carry certain minimum amounts of car insurance, including:

• $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for the injuries of one person, per accident
• $30,000 in bodily injury liability coverage for the injuries of multiple people, per accident
• $5,000 in property damage liability coverage, per accident

But bear in mind that minimum coverage will not provide adequate protection for a serious accident. To protect your assets, financial experts recommend carrying higher liability limits than the minimum requirements.

California law does not require you to carry collision or comprehensive auto insurance, but if you lease or finance an automobile, the lender or leasing company most likely will.

Car insurance discounts in Santa Clarita

Insurers offer Santa Clarita car owners many ways to lower their auto insurance premiums, including:

• Driver training course discounts
• Good driver discounts
• Good student discounts
• Multi-policy discounts
• Multi-vehicle discounts

When shopping for car insurance, look for a provider that offers discounts for which you qualify. Discount programs vary by insurer, but some programs can drastically reduce your annual premium. For instance, State Farm offers up to a 20{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} discount when you insure more than one vehicle, while AAA extends up to a 27{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} multi-vehicle discount. Good drivers can earn up to a 22{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} discount with Geico and students who make good grades can enjoy up to a 25{de3fc13d4eb210e6ea91a63b91641ad51ecf4a1f1306988bf846a537e7024eeb} discount when they purchase a State Farm auto insurance policy.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best car insurance company?

Buying auto insurance is subjective. You will want to look for a provider that offers the coverages you require along with the best available discounts to help you save money. Search for a provider that offers the best combination of coverages, customer support, discounts, financial strength and low rates.

How much does car insurance in Santa Clarita cost?

Based on the research of Quadrant Information Services, Santa Clarita motorists pay an average annual auto insurance premium of $876 for minimum coverage and $2,253 for full coverage. But these average annual rates do not necessarily reflect the amount you will pay for car insurance. Insurers set rates based on several factors, including your age, driving history, location, the type of car you drive and the types and levels of coverages.

How much car insurance do I need in Santa Clarita?

California law requires you to carry minimum levels of liability auto insurance coverages. But state-mandated minimum coverages do not adequately protect your assets. For the best protection, purchase at least $100,000 to $300,000 in bodily injury liability and personal property liability coverages. If you finance or lease a car, you will also need to buy collision and comprehensive coverages.

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.