Cheapest Car Insurance In Stockton, CA

In my professional opinion, Mercury is the best cheap car insurance option in Stockton.

We’ve saved shoppers an average of $600 per year on their car insurance.

Explore offers from 100's of our trusted partners
Free. Secure. No Spam.
min read -
Updated: 12 July 2024
Written by Bob Phillips
On this page Open

Stockton, a city with its own distinctive charm, is filled with notable landmarks like the Miracle Mile, the historic Bob Hope Theatre, and the Pixie Woods. However, within this city lies a challenge: car insurance rates that might give you pause. On average, drivers here face an expenditure of roughly $1,656 annually which stands higher than California’s average of $1,750 and the national average .

Navigating the quest for affordable car insurance is a recurring consideration for drivers in Stockton. After diligent investigation on both your part and ours, we’ve spotlighted Wawanesa as the provider offering the most wallet-friendly rates in the city.

Further analysis reveals insights into other crucial categories to help inform your decisions. If comprehensive coverage is your goal, Mercury presents itself as the most economical choice. Opting for minimum coverage? In that case, GEICO emerges as the pocket-friendly option.

For those contending with driving violations, CIG extends the most affordable solution. Young drivers scouting for budget-conscious choices will find State Farm to be their strongest contender, while seniors can rely on 21st Century to deliver the most economically sensible coverage.

Cheapest And Best Car Insurance Companies In Stockton, California 2024

Best Car Insurance, Stockton 2024

Compare The Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Stockton, California

Overall Rating Best For J.D. Power Rating (California) Average Annual Cost AM Best Rating Get A Quote
GEICO
4.9

Cheapest Minimum Coverage

824

$427

A++

Instant Quote
Mercury
4.7

Cheapest Full Coverage

827

$1,268

A

Instant Quote
Wawanesa
4.9

Cheapest Overall

879

$1,140

A-

Instant Quote
CIG
4.6

Cheapest For Driving Violations

Not Rated

$2,556

A

Instant Quote
State Farm
4.9

Young Drivers

817

$1,718

A++

Instant Quote
21st Century
4.3

Seniors

Not Rated

$1,190

A

Instant Quote
Scroll to see comparisons

Our Methodology

For the most affordable car insurance rates in Stockton, we looked at data from various car insurance review sites. Some of these sources studied rates from public records provided by Quadrant Information Services. We calculated an average from these rates for this review, but keep in mind that each company's rates change often and depend on your situation.

We also considered my own opinion, based on fifteen years of experience as a licensed insurance agent, sixteen years as a California resident, and more than three decades of buying car insurance.

82

Years Of Industry Experience

15+

Years Of Industry Experience

19

Brands Reviewed

40+

Research Hours

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies In Stockton, California


Cheapest Overall

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
10/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

In our search for the most affordable car insurance in Stockton, California, Wawanesa stood out as a strong player across different aspects. What’s noteworthy is that their average rate, covering both minimum and full coverage, turned out to be the most budget-friendly overall.

Exclusively covering California, Wawanesa provides standard coverage including what the state requires for bodily injury and property damage liability. But they also go a step further by offering some extras. For instance, they have special vehicle equipment coverage, which ensures that any added customizations or equipment on your vehicle will be protected with original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, not the usual standard or aftermarket ones.

To determine the top choice overall, we didn’t solely focus on rates; we also factored in the insurer’s quality. We hold the view that the lowest cost doesn’t automatically equate to the finest option in a specific category. When it comes to this particular category, Wawanesa showcased highly competitive rates alongside comprehensive coverage and a wide array of available choices.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Maintains a consistent track record of high customer satisfaction ratings according to J.D. Power.
  • Provides an extensive selection of add-ons to enhance coverage.
  • Available through a substantial network of independent agents across California.
Drawbacks
  • Operates exclusively within California, which could pose inconvenience if you relocate.
  • Offers claims assistance and policy support only during regular business hours.
  • The mobile app is compatible solely with Android devices, limiting accessibility for some users.

Cheapest Overall Rates In Stockton

Company Rate Per Year
Wawanesa $1,140
GEICO $1,272
USAA $1,468
Progressive $2,084
State Farm $2,221

Cheapest For Driving Violations

Overall Rating
4.6

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
8/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

If you’ve got driving violations in California, brace yourself for increased rates. However, in our research, we pinpointed Capital Insurance Group (CIG) as the go-to for the most affordable rates for drivers with violations in the Golden State.

CIG stands as a prominent property and casualty insurer on the West Coast, exclusively providing auto insurance in five states, including California. Their offerings are distributed through a network of independent agents representing various car insurance companies.

Interestingly, CIG’s mobile app, seemingly comprehensive, is solely accessible on iTunes and Google Play, excluding Android users. This omission in service affects a significant number of Stockton drivers.

Having driving violations in the Bay Area results in a noticeable uptick in rates. This emphasizes the need to find companies that maintain a balanced approach, preventing car insurance from becoming overly expensive for Stockton drivers with violations.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Offers 24/7 customer service availability
  • Boasts over 120 years of experience
  • Maintains an A+ BBB rating
Drawbacks
  • Limited to just five states, which could be inconvenient for California residents planning to move
  • Does not provide online quotes

Cheapest For Driving Violations

Company Annual Increase
CIG $1,670
Nationwide $3,010
GEICO $1,980
State Farm $2,750
Allstate $1,940

Cheapest For Full Coverage

Overall Rating
4.7

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
7/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Mercury earned the top spot for the most affordable full coverage in Stockton. Mercury presents a rich assortment of standard discounts that are common among car insurance companies, and it also features a couple of distinctive ones: Mercury RealDrive and MercuryGO.

With Mercury RealDrive, they keep tabs on your mileage. Drivers with lower mileage can enjoy rates up to 5% lower. This is especially advantageous for individuals who work remotely or have shorter commutes.

Then there’s MercuryGO, which has the potential to cut down rates by up to 40% (or 10% for teens) for those who display safe driving habits. This involves factors like maintaining smooth driving, staying within speed limits, and refraining from phone use while driving.

Opting for minimum coverage secures the most affordable rates, but going for full coverage ensures utmost financial safeguarding for your belongings and liability risks.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Offers competitive rates for all age groups
  • Includes mechanical breakdown insurance
Drawbacks
  • Several negative online customer service reviews
  • Available through a more limited agent network compared to many competitors

Cheapest Full Coverage In Stockton

Company Rate Per Year
Mercury $1,608
Nationwide $1,750
State Farm $1,852
Travelers $2,030
Farmers $2,074

Cheapest For Minimum Coverage

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

10/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims/Payouts
9/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

In Stockton, we discovered that GEICO offers the cheapest state minimum coverage on average. California requires drivers to have at least $15,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $30,000 per accident, along with a minimum of $5,000 in property damage liability per accident.

These rates are a good choice if you’re fine with basic coverage. But if you drive a lot, have a history of driving issues, or want more protection, you might want more coverage.

GEICO consistently gets high scores for customer service, handling claims, customer recommendations, renewing policies, and customer loyalty. It’s the second-largest car insurance company in the U.S. and is known for offering affordable rates online and over the phone.

GEICO has many discounts and is the most affordable option for Stockton drivers with older vehicles who want to save money by getting California’s minimum required auto insurance. You can easily manage your policy on their website and mobile app.

Opting for minimum coverage might make sense if you own an older car with lots of miles and aren’t looking for comprehensive or collision coverage. But it’s important to realize that this choice increases your vulnerability to financial loss if you’re in an accident.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Earns an above-average J.D. Power score for customer satisfaction
  • Features a comprehensive website and mobile app
  • Provides a wide range of available discounts
Drawbacks
  • Lacks offerings for gap or rideshare insurance
  • Maintains a limited count of local agents

Cheapest For Minimum Coverage

Company Rate Per Year
GEICO $482
Nationwide $684
State Farm $740
Allstate $694
Farmers $625

Cheapest For Seniors

Overall Rating
4.3

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
6/10 Customer Reviews
8/10 Claims
8/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Among all age groups in Stockton, seniors often get some of the cheapest car insurance rates. We found 21st Century to have the lowest rates for seniors.

Supported by Farmers Insurance, 21st Century boasts a strong A (Excellent) rating for financial strength from AM Best. Although J.D. Power hasn’t ranked the company’s customer service for insurers in California, there are a number of negative online reviews.

It’s worth noting that 21st Century provides standard roadside assistance. However, their coverage options are a bit limited. Plus, they only offer car insurance in California, which could be inconvenient for customers planning to move out of the state and requiring a switch to a different carrier.

Discovering affordable coverage is a key concern for seniors, especially those with fixed incomes, as rates tend to increase as you get older.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Supported by Farmers Insurance
  • Presents a functional mobile app
  • Boasts a robust financial rating
Drawbacks
  • Notable volume of online complaints
  • Limited availability, exclusive to California

Cheapest Coverage For Seniors

Company Rate Per Year
21st Century $1,190
Nationwide $1,221
CIG $1,370
Travelers $1,492
Farmers $1,634

Cheapest For Young Drivers

Overall Rating
4.9

Key Statistics

9/10 Affordability
9/10 Customer Reviews
10/10 Claims
10/10 Coverage Level

Why We Like Them

Teen drivers, due to their higher accident risk and limited road experience, often face the highest car insurance costs among all age groups. In Stockton, State Farm emerges with the most affordable rates for young drivers.

Not only does State Farm offer economical options for young drivers, but their coverage is also extensive, accompanied by a variety of discounts. Among these is the “Good Student” discount, where student drivers maintaining a “B” average or better can enjoy a discount of up to 25% off the standard rate.

State Farm goes the extra mile with many local offices providing sales and service, alongside numerous claims centers across the Bay Area. The company consistently earns high marks in J.D. Power’s annual customer service rankings and holds the top A++ rating for financial strength from AM Best.

In Stockton, young drivers face the highest car insurance rates due to their lack of experience and increased likelihood of accidents.

Benefits & Drawbacks

Benefits
  • Includes comprehensive rental car coverage as a standard feature
  • Offers numerous discounts, including the good student discount
  • Enjoys high customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings
Drawbacks
  • Exclusively distributed by State Farm agents, without availability through brokers
  • Doesn't provide gap insurance as part of its offerings

Cheapest Coverage For Young Drivers

Company Rate Per Year
State Farm $1,718
Farmers $1,947
Nationwide $1,840
Travelers $1,832
Chubb $2,879

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Stockton

Average Cost In Stockton– By Age

Age Group Average Yearly Rate
Teenagers $3,060
20s $2,220
30s $1,512
40s $1,584
50s $1,500
60s $1,500
70s $1,540

Average Cost In Stockton – By Gender

Gender Average Annual Rate
Male $1,398
Female $1,398

Average Cost In Stockton – By Marital Status

Marital Status Average Monthly Rate
Single $110
Married $109

Largest Rate Increases In Stockton – By Violation

Violation Average % Increase
DUI 158%
Refusing Chemical Test 158%
Leaving Accident Scene 152%
Racing 151%
Reckless Driving 148%

Average Cost In Stockton – By Zip Code

ZIP Code Average Rate
95202 $1,528
95204 $1,536
95203 $1,470
95212 $1,523
95215 $1,548
95231 $1,602

How To Buy Car Insurance In Stockton

If you’re in the process of purchasing car insurance in Stockton, follow these five simple steps:

  1. Collect your driver and vehicle details: Prepare names, birthdates, driver’s license numbers, vehicle VIN, current mileage, existing insurance info, and the registered owner’s name.
  2. Choose your method: Decide between buying online or through an agent. Both are valid; it’s your preference and comfort level with coverage types and amounts.
  3. Compare quotes from at least three companies: Ensure the coverage amounts and deductibles are similar for accurate comparison.
  4. Seek out discounts: Numerous available discounts can help make Stockton car insurance more affordable for you.
  5. Switch your policy: Once you’ve chosen a provider and your new coverage is in place, contact your previous insurer to cancel your policy and avoid paying for overlapping coverage.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements In California

When searching for car insurance, remember the minimum coverage needed in California:

  • Bodily injury liability: $15,000 per person / $30,000 per accident
  • Property damage liability: $5,000 per accident

These are the minimum requirements in California. Depending on your vehicle and driving habits, you might consider higher limits or adding collision and comprehensive insurance.

Factors That Impact The Cost Of Your Car Insurance Policy In Stockton

Living costs, including car insurance, run high in Stockton. The city’s famed steep hills and intense storms add to accidents and subsequently raise rates. Your vehicle type and driving history also play a role.

Here are three factors that contribute to the expense of auto insurance in Stockton:

  1. Population density: As one of the largest U.S. cities with high density, traffic congestion is common. More traffic leads to a greater chance of accidents. Certain ZIP codes with higher population levels tend to have elevated rates.
  2. Crime stats: Some parts of the city have elevated crime rates involving theft and vandalism. Residing or working in such areas results in rates higher than the city’s average.
  3. Accident frequency: Stockton’s daily traffic reports often highlight accidents due to the bustling streets and freeways. To offset this high accident rate, insurers set higher rates, particularly for drivers with lengthy commutes across the Bay or Golden Gate bridges.

California Car insurance Laws To Know

  • As per the California Department of Insurance, you’re required to have financial responsibility for any vehicle you own, in case of injury to others or damage to their property. Most people fulfill this requirement by purchasing auto liability insurance. California law specifies that “All drivers and vehicle owners must be able to prove financial responsibility and carry evidence of it in the vehicle.”
    If you lack auto liability insurance, you could face fines, license suspension, and even impoundment of your vehicle.
  • The state of California prohibits insurance companies from using an individual’s credit history or credit score to determine insurability and rates. This measure ensures insurance costs remain equitable across various economic backgrounds.

In The News

As reported by CBS News, major auto insurance companies are scaling back their presence in the California market due to concerns that insuring the state’s drivers has become too costly. Despite a similar amount of driving activity to pre-pandemic levels, it appears that driving behaviors have changed. This shift has led to a rise in auto accidents, resulting in certain insurers paying out more in claims than they’re collecting in premiums.

Between 2020 and 2021, there was a significant 25% increase in auto insurance losses, whereas premiums only saw a modest 4.5% rise, as reported by the American Property Casualty Insurance Association. This discrepancy indicates a higher rate and greater severity of auto accidents, leading to increased costs for coverage.

Information About Stockton

If you’ve delved into the world of “Visit California” promotions and navigated through its website, you’ve probably sensed the enthusiasm it holds for Stockton. The city is given special attention: “Spreading across approximately 65 square miles and undergoing a vibrant population growth, Stockton commands attention with its unique charm and significance. Renowned for its historical landmarks, bustling waterfront, and iconic bridges, this city offers an experience like no other.

From groundbreaking culinary adventures ranging from elegant dining to inventive food trucks; acclaimed symphonies, ballets, theaters, and operas; to a multitude of outdoor escapades, Stockton truly stands out as a must-visit destination for every wanderer’s checklist.

Car Insurance Discounts In Stockton

Hunting for discounts is crucial when aiming to reduce expenses on car insurance in Stockton. These are the prevalent discounts you’ll come across:

  • Being a “safe driver” with a good driving history
  • Installing vehicle safety features
  • Customer loyalty discount for staying with the insurer for a specified period
  • Being claims-free for a specified period
  • Driving fewer than average miles
  • Having a short commute to work
  • Being a student with at least a “B” average
  • Being in the military
  • Being age 55+ and retired

FAQs

What is the cheapest car insurance in the State of California?  

For those seeking the most economical car insurance in California, GEICO stands as the frontrunner with a yearly cost of $427 for minimum liability coverage.

How much does car insurance cost in Stockton on average?  

For full coverage, the typical annual cost of car insurance in Stockton comes to $1,656 on average.

Do I need car insurance in Stockton?  

California law mandates auto liability insurance, making it obligatory for Stockton drivers to have this coverage.

Go back to top