Updated: November 21, 2024
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
The best auto insurance company for you depends on your needs and driver profile. GEICO offers the best full and minimum coverage and the best policies for teens and seniors, while Capital Insurance Group is best for young adults and drivers with offenses. Consider Chubb for the best customer experience and Travelers if you have a new car.
MoneyGeek also reviewed the cheapest car insurance companies in San Jose if you want to maximize savings.
BestCar InsuranceSan JoseTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed the current insurance rates in San Jose using data from the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services. We combined this information to rate companies using our proprietary scoring system.
The following companies provide the best auto insurance in San Jose:
GEICO tops the 14 companies included in our study, offering the cheapest full coverage rates and superb customer service.
With a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100, USAA is the ideal insurer in San Jose for military members and their families. USAA is also the best car insurance company in California overall, closely followed by AAA California.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the overall best car insurance was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable full coverage policy costs $934 per year
Ranks first in affordability and fourth in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Offers mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI)
Below-average claims management score
Doesn’t offer deductible modification, gap insurance or new car replacement coverages
GEICO is ideal for drivers who want good service at affordable premiums. It is the cheapest of the 14 providers, and policy buyers can purchase a few useful coverages as add-ons.
GEICO is one of a handful of insurers that provide mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI). MBI covers all your car’s parts and systems at a cost lower than the typical dealer extended warranty. To qualify, you must have a new or leased car less than 15 months old with less than 15,000 miles.
The insurer also offers roadside assistance coverage that pays for the cost of flat tires, jump starts, towing and lockout services. GEICO’s rental car reimbursement add-on pays up to a pre-set amount if your car is inoperable for more than 24 hours after a covered incident.
GEICO is our top pick out of the 15 insurance providers we ranked in San Jose, California. It is the cheapest option, with full coverage policies costing an average of $934 per year. It also ranks fourth in terms of customer satisfaction. However, this insurer only offers two of the four essential coverages. Chubb received the highest marks for claims management, but this comes at a cost — it charges the highest premiums for full coverage.
Note that our analysis focused on rates for a full coverage policy. We only calculated MoneyGeek scores for companies that had sufficient data to satisfy all components in our scoring system.
| GEICO | 75 | $934 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Progressive | 69 | $1,073 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| State Farm | 69 | $1,138 | 4 | 2 | 3 | 5 |
| Capital Insurance Group | 67 | $1,354 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Allstate | 66 | $1,104 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| National General | 64 | $1,033 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Mercury | 62 | $1,191 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 |
| Travelers | 59 | $1,437 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
| Nationwide | 57 | $1,369 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| Hartford | 56 | $1,420 | 4 | 2 | 4 | 4 |
| CSAA | 56 | $1,181 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| State National | No Data | $1,404 | 4 | No Data | 0 | 3 |
| Chubb | 59 | $1,760 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
| Farmers | 50 | $1,538 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 3 |
| Kemper | 34 | $1,416 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
Excluding cost as a consideration, the following car insurance companies offer the best customer service in San Jose:
Chubb has the second-highest customer satisfaction rating and the highest claims management rating. However, compared to other providers, Chubb's car insurance policies tend to cost more, which means you're paying a higher premium for its excellent customer service.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Customer Service was calculated with the following weights:
Ranks second in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Ranks first in claims management
Offers rare but useful coverages like original equipment manufacturer (OEM) and diminished value coverages
Most expensive rates out of 14 providers
Lacks common coverages such as roadside assistance, accident forgiveness and gap insurance
Chubb has a strong reputation for delivering exceptional service and processing claims efficiently, making it our clear winner. It only has four add-on coverages, but these can be useful to most drivers and are rarely offered by other insurers.
Chubb’s original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage is worth purchasing if you’re a purist and want your car’s damaged parts to be replaced with original and not aftermarket parts manufactured by a third party. OEM parts maintain your car’s overall look and safety.
Chubb also offers diminished value coverage which pays you for the agreed-upon value of your car as stated in your policy if it is totaled or stolen.
Having an insurer that’s easily accessible and reliable, especially when you’re facing the aftermath of an accident, is important. A company’s customer service reputation will give you a good idea of its service quality. Chubb is our top pick due to its high customer satisfaction and claims management ratings.
The best auto insurance providers in San Jose offering policies that meet California’s minimum coverage requirements are:
Minimum coverage policies are typically the cheapest insurance option available. However, they do not provide enough liability coverage for most drivers’ needs and generally don’t cover damages to your vehicle. Note that California’s minimum car insurance requirements apply to all cities within the state.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for the Best Cheap company was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $339 per year
Ranks first in affordability and fourth in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Offers discounts for bundling policies, insuring multiple cars and always using a seatbelt
Below-average claims management
No discounts for paying in full and going paperless
GEICO is the ideal option for drivers who want good service at an affordable price. It is the cheapest out of 14 providers, and policy buyers can lower the already rock-bottom rates by taking advantage of several discount opportunities.
This insurer has an impressive lineup of discounts, and most drivers will qualify for at least one. The company offers discounts for bundling an auto policy with a home, renters, condo or mobile home insurance policy, insuring multiple vehicles and staying accident-free for a minimum of five years.
GEICO also rewards drivers who put safety first by providing discounts for completing a defensive driving or driver’s education course and always wearing a seatbelt. You’ll also qualify for a discount if your car has safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes or daytime running lights.
The best minimum coverage options have the lowest premiums while offering good service. There’s usually a trade-off between cost and service quality, with insurers compensating for cheap rates by providing below-average customer experience. That’s not the case with our top pick, GEICO, which offers reliable service at the most affordable rates.
The following provide the best auto insurance for young adults in San Jose:
GEICO offers the cheapest premiums while ranking highly on customer service. Policyholders can expect quality service without paying a high cost.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Young Adults was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable full coverage policy costs $1,074 per year
Ranks first in affordability and fourth in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Good student, driver’s education and defensive driving discounts
Below-average claims management score
Limited options for add-on coverages
GEICO is our insurer of choice for young adults who value affordability and good service. It already offers the cheapest premiums out of 14 providers, but policy buyers can reduce their rates further if they qualify for discounts.
The company has a wide selection of discounts, including some that cater to drivers in their 20s. For instance, you’ll qualify for rate reductions if you’re a full-time student with a good academic record. You’ll also get a discount if you’re a member of a partner alumni or fraternity/sorority organization.
GEICO also rewards drivers who complete an accredited driver's education course or a defensive driving course. Ensure your car has safety features, such as airbags, anti-lock brakes, daytime running lights or an anti-theft system. These will help you qualify for discounts and protect you against car theft and accidents.
Most young adults are just starting on their financial journey and have limited funds to spend on insurance. They should look for an insurer offering affordable rates with coverages and discounts specifically tailored to young people. Our winner, GEICO, has the cheapest full coverage policies for San Jose drivers in their 20s. These rates can be reduced further through good student, driver’s education and defensive driving discounts.
The best car insurance companies in San Jose for adding a 16-year-old male to a parent’s policy are:
Although GEICO and State Farm received the same MoneyGeek score, GEICO’s cheaper rates earned it the top spot on our list. GEICO’s above-average customer satisfaction rating is also on par with other top insurers.
Auto insurance is typically more expensive for teens. Teen drivers can save money by piggybacking on their parent’s policy instead of purchasing a separate policy. Using this strategy, San Jose teens can save an average of $673 per year. We’ve outlined the best car insurance for teens to help you explore the available options.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Teens was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable full coverage policy costs $2,165 per year — the cheapest out of nine providers
Above-average customer service score
Offers good student discounts
Below-average claims management rating
Offers only two of the four essential coverages
GEICO is our top pick for teen drivers in San Jose for offering the most affordable premiums and good customer service. It also boasts several discounts for teens. Full-time students with a GPA of “B” or better can get a good student discount. Being a member of GEICO’s partner alumni associations, fraternities or sororities can also help you qualify for extra savings on your insurance.
Teens will find GEICO’s add-on coverages very useful. Its mechanical breakdown insurance (MBI) is a rare offering that covers car repairs, including all parts and systems. It has the added benefit of having your car fixed at a licensed repair shop of your choice. GEICO’s roadside assistance coverage can help teens feel secure on the road. This add-on covers expenses for flat tires, towing, jump starts and lockout services.
Driving inexperience can increase teens’ risk of accidents and injury, making them expensive to insure. When selecting the best insurer, compare quotes from different companies and look for student-related discounts. Our top pick, GEICO, offers a good student discount and the cheapest rates for teens. Its roadside assistance coverage can also give teens and their parents peace of mind, especially if they frequently drive to school.
The best car insurance companies for seniors in San Jose are:
State Farm is the best car insurance for seniors, earning top marks for affordability and customer satisfaction. We found that drivers in their 60s pay the same car insurance rates as drivers in their 30s through 50s, but premiums become more expensive for those in their 70s.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Seniors was calculated with the following weights:
An affordable minimum coverage policy costs $888 per year — the cheapest out of 14 providers
Ranks third in customer satisfaction
Offers roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement coverages
Weak claims management score
Limited add-on coverages
State Farm has the most affordable premiums for senior drivers in San Jose and a strong reputation for delivering superb customer experience.
State Farm has a short list of coverage options, but most drivers will find good value from its basic coverages. For an extra $9, you’ll receive roadside assistance that covers towing, mechanical labor, locksmith services and delivery of gas, tires, battery or oil. But note that this excludes the cost of the delivered items. If you purchase rental car coverage, you’ll receive up to $500 in car rental expenses, including meals, lodging and other transportation costs if your car gets damaged in a covered accident.
State Farm also has an extensive lineup of discounts that can make your policy even more affordable, including a discount specifically for seniors. The company also offers discounts for safe driving, bundling policies, insuring multiple cars, and having airbags, anti-lock brakes and an anti-theft system.
The best provider for older drivers offers affordable full coverage policies with personal injury protection (PIP). PIP covers medical expenses if you suffer serious injuries in an accident. Our top pick, State Farm, offers PIP, senior discounts, the most affordable premiums and exceptional service.
The following are the best car insurance providers for San Jose drivers with a violation on their record:
Capital Insurance Group outpaces its competitors with superior customer service and reasonable rates, making it our top choice for San Jose drivers with offenses. Car insurance rates tend to increase depending on the severity of the violation. In San Jose, a driver with a speeding ticket pays $533 more for the same policy than a driver with a clean record, while a driver with a DUI offense pays $1,086 more.
Although auto insurance is significantly more expensive for drivers with offenses, purchasing a policy from one of the best auto insurers for drivers with poor records can help you save.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for Drivers With Offenses was calculated with the following weights:
A reasonably-priced full coverage policy costs $2,426 per year
Ranks first in customer satisfaction out of 14 providers
Offers roadside assistance, custom parts and full glass coverages
Average claims management rating
Offers only one of the four essential coverages
Capital Insurance Group claims the top spot on our list of the best auto insurance providers in San Jose for drivers with violations for its reasonably-priced full coverage policies and top-notch customer service.
The company’s custom parts coverage add-on pays to use name-brand parts for auto repairs caused by a covered incident. Its full glass coverage can protect you from costly repairs following an accident.
Policyholders who purchase the roadside assistance add-on can request and find rental car or towing services through the company’s app. You can also get a head start on filing a claim right after an accident or even connect with your insurance advisor through the mobile app.
Drivers with offenses are typically considered risky to insure and consequently pay higher premiums. The best insurance company for drivers with violations offers reasonably-priced full coverage policies and add-on coverages that can cushion the financial blow of accident-related damages to your car. Our top pick, Capital Insurance Group, satisfies these requirements while offering excellent customer service.
The best insurers for drivers of new cars in San Jose are:
These rankings are based on affordability and service quality for California drivers with a 2022 car model. In our analysis, we only included companies that offer better or new car replacement coverage, which we consider a must-have for all drivers with new cars. New car replacement coverage pays for a brand-new car of the same make and model as your current vehicle if it is totaled in a covered accident.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
MoneyGeek’s score for Best for New Cars was calculated based on insurers offering new or better car replacement coverage and the following weights:
Has the cheapest policies at an average annual rate of $1,529
Has a good selection of essential coverages and offers good customer service
Offers new car replacement
Doesn’t offer deductible modification
Travelers is a solid choice if you have a new car. It has the most affordable policies offering new or better car replacement coverage. The company also offers several add-on coverages.
We recommend buying Premier New Car Replacement coverage with your Travelers’ auto policy. This add-on covers the cost of purchasing a brand new car of the same make and model as your current one if it is totaled within the first five years of purchase. This protection will ease your financial burden, especially if you have an expensive new car.
Another optional coverage worth considering is Travelers’ gap insurance, which will pay for the difference between the actual cash value of your totaled car and the unpaid balance on your auto loan or lease.
Drivers with new cars should look for an insurer that offers a reasonably priced full coverage policy and new or better car replacement coverage. This add-on will provide financial protection if your car is totaled. Our top pick, Travelers, offers Premier New Car Replacement coverage that pays for a new vehicle of the same make and model if you total your car within five years of purchase.
The best car insurance providers strike a good balance between cost, service reputation and financial stability. We’ve collected this information for you and provided our rankings and recommendations. But we also outline the necessary steps to conduct your own research.
MoneyGeek analyzed customer service ratings of auto insurance providers in San Jose using data from credible sources such as J.D. Power's customer satisfaction study and the NAIC customer complaint index. You can also visit the California Department of Insurance's website for more information about specific companies.
MoneyGeek's quotes are average rates for a sample driver in San Jose, but your actual rates may differ depending on your age and driver profile. When purchasing insurance, it’s always wise to collect personalized quotes from at least three companies to get an accurate estimate of how much insurance will cost you.
Insurers advertise their coverages and discounts, but sometimes not all are available in every state. Contact the insurer to confirm if the insurance benefits that you want are available in your area.
We recommend reviewing your preferred insurer’s financial strength rating, which indicates how well the company can meet its financial obligations. Larger national companies tend to be more stable than smaller regional insurance providers.
The best car insurer in San Jose for you depends on your driver profile and needs. Here are our answers to the most commonly asked questions to help inform your purchase.
GEICO is the best overall car insurance provider in San Jose, earning a MoneyGeek score of 75 out of 100. It claimed the top spot with its affordable full coverage policies at an average annual premium of $934 and remarkable customer service. It’s also the best choice for seniors and young adults.
GEICO is the best cheap car insurance provider in San Jose, offering minimum coverage policies that cost around $339 per year. It earned a MoneyGeek score of 78 out of 100 for its affordable rates and superior customer service. Drivers can also save by taking advantage of discounts. You’ll get reductions on your premium by bundling your auto policy with your home, renters or condo insurance policy. You’ll also receive a discount if your car has certain safety features.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.
