Berkeley's average full coverage car insurance cost is $133 per month. Rates range from $129 to $319. The table below shows average premiums for different driver profiles to help drivers better understand potential costs.
Berkeley, CA, Car Insurance
Updated: January 13, 2025
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Cheapest Car Insurance in Berkeley: Key Takeaways
GEICO, State Farm, National General and CIG are Berkeley's most affordable car insurance providers.
GEICO offers the most affordable car insurance, with monthly rates of $30 for minimum coverage and $90 for full coverage.
The average monthly costs of car insurance in Berkeley are $53 for minimum coverage and $133 for full coverage.
Car Insurance Quotes in Berkeley, CA
| Young Drivers | $64 | $165 |
| Teens | No Data | $309 |
| Seniors | $52 | $129 |
| Drivers With an Accident | $83 | $212 |
| Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $73 | $188 |
| Drivers With a DUI | $123 | $319 |
Because insurers calculate premiums differently, you'll need to get quotes from multiple providers for the most accurate estimate.
Berkeley vs. State Average
California
State Average Full Coverage Rate
$1,659
Berkeley, CA
City Average Full Coverage Rate
$1,593Berkeley Car Insurance is Cheap:$66 saved
This is 4% less expensive.
What Is the Average Car Insurance Rate in Berkeley?
Berkeley's average full coverage car insurance cost is $1,593 per year, while minimum coverage is $628. These rates are lower than California's averages of $1,659 and $693, respectively.
| State Average | $693 | $1,659 |
| Berkeley Average | $628 | $1,593 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Berkeley
While premiums may rise across California, you can still find affordable car insurance in Berkeley. GEICO offers the cheapest monthly rates: $30 for minimum coverage and $90 for full coverage.
WHY CAR INSURANCE IN BERKELEY IS CHEAPER
Car insurance in Berkeley is often cheaper due to low vehicle theft rates and fewer cars on the road, as many residents use public transportation. Mild weather reduces natural disaster claims, and the city's mix of suburban and urban areas leads to less traffic than larger cities like San Francisco. Strong competition among insurers in California also helps keep rates affordable.
Cheap Car Insurance in Berkeley
GEICO provides the cheapest car insurance for most Berkeley drivers, but rates depend on your profile. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you find the best deal. The table below highlights the lowest rates for different driver profiles.
| GEICO | Minimum Coverage | $30 |
| GEICO | Full Coverage | $90 |
| State Farm | Teens | $212 |
| GEICO | Young Adults | $69 |
| GEICO | Seniors | $58 |
| National General | Drivers With a DUI | $73 |
| CIG | Drivers With an Accident | $95 |
| National General | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $73 |
Car Insurance Rates in Berkeley by Company
Drivers should compare rates for the best deal. Below, we've outlined the most affordable options for minimum coverage and full coverage insurance in Berkeley.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Minimum Coverage in Berkeley
GEICO provides the cheapest minimum coverage auto insurance in Berkeley at $30 per month, followed by CSAA at $36. The table below breaks down the affordable options.
| GEICO | $30 | $22 |
| CSAA | $36 | $17 |
| Progressive | $42 | $11 |
| National General | $43 | $9 |
| Mercury | $44 | $9 |
| Kemper | $44 | $8 |
| CIG | $47 | $6 |
| State National | $49 | $3 |
| State Farm | $49 | $3 |
| Farmers | $51 | $2 |
| Hartford | $52 | $1 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Full Coverage in Berkeley
GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Berkeley at $90 per month. Below is the full list of providers and their rates.
| GEICO | $90 | $42 |
| National General | $96 | $37 |
| Progressive | $98 | $35 |
| Mercury | $113 | $20 |
| CIG | $115 | $18 |
| Hartford | $118 | $15 |
| State Farm | $125 | $8 |
| CSAA | $125 | $8 |
| State National | $125 | $7 |
| Kemper | $128 | $5 |
Car Insurance Companies in Berkeley
GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in Berkeley at $724 per year. The best cheap provider is CIG, with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100. Check the table below for more options.
| CIG | 85 | $969 |
| Mercury | 77 | $941 |
| Chubb | 76 | $1,932 |
| State Farm | 73 | $1,045 |
| GEICO | 70 | $724 |
| Progressive | 68 | $839 |
| Nationwide | 66 | $1,208 |
| CSAA | 66 | $965 |
| Hartford | 63 | $1,016 |
| Travelers | 62 | $1,376 |
| Farmers | 60 | $1,410 |
| National General | 59 | $831 |
| Kemper | 58 | $1,032 |
| Allstate | 58 | $1,324 |
| State National | No Data | $1,046 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with no driving violations.
Car Insurance Cost in Berkeley by Age
Middle-aged drivers and younger seniors pay the lowest car insurance rates in Berkeley, averaging $1,593 per year for 40-year-olds and $1,545 for 65-year-olds. The table below shows average costs for drivers aged 16 to 65.
| 16 | $3,587 | $-873 |
| 17 | $3,574 | $-860 |
| 18 | $3,372 | $-658 |
| 19 | $2,579 | $135 |
| 20 | $2,645 | $69 |
| 21 | $2,299 | $415 |
| 22 | $1,994 | $720 |
| 23 | $2,050 | $664 |
| 24 | $1,962 | $752 |
| 25 | $1,985 | $-203 |
| 40 | $1,593 | $190 |
| 65 | $1,545 | $238 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Teens in Berkeley
In Berkeley, GEICO and State Farm offer the cheapest overall car insurance for teens with full coverage at $211 per month, saving $62 compared to the state average. The table below breaks down more affordable providers for this age group.
| GEICO | $211 | $62 | $242 |
| State Farm | $211 | $62 | $212 |
| Farmers | $241 | $32 | $335 |
| Allstate | $248 | $25 | $260 |
| CIG | $250 | $24 | $244 |
| Progressive | $295 | $-22 | $317 |
| Travelers | $304 | $-31 | $269 |
| Kemper | $336 | $-63 | $426 |
| Nationwide | $363 | $-90 | $472 |
*Rates are for 16 to 19-year-old drivers with no driving violations for full coverage policies.
Best Car Insurance Rates for Young Drivers in Berkeley
In Berkeley, GEICO offers the cheapest monthly rates for young drivers: $35 for minimum coverage and $103 for full coverage. Check the table below to compare affordable options across different driver profiles.
| GEICO | Minimum Coverage | $35 |
| GEICO | Full Coverage | $103 |
| National General | Drivers With a DUI | $88 |
| CIG | Drivers With an Accident | $107 |
| National General | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $88 |
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Young Drivers in Berkeley
GEICO offers the most affordable auto insurance for young drivers in Berkeley at $69 per month. The table below shows other companies with competitive rates.
| GEICO | $69 | $46 |
| Progressive | $84 | $31 |
| National General | $84 | $31 |
| CSAA | $88 | $27 |
| CIG | $91 | $24 |
| Mercury | $100 | $15 |
| State Farm | $101 | $13 |
| State National | $107 | $8 |
| Hartford | $109 | $6 |
*Rates are for 25-year-old drivers with no driving violations for minimum and full coverage policies.
Best Car Insurance Rates for Seniors in Berkeley
GEICO and National General offer the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors in Berkeley. The table below shows the affordable providers for different driver and coverage profiles.
| GEICO | Minimum Coverage | $30 |
| GEICO | Full Coverage | $87 |
| National General | Drivers With a DUI | $74 |
| CIG | Drivers With an Accident | $90 |
| National General | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $74 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors in Berkeley
GEICO offers the cheapest monthly premium for seniors, $58, for minimum and full coverage plans. State Farm follows at $68. The table below shows the top car insurance options for seniors in Berkeley.
| GEICO | $58 | $32 |
| State Farm | $68 | $23 |
| National General | $70 | $20 |
| Progressive | $70 | $20 |
| Hartford | $74 | $16 |
| CIG | $76 | $14 |
| Mercury | $78 | $13 |
| CSAA | $81 | $9 |
| State National | $82 | $9 |
*Rates are for 65-year-old drivers with no driving violations for minimum and full coverage policies.
Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Berkeley
For high-risk drivers in Berkeley, minimum and full coverage rates are lower than the state averages. Drivers with DUIs often face the highest car insurance costs, while accidents and speeding tickets impact rates less.
| State Average | $1,239 | $2,989 |
| Berkeley Average | $1,119 | $2,877 |
DRIVING OFFENSES AFFECT RATES FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY
Most minor driving incidents, like a speeding ticket, can affect your insurance for three to five years. For serious offenses, such as a DUI, insurers may consider them for up to 10 years. These offenses often mean you must file an SR-22 to meet California's minimum coverage requirements.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates With a DUI in Berkeley
National General offers the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Berkeley at $544 annually for minimum coverage and $1,200 for full coverage. Check out the table below for more budget-friendly coverage options.
| National General | $45 | $100 |
| Mercury | $70 | $186 |
| GEICO | $72 | $211 |
| CIG | $80 | $207 |
| Farmers | $86 | $319 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with a DUI.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates With an Accident in Berkeley
CSAA, GEICO and CIG offer the cheapest auto insurance after an at-fault accident in Berkeley. The table below shows various providers offering affordable coverage.
| CSAA | $44 | $158 |
| GEICO | $54 | $149 |
| CIG | $54 | $136 |
| National General | $65 | $141 |
| Farmers | $69 | $256 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with an at-fault accident.
Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates With a Speeding Ticket in Berkeley
CSAA is the cheapest car insurance provider for drivers with speeding tickets in Berkeley, offering minimum coverage at $44 per month. National General is the most affordable for full coverage at $100. Check the table below to see how much other providers charge drivers with speeding tickets.
| CSAA | $44 | $158 |
| National General | $45 | $100 |
| GEICO | $46 | $134 |
| CIG | $51 | $133 |
| Mercury | $56 | $149 |
*Rates are for a 40-year-old driver with a speeding ticket.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Berkeley, CA
California mandates that each city follows statewide car insurance minimums. Your policy must include at least:
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 in property damage liability per accident
For example, if you cause an accident, your insurance will cover up to $30,000 for injuries to others and $5,000 for property damage. Having the right coverage helps you avoid paying out of pocket for these expenses.
Cheap Car Insurance in Berkeley: Bottom Line
GEICO offers the lowest rates in Berkeley for minimum and full coverage car insurance. Affordable options are available regardless of age or driving record. Ensure your policy meets California’s required coverages, including bodily injury and property damage. Compare providers to stay legal and save money.
Berkeley Auto Insurance: FAQ
We answer common questions about affordable and best car insurance options in Berkeley.
What is the cheapest car insurance company in Berkeley, CA?
GEICO offers the most affordable minimum coverage auto insurance in Berkeley, California, at a monthly rate of $30, saving you an average of $22.
What is the best car insurance company in Berkeley, CA?
CIG is the best car insurance provider in Berkeley, California, with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 and an annual premium of $969 for minimum coverage.
How much does car insurance cost on average in Berkeley, CA?
The average monthly rate for minimum coverage auto insurance in Berkeley ranges from $52 for seniors to $123 for drivers with a DUI.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Berkeley: Our Methodology
MoneyGeek analyzed Berkeley auto insurance prices using the California Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services data.
Berkeley Driver Profile
To assess the best and most affordable auto insurance options for Berkeley residents, MoneyGeek used the following sample driver profile:
- 40-year-old male
- Clean driving history
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- 12,000 miles driven per year
By altering variables such as age, driving records and military status, MoneyGeek also found the top insurers for different types of drivers.
Coverage Levels in Berkeley
In assessing the car insurance quotes for Berkeley, we gathered data for minimum and full coverage policies, ensuring each insurer conformed to California's minimum coverage requirements:
- $15,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 in property damage liability per accident
For full coverage policies, MoneyGeek increased limits to:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 in property damage liability
- Comprehensive and collision coverage with a deductible of $1,000
MoneyGeek’s Scoring System
MoneyGeek scored insurers on a scale of zero to 100, factoring in customer satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, claims management, coverage options and financial stability.
Insurers received scores as indicated below, with a total possible score of 100 points:
- General customer satisfaction (up to 35 points)
- Affordability (up to 30 points)
- Claims experience (up to 20 points)
- Essential coverages (up to 10 points)
- Financial stability (up to five points)
MoneyGeek’s Sources
To gauge rates and assess the best service experiences among California providers, MoneyGeek used six sources:
- Quadrant Information Services provided actual policy quotes in Berkeley
- J.D. Power's studies and the NAIC index contributed to the assessment of customer service
- Claims experience metrics came from J.D. Power and the CRASH Network’s report card
- AM Best and Demotech offered financial stability insights through their ratings
MoneyGeek gathered quotes from insurance companies in Berkeley for the average driver of various ages who drives a Toyota Camry with a clean record, barring specific exceptions.
For more details on our evaluation process, see MoneyGeek's methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. 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's also a 5-time Jeopardy champion!
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.