Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Pasadena, CA (2024)


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In Pasadena, California, GEICO offers the cheapest minimum and full coverage car insurance policies. It is also the most affordable for families with teens. Chubb provides top service while also providing the best overall value, blending customer satisfaction and price. The best choice may vary with your individual preferences and coverage needs.

Key Takeaways

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In Pasadena, California, choosing GEICO for your minimum coverage car insurance can save you $412 annually compared to Hartford's highest rate of $950, illustrating the significant savings potential from comparing different insurance providers in the area.

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In Pasadena, California, opting for GEICO's full coverage car insurance at $1,365 per year can save drivers $1,138 annually compared to choosing Farmers' most expensive option at $2,503, underscoring the significant savings available through diligent rate comparison.

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In Pasadena, California, GEICO offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for military drivers at $1,365 per year, slightly edging out USAA, which provides military-specific services for $1,395 annually.

Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 352,910 quotes in California from 18 companies, used six sources and conducted original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Pasadena insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.

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These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Pasadena, CA, as of July 2024.

352,910Quotes Analyzed
 
18Companies Compared

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in Pasadena for minimum coverage policies.

  • GEICO: $538 per year
  • Mercury: $554 per year

Hartford has the most expensive minimum coverage policy, with an annual premium of $950. The difference between GEICO and Hartford is significant, with Hartford's rates $412 more than GEICO's per year. This stark contrast highlights the importance of shopping around to find the best car insurance rates available.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:30-59
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Coverage:Minimum Coverage
GEICO$538$45
Mercury$554$46
Progressive$612$51
Kemper$637$53
AAA$683$57
Farmers$689$57
Capital Insurance Group$731$61
State National$767$64
State Farm$794$66
National General$816$68
Chubb$849$71
Travelers$864$72
Allstate$867$72
Nationwide$867$72
Hartford$950$79

State Minimum Liability Requirements

In California, state law determines the minimum car insurance coverage required. These are the legally mandated limits:

  • $15,000 bodily injury per person
  • $30,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $5,000 property damage liability per accident

If you only carry the minimum coverage required and are at fault in an accident, the policy may pay up to $15,000 for injuries per person, with a maximum of $30,000 in one accident. If damages exceed these limits, you'd be responsible for the remainder out of pocket.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Pasadena, with significant savings compared to the competition. These are the two most affordable providers:

  • GEICO: $1,365 per year
  • Mercury: $1,433 per year

Farmers has the most expensive full coverage policy in Pasadena, at $2,503 per year. This is $1,138 more than GEICO, highlighting the potential savings when you compare car insurance rates. Full coverage policies cost more because they provide more comprehensive protection than minimum liability coverage, including against damage to your vehicle.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:30-59
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Coverage:Full Coverage
GEICO$1,365$114
Mercury$1,433$119
Progressive$1,462$122
AAA$1,506$125
National General$1,547$129
Allstate$1,574$131
Capital Insurance Group$1,668$139
Kemper$1,751$146
State National$1,796$150
Hartford$1,959$163
State Farm$1,965$164
Chubb$1,994$166
Nationwide$2,012$168
Travelers$2,320$193
Farmers$2,503$209

Do You Need Full Coverage in California?

Full coverage policies feature higher liability limits. They also provide both comprehensive and collision insurance options.

Collision Insurance: This secures your vehicle against damage resulting from an impact with another vehicle or object, such as a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

  • Comprehensive Insurance: This protection covers your car against non-collision-related damages such as theft, vandalism, fires, natural phenomena or being struck by an animal like a deer.

For owners of new cars, it's wise to opt for full coverage insurance as protection for your financial interest in the vehicle. In contrast, for older model cars, the additional cost for enhanced coverage may outweigh the benefits, particularly when considering the potential hundreds in extra costs. The key to understanding how much car insurance you need lies in balancing the higher premiums that come with more extensive coverage and the risk of being inadequately covered with a minimum coverage policy.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pasadena After a Driving Offense

MoneyGeek found that the most affordable providers for drivers with a poor driving record in Pasadena seeking full coverage vary based on the specific driving offense:

  • Speeding Ticket: National General ($1,624 per year)
  • At-Fault Accident: Capital Insurance Group ($1,962 per year)
  • DUI: National General ($1,624 per year)

Hartford offers the most expensive rate after a DUI at $7,434 per year. Travelers is the most costly after an at-fault accident ($3,978 per year) and a speeding ticket ($3,566 per year). The type of driving infraction can significantly impact car insurance rates, but affordable options are still available.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Group:30-59
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Coverage:Full Coverage
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Incident:Speeding
National General$1,624$135
Mercury$1,893$158
Capital Insurance Group$1,922$160
AAA$1,955$163
GEICO$2,033$169
Allstate$2,300$192
Kemper$2,326$194
State National$2,559$213
Chubb$2,620$218
Progressive$2,780$232
State Farm$2,918$243
Hartford$2,975$248
Farmers$3,473$289
Nationwide$3,493$291
Travelers$3,566$297

In Pasadena, as in many U.S. cities, insurance rates escalate with the gravity of driving offenses due to the increased risk they pose to insurers. For example, drivers with a DUI in Pasadena face an average annual rate of $4,317 compared with those with a speeding ticket, whose annual average is $2,562. This significant difference in pricing underscores the need for individuals with driving offenses to diligently compare insurance rates, as it can lead to considerable savings and better match their specific risk profiles with the most advantageous coverage options.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pasadena for Teens and Their Families

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for teens in Pasadena, making it a leading option for affordable coverage.

  • GEICO: $3,504 per year for female teens; Farmers: $3,557 per year for male teens
  • Farmers: $3,557 per year for female teens; State Farm: $3,590 per year for male teens

These rates reflect the cost of insuring a family with two parents and a teen driver. Nationwide is the most expensive provider for teen family policies in Pasadena, with an average annual premium of $6,037 for female teens. The rate difference between the cheapest and the most expensive option — $2,533 per year — reinforces the need for comparison shopping, particularly since teen drivers are considered higher risk and premiums can be substantially higher.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age:16
Select
Gender:Female
GEICO$3,504$3,957
Farmers$3,557$5,244
State Farm$3,590$3,975
Capital Insurance Group$3,863$3,772
Allstate$3,980$4,288
Travelers$4,520$4,087
Progressive$4,586$5,040
Kemper$5,378$7,180
Nationwide$6,037$8,570

In Pasadena, a stark contrast exists between teen car insurance costs for individual policies vs. family plans. An average teen policy is $5,201 per year while adding a teen to a family plan increases the premium to about $4,356 — a significant $845 difference. Insurers typically quote higher rates for teens due to their lack of driving experience and higher risk profiles. Additionally, obtaining an individual policy can be challenging for teens, as insurers may be wary of underwriting standalone policies for high-risk individuals without an established driving record or credit history. It's often more practical and economical for families to include their teen drivers in a joint policy.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Pasadena for Military Drivers

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance for military backgrounds in Pasadena. The top two most affordable providers are:

  • GEICO: $1,365 per year
  • USAA: $1,395 per year

Although USAA is the second cheapest option in Pasadena, it offers specialized services tailored to the needs of active-duty military members, further underscoring its value beyond competitive pricing.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
Select
Age Group:30-59
Select
Coverage:Full Coverage
GEICO$1,365$114
USAA$1,395$116
Mercury$1,433$119
Progressive$1,462$122
AAA$1,506$125
National General$1,547$129
Allstate$1,574$131
Capital Insurance Group$1,668$139
Kemper$1,751$146
State National$1,796$150
Hartford$1,959$163
State Farm$1,965$164
Chubb$1,994$166
Nationwide$2,012$168
Travelers$2,320$193
Farmers$2,503$209

How to Compare Cheap Pasadena Car Insurance Quotes Online

Finding the best car insurance rates in Pasadena often involves a time-consuming process. Comparing three or more companies can potentially take over an hour.

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator streamlines this task, granting instant savings by concentrating on key factors that influence premiums in the region. Input details such as age, driving history, credit rating and preferred coverage level to swiftly receive an estimated rate.

Car Insurance Calculator

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.

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Rates updated:

Dec 23, 2024

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Best Car Insurance in Pasadena: Overview

Selecting the optimal car insurance depends on your preference for aspects such as service quality, cost and coverage options. MoneyGeek's unique scoring system evaluated these factors across different categories to find Pasadena's leading car insurance providers.

  • Best overall: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 85 out of 100)
  • Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
  • Best cheap: Mercury (MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100)

Chubb is Pasadena's best car insurance provider for overall value and service, demonstrating strong performance in service quality and affordability. Mercury stands out as the top pick for affordable car insurance that still offers a commendable service experience for those prioritizing saving money. Each provider excels in their respective category, offering balanced choices for Pasadena residents based on their unique insurance needs and budgetary constraints.

Overall Best Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Pasadena for drivers seeking the best car insurance. These are the two top providers based on their MoneyGeek scores:

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($1,994 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($1,668 per year)

Chubb has the highest MoneyGeek score in Pasenda, largely due to its high claims coverage scores, reflecting the value customers get from its full coverage policy.

Company logo for Chubb
Best OverallChubb
MoneyGeek Score:
85/ of 100

Overview

Chubb's high MoneyGeek score is primarily due to exceptional claims handling and customer satisfaction. Although it doesn't offer roadside assistance, it does offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement. Chubb also offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage, which many drivers find valuable because it pays for replacement parts from the original manufacturer and maintains the integrity and value of the vehicle after repairs.

Chubb's rare coverages include diminished value coverage, which allows you to receive compensation for the loss in value your car may have after an accident, even after repairs. This coverage ensures drivers that their high-value vehicles are protected with genuine parts and safeguarded against diminished resale value. Chubb is a leading option in car insurance, securing its place as the best company by MoneyGeek's standards.

Best Car Insurance in Pasadena for Customer Service

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best car insurance option in Pasadena, focusing on customer service. Rankings are based on a comprehensive evaluation of general satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options without considering rates.

  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,994 per year)
  • Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($1,668 per year)

Chubb stands out in Pasadena for its outstanding balance of claims handling and comprehensive coverage options. Its top position showcases the insurer's commitment to overall client satisfaction and financial stability, distinguishing it from competitors in the market.

Company logo for Chubb
Best for Customer ServiceChubb
MoneyGeek Score:
94/ of 100

Overview

Chubb excels in customer satisfaction and claims handling, boosting its high MoneyGeek score. Although it doesn't offer roadside assistance, it does provide rental car and/or travel reimbursement.

Chubb's coverages cater to drivers' various needs. Its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage assures the use of original factory equipment in repairs — a vital feature for maintaining vehicle integrity and value. Classic car enthusiasts will appreciate Chubb's tailored coverage for antique and collectible vehicles, which provides specialized protection. Though not widely applicable, the diminished value coverage potentially allows for recovering a car's lost value after an accident. Its offers and strong scores highlight why Chubb stands out in the auto insurance market.

Best Cheap Car Insurance in Pasadena

MoneyGeek found that Mercury offers the best cheap car insurance in Pasadena, prioritizing affordability while delivering on claims handling and customer satisfaction. If you're looking for affordable, top-notch coverage, consider these providers:

  • Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($554 per year)
  • Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($849 per year)

Mercury is the leading company, thanks in large part to its superior affordability score, which significantly influences its MoneyGeek score. The score indicates Mercury delivers high value for a minimum coverage policy. Notably, the balance between affordable premiums, customer satisfaction and dependable claims handling sets Mercury apart as the best choice for consumers seeking comprehensive yet budget-friendly car insurance.

Company logo for Mercury
Best Cheap CompanyMercury
MoneyGeek Score:
81/ of 100

Overview

Mercury's exceptional MoneyGeek score is greatly influenced by its affordability and coverage ratings. With an average annual premium of $554, the average driver pays $46 per month for minimum coverage, showcasing exceptional value.

Mercury offers the most common discounts: bundling, multiple car and safe driving. Policyholders also benefit from discounts such as anti-theft system and automatic payment, which enhance security and convenience. Mercury rewards customers who sign up for automatic payment, encouraging reliable, timely bill settlement. Additionally, the company offers a pay in full discount, which provides substantial savings for those capable of making upfront payments. These perks reflect Mercury's commitment to providing cost-effective and valuable services to their clients.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Pasadena

In Pasadena, the average car insurance cost is $1,798 per year. This is $236 more than the average car insurance cost in California, which is $1,562. The state average is significantly less than the national average of $1,781, indicating that Californians pay $219 less for car insurance.

Factors such as a driver's age, vehicle and driving history influence the cost of car insurance. However, location is a significant factor. The location's importance stems from elements such as traffic density, rates of vehicular theft and the prevalence of accidents, which vary from city to city. Glendale is the city with the most expensive premium, with a premium of $2,433 — significantly higher than the state average by $871. On the other hand, Santa Maria is the cheapest city, with insurance costs at $1,251, showing a substantial difference of $311 below the state average. These figures indicate that rates could be lower in less urbanized, non-city areas with lower traffic density.

Anaheim$1,632
Antioch$1,573
Arden$1,592
Bakersfield$1,394
Berkeley$1,489
Burbank$1,968
Carlsbad$1,364
Chula Vista$1,331
Clovis$1,395
Concord$1,473
Corona$1,525
Costa Mesa$1,501
Daly City$1,712
Downey$1,749
East Los Angeles$1,800
El Cajon$1,438
El Monte$1,784
Elk Grove$1,535
Escondido$1,382
Fairfield$1,392
Fontana$1,565
Fremont$1,446
Fresno$1,442
Fullerton$1,661
Garden Grove$1,679
Glendale$2,433
Hayward$1,549
Huntington Beach$1,523
Inglewood$1,963
Irvine$1,585
Jurupa Valley$1,507
Lancaster$1,670
Long Beach$1,685
Los Angeles$2,138
Modesto$1,577
Moreno Valley$1,546
Murrieta$1,415
Norwalk$1,661
Oakland$1,657
Oceanside$1,396
Ontario$1,565
Orange$1,462
Oxnard$1,436
Palmdale$1,722
Pasadena$1,798
Pomona$1,630
Rancho Cucamonga$1,503
Rialto$1,577
Richmond$1,562
Riverside$1,543
Roseville$1,458
Sacramento$1,494
Salinas$1,346
San Bernardino$1,567
San Diego$1,349
San Francisco$1,670
San Jose$1,429
San Mateo$1,385
Santa Ana$1,577
Santa Clara$1,420
Santa Clarita$1,634
Santa Maria$1,251
Santa Rosa$1,479
Simi Valley$1,528
Stockton$1,594
Sunnyvale$1,413
Temecula$1,432
Thousand Oaks$1,589
Torrance$1,518
Vallejo$1,547
Ventura$1,341
Victorville$1,598
Visalia$1,333
Vista$1,355
West Covina$1,667

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

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.