Santa Ana, CA Car Insurance
Compare Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Santa Ana.
How much does car insurance cost in Santa Ana?
Car insurance in Santa Ana costs an average of $988 for a six-month policy or $165 per month on average. In 2024, our data shows Wawanesa is the cheapest car insurance company in Santa Ana with rates at $561 for a six-month policy.
Santa Ana drivers pay slightly more than the average for car insurance in California ($966 every six months) and more than the national average of $880. In fact, 34% of our customers in Santa Ana used our service because they were just looking for their car insurance. If you agree or just need help with your car insurance, read on to learn more about what a fair rate looks like in Santa Ana based on common factors like credit score, coverage level, and more.
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| Car Insurance in Santa Ana vs. California | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| California Average | $966 |
| Santa Ana Average | $988 |
Source: The Zebra
The cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Ana
Wawanesa has the cheapest coverage in Santa Ana at $93 per month or $561 for a six-month policy.
In second place is GEICO, with rates of $739 per six-month policy. This breaks down to about $123 on a monthly basis.
The third cheapest company on our list is Capital Insurance Group. On average, a CIG policy in Santa Ana costs $778 per six-month policy.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Santa Ana:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Santa Ana is $988 per six-month policy — $165 per month.
- The cheapest company in Santa Ana is Wawanesa, a regional carrier serving California and Oregon ($93/month).
- 34% of Zebra customers in Santa Ana stated they used our product because they were just looking for car insurance with their current provider.
- California is one of the top states for wildfires which fall under the comprehensive coverage category of car insurance.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Santa Ana car insurance rates by company
According to our 2024 data, the most affordable company for comprehensive car insurance in Santa Ana is Wawanesa, with a monthly premium of $94 or a six-month policy costing $561. The runner-up insurance provider is GEICO, offering policies starting at $123 per month or $739 for a six-month coverage.
Discover further details on highly rated car insurance companies by referring to The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
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Cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Ana, CA
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $561 |
| GEICO | $739 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $778 |
| USAA | $811 |
| Progressive | $965 |
| Nationwide | $1,066 |
| Allstate | $1,101 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Shop around for the best rates
The only way to know which company is the cheapest coverage for you is to compare quotes. Our tool will do the legwork for you. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from Travelers, State Farm, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Santa Ana.
Average car insurance in Santa Ana by rating factor
Car insurance companies employ a multitude of rating factors to assess a just rate for a driver's circumstances, enabling them to gauge the level of risk one presents. These rating factors, such as age, credit score, claims history, and others, are commonly shared among most companies. Nevertheless, certain insurance providers assign differential significance to specific factors over others.
With this knowledge in mind, it is crucial to acknowledge that the optimal auto insurance company for you may undergo alterations as you age or as your profile undergoes transformations. Periodically obtaining a new quote can provide insight into whether you are still securing the most favorable rates.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: The end-of-year earnings, comparing the revenue of premiums against the cost of settling insureds' claims, holds significant weight as a rating factor in determining the car insurance costs in Santa Ana. Even if you haven't filed any claims with your insurance provider, you might still find yourself paying higher premiums due to the rising cost of conducting business in Santa Ana.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Santa Ana
Age is one of the most important rating factors when it comes to car insurance, having a big impact on premiums. Since teen drivers have the highest accident potential of any age group, they are often charged the highest premiums. In Santa Ana, the difference in rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is 104%, the largest such difference between any two age groups.
While this may sound unjust, insurance companies must do this in the interest of risk management. Higher rates for teen drivers mean companies can offset the increased cost of paying claims.
This can seem harsh, but insurers must consider such risks when calculating prices — after all, this isn't personal — just business! One way to mitigate some of the excess cost for teens is to be added to the policy of their parent or guardian, rather than starting from scratch with their own policy.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Santa Ana, CA
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $939 |
| GEICO | $1,736 |
| USAA | $1,791 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,814 |
| Progressive | $2,393 |
| Allstate | $2,446 |
| Nationwide | $3,413 |
Source: The Zebra
| Age Bracket | Cheapest Companies | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | Wawanesa | $615 |
| 30s | Wawanesa | $514 |
| 40s | Wawanesa | $514 |
| 50s | Wawanesa | $514 |
| 60s | Wawanesa | $514 |
| 70s | Wawanesa | $505 |
Zebra Tip:Â The cheapest companies for Santa Ana drivers between 20-29 are Wawanesa, GEICO and USAA.
Our data tells us that drivers between the ages of 20-29 make up the bulk of Santa Ana drivers. On average, this group pays $1,257 every six months. By going with these companies, these groups can potentially save 35%.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Santa Ana
The level of coverage you choose for your policy significantly influences insurance rates. The greater the coverage you opt for, the higher the cost of your policy will be. According to our data, the majority of Santa Ana drivers have the basic level of coverage.Â
Collision and comprehensive coverage, while recommended, can increase your rates. This combination, commonly referred to as "full coverage," offers a broader scope of protection for your vehicle. These coverages typically require a deductible, which also has an effect on your rates depending on the amount you choose.
Additional valuable enhancements encompass roadside assistance or coverage for uninsured motorists. These coverages prove beneficial during emergencies or instances when you encounter an uninsured driver. Despite the additional cost incurred, we strongly advise contemplating their inclusion, as they provide extensive protection for your vehicle and personal well-being.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
If you are not engaged in a lease or financing arrangement for your vehicle, it is advisable to contemplate whether opting out of comprehensive or collision coverage aligns with your needs. We recommend obtaining the actual cash value of your vehicle from Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source.
As a general guideline, if your vehicle's value falls below $4,000, it is likely that collision coverage is unnecessary. However, it is crucial to note that forgoing these coverages implies that you will be responsible for any repair costs using your own funds.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Santa Ana, CA
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $203 |
| USAA | $237 |
| Wawanesa | $256 |
| Progressive | $274 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $312 |
| Nationwide | $353 |
| Allstate | $395 |
Source: The Zebra
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. This might include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits, better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
44% of The Zebra's customers in Santa Ana choose the basic level of coverage, but it may not be right for you. Carrying the minimum is a surefire way to bring insurance costs down — but at what point does it become too risky? That's a personal call, but keep in mind that by carrying the bare minimum you could be stuck paying for damages beyond your liability limits.
California's minimum coverage is 15/30/5. This means you're required to carry liability insurance for damage you cause up to $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. This would probably be enough in a straightforward situation or fender-bender, but if there is an accident involving multiple vehicles or physical injuries it likely won't be enough coverage.
Learn more about insurance laws in California.
Santa Ana car insurance rates by credit score
In the majority of states, your credit score holds significant weight in determining the cost of your auto insurance. However, California differentiates itself as one of the few places where this factor is not taken into account when calculating insurance premiums.
Typically, insurance companies use credit scores to gauge the risk of potential loss, resulting in higher rates for drivers considered more risky. A poor credit score often correlates with an increased number of filed claims, lapses in coverage, and overall riskier driving behavior, all of which can lead to substantial rate increases.
Nevertheless, California, along with several other states, has chosen to ban the use of credit scores in insurance pricing. This policy ensures that your insurance costs remain lower, regardless of your credit score.
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
Out of all the insurance claims, at-fault accidents and collisions rank as the most prevalent. In 2024, an at-fault accident caused the average car insurance rates in Santa Ana to surge from $164 to $285 per month. The most cost-effective insurance company in Santa Ana following an at-fault accident is Wawanesa.Â
Irrespective of the city you reside in, maintaining a clean driving record remains the optimal approach to ensure affordable auto insurance rates. Infractions such as speeding tickets, charges of reckless driving, DUIs, and at-fault accidents all contribute to rate hikes. The majority of these violations can remain on your record for a duration of three to five years, and even longer in the case of a DUI or DWI.
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Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Santa Ana, CA
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $845 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,142 |
| USAA | $1,152 |
| GEICO | $1,335 |
| Nationwide | $1,558 |
| Progressive | $1,904 |
| Allstate | $2,388 |
Source: The Zebra
Santa Ana car insurance rates by violation
Different violations will affect your rates differently, so take a look at the table below to get an idea of how much your insurance premiums can increase after specific citations in Santa Ana.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Santa Ana, CA
Source: The Zebra
Why is car insurance in Santa Ana so expensive?
When compared to the national average, car insurance in Santa Ana tends to be relatively expensive, but it remains fairly consistent with the California state average. Santa Ana residents may see pricier rates because of the city's prime location on southern California's coast between Los Angeles and San Diego, notoriously expensive cities. The cost of living here is high and its position in California makes it a high-traffic area.
In addition to personal rating factors, location-specific elements contribute to the elevated cost of car insurance in Santa Ana, irrespective of one's driving profile.
We know that cities vary in the cost of insurance, but even the neighborhood can make a difference. Other than your personal factors, like claims history, your specific ZIP code in Santa Ana affects what you'll pay for your car insurance coverage.Â
Like most other things in the insurance business, this comes down to risk. Statistically, the amount of crime, theft and uninsured drivers can change from just one street to the next. Areas prone to circumstances like these are riskier for insurance companies. Therefore, the rates for drivers living in neighborhoods with higher risk will in turn be more than those in safer neighborhoods.
Expensive Santa Ana ZIP codes:Â 92799, 92703, 92704
Cheap Santa Ana ZIP codes:Â 92705, 92706, 92707
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California has one of the most comfortable climates around, but it's also had plenty of experience with Mother Nature's wrath, which can raise insurance rates drastically. California actually ranked #1 on the list of top states for wildfires in 2021, with over 2 million acres burned.[1] Although the city center itself may not be especially at risk, the dry landscape around Santa Ana is especially vulnerable. Consider comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle investment in the event of a natural disaster such as a wildfire.Â
Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding is also covered under your comprehensive coverage. Although Santa Ana (like most of California) is typically in a drought, when it does rain it often arrives fast, and Santa Ana can experience flash flooding. If you have a new or nice vehicle, we definitely recommend considering comprehensive coverage as part of your Santa Ana car insurance policy.
As the population of Santa Ana increases, it's natural that there are more cars on the road. More cars on the road mean that there will be more accidents, violations and claims. How does this affect you? If an area experiences more claims due to an ever-increasing number of drivers, these costs are then passed on to other drivers in the form of higher premiums.Â
According to our data, about 30% of drivers in Santa Ana are not currently insured — that can be a little unnerving, to say the least. If you're hit by one of those drivers, you can be left paying out-of-pocket for the damage you sustain to yourself or your vehicle (or both). We suggest carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). It's there to help you out in the event that your car is damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver.Â
Zebra Tip: Use your comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle against wildfires
Insurance companies face potential catastrophe and even bankruptcy due to the damage inflicted by weather-related incidents. From powerful natural disasters to thunderstorms accompanied by hail and wind, if you lack appropriate coverage, you may find yourself solely responsible for covering the costs of car repairs. To alleviate concerns about your vehicle being damaged by wildfires or other weather-related events, it is advisable to contemplate incorporating an additional layer of protection into your existing coverage.
Bundling insurance policies in Santa Ana
While car insurance rates appear to be on the rise across the nation, there are still opportunities for savings through various discounts. Among the most prevalent discounts offered by insurance companies is the multi-policy or bundling discount. By consolidating your home or renters insurance with your auto insurance under a single provider, you can secure a substantial discount. Some companies even offer savings of up to 10% on combined premiums. Discover more about the advantages of bundling home and car insurance.
If you currently maintain separate policies for your home and car in Santa Ana, it would be wise to explore your options and determine if bundling them together could result in significant cost savings. In many instances, the effort invested proves to be highly rewarding. Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Santa Ana, CA
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| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $561 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $659 |
| USAA | $733 |
| GEICO | $739 |
| Nationwide | $805 |
| Progressive | $827 |
| Allstate | $1,080 |
Source: The Zebra
Although certain factors may be beyond your control, drivers have the ability to enhance their profiles and appear more favorable to insurance providers. Our top recommendation is to conduct thorough research and obtain auto insurance quotes from a wide array of companies in Santa Ana. By doing so, you can secure the most cost-effective rate without compromising coverage or service. This is particularly crucial if there have been any significant personal changes, such as a relocation, a birthday celebration, or improvements in your credit score. Despite your best efforts, certain companies may simply offer higher premiums than others, so don't hesitate to make a switch if necessary.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.