Car Insurance in Fresno
Fresno is a hub to some of the most famous national parks, like Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia. With its sprawling expanse of space, Fresno ranked 268th in the world for traffic congestion in 2019. Drivers lost about 80 hours in rush hour traffic. However, possibly due to residents migrating to less dense areas in 2020, like Fresno, its rank has slipped to the 251st spot, though drivers are losing less time to rush hour traffic, spending 57 hours. With such traffic declines in Fresno, drivers may witness decreases in their auto insurance premiums thanks to fewer accidents on the road.
Get Low-Cost California Auto Insurance
Quick Facts
- Fresno’s average annual car insurance premium is $1,791.
- Fresno’s traffic fatalities were higher than the state average at 13.41 deaths per 100,000 people.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Fresno?
The average Fresno car insurance premium comes in at $1791. Compared with other metropolitan areas in California, this is a savings of approximately $180. California car insurance protects consumers with specific insurance requirements and driving laws.
| City | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles | $2,422 |
| San Francisco | $2,169 |
| Fresno | $1,791 |
| San Diego | $1,692 |
| San Jose | $1,645 |
There are several criteria that insurance providers use to calculate your insurance premium rate. Two of these criteria are the zip code of the area you live in and your age. Other data that may be considered include population, household income, number of accidents in your area, crime rates, and vehicles typically found in the area. Age, especially with new, younger drivers, is a significant factor. With younger drivers having less experience on the roads, they are more likely to be involved in more accidents. They are considered high-risk drivers.
Fresno Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
How much you’ll pay for your car insurance will depend on the area where you live in Fresno.
Zipcodes such as 93702, the Roosevelt neighborhood, have the highest average premiums at $1,376, while 93720, the Woodward Park area, has the lowest premium at $1,261.
Other factors that will affect your premium cost are the zip code statistics. Note the difference in these neighborhoods; both the Roosevelt and Woodward Park areas have roughly the same population. However, the population density for 93720 (the less expensive of the two sites) is about 4,500 people per sq mi, and the same measurement for 93702 is over 9,200 people per sq mi. Insurance providers will weigh the chances higher that accidents will occur in more densely populated areas.
Below is a selection of zip codes and the average premium rates for Fresno:
| ZIP Code | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| 93257 | $1,325 |
| 93274 | $1,394 |
| 93722 | $1,373 |
| 93727 | $1,288 |
| 93638 | $1,418 |
| 93230 | $1,317 |
| 93612 | $1,479 |
| 95023 | $1,277 |
Fresno Car Insurance Rates by Age
In addition to using your area’s zip code, insurers will also use your age. Gender and marital status have minimal to no effect on the cost of your premium.
Drivers in their teen years will pay more for car insurance than older drivers. After they move out of the teenage years into their 20’s, premium costs will drop. A slight decrease continues as drivers move into later years.
| Age | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Teens | $7,016 |
| 20s | $2,799 |
| 30s | $1,826 |
| 40s | $1,766 |
| 50s | $1,677 |
| 60s | $1,665 |
| 70s | $1,923 |
Driving safely, keeping a clean record will have a positive impact on your premium rates. Rates will go down as you continue to have a good driving record.
Driving Conditions in Fresno
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Fresno?
Unfortunately, 2019 statistics for Fresno show more deaths than the California stats overall. Fresno had 13.41 deaths per 100,000 people, while California state listed 9.13 fatalities per 100,000 people.
Driving while under the influence and not wearing a seatbelt were contributors to these statistics. In 2019, Fresno traffic fatalities totaled 134. Over 23% of those who died (31 people) involved at least one driver who was driving while intoxicated. Also, 27 of the individuals who died did not have a seatbelt fastened.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Fresno?
Simple repairs, filling potholes, and installing signs, along with larger projects such as resurfacing roads, clearing debris, and maintaining bridges, are the responsibility of the Fresno Department of Public Works Department. Thanks to this agency, the Fresno roads are kept clear and drivable.
A 2019 report released by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) graded California with a C+ for their infrastructure, a slightly above-average rating. Unfortunately, these same roads
The ASCE does note in their report that the grades do not reflect that there has been an absence of responsibility or diligence on the local agencies’ part in maintaining the streets and highways. With a highly populated state like California, there is an expectation that its infrastructures will suffer wear and tear. The ratings released by the ASCE help the public work departments decide where they should focus their limited resources.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Fresno
States across the country are categorized as “fault states” and “no-fault states.” California is a “fault state.” Drivers are responsible for any accident that is their fault. The minimum liability insurance is required in Fresno per California Insurance Code §11580.1b. The basic limited liability insurance limits are 15/30/5. These numbers reflect the dollar amounts of coverage:
- $15,000 for injury/death to one person
- $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person
- $5,000 for property damage
- Liability insurance compensates a person other than the policyholder for personal injury or property damage. Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements.
Factors Allowed in Fresno Car Insurance Rates
There are a variety of factors used to determine your car insurance premium rate. California restricts insurance companies allowing them to use only the following criteria:
- Zip code
- Age
- Marital status
- Education & occupation
Although these factors are used in other parts of the U.S., they are not permitted for use in calculating your car insurance rate in California:
- Credit score
- Gender
Discounts for Car Insurance in Fresno
Taking advantage of discounts is an excellent way to save money on your car insurance premium. Discuss the options with your insurance representative.
- Anti-theft discount
- Good driver discount
- Student discount
- Multi-car discount
- Military discount
- Multi-policy discount
- Mature, retired, or senior discount
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Fresno?
Fresno drivers are must carry the minimum amount of car insurance. If you are stopped and found driving without insurance, you will be ticketed and fine. A first offense may cost you $100-$200, with possible additional penalties. If you continue to drive uninsured and have a second offense within three years of the first, fines will run from $200-$500.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Fresno Today!
It’s more than just a legal requirement. Insurance is an inexpensive way to protect yourself from the tremendous risks of daily driving in Fresno. Don’t let yourself be bogged down with extensive medical expenses and car repair bills that often result from collisions. Get started with a quote online, visit us at a Fresno office near you, or call us at (800) 777-5620 for a quote.