Get Car Insurance in Riverside, CA

Named for its location near the Santa Ana River, Riverside is a bustling California city known for its lush orange groves and Spanish mission architecture. Only 50 miles east of downtown Los Angeles, Riverside is considered part of the Greater Los Angeles area, which in 2019 ranked 31st in the world for worst traffic congestion. It has also topped the list of U.S. cities with the worst drivers in recent years. With this in mind, if you plan on driving to Riverside to experience all that it has to offer, it’s important you have proper auto insurance.

Car insurance provides numerous benefits to vehicle owners in the city. First, it comes with financial protection in case of an accident, theft or any other unforeseen event that causes damage to your or another person’s car. A policy provides legal protection in case of a lawsuit arising from an accident. Believe us, being protected is worth it, along with the peace of mind that comes with it.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Riverside?

You will pay an average of $1,945 for full coverage car insurance in the Riverside area. Compared with other major cities in California, Riverside is fairly expensive, surpassing premium costs of different state regions by more than $154. Due to the amount of time drivers spend on the highways, consumer protection laws and California car insurance provide some of the best coverage in the U.S.

Your zip code and your age are two factors that insurers use to determine your car insurance rates. Statistics from the zip code area, including the average number of accidents, average income, population, and crime rates, are also typically considered. Because younger drivers have not had much time on the road, they are regarded as high risk and will normally pay more for coverage than more experienced ones.

Riverside Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code

Riverside has 84 zip codes. Zip code 95826, which includes the College-Glen neighborhood, has one of the highest average premiums in the city at $1,829, while 95823, which includes the Parkway and Valley Hi-North Laguna neighborhoods, is nearly $256 less than that at $1,576.

Average rates are based on zip code statistics. While population density between the zip codes 92503 and 92506 are within range — with 2,830 and 2,716 people per square mile, respectively — other zip code statistics also play a significant role. For instance, the median home value in 92506 is roughly $10,292 higher than 92503, indicating that residents in the pricier zip code might purchase more expensive vehicles, including luxury cars, which contribute to higher premiums.

The table below lists several zip codes in the Riverside area and the average insurance rates drivers will pay:

Riverside Car Insurance Rates by Age

While marital status and gender can be factored in to determine a driver’s insurance rate, this information generally has a minimal influence on premium costs. As stated earlier, zip code and age tend to play a larger role in calculating premium rates.

Younger drivers will pay more for car insurance until they have spent more time on the road and have gained experience. Once a young adult is in their 20s, insurance rates will begin to drop.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Riverside

Per California Insurance Code §11580.1b, drivers must carry the minimum liability insurance. The minimum limits are listed as 15/30/5, meaning that coverage provides:

• $15,000 for injury or the death of one person
• $30,000 for injury or death of more than one person
• $5,000 for property damage

Here are some key differences to note between policies: 

• Liability insurance compensates a person other than the policyholder for personal injury or property damage. 

• Even though comprehensive and collision insurance can be beneficial for your financial security, they’re not enough to meet your legal obligations as a driver.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Riverside?

Here drivers are held responsible for accidents they may be involved in, being “at fault.” In simple terms, this means that the driver that is deemed responsible for the accident by authorities will be the one to compensate the others for their losses. This could mean autoparts, total loss to an automobile, property damage or even bodily harm to someone else. 

Because of this, having a policy is not an option in this city, let alone the state. Drivers must carry the minimum amount of coverage or pay penalties, especially those found driving without coverage. First offense uninsured drivers will pay fines of $100 to $200, with possible additional consequences. Fines for second offenders within three years of an initial offense will cost upward of $200 to $500, with other potential implications. 

Factors Allowed in Riverside Car Insurance Rates

Across the country, there are criteria insurers use to determine your car insurance rates. In Riverside, California, the criteria used are:

• Zip Code
• Age
• Education and occupation
• Marital status
• Driving history

Discounts for Car Insurance in Riverside

Taking advantage of discounts available through your insurance carrier can save Riverside drivers money. Discounts might include:

• Good driver discount
• Multi-car discount
• Anti-theft discount
• Student discount
• Military discount
• Multi-policy discount
• Mature, retired, or senior discount

Be sure to talk to an insurance agent about all the discounts and advantages you can apply for because  it never hurts to ask!

Driving in Riverside

As we mentioned,  the Greater Los Angeles area comes with great views but also bigger traffic jams and reckless driving. It’s always a good idea to be alert and practice safe driving, but it can count double when you’re in a big city. Let’s take a look at the driving conditions you can encounter when visiting Riverside.

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Riverside?

According to the California Highway Patrol, in 2019, California reported 3,438 fatal crashes that resulted in 3,737 deaths. That also encompasses 269,031 people injured due to a collision. Specifically in Riverside, it had a total of 269 fatal crashes. 

During the same year, Riverside reported 101 alcohol-related fatal crashes, with blood-alcohol levels above the legal limits. These DUI crashes resulted in 1,077 injuries. Remember that alcohol related accidents can be avoided, but it’s definitely something to look out for in this Californian city. The county’s Public Health Department calculates that Riverside has a higher percentage of alcohol related fatal collisions than the state of California. Riverside shows a 34.3%  versus the state’s 29.5%.

What if I get a DUI in Riverside?

Getting a DUI in a state like California is no joke. Besides the terrible risk of injury and death, you can also be hit financially. Did you know that a DUI conviction in this state can take up to $25,000 of your hard earned money? Don’t forget that besides the main fine, you have to pay for lawyers, rehab, car insurance and many more unexpected situations. 

The process might seem overwhelming, but insurance companies like Freeway Insurance are here to help. The resulting costs of premiums and difficulty that follows high risk drivers shouldn’t be a reason for you not to be protected on the road. Your quote for affordable car insurance takes just minutes.

How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Riverside?

The City of Riverside Public Works Department is in charge of repairing deteriorating roadways, potholes, and worn road surfaces. Its paving crews rehabilitate streets, parking lots, and alleys. They also inspect and mitigate road hazards and maintain and repair city bridges, guardrails, traffic signage, and street lights. In case you are looking for more information about car insurance in Riverside, this is good context as it lets you know what you are dealing with.

In 2019, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) released its report card for the infrastructures across the U.S. and gave California an overall grade of C-. Its bridges and transit system also earned a C-, while its roadways earned a D, with the organization stating that “only 19% of California’s major roads and highways are in good condition, whereas 68% are in mediocre or poor condition, and 13% are in fair condition.”

Local agencies that maintain the roads and major infrastructures in California work with limited resources, so their focus turns to where repairs and maintenance will have the most impact. The ASCE reports that the grades are not a reflection of the performance of those responsible for the roadways. With California’s large population and substantial use, roadway wear and tear is expected.