Cheap Car Insurance in San Diego

San Diego is known for its green spaces, warm atmosphere, and beautiful beaches. It also has its share of traffic congestion. Some reports even tabulated that in 2019 drivers lost 124 hours waiting in San Diego rush hour traffic. That’s 5 days and 4 hours, or as the report illustrated, it’s enough time to watch 110 episodes of Game of Thrones. For 2020 though, time lost in traffic has decreased significantly by approximately 64 hours. As beautiful as San Diego is, it won’t be long until people are back on the road, so ensure you have auto insurance before driving to the beach to enjoy it with everyone else.

Quick Facts

Insurance companies provide car insurance based on several factors. The major factors include the zip code of the area you live in and your age. Other criteria will also play a part in your premium costs, such as average household income, population, area accident statistics, and crime rates. Common vehicle types owned and driven in the area may also play a factor in determining your rate. Younger drivers will pay more for their insurance than individuals who have had years of experience on the road. New, younger drivers are considered high-risk drivers who may have more traffic violations or accidents.

Driving safely, avoiding tickets, and being accident-free will guarantee lower premium rates. Having a clean driving record is one of the criteria insurers will use to calculate rates.

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in San Diego?

Statewide 2019 statistics show that that there were 9.13 fatalities per 100,000 people in California. For that same year, the San Diego numbers were lower, at 7.43 deaths per 100,000 individuals, a two-point plus difference.

Fatalities may have been avoided had drivers been wearing their seat belts and avoided driving while under the influence. 30% of the San Diego fatalities (75 individuals) were driving while intoxicated, with high blood alcohol levels. Of the 75 individuals, 37 were not wearing seat restraints.

How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in San Diego?

Amazingly, the 2,000 miles of roads in San Diego could stretch to Florida. The San Diego Department of Public Works steps up to maintain these roads and highways. Repairs and work may be minor, such as filling potholes, installing signs, or clearing brush. Other major repairs could include resurfacing highways and streets, maintaining bridges, replacing streetlights or traffic lights, and more. It is their responsibility to keep the roads clear, safe, and drivable.

California received an overall grade of C+ on infrastructure. The 2019 report published by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) periodically publishes a report on the U.S. infrastructure overall. Roads in California received a poor rating, receiving a D grade. Bridges weren’t much better at a C-. This same report noted that the San Diego bridges along I-5 needed “major repair and rehabilitation.”

However, with California being a well-populated state, the roads and bridges’ wear and tear were expected by the ASCE. They speak to this in the same report, noting that the grades do not reflect a lack of attention or diligence on the part of the San Diego public works. Ratings from the ASCE assist agencies in determining where they can target limited resources.

When it comes to accidents and insurance laws across the U.S., there are two categories, “no-fault states” and “at-fault states.” California is an “at-fault” state with some of the strictest insurance premium laws across the country. Drivers who cause the accident are held responsible. The minimum liability insurance mandated in California (California Insurance Code §11580.1b) is 30/60/15. Spelled out this coverage includes:

Unlike other states that use a variety of data to determine insurance rates, San Diego insurers are restricted to basing their premium rates on the following criteria:

San Diego drivers may be unaware that there are discounts available that can lower their auto insurance costs. Check into these discounts if they apply to you or a family member:

San Diego drivers must carry the minimum amount of insurance coverage mandated by California. Driving uninsured will result in fines and other possible consequences. First offenders will pay fines from $100-$200 plus any additional penalties. If there is a second offense within three years, offenders will pay fines of $200-$500, again with additional penalties.