Get Affordable Auto Insurance in San Luis Obispo, CA with Freeway Insurance
Known as the “Happiest City in America,” San Luis Obispo is a bustling Central Coast town that offers a variety of attractive features, including lush streets, a thriving outdoor scene, and stunning sandy beaches within 10 miles, making it a prime destination for residents and visitors alike. Finding the right auto insurance in San Luis Obispo is crucial for car owners to protect themselves, their vehicles, and all the things they want to enjoy in this place.
San Luis Obispo’s most popular attractions include the Thursday Night Farmers’ Market, Pismo Beach, Avila Beach, and historic downtown with tree-lined streets and Spanish-themed architecture. Nature lovers will also appreciate the Avila Valley Hot Springs and Hiking Trails, complete with a massive thermal soaking pool and plenty of tent and RV camping sites.
When it comes to auto insurance in San Luis Obispo, it is important for car owners to have access to important information, including average rates paid by age group, information on road infrastructure, and the minimum state-required protection all drivers must have to drive legally in California.
Quick Facts
- San Luis Obispo is known for being the “Happiest City in America.”
- San Luis Obispo was the first city in the nation to ban smoking in public areas.
- The Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) limit in San Luis Obispo is .08%+ (21+ years old), .04%+ (commercial vehicles), and .01%+ (< 21 years of age).
- In 2020, there were four fatal car accidents in San Luis Obispo.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in San Luis Obispo, California?
The average monthly cost of full coverage car insurance in San Luis Obispo is $157. For perspective, similarly-sized cities like Fresno, Long Beach, and Stockton see average monthly rates of $176, $227, and $217, respectively. Car insurance costs in various cities depend on factors such as the collective number of claims and personal injury lawsuits filed.
For the state-required minimum liability car insurance, the average monthly cost in San Luis Obispo works out to $46 a month.
The nation as a whole pays an average of $138 per month for full coverage and $40 per month for basic liability. The averages for California as a whole are $172 for full coverage and $61 for the basic required minimum.
For average monthly car insurance premiums in cities near San Luis Obispo, see the breakdown below:
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| San Luis Obispo | $157 | $46 |
| Anaheim | $202 | $63 |
| Los Angeles | $242 | $67 |
| San Francisco | $233 | $64 |
| Santa Barbara | $159 | $48 |
San Luis Obispo, CA Affordable Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
Each zip code in San Luis Obispo sees slightly different average car insurance premiums depending on the number of accidents, auto thefts, and other factors affecting insurance rates.
For average monthly car insurance premiums by zip code in San Luis Obispo, see breakdown below:
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 93401 | $134 | $38 |
| 93405 | $143 | $43 |
| 93407 | $157 | $46 |
| 93410 | $162 | $49 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in San Luis Obispo
Some age brackets can expect to pay higher insurance premiums than others. For example, teenagers aged 17-23 are known to pay as much as triple the average monthly premium as drivers in their 30s and 40s. This is because collectively, young and inexperienced drivers get more tickets and have more car crashes.
For average monthly car insurance premiums by age in San Luis Obispo, see breakdown below:
| Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Teenagers | $527 | $168 |
| 20s | $196 | $58 |
| 30s | $162 | $49 |
| 40s | $139 | $44 |
| 50s | $127 | $41 |
| 60s | $124 | $41 |
| 70s | $146 | $51 |
Unless otherwise specified, we use the following methodology to arrive at our average cost: male, age 30, lowest possible legal coverage allowed by California. Your rates will be determined by several factors, including your age, your gender and the amount of coverage you want to purchase.
Driving Conditions in San Luis Obispo, California
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in San Luis Obispo?
In 2020, there were four fatal road traffic accidents in San Luis Obispo. In 2019, there were a total of 215 total fatal and injury crashes. Of those, 22 involved alcohol, 12 involved motorcycles and 25 involved pedestrians. In 2019, 208 people were arrested for DUI in San Luis Obispo.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in San Luis Obispo?
The county of San Luis Obispo has a very active Public Works department, responsible for managing more than 1000 miles of roadways, wastewater facilities, and county buildings. Past infrastructure projects have included reconfiguring the US 101 and Avila Beach Drive Interchange to limit traffic jams and the Paso Basin Aerial Groundwater Mapping Pilot Study.
To learn more about San Luis Obispo’s Public Works program, you can visit their website.
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Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in San Luis Obispo, Calif.
All San Luis Obispo drivers must carry the minimum required insurance by the state.
Here is the minimum coverage required under California law.
- Bodily injury: $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident
- Property damage: $5,000
California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver determined to be at fault for an accident involving one or more vehicles is responsible for payments made to other parties. We highly recommend going with higher coverage limits, as California’s property damage liability is well below the average cost of today’s repair costs and hospital bills.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in San Luis Obispo, CA?
Driving without insurance in California is not a good idea. Fines for first-time offenders are between $100 and $200 on top of penalty assessment fees. Second offenses see increased fines, ranging between $500 and $2000 on top of the $520 to $1,300 penalty assessments. That means a $500 fine can end up costing up to $1,800, putting a severe dent in your wallet.
Plus, if you get caught driving without insurance after an accident, you can have your license suspended by the state for one year, along with fines, towing, and storage fees from your impounded vehicle.
Remember, all California drivers must carry minimum liability insurance of $15,000 for injury/death to one person, $30,000 for injury/death to more than one person, and $5,000 for property damage.
Factors Allowed in San Luis Obispo Car Insurance Rates
Unlike most other states, California insurance companies are not allowed to use gender or credit history as factors when determining your insurance rate. Beyond your age and driving history, other factors could affect San Luis Obispo car insurance rates, such as:
- Make/model of vehicle
- Zip code
You can’t change your age and you may or may not be interested in changing where you live to find lower car insurance rates, but you can certainly make good choices when it comes to driving so that your claims history is clean.
Discounts for Car Insurance in San Luis Obispo, California
Insurers in the state of California offer plenty of discounts, split into several themes, such as policy discounts, good driving discounts, and bundling (combining homeowners with auto insurance).
Other discounts available to San Luis Obispo drivers include:
As your life circumstances change, find out what discounts you qualify for by giving your insurance carrier a call. Also, pay attention to the number of miles driven per year. Driving less than 7,500 miles a year could result in some serious savings.
Get an Online Quote for Low-Cost Car Insurance in San Luis Obispo, CA Today!
All San Luis Obispo drivers must carry the minimum liability coverage to drive legally in California. Don’t get caught driving without insurance or you will end up with higher premiums.
As a client, you want to ensure you have an insurance provider that will help you find the most affordable auto insurance while still giving you the best protection.
At Freeway Insurance you will find the best policy that fits within your budget. With a fast and free car insurance quote online, a visit to our San Luis Obispo office, or a simple phone call to 800-777-5620, our friendly agents will provide you with a no-obligation quote and be there to assist you with the next step. Trust our exceptional customer service to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve.