San Bernardino is home to more than 215,000 people. Residents pay $766 per annum for minimum coverage, and $2,193 for full coverage. It is still possible to get affordable rates in this highly-populated area of California if you are familiar with the requirements for both regional and national carriers.
Bankrate reviewed the rates from Quadrant Information Services to conduct its analysis. This revealed which carrier offered the lowest rates within the region. Further analysis also revealed which carriers have high customer satisfaction ratings as well as financial strength.
The best car insurance companies San Bernardino
Bankrate used Quadrant Information Services rate analysis to determine which car insurance company was the best in San Bernardino. Review of the 2020 J.D. A Power Survey was conducted to assess customer satisfaction and determine which carriers provide strong customer service and affordable rates.
Geico
Geico is the second largest provider for auto insurance in the U.S. It has been offering insurance products since over 75 years. It is also a very high scorer on the 2020 J.D. It scored 828 points out of 1000 in the Power survey. Geico’s mobile app allows you to manage your policy from anywhere. You can make claims, change your policy and even call roadside assistance.
Mercury
Mercury Insurance has been in existence since 1961 and offers a variety of insurance products. The J.D. Although Mercury’s power scores aren’t as high as those of other companies on our list the rates might be worth a second glance. Mercury offers standard coverage options. You can also fill in any gaps in your policy by adding ride-hailing coverage or roadside assistance.
Wawanesa
Wawanesa, a regional provider has the highest score of all carriers in the 2020 J.D. Power survey. This carrier provides a complete coverage option, which includes vehicle manufacturer replacement parts. Additional savings can be enjoyed with discounts like loyalty, affinity and multi-policy.
Progressive
The 2020 J.D. shows that Progressive is not only higher than the industry average. It has the highest Power Scores and is also the third largest provider for auto insurance in the nation. Customers may also find Progressive offers competitive pricing and a wide range of discounts including policy bundle savings and paid-in-full incentive. Progressive even offers the option to reduce your deductible by $50 per year if you are still free from claims and enroll in Deductible Savings Bank.
Car insurance at the lowest price in San Bernardino
Full coverage car insurance in San Bernardino costs more than the annual average of $1.674. The average cost of $2193 for full coverage is also higher than the California state average of $1,674. California drivers pay $2,065 per year for full coverage policies.
AAA, Mercury and Travelers are just a few examples of carriers that offer affordable premiums and, in some cases, lower rates than the average rate for San Bernardino drivers. According to Quadrant Information Services Geico is the most affordable and offers multiple discounts such as affiliation or policy bundling. Each of the five carriers have at least an A rating from AM Best, which highlights their superior financial performance.
San Bernardino insurance requirements
California requires that drivers have minimum insurance. This includes the following 15/30/5 liability requirements:
- $15,000 per person for injury or death
- $30,000 per accident for injury or death
- $5,000 per accident for property damage
It may not be possible to purchase only the minimum necessary to drive legally. Most lienholders will require that you purchase optional collision and comprehensive coverage if you lease your vehicle. This is until the title is free and clear. Gap insurance coverage is required by many lenders for vehicles less than 12 months of age.
San Bernardino: Car insurance discounts
It pays to get as many discounts as you can, as car insurance costs in San Bernardino are higher than the national average. There are many ways to reduce your premiums.
- Excellent student: If your grades are good and you’re a student in high school or college, inquire about possible additional premium savings.
- Paid in full: Your carrier may offer lower rates if you pay your premiums upfront, rather than monthly installments.
- Loyalty: If your carrier is the same year after year, multiple carriers offer additional savings on premiums and deductibles for each year.
- Safe driver: You could be eligible for discounts for safe driving habits if you connect to a device that telematics or use a mobile application for a carrier.
While discounts are great ways to save money, there are other options to avoid paying full premiums. You could increase your collision and comprehensive deductibles. As you pay more out-of-pocket for claims, this results in lower premiums. You can also compare rates across different carriers. This will give you an idea of which carrier provides the best coverage at the most affordable price.
Questions frequently asked
Which is the best auto insurance company?
The best car insurer in San Bernardino is one that considers more than just the rates. Consumers are more likely to choose carriers with strong financial ratings, excellent customer service records, and digital assets for policy administration. This information was reviewed by Bankrate, who found that Geico, USAA, and Amica are top-choice carriers and worth further consideration.
What amount of car insurance do you need in San Bernardino
You should consider the state’s minimum requirements and choose coverage options that will best suit your driving habits and financial needs. California, for example, is ranked tenth in the nation for uninsured motorists. Uninsured motorist coverage can provide greater coverage in the event of an accident where someone is not insured and is ruled at fault.