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Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy.Â
Our rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. While we may partner with some of the carriers you see on our site, we maintain editorial independence and it does not affect the rates you see. Read more about our rating methodology or see our rigorous editorial policy.Â
Last updated: June 13th, 2024
Progressive, First American P&C, and State National Ins Co. are some of the best and cheapest car insurance companies in Santa Cruz, CA.
However, you may find that another company is better for you based on your profile, vehicle, and coverage needs. It’s important to compare personalized rates at several insurance companies in Santa Cruz to find the best price for the coverage you need.
Most drivers buy full coverage car insurance. This kind of insurance policy usually gives more protection than the minimum insurance required by law. It covers damage to your own vehicle if you are at fault for an accident, or if your vehicle is damaged by an animal, bad weather, or theft.
We use these limits for a full coverage policy:
Cheapest Companies for Full Coverage in Santa Cruz
Here’s what the average driver can expect to pay for full coverage from some of the top car insurance companies in Santa Cruz:
Annual rates for a male driving a 2024 RAV4, estimated using public rate filings sourced from First Interpreter. Rates do not represent actual quotes. Accurate as of April 2025.Â
Minimum coverage is the most basic and cheapest option but offers the least protection. Here’s what it includes in California:
Bodily Injury Liability – $15,000 limit per person/$30,000 limit per accident
Property Damage Liability – $5,000 limit
Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage in Santa Cruz
Here’s what the average driver can expect to pay for minimum coverage from some of the top car insurance companies in Santa Cruz:
Annual rates for a 35-year-old male driving a 2024 RAV4, estimated using publicly sourced data from First Interpreter. They are estimates, not actual quotes. Accurate as of April 2025.Â
Local insurance agents offer a range of benefits for Santa Cruz residents:
With our free tool, you can compare rates from top companies and then seamlessly connect with local agents who can help you secure the best policy for your needs. This way, you get the benefit of both competitive rates and personalized local service.
Where you live is one of the biggest things insurance companies look at when deciding how much you’ll pay for car insurance.
Each state has its own car insurance laws, for both drivers and the insurance companies. Drivers must have a certain amount of insurance. Companies must get their rating plan, or how they use different factors to calculate their rates, approved by the state. So the state you live in has a big impact on the price you pay for car insurance.
However, even the city and zip code you live in can make a difference on your premium. The impact your zip code has on car insurance rates is influenced by several factors:
Population
Traffic Patterns
Crime Rates
Uninsured Motorist
Your driving history is one of the most critical factors. Accidents, traffic violations, and DUI/DWI offenses can substantially increase your premiums.
A clean driving record can save you a significant amount of money on car insurance. Insurance companies view safe drivers as less risky, leading to lower premiums. In California, even minor traffic violations can lead to increased premiums.
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Younger drivers typically pay more due to their lack of driving experience. Insurers see younger drivers, especially those under 25, as higher risk. In California, younger drivers face higher premiums.
As you gain more driving experience and maintain a clean record, your rates should decrease.
Teenage drivers pay the most for car insurance in Santa Cruz. Below, you’ll see the average cost of car insurance for a 17-year-old driver on their own policy in Santa Cruz.
Cost of Car Insurance for Teen Drivers
Annual rates for a 35-year-old male driving a 2024 RAV4, estimated using publicly sourced data from First Interpreter. They are estimates, not actual quotes. Accurate as of April 2025.Â
In most states, car insurance companies can use credit score as a rating factor. In those states, drivers with poor credit scores (580 and below) pay more than those with good credit scores (670-739). Those with excellent credit scores save the most on car insurance.
However, in California, the use of credit score as a rating factor is prohibited. Therefore, the average cost of car insurance in Santa Cruz is $1,956, regardless of credit score.
In most states, car insurance companies can use the sex described on your driver’s license as a rating factor. However, other factors – like your vehicle and driving record – tend to have a bigger impact on the price you pay for car insurance. In California, insurance companies are not allowed to use gender as a rating factor.
Average rates each gender pays for car insurance in Santa Cruz:
On average, married couples tend to save on car insurance. In Santa Cruz, married drivers save -24.44% on car insurance when they combine their policies, compared to what they would spend on two individual policies.Â
The make, model, and age of your vehicle significantly affect your rates. Sports cars, luxury vehicles, and cars with poor safety ratings or high repair costs typically cost more to insure.
Choosing a vehicle with good safety ratings and lower repair costs can help you save on insurance premiums. In California, vehicles with higher theft rates or expensive repair costs will also have higher insurance premiums.
The more you drive, the higher your risk of being in an accident. Higher annual mileage can lead to increased premiums.
Reducing your annual mileage can lower your risk profile and help you save on car insurance. In California, drivers with longer commutes or higher annual mileage can expect to pay more.
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The amount of coverage you purchase and the deductibles you choose also affect your premiums. Higher coverage limits and lower deductibles increase the cost. Balancing your coverage needs with affordable deductibles can help you save on premiums.
If you have a history of filing insurance claims, insurers may view you as a higher risk and increase your premiums.
Maintaining a clean claims history can help you secure lower rates. In California, frequent claims can lead to higher premiums.
Eligibility for discounts can also impact your rates. Common discounts include those for good drivers, multi-car policies, safety features on the vehicle, and completing defensive driving courses.
Taking advantage of available discounts can help you save money. Common discounts in California include bundling policies, having a clean driving record, or installing safety features in your vehicle are common.
As you can see insurance companies look at many factors – from the car you drive to your driving record – to decide how much you pay for insurance. This means that the cheapest company for you might be different than the cheapest company for your neighbor.
The best way to save on car insurance in Santa Cruz, CA is to compare prices at leading insurance companies. Rate Retriever makes it easy for you to compare rates at each of the top companies in Santa Cruz based on your unique driver profile.
Here are some tips to help you save:
Shop around
Bundle policies
Clean driving record
Increase deductible
Discounts
Review coverage
When analyzing Santa Cruz rates, we used the following zip codes:
95060, 95062, 95064, 95065
Rate Retriever rates are based on public rate filings obtained by analytics company First Interpreter. This data comes from the rating plans insurance carriers submit to each state’s department of insurance. Rating plans detail how each carrier calculates premiums using factors such as location, age, gender, and driving record, and they ensure that insurance premiums are both fair and competitive.Â
For the data on this page, we made the following assumptions: a 35-year-old single male with a clean driving record and Good credit score, driving a 2024 RAV4. Â
These rates are not actual quotes and should only be used for comparative purposes. Your rates can vary significantly based on your unique driver profile.Â
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