Car Insurance in Sacramento
California’s oldest city and state capital, Sacramento, is the political center of the Golden State, making it a hub for lobbyists and think tanks alike. The sixth-largest city in the state, Sacramento’s home to more than 513,600 residents as well as several Golden State sports teams. Another claim to fame is ranking among the top five U.S. cities with the worst drivers several years in a row. Despite police increasing patrols and issuing many more speeding tickets to try to curb this problem, Sacramento almost always tops the worst driver’s list because it has a high annual number of crashes and DUIs. As a Sacramento driver, you always want to make sure you’ve got the right car insurance coverage to keep you protected on the road.
Get Low-Cost California Auto Insurance
Quick Facts
- Sacramento’s average annual car insurance premium in 2021 for full coverage is $2,121, which is nearly 12.7% more than the annual statewide average of $1,868
- In 2019, Sacramento reported 28 fatal crashes that resulted in 31 fatalities, which is nearly 0.9% of all fatal crashes in California that year
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Sacramento?
If you’re a driver living in Sacramento, California, you should expect to pay an average of $2,121 for full coverage car insurance. When compared with other major cities in California, Sacramento is fairly expensive, surpassing premium costs of other areas in the state by more than $330. 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.
| City | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Sacramento | $2,121 |
| San Francisco | $2,169 |
| Fresno | $1,791 |
| San Diego | $1,692 |
| San Jose | $1,645 |
Two factors that insurers rely on to determine your car insurance rates are zip code and age. The rate of accidents, average income, population, and crime rates that occur in the zip code where you live impact your rate. If your neighborhood experiences heavy traffic daily with a high rate of accidents, expect to pay a bit more.
Regarding age, the younger you are, the more you’ll have to pay for car insurance. This is because younger drivers have not had much time on the road. That inexperience means a younger driver is considered a higher risk than a more experienced driver.
Sacramento Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
In Sacramento, there are 59 zip codes. Zipcode 95826, which includes the College-Glen neighborhood, has one of the highest average premiums in the city at $1,829, while 95823, which consists of the Parkway and Valley Hi-North Laguna neighborhoods, is nearly $256 less than that at $1,576.
Rates are typically based on zip code statistics. In Sacramento, there’s a slight difference in population density between the zip codes 95828 and 95831, with 4,698 and 5,914 people per square mile, respectively. But, for instance, the median home value in 95831 is roughly $71,576 higher than 95828, indicating that residents in the pricier zip code are more likely to buy luxury cars and expensive SUVs, which leads to higher annual premiums.
The table below lists several zip codes in the Sacramento area and the average insurance rates drivers are likely expected to pay:
| Zip Code | Average Premium |
|---|---|
| 95823 | $1,576 |
| 95828 | $1,499 |
| 95831 | $1,586 |
| 95833 | $1,675 |
| 95826 | $1,829 |
| 95822 | $1,517 |
| 95825 | $1,509 |
| 95816 | $1,350 |
Sacramento Car Insurance Rates by Age
As stated earlier, zip code and age generally play a significant role in calculating premium rates. While some insurance companies may also take marital status and gender into account, this information generally has minimal influence on premium costs.
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.
| Age | Average Annual Premium |
|---|---|
| Teenagers | $7,858 |
| 20s | $3,151 |
| 30s | $2,064 |
| 40s | $1,996 |
| 50s | $1,904 |
| 60s | $1,899 |
| 70s | $2,210 |
If you have a clean driving record with no accidents or tickets during the past three to five years, you can expect to pay a lower rate than a driver whose record has a few blemishes.
Driving Conditions in Sacramento
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Sacramento?
In 2019, California reported 3,606 fatal crashes that resulted in 1,867 deaths. Sacramento had a much lower number, with figures from the City of Sacramento showing that it had a total of 26 fatal crashes resulting in 28 deaths that same year.
During the previous year, in 2018, Sacramento reported 343 alcohol-related fatal crashes, with blood-alcohol levels above the legal limits. These DUI crashes made up nearly 10.7% of all crashes in the city of Sacramento that year and were roughly 9% of all crashes that occurred throughout California.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Sacramento?
Sacramento has 3,000 lane miles of city street, more than 3,000 lane miles of roadway, and more than 850 signalized intersections, all managed and maintained by the City of Sacramento’s Department of Public Works. This agency repairs deteriorating roadways, potholes, worn road surfaces, bridges, guardrails, traffic signage and street lights, and keeps highways clear of debris.
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, wear and tear of roads is expected.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Sacramento
In California, drivers are held responsible for accidents they may be involved in, being “at fault.” 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
- Liability insurance compensates a person other than the policyholder for personal injury or property damage. Comprehensive or collision insurance does not meet vehicle financial responsibility requirements
Factors Allowed in Sacramento Car Insurance Rates
Throughout the United States, insurers use certain criteria to determine your annual car insurance rate. In Sacramento, California, the criteria generally used are:
- Age
- Zipcode
- Education and occupation
- Marital status
California cannot use the following criteria in calculating your auto insurance premium costs:
- Credit score
- Gender
Discounts for Car Insurance in Sacramento
You can generally save money on your policy by taking advantage of discounts that your auto insurance carrier offers. These offers might include a:
- Good driver discount
- Multi-car discount
- Anti-theft discount
- Student discount
- Military discount
- Multi-policy discount
- Mature, retired, or senior discount
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Sacramento?
Auto insurance is not an option in Sacramento, let alone the state of California. 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. Penalties for second offenders within three years of an initial offense will cost upward of $200 to $500, with other potential implications.
Get a Quote for Car Insurance in Sacramento Today!
Auto insurance is more than just a legal requirement; it’s an inexpensive way to protect yourself from the tremendous risks of daily driving in Sacramento. Don’t get bogged down with substantial medical expenses and car repair bills after an accident. Get started by getting a quote online, visiting us at a Sacramento office near you, or calling us at (800) 777-5620.