Car Insurance in San Francisco, CA

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Auto Insurance San Francisco

Driving in San Francisco comes with challenges, from navigating the winding roads of Twin Peaks to finding parking in the bustling Mission District. Mercury understands the needs of San Francisco drivers and offers tailored auto insurance solutions to keep you protected in every corner of the city. Plus, Californians save an average of $1,056 with Mercury Insurance¹, especially with our various discounts that include savings for good drivers, multi-car policies, and good students.

Why Choose Mercury?

Affordable rates and discounts: San Francisco can be an expensive city, but with Mercury, you’ll find cheap auto insurance rates that fit your budget and plenty of discounts to help you save even more..
Exceptional customer service: Our local agents are familiar with the city’s specific needs and are ready to provide personalized support.
24/7 claims process: Whenever you face the unexpected, we’re here to assist you. File a claim online or over the phone any time of day, and we’ll help you get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Sad woman talking on cell phone near wrecked car

Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in San Francisco?

Yes, auto insurance is mandatory in San Francisco, just like the rest of California. State law requires you to carry the minimum amount of liability insurance to provide financial protection in case you’re involved in an accident.

Legal Requirements to Drive in San Francisco

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the minimum liability insurance requirements in California are:

$30,000 for injury/death to one person.
$60,000 for injury/death to more than one person.
$15,000 for damage to property.

These coverages provide basic financial protection in the event of an accident, but you may want to consider additional coverages for more comprehensive protection.

Optional Coverage in San Francisco

While the minimum requirements help you stay compliant, additional coverages can provide extra peace of mind and protection:

Comprehensive coverage: Covers non-collision-related incidents like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, which can be particularly useful in an urban environment like San Francisco.
Collision coverage: Pays for damage to your car from collisions, whether it’s a fender bender on Lombard Street or an accident on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Protects you if you're involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or insufficient coverage.
Medical payments coverage: Helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of who’s at fault in an accident.

What Does San Francisco Auto Insurance Not Cover?

While auto insurance provides essential protection, there are certain situations and damages that your standard policy typically doesn’t cover. Here’s a quick overview of what’s usually excluded from auto insurance coverage:

Regular wear and tear: Insurance doesn’t cover routine maintenance or the normal wear and tear on your vehicle. This includes things like oil changes, tire replacements, and brake pads.
Mechanical failures: Standard policies don’t cover mechanical or electrical breakdowns unless they’re a direct result of a covered incident, like a collision.
Personal belongings: Items stolen from your car, such as laptops, phones, or other personal belongings, are typically not covered under auto insurance. You may need renters or homeowners insurance for this coverage.
Business use: Standard policies usually don’t cover damages if you use your vehicle for business purposes, such as delivering goods or services. You may need a business auto insurance policy.
Racing: Auto insurance policies generally don’t cover damages or injuries that occur while racing or other reckless driving activities.

How to Get Car Insurance in San Francisco

Getting car insurance in San Francisco is quick and hassle-free with Mercury. Whether you need basic liability coverage to meet California’s minimum requirements or comprehensive coverage for added protection, our local agents are here to guide you through the process.

Get started today by reaching out to a San Francisco insurance agent or calling us at (877) 292-9762.

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San Francisco cityscape with the Painted Ladies as seen from Alamo square park.

Get Cheap Auto Insurance in San Francisco from Mercury

Finding affordable auto insurance in San Francisco is easier with Mercury. Our competitive rates and extensive discounts ensure you get the coverage you need without breaking the bank. Californians save an average of $1,056 with Mercury Insurance¹, so you can enjoy reliable protection at a lower cost.

Save More with Discounts

Mercury offers various discounts to help you save on your auto insurance. By taking advantage of these discounts, you can enjoy high-quality coverage at a lower cost. Some of the discounts available include:

Good driver discount: Save up to 20% if you have a clean driving record and meet California’s good driver qualifications.
Exceptional driver discount: Save an additional 6% if you qualify as a good driver, have been continuously licensed for at least five years, and have no at-fault accidents or major convictions in the past five years (and no minor convictions in the past three).
Multiple car discount: Insure two or more private passenger vehicles on the same policy and save up to 23.5%.
RealDrive® discount: Save up to 20.9% by enrolling all eligible vehicles in Mercury’s mileage-based RealDrive® program.
Anti-lock brake discount: Vehicles equipped with anti-lock braking systems can qualify for a discount of up to 1%.
Good student discount: Single drivers with fewer than eight years of license experience and a “B” average or 3.0 GPA (or higher) may qualify for up to 12.5% off.

Contact your local agent today to learn more about our discounts and determine your eligibility.

Bundling with Mercury

You can save even more by bundling your auto insurance with home or renters insurance. In fact, you could save up to 17.9% off your homeowners policy, plus up to 14.5% on your auto policy! Bundling also simplifies your insurance management, giving you peace of mind and convenience.

San Francisco home insurance: Our comprehensive home insurance protects your home and belongings from covered losses such as theft, vandalism, natural disasters, fire, and more.
San Francisco renters insurance: Whether you live in a cozy apartment in Nob Hill or a trendy loft in SoMa, our renters insurance can help safeguard your belongings, provide liability protection, and offer additional living expenses.

The beautiful and unique coastline of central California near Big Sur along US 1 at dusk.

Top Rated Auto Insurance in San Francisco

For over six decades, Mercury Insurance has been a trusted choice for California drivers. Recognized for exceptional customer service, reliability, and overall satisfaction, we take pride in offering quality coverage at competitive rates. Our commitment to protecting San Francisco drivers has earned us multiple industry awards and the trust of our community.

Millions of policyholders have relied on Mercury for affordable, high-quality auto and home insurance. Discover why so many drivers choose Mercury by reading their experiences and reviews.

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San Francisco Car Insurance FAQs

How much is auto insurance in San Francisco, CA?

According to Bankrate, San Francisco drivers pay an average of $3,502 per year. However, Mercury helps drivers save with competitive rates and exclusive discounts. Californians save an average of $1,056¹ with Mercury, and you could save even more by taking advantage of additional discounts. For example, you can save up to 17.9% on your homeowners policy and up to 14.5% on your auto policy when you bundle them together.

Contact a San Francisco agent and get an auto insurance quote today.

What is the best car insurance in San Francisco?

If you’re looking for some of the best car insurance in San Francisco, Mercury stands out with competitive rates, extensive discounts, and personalized support tailored to your needs. Californians save an average of $1,056¹ with Mercury, so get a quote today to see how much you can save.

Is car insurance high in San Francisco?

According to Bankrate, the average cost of car insurance in San Francisco is $3,502 per year, which is higher than the statewide average of $3,108.

How do I get around expensive insurance?

To get around expensive insurance in San Francisco, consider the following tips:

Shop around: Compare quotes from different insurers to find the best rates.
Take advantage of discounts: Look for discounts for good driving records, multiple policies, safety features, and more.
Adjust your coverage: Review your coverage options and choose higher deductibles or remove unnecessary coverages to lower your premiums.
Improve your credit score: A better credit score can lead to lower insurance rates.

Californians save an average of $1,056 with Mercury Insurance¹, so contact us today for a fast, free quote.

What percentage of Californians don’t have car insurance?

According to the California Department of Insurance, the state has nearly 17% uninsured drivers on the road.

Why did my car insurance go up in 2025 in California?

Car insurance rates went up in 2025 for several reasons. The main one is a new state law that increased the minimum amount of coverage all drivers must have, which made premiums more expensive. On top of that, the cost to repair cars and pay medical bills has gone up, and there have been more accidents and claims. Wildfires, theft, and other risks also caused insurance companies to raise prices.

What is the cheapest car insurance in the Bay Area?

Mercury offers some of the most affordable rates in the region, with extra savings through discounts for good drivers, students, multiple cars, and more. Plus, with local agents who understand Bay Area driving and a 24/7 claims process, you’re getting dependable protection alongside a low monthly bill.

What does $100k/$300k/$100k mean?

The numbers $100k/$300k/$100k refer to the liability coverage limits on your auto insurance policy:

$100,000: The maximum amount your insurer will pay for bodily injury to one person in an accident.
$300,000: The maximum total the insurer will pay for bodily injuries to all persons in a single accident.
$100,000: The maximum the insurer will pay for property damage per accident.

Choosing these limits gives you extra financial security compared to the state-required minimums.

What products does Mercury offer in San Francisco?

Mercury offers the following products to San Francisco residents:

¹Savings info. based on 2025 CA Department of Insurance rate comparison 2555m. Individual savings may vary.