Car Insurance in San Jose, CA

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San Jose Car Insurance

Secure quality coverage in San Jose with auto insurance from Mercury. Whether it’s a commute to Silicon Valley or a drive down the scenic San Jose foothills, our policies include coverage options that help ensure peace of mind for every journey. Californians save an average of $1,056 with Mercury Insurance¹, so you get the protection you need at a price that fits your budget. Plus, we offer a wide range of auto insurance discounts to help you lower your premium even more, including good driver, multi-car, and good student discounts.

Why Choose Mercury?

Local knowledge: Our local agents are part of the San Jose community and understand the area’s unique challenges.
Customizable plans: Tailor your policy to match your needs, from liability to comprehensive coverage.
Competitive pricing and discounts: Get premium coverage at affordable rates without compromising quality. Additionally, you can save even more with discounts for good driving, multi-car policies, and bundling.
Exceptional customer service: Whether you have a question or need to file a claim, our dedicated support team is here for you around the clock.

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Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in San Jose?

Yes, auto insurance is mandatory in San Jose, as it is throughout California. The state requires all drivers to have a minimum level of auto insurance to operate a vehicle legally.

Legal Requirements to Drive in San Jose

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the state mandates that all drivers carry at least the following minimum liability insurance coverage:

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

This basic coverage, often referred to as 30/60/15 coverage, is designed to protect you financially if you’re at fault in an accident. It covers the costs associated with injuries to others and damage to their property, but it does not cover your own vehicle or injuries. Driving without this minimum insurance can result in severe penalties, including fines and driver’s license suspension.

Optional Coverage in San Jose

While the law requires only basic liability coverage, several optional insurance coverages are available to provide additional protection. These include:

Collision insurance: Helps cover the cost of repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
Comprehensive insurance: Covers damage to your vehicle caused by non-collision events, such as theft, fire, or natural disasters.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Provides protection if you’re involved in an accident with a driver who either lacks sufficient insurance or doesn’t have insurance.
Medical payments coverage: Helps pay for medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.
Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP often includes broader coverage than medical payments coverage, such as lost wages and rehabilitation costs.

What Does San Jose Auto Insurance Not Cover?

While auto insurance provides essential protection for drivers in San Jose, there are certain scenarios and items that standard policies typically don’t cover. Here are some common exclusions:

Personal belongings: If items like smartphones, laptops, or other valuables are stolen or damaged while in your car, they generally will not be covered under a standard auto insurance policy. Consider a homeowners or renters insurance policy that includes off-premises coverage for these items.
Wear and tear: Auto insurance doesn’t cover maintenance issues due to normal wear and tear on a vehicle.
Intentional damage: Any intentional damage you cause to your vehicle is not covered under an auto insurance policy.
Commercial use: Standard auto insurance policies don’t cover vehicles used for commercial purposes, such as ridesharing or delivery services. If you use your vehicle for business, you’ll likely need a separate business auto insurance policy.

How to Get Car Insurance in San Jose

Getting car insurance in San Jose is quick and hassle-free with Mercury Insurance. Whether you need basic liability protection or full coverage auto insurance, our expert local agents are here to help you find the right policy at the right price.

Get started with a quote today by contacting a California insurance agent, or call us at (877) 292-9762.

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Aerial stock photos of downtown San Jose California

Get Car Insurance Savings & Discounts in San Jose from Mercury

Finding affordable auto insurance in San Jose doesn’t mean you have to compromise on coverage. Mercury offers cheap rates and a variety of discounts that can help lower your premiums significantly. In fact, Californians save an average of $1,056 with Mercury. Discover how you can save money while still enjoying comprehensive protection on the road.

Here are some of the auto insurance discounts available:

Good driver discount: Save up to 20% if you have a clean driving record and meet California’s good driver qualifications, including a minimum number of years licensed and no major traffic violations.
Exceptional driver discount: Qualify for an additional 6% off your premium if you meet good driver criteria, have been continuously licensed for at least 5 years, and have no at-fault accidents or major violations within the past 5 years, as well as no minor convictions within the past 3 years.
Multi-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% when you enroll in Mercury’s RealDrive® program, which rewards you for sharing your vehicle’s actual mileage. All eligible vehicles must participate.
Anti-lock brake discount: Up to 1% off is available if your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), which enhances safety and reduces claims risk.
Good student discount: Students may qualify for up to 12.5% off if they are single residents with less than 8 years of driving experience, attend school full-time, and maintain a “B” average (3.0 GPA or higher).

Bundling with Mercury

By bundling auto insurance with either home insurance or renters insurance, you could save up to 17.9% on your homeowners policy and up to 14.5% on your auto policy.

San Jose home insurance: Protect your home and personal belongings against unexpected events while enjoying lower home and auto insurance premiums.
San Jose renters insurance: Bundling your car insurance with renters insurance provides an affordable way to protect your belongings and liability without breaking the bank. Our renters insurance covers everything from personal property to temporary living expenses, giving you peace of mind in your rental space.

Downtown San Jose skyline with palm trees at night

Top Rated Auto Insurance in San Jose

For over 60 years, Mercury Insurance has been a trusted name for California drivers, delivering affordable, high-quality coverage with award-winning customer service. Our commitment to reliability and savings has earned us recognition for trustworthiness, customer satisfaction, and competitive pricing.

Millions of drivers have chosen Mercury for their auto and home insurance needs, and their experiences speak for themselves. From affordable rates to exceptional claims support, our customers know they can count on Mercury. Read about their experiences.

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San Jose Car Insurance FAQs

How much is car insurance in San Jose?

According to Bankrate, the average annual cost of car insurance in San Jose is $2,897. Mercury Insurance offers competitive rates to help San Jose drivers save. On average, Californians save $1,056¹ when they choose Mercury, and additional discounts can help lower your premium even more. For example, when you bundle home and auto insurance, you can get up to 14.5% off your auto policy and up to 17.9% off your homeowners policy.

Find a local agent today and get a free quote!

Is car insurance high in San Jose?

According to Bankrate, the average annual cost of car insurance in San Jose is $2,897, which is slightly lower than California’s statewide average of $1,948 but still on the higher end compared to many other cities. However, Mercury offers competitive rates and various discounts that can help you save money.

How to find the cheapest car insurance in San Jose?

Securing affordable car insurance in San Jose is easier than you think, especially when you choose Mercury Insurance. Known for offering some of the most competitive rates and extensive coverage options, Mercury makes it simple to find a policy that fits both your needs and your budget. Speak with a local agent to learn more about how we can help you save on car insurance while keeping you safe on the road.

How do I find a Mercury Agent in San Jose?

Visit the California Insurance Agents page to find an agent in your area.

How can I lower my insurance rates in CA?

To lower your car insurance in California, keep a clean driving record, bundle your auto policy with home or renters insurance, and insure multiple vehicles. You can also save by driving less with Mercury’s RealDrive® program, having safety features like anti-lock brakes, or earning good grades if you’re a student. Connect with a local Mercury agent to see which discounts you qualify for.

What products does Mercury offer in San Jose?

Here are some of the products Mercury offers to San Jose residents:

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