The car, truck, or SUV to be insured is one of the largest considerations when comparing quotes for the lowest-priced auto insurance for used cars. Vehicles with limited speed and performance, modern passenger safety features, or a track record of few liability claims will cost significantly less to insure than higher performance models. The information below illustrates coverage rates for some of the most cost-effective vehicles to insure.
| Make and Model | Estimated Cost for Full Coverage |
|---|---|
| Honda Accord EX 4-Dr Sedan | $901 |
| Hyundai Elantra SE Touring Station Wagon | $978 |
| Honda CR-V LX 2WD | $986 |
| Ford F-150 STX Super Cab 2WD | $988 |
| Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4WD 2-Dr | $1,008 |
| Ford Focus SE 4-Dr Sedan | $1,046 |
| Ford Escape Limited 4WD | $1,074 |
| Dodge Grand Caravan Crew | $1,087 |
| Toyota Prius | $1,095 |
| Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer 2WD | $1,104 |
| Toyota Tacoma X-Runner 2WD | $1,123 |
| Toyota Camry XLE | $1,131 |
| Honda Odyssey EX-L W/Rear Entertainment | $1,123 |
| Nissan Rogue SL 2WD | $1,143 |
| Ford Edge SEL 2WD | $1,145 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4WD | $1,150 |
| Nissan Altima 3.5 SR 4-Dr Sedan | $1,145 |
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Data variables include single male driver age 40, no speeding tickets, no at-fault accidents, $1,000 deductibles, and California minimum liability limits. Discounts applied include claim-free, safe-driver, homeowner, multi-vehicle, and multi-policy. Rate information does not factor in specific location information which can influence insurance rates considerably.
Looking at the rates, you can assume that makes and models like the Honda Accord, Hyundai Elantra, Honda CR-V, Ford F-150, and Jeep Wrangler are going to be the most economical vehicles to insure for pre-owned vehicles.
One of the many components that aid in calculating the amount you pay for auto insurance is where you choose to live in San Jose. Larger areas are more likely to have higher rates, whereas areas with fewer weather claims and lower vehicle theft rates receive better rates.
The information below lists the most costly cities in California for used cars to purchase car insurance in. San Jose is listed at #18 with the annual price of $1,395 for the average policy, which is approximately $116 monthly.
| Rank | City | Annual Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Angeles | $2,168 |
| 2 | Glendale | $2,058 |
| 3 | San Francisco | $1,763 |
| 4 | Sacramento | $1,703 |
| 5 | Oakland | $1,687 |
| 6 | San Bernardino | $1,628 |
| 7 | Long Beach | $1,610 |
| 8 | Stockton | $1,603 |
| 9 | Fontana | $1,566 |
| 10 | Garden Grove | $1,554 |
| 11 | Moreno Valley | $1,551 |
| 12 | Santa Clarita | $1,533 |
| 13 | Fresno | $1,517 |
| 14 | Riverside | $1,497 |
| 15 | Anaheim | $1,488 |
| 16 | Modesto | $1,487 |
| 17 | Santa Ana | $1,439 |
| 18 | San Jose | $1,395 |
| 19 | Fremont | $1,389 |
| 20 | Irvine | $1,384 |
| 21 | San Diego | $1,381 |
| 22 | Huntington Beach | $1,374 |
| 23 | Chula Vista | $1,350 |
| 24 | Bakersfield | $1,340 |
| 25 | Oxnard | $1,304 |
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Price information shown is estimated as the specific San Jose residence address can influence price quotes significantly.
Discounts on San Jose auto insurance
Car insurance companies that offer quotes for used cars may also offer price discounts that could lower prices by as much as 35% if you meet certain criteria. Popular insurance companies and some of the discounts can be read below.
- State Farm has savings for safe vehicle, multiple policy, anti-theft, good driver, driver’s education, good student, and defensive driving training.
- GEICO offers premium reductions for seat belt use, daytime running lights, emergency military deployment, membership and employees, and five-year accident-free.
- Liberty Mutual discounts include teen driver discount, new graduate, newly married, multi-car, preferred payment discount, and newly retired.
- The Hartford offers discounts including bundle, vehicle fuel type, good student, air bag, driver training, anti-theft, and defensive driver.
- MetLife includes discounts for claim-free, good driver, good student, multi-policy, and defensive driver.
- Progressive policyholders can earn discounts including multi-vehicle, homeowner, continuous coverage, multi-policy, online signing, online quote discount, and good student.
The example below compares yearly insurance costs with and without discounts applied to the rates. The premium estimates are based on a male driver, no claims, a clean driving record, California state minimum liability limits, full coverage, and $100 deductibles. The first bar for each age group shows the average annual price with no discounts. The second bar shows the rates with vehicle safety, anti-theft, multiple vehicle, safe-driver, defensive driving course, and accident-free discounts applied. When discounts are factored in, theaverage yearly reduction on insurance for used cars is 28% or $944.
Does it make sense to buy full coverage?
Saving money when shopping for insurance should be important to most people, and a good way to buy cheap insurance for used cars is to not insure for full coverage. The illustration below visualizes the comparison of premium costs with full physical damage coverage and with liability coverage only. The costs are based on a clean driving record, no at-fault accidents, $250 deductibles, marital status is single, and no discounts are applied.
If we average all the age groups together, comp and collision coverage costs $2,558 per year over and above liability only. That raises the question if it’s a good idea to buy full coverage. There is no exact rule to delete physical damage coverage, but there is a general guideline. If the annual cost of comprehensive and collision coverage is more than around 10% of the replacement cost minus the deductible, then it may be the right time to buy liability only.
Your cheap policy may actually be overpriced
San Jose, CA insurance rates are influenced by many factors which can substantially decrease or increase the price you have to pay for coverage. Improving your credit rating, moving across town, or getting a driving violation can produce rate changes resulting in some rates now being affordable when they were higher priced.
And not only may your rating factors change, but insurance companies change rates at least once a year to adjust for heavy claims or excess profits. Unexpectedly high claims may result in rate hikes, while lower claims can cause lower-priced San Jose car insurance rates.
As an example, the bar chart below shows a variety of companies that have the cheapest car insurance in San Jose, CA for a 35-year-old male driver with no violations or accidents, and a high credit rating. If we estimate prices based on his current situation, Wawanesa might offer the lowest car insurance rates in San Jose at $1,226 annually. This is $425 less than the average premium paid by California drivers of $1,651. USAA, CSAA, Century National, and Nationwide are also on the list of the best San Jose, CA auto insurance companies.
The chart below compares rates after we give the driver from the first example a claim or two, a little lower credit rating, and an imperfect driving record. Because each company uses a different method to establish rates, comparing prices may now show a substantially altered list of affordable companies as shown below.
Grange now has the best insurance rate in San Jose with Mercury, Progressive, GEICO, and Allstate also having competitive pricing. This example demonstrates why San Jose drivers need to shop around with many companies to get the lowest car insurance quotes for used cars. Rates are made up of many risk factors and change dramatically, so the best price when you last compared rates may now be one of the more expensive options.
The agents listed below can probably help you make a decision which coverages and limits you need, since many consumers aren’t sure which coverage to buy and prefer to have professional advice when shopping for cheaper insurance for pre-owned vehicles. It’s not always easy to find the best coverage yourself, so a licensed agent can add peace of mind knowing you have enough protection. To locate a San Jose auto insurance agent nearest to you, click the button after the list.
- Angela Frangieh – State Farm Insurance Agent
1270 S Winchester Blvd #134 – San Jose, CA 95128 – (408) 260-3370 - Rachel Bhan – State Farm Insurance Agent
1625 N Capitol Ave – San Jose, CA 95132 – (408) 272-2629 - Art Holland – State Farm Insurance Agent
5520 Almaden Expy – San Jose, CA 95118 – (408) 229-7870
View map of San Jose, CA insurance agents
How to find the cheapest auto insurance for used cars
It is possible to find better rates, and here are some money-saving suggestions that can help San Jose drivers locate cheaper coverage.
- Buy a vehicle with excellent safety ratings
- Be a cautious driver
- Do not get into accidents
- Save money by staying claim-free
- Buying your home and auto policies from the same company can earn a discount
- Shop around for lower rates once a year
The last item on the list is incredibly vital, as we pointed out in this write-up. Coverage prices can be adjusted at any time, so don’t be hesitant to change insurance companies if a more affordable price is available.
Having a favorite company is fine, but it’s not a good idea if that loyalty ends up costing hundreds of dollars year after year. Take a couple minutes and shop around and find cheaper insurance for used cars in San Jose.