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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Riverside drivers pay an average of $111 per month for liability-only auto insurance and $229 for full coverage, according to Compare.com data. Several factors — such as population density, accident rates, and traffic congestion — influence these costs.
The good news is that you can find cheaper coverage if you know where to look. Companies like Clearcover offer affordable prices below the citywide average. This article compares car insurance rates in Riverside for all types of drivers — plus, we give you tips on how to save even more.
Riverside drivers pay an average monthly rate of $170 for auto coverage.
Clearcover is the overall cheapest auto insurer for Riverside drivers, with an average monthly premium of $108.
California car insurance minimum limits will increase from 15/30/5 to 30/60/15 in 2025.
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Location ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Liability ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riverside | $111 | $229 | $170 |
| California | $113 | $205 | $159 |
| National average | $92 | $176 | $135 |
Riverside car insurance averages $170 per month, according to Compare.com data. That breaks down to $111 per month for liability-only coverage and $229 for full coverage.
But averages only offer a general guide to your costs — actual car insurance rates depend on your driving profile and other factors. But no matter your situation, there are always strategies to lower your rates.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the cheapest companies in Riverside.
Though Riverside drivers pay an average of $170 per month, you can still find cheaper rates with some companies. Getting cheap coverage starts with looking for companies offering rates below the citywide rate.
The table below lists the five cheapest insurers in Riverside, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Clearcover | $108 |
| Sun Coast | $120 |
| Mercury | $126 |
| Safeco | $143 |
| Anchor General | $149 |
Clearcover offers the cheapest average monthly premium in Riverside, at $108. But that doesn’t mean Clearcover will be the cheapest option for you.
In the next sections, we’ll look at which companies stand out in Riverside for different types of drivers.
Compare personalized quotes from the area’s top insurers.
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No single car insurance company will be the best option for every driver. The best car insurance company for you is one that meets your needs, budget, and other factors. We chose three top insurance companies in Riverside based on key factors, like rates, discounts, and customer satisfaction, to showcase a range of affordable options.
Whether you’re focused on saving money or looking for comprehensive protection, below you’ll find the best options in the city.
Average premium: $108 per month
Compare.com Rating: 3.37 out of 5
Among the lowest rates in Riverside
Simple online policy management and claims filing
Military discount available
Bundling discounts not available
No other insurance available
Above-average number of customer complaints
Clearcover is an excellent option for Riverside drivers seeking cheap car insurance from a tech-forward company. It offers a streamlined website and mobile platform, which means quick claims processing and lower premiums.
But Clearcover doesn’t offer many discounts, though it will lower your rate automatically for a few things, such as safety features, safe driving, and paying for your policy up front. It also lacks coverages like gap insurance.
Average premium: $143 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.59 out of 5
Great telematics program
Plenty of available coverage options
Cheap rates for drivers with tickets
Lower-than-average customer satisfaction
Fees to file SR-22s
No online purchasing
Safeco is a solid choice for Riverside drivers looking for protection against rate increases. It offers rare perks, like accident forgiveness, diminishing deductibles, and claims-free cash back. The company also offers competitive rates to drivers with speeding tickets and at-fault accidents on their records, based on our research.
But its customer satisfaction scores are low in the California insurance market, according to J.D. Power. And you can’t buy your policy online without speaking to a customer service agent.
Average premium: $120 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.28 out of 5
Local agents and personalized service
Highly rated mobile app
Solid range of coverage options
Higher-than-average number of complaints
No accident forgiveness
New car replacement not available
Mercury provides competitive rates and coverage options, including rideshare insurance that the company calls “ride-hailing coverage.” The MercuryGO app offers additional savings by tracking driving habits without penalizing low driving scores, allowing drivers to improve and benefit from discounts.
Some customers report mixed experiences with claims handling, which may be why the company has a higher number of complaints than other companies of similar size. The insurer also offers a limited number of perks compared to competitors.
Compare quotes from Riverside’s top companies in minutes.
Your car insurance rates heavily depend on the types and amounts of coverage you buy. State-minimum liability insurance is the most basic and cheapest policy option you can buy. It covers the vehicle damage and injuries you cause to others, but not your own.
The table below shows the five cheapest auto insurers for basic liability coverage in Riverside, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Clearcover | $72 |
| Sun Coast | $76 |
| Mercury | $91 |
| Anchor General | $98 |
| Safeco | $107 |
Clearcover offers the cheapest liability coverage of any insurer in Riverside, with an average monthly premium of $72. Next, we explore which companies provide the most affordable full-coverage options for Riverside drivers.
Full-coverage insurance includes liability, collision coverage, and comprehensive coverage, often offering the best protection — but it typically comes with a higher price tag. That’s because full coverage protects you and your vehicle regardless of who caused the accident.
Here are the five cheapest full-coverage options in Riverside, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Clearcover | $144 |
| Mercury | $161 |
| Sun Coast | $165 |
| Safeco | $179 |
| Anchor General | $199 |
Clearcover offers the cheapest full-coverage policy in Riverside, with an average monthly premium of $144.
Age is another important factor affecting your rates, so let’s discuss that next.
Age is one of the most significant factors influencing car insurance rates. Young drivers typically have higher premiums due to a higher risk of car accidents, while older drivers with more experience have lower accident rates and lower premiums.
The table below highlights the average monthly premiums for different age groups in Riverside and the cheapest insurer for each group, according to Compare.com data.
Age Group ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens | $270 | Clearcover | $187 |
| 20s | $207 | Clearcover | $121 |
| 30s | $159 | Clearcover | $107 |
| 40s | $152 | Clearcover | $103 |
| 50s | $145 | Clearcover | $93 |
| 60s | $133 | Clearcover | $101 |
| 70s | $136 | Clearcover | $104 |
Let’s review the cheapest insurance options for teens and seniors.
Teenagers are the most expensive group to insure, primarily because of their inexperience on the road and a higher likelihood of accidents. Though they drive less than most other age groups, they account for a disproportionately high number of car crashes and crash-related deaths, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The citywide average rate for teen drivers in Riverside is $270 per month, according to our data. But Clearcover offers teens in the city the lowest average rate, at $187 per month.
Senior drivers tend to see low car insurance rates compared to other groups. Drivers in their 60s have the lowest crash rates, closely followed by people in their 70s, according to the AAA Foundation. This is why insurers often offer seniors lower rates and additional discounts.
The citywide average monthly premium for drivers in their 60s is $133, according to our data. Clearcover offers the cheapest rates for seniors in Riverside, with average premiums of $101 per month.
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Your driving record plays a major role in what you pay for car insurance. Drivers with a clean record generally enjoy lower rates, while violations such as speeding, accidents, and driving under the influence (DUI) can significantly raise your costs.
The table below highlights the average monthly premiums in Riverside based on different driving records and the cheapest insurer for each category, according to Compare.com data.
Driving Record ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $170 | Clearcover | $110 |
| Speeding ticket | $230 | Clearcover | $152 |
| At-fault accident | $242 | Clearcover | $176 |
| DUI | $244 | Clearcover | $164 |
Next, we’ll explore further how tickets, accidents, and DUIs affect your rates in Riverside.
Speeding contributed to 29% of all traffic fatalities in 2022, so it’s no wonder a speeding ticket can cause such a noticeable increase in car insurance rates. Nationally, premiums rise by about 27% on average after one speeding ticket, according to Compare.com data.
The city average for drivers with a speeding ticket is $230 per month in Riverside, with Clearcover offering the lowest average rate, at $152 per month.
An at-fault accident can significantly increase your insurance premiums, with rates going up by an average of 34% nationwide, according to our data.
Riverside’s average monthly premium for drivers with an accident on their record is $242. Clearcover provides the cheapest option for this group, with an average monthly rate of just $176.
A DUI increases car insurance rates, largely because drivers with prior violations were 7.15 times more likely to commit new offenses, according to the National Library of Medicine. Trends like these indicate a high likelihood of risky driving, which leads to higher rates. We found that DUIs cause premiums to spike by 50% nationwide.
Riverside drivers with a DUI pay an average monthly premium of $244, according to our research. Clearcover offers the most affordable rates after a DUI, with an average premium of $164 per month.
You don’t need a perfect driving record to find affordable rates.
California requires drivers to have liability insurance with minimum limits of 15/30/5, which means:
$15,000 of bodily injury liability per person
$30,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
$5,000 for property damage liability
But on Jan. 1, 2025, the state will increase these limits to 30/60/15.
Insurers must also offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM), but you can reject it in writing. California also requires drivers to show proof of financial responsibility, which typically means proof of insurance. It’s also a good idea to consider medical payments coverage, like MedPay, to assist with medical costs.
For more detailed information, visit the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Uncover the cheapest rates available, regardless of your driving record.
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To save on car insurance in Riverside, it’s essential to understand how different factors influence rates. While you can’t control everything, you can still take advantage of several effective ways to lower premiums.
Here are five ways to reduce car insurance costs:
Maintain a clean driving record: Avoid accidents and traffic violations to qualify for lower rates and safe driver discounts.
Choose higher deductibles: Opting for higher deductibles can lower your monthly premiums. Just be sure you can pay the extra costs if you file a claim.
Bundle insurance policies: Combine auto with home or renters insurance for multi-policy discounts.
Ask about discounts: Most insurers offer discounts, so be sure to ask your agent about the ones you qualify for, such as low mileage, safe driving, or safety features.
Compare quotes from multiple companies: You don’t have to settle for high rates. The best way to get cheaper rates is to shop around regularly and compare quotes to get the best deal possible.
Compare personalized quotes from dozens of America’s top-rated insurers.
Below are the answers to some commonly asked questions to help you navigate Riverside’s car insurance landscape.
Clearcover has the cheapest car insurance in Riverside, at just $108 per month, according to Compare.com data. But your pricing depends on your personal driving profile.
The average cost of an auto insurance policy in Riverside averages $111 per month ($1,332 annually), according to our data. But actual rates depend on the insurance company and coverages you choose as well as rating factors like your age, where you live, and your driving record.
California requires a minimum of 15/30/5 coverage: $15,000 per person in bodily injury liability, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, and $5,000 in property damage. But the state will raise these limits to 30/60/15 on Jan. 1, 2025.
If the DMV doesn’t receive proof of insurance, it’ll suspend your vehicle registration. You can’t drive or park it on public roads until you submit proof of insurance and pay a $14 reinstatement fee.
Yes. Elevated car insurance rates in Riverside may be due to the area’s higher population density, accident rates, and theft rates compared to other areas.
Data Methodology:
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources:
Am J Public Health, “Risk of Alcohol-Impaired Driving Recidivism Among First Offenders and Multiple Offenders,” accessed October 14, 2024.
National Safety Council, “Speeding,” accessed October 14, 2024.
J.D. Power, “Auto Claims Satisfaction Study,” accessed October 14, 2024.
State of California DMV, “Insurance Requirements,” accessed October 14, 2024.
State of California DMV, “Vehicle Registration Suspension,” accessed October 14, 2024.
California Office of Traffic Safety, “OTS Crash Rankings Results for Riverside County 2020,” accessed October 14, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Fatality Facts 2022: Teenagers,” accessed October 14, 2024.
AAA Foundation, “Rates of Motor Vehicle Crashes, Injuries and Deaths in Relation to Driver Age, United States, 2014-2015,” accessed October 14, 2024.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “American Mercury Ins Co. National Complaint Index Report,” accessed October 14, 2024.
Google Play, “Mercury Insurance: Home & Auto,” accessed October 14, 2024.
App Store, “Mercury Insurance: Car & Home,” accessed October 14, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed October 14, 2024.
Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
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