Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
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.
Table of contents
What can San Marcos residents expect to pay for their car insurance? Compared to their surrounding area, how do rates in San Marcos stack up? What about against the rest of California? See what factors contribute to determining the average cost in our detailed charts and breakdowns below:
How much is car insurance in San Marcos?
Area | Average Monthly Car Insurance Premium |
---|---|
San Marcos | $48 |
CA | $56 |
United States | $81 |
Compared to the rest of the California, coverage in San Marcos is about $8 a month cheaper.
If you're thinking of moving to San Marcos from out of state, you may still be in luck. The average monthly payment in San Marcos is about $33 less than the rate for the rest of the U.S.
These may be the average auto insurance rates for San Marcos, but that doesn't mean it's exactly what you'll pay. There are a variety of factors that insurance companies consider when determining how much to charge you for insurance. The bill you'll see each month is calculated based on things like age, gender, vehicle make and model, driving record, and in some cases, credit score.
We've done the heavy lifting for you and broken down the average rate for San Marcos so that you can get a more accurate idea of what your policy will cost you. And if you're not sure if you're getting the cheapest rate, simply enter your ZIP below to learn more about rates in your area!
Average Car Insurance Rates by Age
Age Range | Average Premium |
---|---|
Under 18 | Not Enough Data |
18-24 | $63 |
25-34 | $44 |
35-44 | $35 |
45-54 | $41 |
55-64 | $40 |
65+ | $46 |
The older you are, the more experience you're likely to have behind the wheel, right? That experience can lead to some serious savings when it comes to car insurance premiums. According to the table above, you can see that 18-24-year-olds pay $17 more than someone who is at retirement age.
For every ten years older you get, you can expect to see a drop in your monthly premium. Drivers in San Marcos may see their rates creep back up a bit once they hit retirement.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Gender
Gender | Average |
---|---|
Male | $49 |
Female | $45 |
In general, women pay slightly less for car insurance than men. In San Marcos, the difference comes out to about $4 a month. Looking at the table above, you can see that female drivers pay around $45 on average, while male drivers typically pay $49 each month.
Average Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record
Infractions | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
1 Accident | $52 |
Multiple Accidents | $54 |
1 Ticket | $61 |
Multiple Tickets | $56 |
Depending on your driving record, your rates can vary wildly. Those with clean records will see the most affordable rates, whereas even a single accident or infraction can cost you. The rate for drivers in San Marcos with a single accident on their record is about $52 a month. Likewise, drivers with one ticket on their record will be looking at an average rate of around $61.
Wherever you live, accidents, tickets, and other driving infractions can cost you some serious cash. So, if you're looking for cheap car insurance, drive carefully and keep a clean record.
Average Insurance Rates by Vehicle
Vehicle Age | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Less Than 1 Year | $48 |
2-3 Years | $53 |
4-5 Years | $43 |
6-7 Years | $46 |
8-10 Years | $45 |
11-14 Years | $49 |
15 Years or Older | $49 |
According to the first table above, the cheapest vehicles to insure in San Marcos are usually SUVs, at $43 per month.
Cars, trucks, and vans, on the other hand, usually cost about $48 to insure their vehicle.
Your rates can also vary depending on your vehicle's age. Generally, the most expensive vehicles to insure are going to be newer ones. However, once your car is a few years old, you may start to see your monthly premium decrease. In San Marcos, the most expensive vehicles to insure are vehicles two-to -three years old.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Relationship Status
Relationship | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Single (never married) | $50 |
Married | $43 |
Divorced | $42 |
Widowed | $45 |
Generally speaking, those who have settled down into marriage will pay slightly less for insurance coverage. This occurs because insurance companies commonly offer special discounts to policyholders with multiple vehicles that are on the same policy.
Married couples, on average, pay less than single drivers do to insure their vehicles. This holds true in San Marcos, with married couples paying about $7 less per month.
Average Car Insurance Rates by Housing Situation
Housing Status | Average Monthly Premium |
---|---|
Own | $45 |
Rent | $47 |
Live with parents | $62 |
One other element taken into consideration is your housing situation. If you rent your home or apartment in San Marcos, expect to pay around $2 a month more than if you own your home. But those who live at home with their parents can expect to pay significantly more.
Bundling your home or rental insurance and auto insurance policies can oftentimes reduce your car insurance costs, depending on your insurance company.
Recent trends in car insurance for San Marcos drivers
Average rates are constantly changing, so it's a good idea to know the direction your area is trending when choosing when and where to shop.
In San Marcos, car insurance rates went up from 2017-2018, when they reached a high of $56. This shifted in 2019, when policy premiums began to decrease. They hit a low of $42 in 2020, and finished at $44 in 2022.
How does San Marcos compare to neighboring areas?
Why are car insurance rates in San Marcos different from other areas?
Car insurance companies will consider several factors when trying to decide how much to charge for a policy. The specifics of where you park your car will have an impact on your personal policy. This might include things like:
Regional crime rates
Community laws
Availability of off-street parking
Frequency of car accidents
Total number of drivers in the region
While you won't have the ability to change these factors yourself, they can be handy to keep in mind when seeking a new policy or considering a move. Different towns and cities will all have different average rates, so guides like these are a great place to get started.
How can I find the cheapest car insurance in San Marcos?
While getting familiar with what the average costs are for drivers like you can be helpful as you get an idea of what you might pay, the only way to know exactly what your rate will be is by requesting a quote from car insurance companies.
Good news! Compare.com does all of that work for you. Just enter your ZIP Code below, answer a few questions on you and your car, and you'll be comparing the cheapest quotes from several of the car insurance companies offering policies in San Marcos.
San Marcos Insurance FAQs
Why is the cost of car insurance in San Marcos different from other neighboring cities?
Auto insurance companies consider regional factors, such as local laws, crime rates, and parking situations into account when calculating the monthly rate for coverage. Since these can all vary from city to city the rates you may see can differ from neighboring areas.
Which car insurance company will offer me the cheapest rate in San Marcos?
There isn't one company that will offer the cheapest rate to everybody. What companies will charge you are based on many different factors that vary from person to person, such as your driving record, what kind of car you drive, how many drivers will be on your policy, and a number of other factors. Because of this, it's a good idea to use sites like Compare.com to compare multiple quotes at once. That way, you can be confident you're getting the best price.
Do I need to change my insurance if I move to San Marcos?
Any time you experience a major life event, whether it's moving to a new area, getting married, finding a new job, or other notable events, it's always a good idea to re-evaluate your current insurance. Certain companies offer cheaper insurance in certain cities, so even if you were getting the cheapest rate at your old address, it doesn't mean it'll still be the cheapest at your new home. That's why it's always good to use services like Compare.com to compare quotes from dozens of companies side-by-side.
Do I need to wait for my policy to expire to switch to a different car insurance company?
No. Regardless of how much time is left on your current policy, you can switch companies at any time. So, whether you're considering moving to San Marcos or just curious if you're getting the best rates, why not take 10 minutes and see if Compare.com can save you some extra cash?
Related articles
)
The Cheapest Car Insurance in California (From $88)
)
The 10 Cheapest Cities for Car Insurance in California
)
A Guide to the CLCA Program
)
Compare Car Insurance Quotes Online (from $16/mo.)
)
Can You Negotiate Car Insurance to Get Lower Rates?
)
The Best Car Insurance Companies of 2024
)
Why More Drivers Are Switching Car Insurance Companies
)
Step-by-Step Guide to Shopping for Auto Insurance

Cathedral City, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Carson, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Campbell, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Camarillo, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Burbank, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Buena Park, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Brentwood, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Brea, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Beverly Hills, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Berkeley, CA (from $113)

Bell Gardens, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Beaumont, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Azusa, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Antioch, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Aliso Viejo, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Adelanto, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

El Monte, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

El Cerrito, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Dublin, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Diamond Bar, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Cypress, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Cupertino, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Culver City, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Covina, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Concord, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Compton, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Colton, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Chino, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Chino Hills, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Chico, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Cerritos, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Ceres, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Lynwood, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Lompoc, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Lodi, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Lathrop, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Lake Forest, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Laguna Niguel, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

La Quinta, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

La Puente, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

La Mirada, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

La Mesa, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Hollister, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Hesperia, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Hemet, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Hanford, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Fountain Valley, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Folsom, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Fairfield, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Elk Grove, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Petaluma, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Pasadena, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Paramount, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Palo Alto, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Palm Springs, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Palm Desert, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Pacifica, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Oxnard, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Orange, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Oceanside, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Novato, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Norwalk, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Northridge, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Norco, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Newport Beach, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

National City, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Napa, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Milpitas, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

San Pedro, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

San Mateo, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

San Luis Obispo, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

San Leandro, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

San Gabriel, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

San Clemente, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Roseville, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Ridgecrest, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Richmond, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Rialto, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Reseda, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Redlands, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Redding, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Rancho Cucamonga, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Poway, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Placentia, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Pittsburg, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

West Sacramento, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Watsonville, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Walnut, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Vista, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Visalia, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Tulare, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Tracy, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Torrance, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Thousand Oaks, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Temple City, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Studio City, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

South San Francisco, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Saratoga, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Santee, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Santa Rosa, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Santa Monica, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Santa Cruz, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Santa Clarita, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Santa Barbara, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

San Ramon, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Yuba City, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Woodland, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Winnetka, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Wildomar, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

West Hollywood, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Lancaster, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Irvine, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Inglewood, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024

Glendale, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Stockton, CA (From $100)

Santa Clara, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Santa Ana for 2024 (From $75)
)
Cheapest Car Insurance in San Bernardino, CA (From $103)
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Riverside for 2024 (From $72)

Ontario, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Modesto, CA (from $97)

San Diego, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Oakland, CA (from $122)

Long Beach, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 2024
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Fresno for 2024 (From $68)
)
Cheap Car Insurance in Bakersfield for 2024 (From $64)
)
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Anaheim, CA (from $106)

San Jose, CA Car Insurance Quotes for 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.
- All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
- None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
- Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
- All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.