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Auto Insurance San Diego

Whether you’re commuting to work, heading out for a weekend at Balboa Park, or driving up the coast to La Jolla, Mercury’s auto insurance can give you the coverage and security you need to feel confident on the road. Our options include liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured/underinsured motorist protection, and more — all customizable to your needs. Californians save an average of $1,008 with Mercury Insurance¹, so start exploring your options today and see how much you can save.

¹Savings info. based on 2024 CA Department of Insurance rate comparison. Individual savings may vary.

Why Choose Mercury in San Diego?

Local expertise: Our local agents know the area inside and out, allowing them to offer personalized advice and adjustments to your policy.
Affordable rates: With Mercury, cheap car insurance doesn’t mean compromised coverage. We offer competitive pricing tailored to your unique driver profile, providing various discounts for safe driving, multiple vehicles, anti-theft devices, and more.
24/7 claims: Mercury provides around-the-clock claims support, so you can reach out to us at any hour of the day or night.

Sad woman talking on cell phone near wrecked car

Is Auto Insurance Mandatory in San Diego?

In California, auto insurance is legally required for all drivers. This mandate ensures that all drivers are financially responsible in the event of an accident.

Legal Requirements to Drive in San Diego

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, requires drivers to carry at least the following minimum amounts of liability insurance:

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

Liability insurance helps protect you financially if you’re found legally responsible for injuries to other people or damage to their property in an auto accident. It covers the costs of these damages, as well as legal fees if you’re sued after the accident.

Optional San Diego Auto Insurance Coverages

While liability insurance is mandatory, several optional coverages are available that can provide additional protection and peace of mind.

Collision coverage: This covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision, regardless of who’s at fault. It can be especially useful in San Diego, where dense traffic can increase the likelihood of accidents.
Comprehensive coverage: This insurance protects you against damage to your vehicle that is not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism, fire, natural disasters, and hitting an animal. Given the occasional wildfires and coastal storms in San Diego, this coverage can be particularly beneficial.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist protection: Despite legal requirements, some drivers in San Diego don’t carry adequate insurance. This coverage protects you if you’re involved in an accident with a driver with insufficient insurance or none at all.
Medical payments coverage: This helps cover medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault, in the event of an accident.
Personal injury protection (PIP): PIP coverage is essential for covering medical expenses, lost wages, and other associated costs for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault in an accident.

What Does San Diego Auto Insurance Not Cover?

When it comes to auto insurance, understanding what’s not covered is just as important as knowing what’s covered. Here are some common exclusions you might find in an auto insurance policy:

Intentional damage: Auto insurance doesn’t cover damages you intentionally cause, whether it’s your own or another person’s vehicle.
Wear and tear: Auto insurance doesn’t cover normal wear and tear on a vehicle. This includes routine maintenance needs and the natural deterioration of car parts and systems due to age and usage.
Personal belongings: Personal belongings left in the vehicle, such as electronics, cash, or jewelry, are not covered. These items fall under homeowners or renters insurance.
Business use: If you use your personal vehicle for commercial purposes, such as making deliveries or transporting goods, you likely need a separate business auto insurance policy.
Racing and reckless driving: Standard auto insurance policies do not cover damages incurred during racing or any form of competitive driving.

How to Get Car Insurance in San Diego

Getting car insurance in San Diego is simple and hassle-free with Mercury. Whether you need basic liability coverage or full coverage auto insurance, our experienced local agents are here to help you find the right policy at an affordable rate.

Reach out to a California insurance agent to start a quote, or call us at (877) 292-9762.

Portrait of woman enjoying road trip in open top classic car

The pier in Oceanside, California located in northern San Diego County as the sun sets behind it.

Get Cheap Auto Insurance in San Diego from Mercury

With Mercury, getting cheap auto insurance in San Diego doesn’t mean sacrificing quality or service. Our dedicated team of local agents is always ready to help you find the best coverage at the best price. Whether you’re a new or seasoned driver, Mercury has a policy that fits your needs and your wallet. In fact, Californians save an average of $1,008¹ with Mercury, making it easier than ever to get reliable protection at a lower cost.

Save More with Discounts

Mercury offers numerous discounts that can significantly reduce your auto insurance premiums. Here are some ways you can save:

Good driver discount: Maintain a clean driving record with no accidents or violations, and you could qualify for substantial savings.
Multi-car discount: Insure more than one vehicle and receive a discount on your auto insurance policy.
Anti-theft feature discount: Equip your car with approved anti-theft devices and benefit from reduced rates.
Good student discount: Full-time students with good academic records can be eligible for discounts.

These are just a few of the discounts we offer. Contact your local agent today to see what you qualify for.

Bundling with Mercury

Bundling your auto insurance with home or renters insurance can provide additional savings and simplify your insurance management. With Mercury, you could save up to 17.9% off your homeowners policy and up to 14.5% on your auto policy by bundling!

San Diego home insurance: Protect your home and belongings from unexpected events like fire, theft, and natural disasters.
San Diego renters insurance: Our renters insurance offers affordable coverage for your possessions and liability, ensuring you’re protected in your rental space.

Top Rated Auto Insurance in San Diego

Mercury Insurance has been a trusted provider for California drivers since 1962. With decades of experience and multiple industry awards for outstanding customer service, reliability, and overall satisfaction, we’re committed to offering high-quality coverage at competitive rates. Whether you’re navigating the busy streets of downtown or commuting along the 5, Mercury is here to protect you.

Millions of drivers in San Diego and across California have relied on Mercury for affordable and dependable auto coverage. Read their experiences today and see why so many drivers trust us.