Gardena drivers can compare car insurance quotes from multiple California carriers with A1, a smart move in a city where vehicle theft runs about twice the state rate.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Gardena?
Gardena police recorded 391 vehicle thefts in 2025, about 6.5 per thousand residents compared with a state average of 3.2, which can push up comprehensive costs. Under Prop 103, your driving record, annual mileage and years of experience count most, while ZIP code (90247 or 90249) and the vehicle you drive are optional factors.
| Factor | Gardena | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute | 29 min | 29 min |
| Homes with 2+ cars | 59% | 63% |
| Car thefts per 1,000 | 6.5 | 3.2 |
| ZIP codes | 2 |
Why Gardena Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
Each carrier weighs risk differently, so the same Gardena driver can get quite different quotes from company to company. A1 is not tied to any single insurer; it compares several California carriers and the quote is free.
About Gardena, California
Gardena is an incorporated city of about 59,765 people in Los Angeles County, covering just 5.8 square miles. It sits at around 49 feet of elevation, close to neighbors like Alondra Park, West Athens and West Rancho Dominguez, each about 2 miles away. Lawndale, Hawthorne and Westmont are all about 3 miles off, and Inglewood, the nearest city over 100,000 people, is about 5 miles away.
- County
- Los Angeles County
- Population
- 59,765 (Census est.)
- Major routes
- I-110, SR-91
Driving in Gardena: What to Know
Most Gardena workers drive alone, about 73% compared with 67% statewide, so the car is the main way to get to work here. The average commute is about 29 minutes, close to the state average, and the I-110 and SR-91 freeways run through or near the city. Only about 3% of workers take public transit, and about 9% work from home, well under the state's 15%. With that much time on busy roads, solid liability limits and comprehensive coverage are worth a look.
State highways through or near Gardena:
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023; California DOJ OpenJustice (2025); Caltrans State Highway Network.
DMV Office and Traffic Court for Gardena
The nearest DMV office is Hawthorne DMV at 3700 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250, about 2.3 miles away.
Nearest DMV: Hawthorne
3700 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne, CA 90250
About 2.3 miles from Gardena
California Car Insurance Rules for Gardena Drivers
California's minimum liability is 30/60/15, meaning $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Because theft is a concern here, remember that comprehensive coverage pays for theft, fire, flood and vandalism, while liability-only does not cover your own car.
Guides: Minimum coverage · Discounts · SR-22 and high-risk · Driving uninsured · How rates are set
Gardena ZIP Codes and Nearby Areas
ZIP codes in Gardena:
Nearby cities and communities:
More About Gardena
Gardena sits in the South Bay, a close-knit city with deep Japanese American roots, a famous card-room history and the beach not far away. Here’s what locals love:
- Japanese American heritage. Gardena has one of the oldest and largest Japanese American communities in Southern California, which shows up in its bakeries, ramen shops, markets and cultural institutions.
- Summer Obon festivals. Local Buddhist temples host Obon festivals with taiko drumming, folk dancing, games and food stalls, a warm community tradition that draws visitors from across the region.
- Card room nights. Gardena's card clubs have been part of the city's identity for decades, with poker tables and casual dining that make for a classic night out.
- Gardena Willows Wetland Preserve. A restored patch of wetland habitat with walking paths, birds and a quiet break from the busy neighborhoods around it.
Gardena Car Insurance FAQ
Does Gardena's car theft rate affect my insurance?
It can. Gardena police logged about 6.5 thefts per thousand people in 2025, roughly double the state average, so comprehensive coverage is worth considering. Comparing carriers shows how each one prices that risk.
Is it hard to live in Gardena without a car?
Most households here rely on vehicles, since about 59% have two or more and only about 5% have none. Roughly 73% of workers drive alone, so having proper coverage matters for daily life.
Where do I go for DMV help near Gardena?
The closest office is Hawthorne DMV on W. El Segundo Blvd., about 2.3 miles away. If you need an SR-22 after a DUI, driving uninsured or a suspension, your insurer files that form with the DMV.