San Francisco drivers, where about 30% of households have no vehicle, can compare car insurance quotes from multiple California carriers in one place.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in San Francisco?
Rates here are shaped most by your driving record, annual mileage and years of experience, and many San Francisco drivers put fewer miles on their cars. Vehicle theft is also a factor, since police reported about 3.6 thefts per thousand people in 2025, a bit above the state average of 3.2.
| Factor | San Francisco | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute | 31 min | 29 min |
| Homes with 2+ cars | 26% | 63% |
| Car thefts per 1,000 | 3.6 | 3.2 |
| ZIP codes | 28 |
Why San Francisco Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
Carriers weigh the optional factors, like ZIP code and vehicle, differently, so the same driver can get different prices from different companies. Because A1 isn’t tied to one insurer, it shops several California carriers for you, and the quote costs nothing.
About San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a consolidated city and county packed onto the tip of a peninsula, just 47 square miles bordered by the Pacific Ocean, the Golden Gate and the Bay. It is famous for its cable cars, steep hills, the Golden Gate Bridge and a skyline that has grown alongside the Bay Area tech economy.
- County
- San Francisco County
- Population
- 836,321 (Census est.)
- Major routes
- US-101, I-80, I-280, SR-1
Driving in San Francisco: What to Know
San Francisco is one of the most challenging places in California to own a car. Steep grades require you to curb your wheels when you park, parking is tight and expensive, and the city has long struggled with car break-ins in tourist areas and residential streets alike. Comprehensive coverage pays for a smashed window, but not for belongings stolen from inside; those fall under renters or homeowners insurance. Plenty of residents skip owning a car altogether; if you only borrow or rent, ask us about a non-owner policy.
The average commute is about 31 minutes, a little longer than the state average of 29. Only about 29% of workers drive alone, compared with 67% statewide, and about 21% take public transit. Drivers still deal with US-101, I-80, I-280, SR-1 and the Golden Gate and Bay bridges. With less driving and more street parking, comprehensive coverage is worth considering for theft, vandalism and fire.
State highways through or near San Francisco:
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023; California DOJ OpenJustice (2025); Caltrans State Highway Network.
DMV Office and Traffic Court for San Francisco
The nearest DMV office is Daly City DMV at 1500 Sullivan Avenue, about 31 miles away by the listed distance.
Nearest DMV: Daly City
1500 Sullivan Avenue, Daly City, CA 94015
About 30.7 miles from San Francisco
Traffic court
Superior Court of California, County of San Francisco.
San Francisco County court website →California Car Insurance Rules for San Francisco Drivers
California's minimum liability is 30/60/15, which covers $30,000 per person, $60,000 per accident and $15,000 for property damage. Qualifying good drivers get at least a 20% discount, and credit scores and gender cannot be used to set your rate.
Guides: Minimum coverage · Discounts · SR-22 and high-risk · Driving uninsured · How rates are set
San Francisco Neighborhoods, ZIP Codes and Nearby Areas
We quote drivers in every San Francisco neighborhood, including:
ZIP codes in San Francisco:
Nearby cities and communities:
More About San Francisco
Seven by seven miles of hills, fog and some of the most famous views in the world. Don’t miss:
- The Golden Gate. Walk or bike across the bridge, then spend the afternoon in Golden Gate Park at the California Academy of Sciences or the Japanese Tea Garden.
- Cable cars. The only moving National Historic Landmark in the country, climbing the hills just like they have since the 1870s.
- Chinatown and North Beach. The oldest Chinatown in North America sits right next to the city’s Little Italy, so dim sum and espresso are a short walk apart.
- The waterfront. Sea lions at Pier 39, the Ferry Building marketplace and boats out to Alcatraz.
San Francisco Car Insurance FAQ
Does owning a car in San Francisco cost more because of theft?
Police reported about 3.6 vehicle thefts per thousand people in 2025, slightly above the state average of 3.2. Comprehensive coverage pays for theft, fire, flood and vandalism, so it matters if your car is parked on the street.
Will driving less lower my rate?
Annual mileage is one of the top factors insurers must weigh under Prop 103. Many people here walk or ride transit, so tell each carrier honestly how much you drive.
What happens if I drive without insurance?
A first offense is a $100 to $200 fine plus penalty assessments, and later offenses can mean impound. After a DUI, uninsured driving or a suspension, you may also need an SR-22 filed with the DMV.