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Car Insurance in Every San Mateo County City and Community
San Mateo County is in the San Francisco Bay Area, with its county seat in Redwood City. About 745,100 people live across its 449 square miles. It has 20 incorporated cities and towns and 13 unincorporated communities recognized by the Census Bureau, the largest being San Mateo, Daly City and Redwood City.
Cities and towns
- San Mateo103,555
- Daly City102,560
- Redwood City82,423
- South San Francisco64,487
- San Bruno42,612
- Pacifica37,527
- Foster City32,964
- Menlo Park32,775
- Burlingame30,526
- San Carlos29,797
- East Palo Alto29,143
- Belmont27,505
- Millbrae22,589
- Half Moon Bay11,454
- Hillsborough11,122
- Atherton7,021
- Woodside5,181
- Brisbane4,718
- Portola Valley4,329
- Colma1,441
Unincorporated communities
- North Fair Oaks13,327
- El Granada5,231
- Broadmoor4,467
- Emerald Lake Hills4,396
- West Menlo Park3,382
- Moss Beach3,016
- Montara2,897
- Highlands2,535
- Baywood Park1,481
- Ladera1,160
- La Honda1,094
- Pescadero478
- Loma Mar319
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County drivers average a 27-minute commute, and rates can differ a lot from one ZIP code to the next inside the county. Your driving record matters most, and every carrier weighs local factors differently, so comparing quotes pays off.
Why San Mateo County Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
A1 California Auto Insurance Quotes is an independent insurance broker. That means we don’t work for one insurance company. We work for you. When you ask for a quote, a licensed agent takes your driver and vehicle details once, runs them through several California carriers, and lays out the prices side by side so you can see exactly where the savings are for San Mateo County drivers.
Driving in San Mateo County: What to Know
San Mateo County commuters average 27 minutes each way, compared with 29 minutes statewide, and 57.6% drive to work alone. 63.3% of households keep two or more vehicles (state: 62.6%). Law enforcement across the county recorded 1,043 vehicle thefts in 2025, about 1.4 per 1,000 residents, below the statewide rate of 3.2. Rates can differ a lot from one ZIP code to the next inside the same county, which is why we quote your exact address rather than a county average.
Busiest state highway corridors in San Mateo County:
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023; California DOJ OpenJustice (2025); Caltrans State Highway Network.
DMV Offices and Traffic Court in San Mateo County
DMV field offices in San Mateo County:
- Daly City
1500 Sullivan Avenue, Daly City, CA 94015 - Redwood City
300 Brewster Ave., Redwood City, CA 94063 - San Francisco
1377 Fell St., San Francisco, CA 94117 - San Mateo
425 North Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401
Traffic court: Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo (court website). Your ticket’s courtesy notice lists the exact courthouse and due date.
California Car Insurance Rules for San Mateo County Drivers
Minimum coverage: 30/60/15
$30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injuries, $15,000 for property damage. Most drivers carry more.
Read the guide →Discounts you can ask for
The Good Driver Discount is at least 20% by law, plus multi-car, bundling, low-mileage and more.
See every discount →SR-22, DUI or a lapse?
Some carriers specialize in drivers others turn away. We shop the ones that fit your record.
High-risk insurance guide →Driving uninsured
The San Mateo County Sheriff, local police and the CHP can ask for proof at any stop. Fines, impound and a license suspension can follow.
Penalties explained →San Mateo County Car Insurance FAQ
Who has the cheapest car insurance in San Mateo County?
No single company is cheapest for everyone in San Mateo County. Each carrier weighs your driving record, mileage, experience, ZIP code and vehicle differently, so the cheapest option for your neighbor may not be the cheapest for you. As an independent broker, we compare multiple carriers at once to find the lowest price for your situation.
Where are traffic tickets in San Mateo County handled?
Traffic tickets in San Mateo County go to the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. Points on your driving record raise insurance rates for years, so ask the court whether traffic school is an option.
Is car theft common in San Mateo County?
Law enforcement in San Mateo County recorded 1,043 vehicle thefts in 2025, about 1.4 per 1,000 residents, below the California rate of 3.2. Comprehensive coverage is what pays if your car is stolen.