Moss Beach drivers can compare free car insurance quotes from several California carriers, and a low local theft rate is one thing worth asking about.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Moss Beach?
Rates here start with your driving record, annual mileage and years of experience, which Prop 103 says must count most. Vehicle theft in San Mateo County ran about 1.4 per thousand people in 2025, well under the state figure of 3.2, which is one less pressure on prices.
| Factor | Moss Beach | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute | 29 min | 29 min |
| Homes with 2+ cars | 74% | 63% |
| Car thefts per 1,000 (San Mateo County) | 1.4 | 3.2 |
| ZIP codes | 1 |
Why Moss Beach Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
Carriers weigh the same details differently, so the same Moss Beach driver can see quite different quotes. A1 is independent and compares several California carriers at once, so you do not have to call around yourself.
About Moss Beach, California
Moss Beach is a small coastal community of about 3,000 people on just 2.2 square miles, sitting at only 66 feet above sea level. It is policed by the county sheriff, and the CHP covers the highway. Neighbors El Granada and Montara are about 2 miles away, and Half Moon Bay is about 4.
- County
- San Mateo County
- Population
- 3,016 (Census est.)
- Major routes
- SR-1
Driving in Moss Beach: What to Know
Commutes average about 29 minutes, right at the state average and 13th longest among 32 places in San Mateo County. About 57% of workers drive alone, well below the state's 67%, and about 18% work from home. Even so, nearly 74% of households own two or more vehicles, so many families insure more than one car. SR-1 runs along the coast here, so your daily mileage and route can affect your rate, and it is worth telling a carrier if you work from home.
State highways through or near Moss Beach:
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023; California DOJ OpenJustice (2025); Caltrans State Highway Network.
DMV Office and Traffic Court for Moss Beach
The nearest DMV office is San Mateo DMV at 425 North Amphlett Blvd., about 11 miles away. That is a real trip from the coast, so it makes sense to handle what you can online and bring your insurance proof with you if you go.
Nearest DMV: San Mateo
425 North Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401
About 10.6 miles from Moss Beach
California Car Insurance Rules for Moss Beach Drivers
With a short-to-average commute and a low theft rate, a clean record matters most, since qualifying good drivers get at least a 20% Good Driver Discount. Also remember that minimum liability is 30/60/15, which covers other people but not your own car.
Guides: Minimum coverage · Discounts · SR-22 and high-risk · Driving uninsured · How rates are set
Moss Beach ZIP Codes and Nearby Areas
ZIP codes in Moss Beach:
Nearby cities and communities:
More About Moss Beach
Perched on a bluff above the Pacific on the San Mateo County coast, Moss Beach is a small seaside community with big ocean views and a quiet, close-knit feel. Don’t miss:
- Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. One of the best tide pooling spots on the California coast, with rocky reefs full of sea stars, anemones and crabs at low tide. Check the tide tables before you go.
- Seal Cove and the coastal trail. Bluff-top paths here lead to sweeping Pacific views, and the cypress-lined trails at the reserve are great for a easy walk with the ocean in the background.
- The Moss Beach Distillery. A well-known restaurant on the bluff, long associated with Prohibition-era stories and a local ghost legend. It's a favorite spot for a meal with an ocean view.
- Next door to Half Moon Bay. Pillar Point Harbor, Mavericks surf break and the beaches of Half Moon Bay are just a few minutes up the coast, making Moss Beach an easy base for coastal days.
Moss Beach Car Insurance FAQ
Does living in Moss Beach make my car insurance cheaper?
Possibly in one way, since vehicle theft in San Mateo County is well below the state rate. But ZIP code is only an optional factor, and your record, mileage and experience count more.
Does working from home help my rate here?
It can, because lower annual mileage is one of the top factors carriers must weigh. About 18% of Moss Beach workers work from home, so tell your carrier if you drive less.
Do I need comprehensive coverage in Moss Beach?
Theft is lower than the state average, but comprehensive also pays for fire, flood and vandalism. Liability-only will not repair your own car, so consider how much you could afford to replace.