San Mateo drivers see far fewer car thefts than the state average, so compare quotes and see what that local picture is worth to you.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in San Mateo?
Prop 103 says your driving record, annual mileage and years of experience count most, so a commute of about 27 minutes each way matters. San Mateo police logged about 1.2 vehicle thefts per thousand residents in 2025, well under the state figure of 3.2, which can ease one worry when you weigh comprehensive coverage.
| Factor | San Mateo | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute | 27 min | 29 min |
| Homes with 2+ cars | 55% | 63% |
| Car thefts per 1,000 | 1.2 | 3.2 |
| ZIP codes | 3 |
Why San Mateo Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
Carriers weigh the same driver and ZIP code differently, so quotes for a San Mateo address can vary from one company to the next. Because A1 isn’t tied to one insurer, it shops several California carriers for you, and the quote costs nothing.
About San Mateo, California
San Mateo is an incorporated city in San Mateo County with about 103,555 residents on roughly 12 square miles. It sits low, at about 39 feet above sea level, in the San Francisco Bay Area. ZIP codes 94401, 94402 and 94403 cover the city, and Burlingame, Belmont and Foster City are all a short drive away.
- County
- San Mateo County
- Population
- 103,555 (Census est.)
- Major routes
- US-101, SR-82, SR-92
Driving in San Mateo: What to Know
The average commute here is about 27 minutes, a bit under the state average of 29. About 59% of workers drive alone, which is lower than the state's 67%, and about 22% work from home, compared with 15% statewide. Fewer daily solo commuters can mean less time on the road for some households, and annual mileage is a major rating factor. US-101, SR-82 and SR-92 run through or near the city, so if you use them often, tell your quote provider your real mileage.
State highways through or near San Mateo:
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 Mateo
The nearest DMV office is San Mateo DMV at 425 North Amphlett Blvd., about 1.5 miles away.
Nearest DMV: San Mateo
425 North Amphlett Blvd., San Mateo, CA 94401
About 1.5 miles from San Mateo
California Car Insurance Rules for San Mateo Drivers
California requires at least 30/60/15 liability coverage, and that covers other people's injuries and property, not your own car. If you have a clean record, you may qualify for a Good Driver Discount of at least 20%, 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 Mateo ZIP Codes and Nearby Areas
ZIP codes in San Mateo:
Nearby cities and communities:
More About San Mateo
Set on the San Francisco Peninsula about halfway between San Francisco and San Jose, San Mateo mixes a walkable downtown with bayfront parks and redwood-scented hills. Some highlights:
- Downtown San Mateo. Restaurants, cafes and shops line B Street and the blocks around Third and Fourth Avenues, with the Caltrain station close by for an easy trip up or down the Peninsula.
- Central Park and its Japanese Garden. This tree-filled park near downtown holds a peaceful Japanese garden with a koi pond and tea house, a favorite spot for a quiet stroll.
- Coyote Point. This shoreline park has bay views, picnic areas, a marina and CuriOdyssey, a small science and wildlife center that's popular with families.
- Sawyer Camp Trail. Just west of the city, this paved trail winds along Crystal Springs Reservoir through quiet hills, ideal for walking, jogging or biking.
San Mateo Car Insurance FAQ
Do I need comprehensive coverage for theft in San Mateo?
San Mateo police recorded about 1.2 vehicle thefts per thousand people in 2025, compared with 3.2 across the state. Comprehensive coverage still pays for theft, fire, flood and vandalism, so it is worth considering if you want your own car protected.
Does working from home lower my insurance cost?
It can, because annual mileage is one of the most important rating factors under Prop 103. About 22% of San Mateo workers work from home, so if you drive less than before, tell your broker so the quote reflects it.
How many cars do San Mateo households usually have?
About 55% of households have two or more vehicles, below the state figure of about 63%, and about 7% have none. If you have multiple cars, ask for quotes on all of them together so you can compare carriers.