If you're shopping for car insurance in Redlands, here's the good news: you're likely to pay less than drivers on the California coast. The average Redlands driver pays around $1,779 per year for auto insurance—that's about $9 cheaper per month than the state average and roughly $34 less monthly than the national average. But those numbers only tell part of the story. What you actually pay depends on your driving record, the coverage you choose, and whether you're taking advantage of discounts that could save you hundreds.
What Redlands Drivers Actually Pay
Living in the Inland Empire comes with some insurance advantages. While California as a whole saw car insurance rates jump 45% between 2023 and 2024—with the average driver now paying $2,417 annually—Redlands has remained relatively affordable. At around $164 per month, your rates reflect lower population density compared to Los Angeles or San Diego, fewer theft claims than coastal cities, and a local market where multiple insurers compete for your business.
But here's what surprised many Redlands residents in 2024: even though local rates are lower than the state average, everyone saw increases. California had frozen rate hikes during COVID-19, and when those restrictions lifted in 2023, insurers made up for lost time. Rising vehicle repair costs (up nearly 38% over five years), increased car thefts, and climate-related damages all contributed to the spike. The lesson? Even in more affordable areas like Redlands, you need to shop around regularly.
The Comprehensive Coverage Question
California only requires liability insurance—$15,000 per person for bodily injury, $30,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage. That's the legal minimum. But if you're driving in Redlands, skipping comprehensive coverage is risky. The Inland Empire faces real wildfire danger, and if your car is damaged by flames, smoke, or falling trees during a fire, your mandatory liability coverage won't pay a dime to replace it.
Comprehensive coverage handles damage from natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and falling objects. In fire-prone California, it's not just smart—it's practically essential. If you have a car loan or lease, your lender almost certainly requires it anyway. And here's a tip: comprehensive coverage must be in place before an incident occurs. You can't buy it after a wildfire starts and expect it to cover damage. The California Insurance Commissioner has issued moratoriums on policy cancellations in affected ZIP codes, but that only protects existing policies.
How to Actually Lower Your Bill
The gap between what different drivers pay in Redlands is huge. Clean-record drivers with CSAA pay as little as $38 per month, while drivers with accidents or tickets might pay triple that. Here's how to land on the lower end of that spectrum.
Bundling your auto and homeowners or renters insurance with the same company typically saves 10-25% on both policies. If you're paying $150 per month for auto insurance, that's $180 to $450 back in your pocket every year. Multi-vehicle discounts work similarly—insuring two or more cars on one policy almost always costs less than separate policies.
Good driver discounts reward clean records. In Redlands, drivers with one accident on their record pay around $60 per month, while those with a ticket average $62 monthly. Keep your record clean for three to five years, and you'll qualify for the best rates. Your credit score matters too—insurers use it to predict risk, and better credit typically means better rates.
Age and marital status also play a role. Drivers under 25 and over 65 face higher rates because statistics show more frequent claims. But if you're a young driver, staying on your parents' policy usually costs less than going solo. And married drivers in Redlands save about $10 monthly compared to single drivers—it's not huge, but it adds up.
Shopping Smart in Redlands
The cheapest insurer for your neighbor might not be the cheapest for you. For good drivers in Redlands, CSAA offers rates around $38 monthly. Kemper Auto Premier averages $100 per month, Mercury comes in around $114, and USAA—available to military members and families—runs about $126. Seniors with USAA pay even less at $98 monthly, while young adults with Kemper average $101.
That range exists because insurers weigh factors differently. One company might prioritize your credit score, while another focuses more on your ZIP code or vehicle type. The only way to know who'll give you the best deal is to compare quotes from at least three to five companies. And don't just look at price—check coverage limits, deductibles, and customer service ratings. The cheapest policy won't feel like a bargain if the company fights you on legitimate claims.
Remember that California has about 4.7 million uninsured drivers—roughly 17% of everyone on the road. That's why uninsured motorist coverage matters. It protects you if someone without insurance hits you. Given those odds, it's worth the extra premium.
Getting Started
Start by gathering your current policy documents, driving record, and vehicle information. Then get quotes from multiple insurers—not just the big names you see on TV, but regional carriers that might offer better rates in the Inland Empire. Ask each company about every discount you might qualify for: good driver, multi-vehicle, bundling, low mileage, safety features, and defensive driving courses.
Review your coverage annually. Your situation changes—maybe you paid off your car loan and can raise your deductible, or you moved to a safer neighborhood. And with California's insurance market still adjusting after the COVID-era freeze, rates continue to shift. What was competitive last year might not be your best option today. Redlands drivers have access to some of the more affordable car insurance in California, but only if you actively shop for it.
