Car insurance in Burbank costs an average of $1,260 for a six-month policy ($210/month) for full coverage. The cheapest insurer is GEICO at $840 per six months ($140/month) — 33% below the city average. Burbank rates run well above the California state average, driven by the city's dense population and higher vehicle theft rates.
- Average 6-month full coverage premium in Burbank: $1,260 ($210/month)
- Cheapest insurer: GEICO at $840/6 months ($140/month)
- Burbank rates are 60% higher than the California state average of $786/6 months
- California prohibits using credit scores to set auto insurance rates
- Best way to save: GEICO undercuts the city average by over $400 per six months
Burbank Car Insurance Rates by Company
Rates in Burbank vary significantly between insurers — by up to $420 per six months among the major carriers. GEICO is the clear leader on price, while Mercury rounds out the upper end of the competitive range:
| Insurance Company | 6-Month Premium | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO Cheapest | $840 | $140 |
| Progressive | $954 | $159 |
| AAA | $984 | $164 |
| State Farm | $1,158 | $193 |
| Mercury Insurance | $1,254 | $209 |
If you're shopping for minimum coverage only, GEICO remains the best deal at $65/month ($390 for six months). AAA is competitive on minimum coverage at $77/month and bundles well if you're already a AAA member — their roadside assistance benefits are especially useful in LA-area traffic.
Average Car Insurance Cost in Burbank
Burbank drivers pay significantly more than both the California state average and the national average. The city's urban density, higher-than-average vehicle theft rates, and position in the broader Los Angeles metro area all push premiums up.
| Location | Avg. 6-Month Premium | Avg. Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Burbank, CA | $1,260 | $210 |
| California Average | $786 | $131 |
| National Average | $774 | $129 |
That 60% gap between Burbank and the state average is striking. Even by California standards — which already run above the national norm — Burbank stands out as an expensive market. The annual figure comes out to about $2,520 for full coverage, which ranks Burbank among the pricier cities in the state.
Factors Affecting Burbank Insurance Rates
Several local and statewide factors explain why Burbank drivers pay so much more than the state average:
Los Angeles Metro Traffic Density
Burbank sits at the heart of the San Fernando Valley, with the I-5, SR-134, and I-170 all passing through or near the city. The city's position as a major commuter hub — particularly for workers at the Warner Bros. studio complex, the Disney main campus, and the many production facilities nearby — means heavy, predictable daily congestion. More traffic leads directly to more frequent accidents and higher claims rates, which insurers price into local premiums.
Vehicle Theft Rates
Vehicle theft rates in Burbank run above the state average for comparable cities. Catalytic converter theft has been a particular issue across the greater LA area. Comprehensive coverage on your policy protects against theft, but it also adds to your overall premium — a necessary cost in this market.
Rates Vary by ZIP Code
Even within Burbank, your neighborhood matters. ZIP code 91504 (North Burbank) carries the city's highest premiums at around $245/month for full coverage, while the cheapest ZIP starts at just $77/month for minimum coverage. If you're close to a ZIP code boundary, it may be worth confirming your insurer has the correct address on file.
| ZIP Code | Monthly Min. Coverage | Monthly Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 91501 (Downtown Burbank) | $99 | $213 |
| 91502 (West Burbank) | ~$100 | ~$215 |
| 91505 (Studio District) | ~$99 | ~$212 |
| 91504 (North Burbank) | ~$115 | $245 |
Age and Experience
Younger drivers pay dramatically more. The spread between what a 20-year-old pays versus an experienced adult driver is enormous in Burbank:
| Age Group | Avg. Monthly (Full) | Avg. 6-Month Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Young Drivers (16–25) | $298 | $1,788 |
| Adults (26–64) | $173 | $1,038 |
| Seniors (65+) | $183 | $1,098 |
Impact of Driving Violations
Violations push Burbank premiums sharply higher. A DUI nearly triples what you'd pay versus a clean record:
| Violation | Cheapest Option (Monthly) | City Average (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|
| Clean Record | GEICO $65 (min) | $83 |
| Speeding Ticket | GEICO $97 (min) | $114 |
| At-Fault Accident | AAA (cheapest) | $123 |
| DUI | GEICO $157 (min) | $176 |
A DUI in California typically requires an SR-22 filing for three years, which notifies your insurer you're in a high-risk category. Many standard carriers will non-renew your policy after a DUI. GEICO and Farmers are among the more DUI-friendly insurers in Burbank based on rate data.
California Bans Credit-Based Insurance Pricing
California law prohibits insurers from using your credit score or credit history when setting auto insurance rates. This is a significant consumer protection unique to California — even if you have poor credit, it won't inflate your Burbank car insurance premium.
How to Get Cheap Car Insurance in Burbank
Start with a GEICO Quote
GEICO undercuts the Burbank city average by over $400 per six months. It's the benchmark to beat — get their quote first, then see if anyone comes close.
Claim California's Mandatory Good Driver Discount
California law requires insurers to offer a 20% discount if you've had no at-fault accidents or violations in the past three years. Make sure it's on your policy — it can save you hundreds annually.
Bundle Home (or Renters) and Auto
Combining your renters or homeowners policy with your auto insurance typically saves 10–15%. Progressive and State Farm offer strong bundling discounts in the Burbank market.
Consider a Pay-Per-Mile Policy
If you work from home or drive infrequently — common in Burbank's media/entertainment industry — a pay-per-mile insurer like Metromile (now part of Lemonade) or Mile Auto can dramatically cut your costs compared to a traditional policy.
Reassess Collision Coverage on Older Vehicles
If your car is worth less than $5,000, collision coverage may cost more than it's worth. Dropping it on an older vehicle can save $200–$400 per year in a high-premium market like Burbank.
California Minimum Insurance Requirements
California updated its minimum liability limits on January 1, 2025 — the first increase in decades. Here's what the law now requires versus what experts recommend:
| Coverage Type | California Minimum (2025) | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily Injury (per person) | $30,000 | $100,000 |
| Bodily Injury (per accident) | $60,000 | $300,000 |
| Property Damage | $15,000 | $50,000 |
| Uninsured Motorist | Not required (must be offered) | $30,000/$60,000 |
| Comprehensive / Collision | Not required | Required if financed/leased |
California is an at-fault state — if you cause an accident in Burbank, you're personally responsible for all damages above your coverage limits. With vehicle repair and medical costs in LA County being among the highest in the country, minimum liability limits can be dangerously insufficient. Bumping up to 100/300/100 is strongly advised for Burbank drivers.
Approximately 16% of California drivers are uninsured. In urban LA County, that number can run higher. Adding UM/UIM coverage is a smart move — it protects you when the driver who hits you has no insurance, and typically costs only $30–$60 per six months.
Top Insurance Agents in Burbank
Working with a local agent can help you navigate California's unique insurance rules and find discounts specific to your situation. Here are top-rated agents serving Burbank:
Frequently Asked Questions
GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in Burbank for most drivers — $140 per month ($840 for six months) for full coverage and just $65 per month for minimum coverage. Progressive and AAA are strong runners-up. Your actual rate depends on your age, driving record, and vehicle, so comparing quotes is always worth doing.
Burbank's rates are driven up by its dense urban population, heavy commuter traffic from its position in the LA metro area, and higher-than-average vehicle theft rates. The city ranks among the more expensive markets in California. Its proximity to the entertainment industry also means a large number of high-value vehicles on the road, which increases claims costs for insurers.
Since January 1, 2025, California requires minimum liability coverage of 30/60/15 — $30,000 per person for bodily injury, $60,000 per accident, and $15,000 for property damage. California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver who causes the accident bears financial responsibility. These minimums are a legal floor, not a financial safety net — most Burbank drivers are better served with higher limits given local repair and medical costs.
No. California is one of only a few states that prohibits insurers from using credit scores to determine auto insurance premiums. Your credit history has zero impact on what you pay for car insurance in Burbank — a significant advantage compared to most other states.
The most effective steps: get a GEICO quote (which leads the Burbank market on price), confirm you're receiving California's mandatory 20% Good Driver discount if you qualify, bundle auto with renters or homeowners insurance for 10–15% savings, and consider whether pay-per-mile insurance makes sense if you work from home or drive infrequently. Shopping quotes annually is also worthwhile — Burbank's competitive market means rates can shift meaningfully between renewal cycles.
Methodology
The insurance rates mentioned in this article is based on the average amount for a 30 year old female purchasing 50/100/50 ($50,000 for injury liability for one person, $100,000 for all injuries and $50,000 for property damage in an accident) liability car insurance coverage. The premium rate can be higher or lower than the rates specified depending on the type of coverage one may choose, deductibles applied and the discounts offered by insurance company.