Is there any way to estimate what a car & car insurance would cost me if I moved to San Francisco?

October 20, 2009 12:16 PM

What are ways to estimate what a car and car insurance would cost me if I moved to San Francisco?

I'm looking for what it would cost to have a reasonable, eco-friendly (not necessarily a hybrid, probably not a hybrid) car for 2 people in San Francisco. Something like a hatchback that's 1-2 years old. I live in NYC now so I have no idea how to go about estimating insurance and car loan payments. Resources? Thanks!

(There is a question about this from 2005, but I think things may have changed by now.)

posted by scazza to work & money (6 comments total)

do a quote estimate with progressive for insurance?
posted by Think_Long at 12:20 PM on October 20

Go Here

And get a "quick quote" - you'll need to pick an SF zipcode (mines 94107 which is Potrero Hill and South of Market)
posted by bitdamaged at 12:21 PM on October 20

As far as insurance goes, you can call or go to the website of most insurers and get a quote. Here is Geico's page. Just look up the zip code for the part of San Francisco you want to live in and use a car of the type you think you'd like.
posted by mikepop at 12:23 PM on October 20

Whatever you do, be sure to figure in at least $50 worth of parking tickets a month - most people I know that have a car in SF rack up even higher fines.
posted by The Light Fantastic at 12:49 PM on October 20

A lot of that depends on where you live and your parking arrangements. I never got a parking ticket in my years or parking around the city.
posted by mikepop at 1:03 PM on October 20

When you get your value, compare it against what Zipcar will cost you. There are zipcars EVERYWHERE.

I got rid of my car in San Francisco and find myself saving money (or at least keeping equal with) what it cost me to have a older model Honda Civic.

Street parking is $50 / year for a permit + $50-$100 in tickets a month
Garage parking is $100 - $200 a month
My insurance was $1200 / year or abouts
posted by bottlebrushtree at 2:32 PM on October 20