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Chico Auto Insurance 2025

Same coverage as Sacramento drivers — pay up to $760 less every year
Northern Sacramento Valley Elevation 237 ft Population Pop. 100,331
$2,140
Avg. Full Coverage
20%
Below State Avg
28min
Avg. Commute
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$2,140 Avg. Annual Full Coverage
$178 Monthly Premium (Clean Record)
20% Below CA Average
$85 Monthly Liability Only
28 min Average Commute Time
Excellent News for Chico Residents!
Chico's auto insurance rates are 20% below CA average of $2,675/year. With comprehensive coverage averaging just $2,140 annually, you're saving $535/year compared to the typical CA driver.

Chico Auto Insurance Risk Report 2025

Weather, accidents, theft, and seasonal risks — save up to $535/year with smart coverage.

Weather & Environmental Risk Factors

High Risk Level — High (valley fire prone)

Mediterranean with hot summers (smoke) and wet winters (floods). Annual rainfall 30 inches; wildfire risks high.

Annual Weather Data

Thunderstorm Days 15 per year
Annual Rainfall 30 inches
Annual Snowfall 2 inches
Wildfire Exposure High Risk

Wildfire Evacuation Zones

  • Chico
  • Paradise
  • Magalia

Peak Risk Months

Flood Risk:

January February

Wildfire Risk:

July August September

Common Weather-Related Claims

Smoke damage (comprehensive)

Coverage: Comprehensive

Flooding near creeks

Coverage: Comprehensive

Hail storms

Coverage: Comprehensive

Wind damage

Coverage: Collision

Ash fallout

Coverage: Comprehensive

Weather Driving Safety Advice

Winter Preparation

  • Flood watch on CA-99
  • Recirculate in smoke

Wildfire Season

  • Increase rain distance
  • Emergency kit

General Safety

  • Tire pressure heat
  • Headlights fog
Data Sources: NOAA Sacramento, CAL FIRE 2025

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Accident Risk Analysis

High Risk Level — At-fault accident rate...

Moderate-high from CA-99 traffic and student drivers. At-fault 14% (vs 12% national), 35% commuter crashes.

Key Statistics

At-Fault Rate (Chico) 14%
National Average 12%
Commuter-Related Crashes 35%
Tourist-Related Crashes 20%

Premium Impact

Monthly Liability (Clean Record) $85
Monthly Full Coverage (Clean) $178
Annual Full Coverage $2,140
Savings vs. CA Average 20% lower

Common Accident Types

CA-99 rear-end rush hour

Student distracted crashes

Intersection at Esplanade

Deer rural roads

Bike/pedestrian near campus

High-Risk Intersections

Drive with Extra Caution at These Locations:

CA-99 & CA-32

Esplanade & 5th St

E 20th St & Park Ave

Peak Accident Months

August September December
Data Sources: CHP SWITRS 2023-2025, Insurify 2025, Caltrans PeMS

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Theft & Property Crime Risk

Moderate Risk Level — Motor vehicle theft rate...

Moderate property crime 10.5 per 1,000. Vehicle theft 1.9 per 1,000, hotspots near campus.

Crime Statistics

Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 1.9 per 1,000
National Average 1.7 per 1,000
Property Crime Rate 10.5 per 1,000
Burglary Rate 320 per 100,000
Violent Crime Rate 3.5 per 1,000
Theft Increase (2023-2025) +10%

Most Stolen Vehicles in Chico

  1. Honda Civic
  2. Toyota Camry
  3. Ford F-150
  4. Chevy Silverado

High Theft Zones

Exercise Extra Caution in These Areas:

CSU Chico campus areas

Downtown parking

Residential near CA-99

Apartment complexes

Recommended Anti-Theft Measures

Alarm system

Wheel lock

GPS tracker

Secure parking

Hide valuables

Steering lock

Data Sources: Butte County Sheriff 2024, FBI UCR 2023, NICB 2025

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Seasonal Driving Risks in Chico

❄️

Winter

Flooding, fog on CA-99

🌸

Spring

Rain, pollen

☀️

Summer

Smoke, heat

🍂

Fall

Deer, dark

🍂

Source

CAL FIRE, NWS Chico

Source: CAL FIRE, NWS Chico

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Claims Trends & Payouts in Chico

Claim Distribution

Comprehensive32%
Collision58%
Liability10%

Average Payouts

Comprehensive$4,800
Collision$6,200

Notable Trends

Smoke Damage Claims +220% (2023–2025)
Data Sources: III, CA DOI 2024

Local Driving Laws & Regulations in CA

Key California Laws

Hands-Free LawYes (CVC 23123)
Primary Seatbelt LawYes
Teen Driver RestrictionsProvisional until 18; no passengers <20 first year
DUI BAC Limit0.08%
Move Over LawYes — slow/move over for emergencies

Local Enforcement

Red Light CamerasNo
Speed CamerasNo
Source: CA DMV, CHP, Butte Code

Chico Location & Geography

University town in the Sacramento Valley, known for agriculture, CSU Chico, and proximity to Sierra Nevada.

City
Chico
State
CA (CA)
ZIP Codes
95926, 95928, 95973
County
Butte County
Region
Northern Sacramento Valley
Population
100,331
Growth Rate (2020-2025)
1.8%
Land Area
42 sq miles
Population Density
2,389 per sq mi
Elevation
237 feet
Climate Zone
Mediterranean (Csa)
Metro Area
Chico, CA MSA

Major Roadways

CA-99

CA-32

CA-70

Insurance Cost Comparison

Coverage Type Chico Average California Average National Average Your Savings
Full Coverage $2,140/year $2,675/year $2,030/year 20% lower

Demographics & Driving Behavior

Median age 31 (vs 38.8 US); 25% drivers 16-24. DUI 2.7 per 1,000 (near CA 2.8). Credit banned; rates on history.

Age Demographics

Median Age (Chico) 31
U.S. Median Age 38.8
Drivers Aged 16-24 25%

DUI & Violations

DUI Rate (Chico) 2.7 per 1,000
California Average 2.8 per 1,000

Premium Increases

DUI Violation +80%
Speeding (15+ mph) +25%
At-Fault Accident +45%

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit for Chico rates?
No. CA bans credit per Prop 103.
Comprehensive needed?
Yes for smoke, hail, animals.
Cameras in Chico?
No red light or speed.
Best insurance in Chico?
GEICO, Progressive for clean records.

Expert Recommendations for Chico Drivers

Coverage & Savings Tips

  • Personalized quote for Chico, CA.
  • Bundle for 25% savings.
  • Mature course discounts.
  • Comprehensive for smoke and hail.
  • Clean record discounts.
  • Avoid small claims.
  • Free quote 2 minutes.
  • Telematics for 40% off.

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Overall Risk Assessment

High overall; 20% below CA average due to rural access, but elevated by student traffic and fires. Annual full coverage $2,140 (20% below CA avg of $2,675).

Last Updated: 2025-11-07