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Grass Valley Auto Insurance 2025

Historic Gold Rush town with rates up to $1155 below Sacramento
Sierra Nevada Foothills Elevation 2,411 ft Population Pop. 14,000
$1,745
Avg. Full Coverage
31%
Below State Avg
32min
Avg. Commute
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$1,745 Avg. Annual Full Coverage
$145 Monthly Premium (Clean Record)
31% Below CA Average
$72 Monthly Liability Only
32 min Average Commute Time
Excellent News for Grass Valley Residents!
Grass Valley's auto insurance rates are 31% below CA average of $2,532/year. With comprehensive coverage averaging just $1,745 annually, you're saving $787/year compared to the typical CA driver.

Grass Valley Auto Insurance Risk Report 2025

Weather, accidents, theft, and seasonal risks — save up to $787/year with smart coverage.

Weather & Environmental Risk Factors

Very High Risk Level — Very High (dense conifer forest, WUI)

Higher elevation brings snow (20 in/year), ice, and extreme wildfire risk. Dense pine forest and dry summers. Annual rainfall 55 inches.

Annual Weather Data

Thunderstorm Days 12 per year
Annual Rainfall 55 inches
Annual Snowfall 20 inches
Wildfire Exposure High Risk

Wildfire Evacuation Zones

  • Grass Valley
  • Alta Sierra
  • Nevada City
  • Banner Mountain

Peak Risk Months

Flood Risk:

January February March

Wildfire Risk:

July August September October

Common Weather-Related Claims

Snow/ice damage to undercarriage (comprehensive)

Coverage: Collision

Wildfire smoke damage to paint/HVAC

Coverage: Comprehensive

Hail on vehicles

Coverage: Comprehensive

Falling pine branches in wind

Coverage: Collision

Chain damage from winter driving

Coverage: Collision

Weather Driving Safety Advice

Winter Preparation

  • Mandatory snow tires or chains Nov–Apr
  • Monitor Caltrans for CA-20/49 chain controls

Wildfire Season

  • Avoid driving in heavy smoke; use recirculation
  • Increase following distance in snow ≥6 seconds

General Safety

  • Keep wildfire evacuation kit + snow shovel in trunk
  • Use headlights in fog/smoke/snow
Data Sources: NOAA NWS Sacramento, CAL FIRE 2025, Nevada County OES

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Accident Risk Analysis

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

CA-49 curves, snow, and tourism. At-fault rate 11.5%. Deer and run-off-road common.

Key Statistics

At-Fault Rate (Grass Valley) 11.5%
National Average 12%
Commuter-Related Crashes 28%
Tourist-Related Crashes 22%

Premium Impact

Monthly Liability (Clean Record) $72
Monthly Full Coverage (Clean) $145
Annual Full Coverage $1,745
Savings vs. CA Average 31% lower

Common Accident Types

Run-off-road on CA-49 curves (snow/ice)

Rear-end in downtown traffic

Deer collisions on Idaho Maryland Rd

Tourist distracted driving near Empire Mine

High-Risk Intersections

Drive with Extra Caution at These Locations:

CA-49 & CA-20

CA-49 & McKnight Way

Sutton Way & Idaho Maryland Rd

Peak Accident Months

January August October
Data Sources: CHP SWITRS 2023–2025, Nevada County Sheriff, Caltrans PeMS

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Theft & Property Crime Risk

Low Risk Level — Motor vehicle theft rate...

Low. Vehicle theft 1.3 per 1,000. Hotspots in downtown and fairgrounds.

Crime Statistics

Motor Vehicle Theft Rate 1.3 per 1,000
National Average 1.7 per 1,000
Property Crime Rate 8.2 per 1,000
Burglary Rate 260 per 100,000
Violent Crime Rate 2.6 per 1,000
Theft Increase (2023-2025) +5%

Most Stolen Vehicles in Grass Valley

  1. Ford F-150
  2. Chevy Silverado
  3. Toyota Tacoma
  4. Subaru Outback

High Theft Zones

Exercise Extra Caution in These Areas:

Downtown Grass Valley parking

Nevada County Fairgrounds

Empire Mine State Park

Recommended Anti-Theft Measures

Garage parking

Motion-sensor lighting

Remove valuables from sight

Steering wheel lock for work trucks

Data Sources: Grass Valley PD 2024, FBI UCR 2023, NICB 2025

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Seasonal Driving Risks in Grass Valley

❄️

Winter

Snow, black ice, chain controls

🌸

Spring

Rockslides, flooding

☀️

Summer

Wildfire smoke, heat

🍂

Fall

Deer, tourism

🍂

Source

CAL FIRE

Source: CAL FIRE

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Claims Trends & Payouts in Grass Valley

Claim Distribution

Comprehensive38%
Collision52%
Liability10%

Average Payouts

Comprehensive$5,100
Collision$6,400

Notable Trends

Smoke Damage Claims +230% (2023–2025)
Data Sources: III, CA DOI 2024

Local Driving Laws & Regulations in CA

Key California Laws

Hands-Free LawYes
Primary Seatbelt LawYes
Teen Driver RestrictionsProvisional until 18
DUI BAC Limit0.08%
Move Over LawYes

Local Enforcement

Red Light CamerasNo
Speed CamerasNo
Source: CA DMV

Grass Valley Location & Geography

Historic Gold Rush town at 2,400 ft elevation. Known for Empire Mine, Nevada County Fairgrounds, and vibrant arts scene. Surrounded by pine forests and outdoor recreation.

City
Grass Valley
State
CA (CA)
ZIP Codes
95945, 95949
County
Nevada County
Region
Sierra Nevada Foothills
Population
14,000
Growth Rate (2020-2025)
0.9%
Land Area
4.7 sq miles
Population Density
2,979 per sq mi
Elevation
2,411 feet
Climate Zone
Hot-summer Mediterranean (Csa)
Metro Area
Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA MSA

Major Roadways

CA-49

CA-20

McKnight Way

Sutton Way

Idaho Maryland Rd

Insurance Cost Comparison

Coverage Type Grass Valley Average California Average National Average Your Savings
Full Coverage $0/year $2,532/year $2,030/year 31% lower

Demographics & Driving Behavior

Median age 50. 14% drivers 16–24. DUI rate 1.7 per 1,000.

Age Demographics

Median Age (Grass Valley) 50
U.S. Median Age 38.8
Drivers Aged 16-24 14%

DUI & Violations

DUI Rate (Grass Valley) 1.7 per 1,000
California Average 2.8 per 1,000

Premium Increases

DUI Violation +82%
Speeding (15+ mph) +22%
At-Fault Accident +40%

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit in Grass Valley?
No. CA bans credit.
Comprehensive needed?
Yes — critical for snow, wildfire smoke, and deer.
Cameras?
No red light or speed cameras.
Cheapest?
GEICO, Progressive for clean records.

Expert Recommendations for Grass Valley Drivers

Coverage & Savings Tips

  • Get your Grass Valley quote in under 2 minutes.
  • Bundle auto + home for up to 28% savings.
  • Add comprehensive for snow, smoke, and hail.
  • Winter drivers: Ask about chain damage coverage.
  • Clean record = max discount.
  • Avoid small claims under $900.
  • Telematics for safe driving rewards — up to 40% off.

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Overall Risk Assessment

Low-Moderate overall; 31% below CA average due to low crime and mature drivers. Elevated by snow, wildfire, and tourism. Annual full coverage $1,745.

Last Updated: 2025-11-07