Car Insurance in Bakersfield, CA: Cheapest Rates & Average Costs
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Car insurance in Bakersfield, CA, costs about $156 per month for full coverage, which is cheaper than in most California cities but still above the national average. That's because Bakersfield's high rates of auto theft and congested roads influence how insurers calculate your premiums compared to the rest of the country. This article covers the most affordable providers and proven strategies to lower your costs while getting the protection you need in Kern County.
Average Car Insurance Rates in Bakersfield, CA
The average car insurance in Bakersfield costs about $156 per month for full coverage, or $1,878 per year. That’s $29 cheaper than the average California car insurance of $185 per month. For minimum coverage, Wawanesa is the cheapest option at just $38 per month, which is $456 per year. California requires liability coverage by law, but the minimum limits won’t protect you much in serious accidents.
This is how Bakersfield compares with California insurance and national averages:
| Location | Monthly Average | Yearly Average |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $156 | $1,878 |
| California | $185 | $2,220 |
| National | $147 | $1,760 |
Bakersfield sits right in between the state and national averages. You’ll pay more than drivers in many other states, but less than most California drivers.
Your actual rate depends on your driving record, age, vehicle type, and ZIP code. Clean drivers with good credit get the best deals, while accidents or violations bump up premium rates. Shopping around between companies can help you save hundreds per year, as rates can vary tremendously between insurers.
Top Cheapest Car Insurance Providers in Bakersfield
To find the cheapest auto insurance in Bakersfield, CA, you’ll have to compare quotes from multiple companies to see which one has the best rates available for you.
These are the most affordable quotes for full coverage car insurance in Bakersfield:
| Company | Monthly Average | Yearly Average |
|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $88 | $1,050 |
| USAA | $134 | $1,602 |
| Progressive | $156 | $1,868 |
| California Capital | $158 | $1,890 |
| Nationwide | $168 | $2,016 |
| Allstate | $180 | $2,156 |
Wawanesa leads with the lowest rates, but they’re selective about who they insure. The company usually only accepts drivers with clean records and great credit scores. If you have had accidents or poor credit, then Wawanesa will likely decline your application.
USAA has great rates but only covers military families and veterans. Progressive and California Capital are solid, affordable options that provide good value for most drivers.
However, don’t assume that these will be the cheapest quotes for you. Your age, driving record, vehicle, and ZIP code all affect pricing, and companies weigh these factors differently. It's best to get quotes from at least three companies before you make your decision.
How Local Factors Affect Your Insurance Premiums
Bakersfield drivers face specific risks that insurance companies price into every policy. Local coverage costs reflect real data on accidents, theft, crime, and claims in your area.
The biggest factor contributing to high premiums is auto theft. Bakersfield is the second metro area with the highest auto theft in the country, with 1,072 thefts per 100,000 residents. This statistic alone pushes comprehensive coverage costs higher for every driver in the city.
Beyond theft, traffic patterns add to the problem. Highway 99 bottlenecks and congestion around Kern County’s oil field areas create traffic accidents. Kern County’s fatal car accident rate is more than double that of California, and almost twice as high as the national average.
Not everything works against you, though. Auto repair costs in Bakersfield run much lower than in coastal cities like San Francisco or Los Angeles. Cheaper labor and parts mean smaller claim payouts when accidents do happen, which helps offset some of the higher risk factors.
The weather gives another break to local drivers. Bakersfield avoids the wildfire risks plaguing Northern California and flood concerns along the coast. Without these natural disaster threats, full coverage stays more reasonable than in other parts of the state.
Coverage Requirements and Options for Bakersfield Drivers
California’s mandatory auto insurance laws require all drivers to carry minimum liability coverage. These are the minimum requirements for every California insurance policy:
- $15,000 in bodily injury per person
- $30,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 for property damage
However, these coverage limits can leave you exposed to high financial risk if you ever get in an accident. Consider adding this optional but important coverage:
- Liability: Pays for damage you cause to others. California’s minimums are low, so consider higher limits.
- Collision coverage: Pays to fix your car after accidents with other vehicles or objects.
- Comprehensive: Covers theft, vandalism, weather damage, and hitting animals.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorists: Protects you when other drivers don’t have enough insurance.
Tips for Saving on Car Insurance in Bakersfield, CA
There are many strategies you can use to find lower California car insurance quotes in Bakersfield. Although each will give you a small monthly saving, these small changes can add up over time.
Try these strategies to save money on your car insurance in Bakersfield, CA:
- Bundle your policies: Combine auto and home insurance with the same company for discounts on the bundle.
- Keep your driving record clean: Avoid tickets and accidents to qualify for safe driver discounts.
- Raise your deductibles: Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums if you can handle the out-of-pocket cost during claims.
- Stay on top of preventative maintenance: Regular oil changes and routine maintenance help prevent accidents that spike your premiums.
Get Customized Car Insurance Quotes for Bakersfield Drivers
Insurance rates can change significantly by ZIP code and driver profile in Bakersfield. The best way to find your lowest rate is to compare custom quotes from multiple companies. Get a personalized quote comparison for free and in just minutes to see which company has the best value for you.
FAQs
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Premiums are sourced from over 30,000 zip codes across 200 insurance companies. We estimate premiums based on public filings for policies seeking 50/100 in liability with $500 deductibles for collision and comprehensive coverage. Estimated rates are based on a 35-year-old single female with a good credit score and no history of accidents or violations driving a 2023 Toyota RAV4 LE. We partner with Quadrant Information Services to source our data and assume no unique benefits or discounts are applied for these rates (unless otherwise stated). Your own rates may be different.