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Best cheap car insurance in Bakersfield for 2024
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Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.
The best car insurance companies in Bakersfield
On average, drivers in Bakersfield, California pay $2,495 per year for full coverage car insurance and $584 per year for state minimum coverage. If you’re looking for the best California car insurance companies for drivers in Bakersfield, you may want to request quotes from the companies below. Bankrate’s editorial team selected these carriers for drivers in Bakersfield seeking affordable coverage, competitive discounts and robust coverage options. We focused on third-party ratings for customer service and financial strength along with average premium data from Quadrant Information Services.
Bankrate score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Progressive made our list: Progressive offers nationwide car insurance coverage at affordable rates to a wide variety of drivers, earning a Bankrate Score of 4.4 out of 5.0. Progressive auto policies include optional add-ons like ridesharing coverage and loan/lease payoff, and the company employs strong digital tools like the Name Your Price shopping tool to simplify car insurance for most drivers.
Why Progressive may be best for young drivers: Progressive’s wide availability and its range of coverage options, digital tools and discounts may make it a good choice for young drivers or anyone whose insurance needs may change frequently.
| Bankrate Score | 4.4 |
| J.D. Power | 809/1,000 |
| AM Best score | A+ |
Bankrate score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Geico made our list: If you’re looking for a basic car insurance policy at an affordable rate, you may want to request a quote from Geico, which tied in the 2024 Bankrate Awards for Best Auto Insurance Company Overall. Geico received above-average customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power in the 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study at both the California state level and the national level. The company also scored well above average for service in J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Insurance Digital Experience Study.
Why Geico may be best for budget-conscious drivers: Geico’s average rates are typically below the national average, thanks in part to a robust set of discounts. Drivers in Bakersfield may qualify for discounts based on vehicle equipment like daytime running lights and anti-lock brakes, or for driver behavior like completing an approved defensive driving course.
| Bankrate Score | 4.4 |
| J.D. Power | 830/1,000 |
| AM Best score | A++ |
Bankrate score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why State Farm made our list: As the largest car insurance carrier in the nation with an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), State Farm stands out for reliability and practical savings opportunities. State Farm scored well above average for customer satisfaction in the California region of J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Auto Insurance Study and ranked in the top five U.S. insurers for the 2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study.
Why State Farm may be best for discounts: While many insurers limit their discounts in California, State Farm offers a wide range of savings opportunities for CA drivers. Both mature drivers (55 and older) and students with less than 9 years of driving experience are eligible for discounts. You can also get lower rates by staying with State Farm for at least three years, insuring multiple vehicles or bundling multiple insurance products.
| Bankrate Score | 4.3 |
| J.D. Power | 826/1,000 |
| AM Best score | A++ |
Bankrate score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Travelers made our list:We assigned Travelers a Bankrate Score of 4.2 out of 5.0 in recognition of its strong coverage options, generous discounts and generally low rates. Bakersfield drivers may be eligible for discounts from Travelers on hybrid or electric vehicles or for completing an approved driver training course, and coverage options are plentiful. Just be aware that shoppers in California can only get Travelers quotes through a local agent.
Why Travelers may be best for policy customization: If you’re looking for cheap full coverage car insurance with add-ons like gap coverage and rental reimbursement, Travelers may be a good choice. The company also offers a new car replacement endorsement, which can replace your new car with a new one of the same make and model if it’s totaled within the first five years of ownership.
| Bankrate Score | 4.2 |
| J.D. Power | |
| AM Best score | A++ |
Bankrate score
Avg. min coverage premium
Min. coverage
Avg. full coverage premium
Full coverage
Why Nationwide made our list: With a 2024 Bankrate Score of 4.2 for car insurance, Nationwide’s wide range of coverage and robust suite of discounts make it an attractive choice for many drivers. One of the standout features of Nationwide car insurance is the SmartMiles pay-per-mile program, now available in California, which allows drivers to pay a low monthly base rate along with a daily variable rate. If you’re looking for an insurance provider who will charge you based on how much you actually drive, you may want to consider getting a quote from Nationwide.
Why Nationwide may be best for multiple policies: In addition to its strong auto insurance scores, Nationwide received a 2024 Bankrate Score of 4.3 for home insurance. The company ranked well above average in the 2024 J.D. Power U.S. Property Claims Satisfaction Study and offers a discount of up to 20 percent for bundling home and auto insurance. Shoppers can also combine auto and renters or auto, home and life insurance for discounted rates.
| Bankrate Score | 4 |
| J.D. Power | 794/1,000 |
| AM Best score | A+ |
Bankrate's trusted insurance industry expertise
Read our full methodologyTo make our picks for the best cheap car insurance companies in Bakersfield, Bankrate’s editorial team, which includes licensed insurance agents, analyzed the latest insurance premium data available from Quadrant Information Services. By studying rate information based on Bakersfield, CA ZIP codes, we ensure that our information is tailored to the needs of drivers in your area.
46
years of industry experience
122
carriers reviewed
34.5K
ZIP codes examined
1.2M
quotes analyzed
The cheapest car insurance companies in Bakersfield
Finding the cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield can be a challenge. The city is a noted auto theft hotspot, according to the National Insurance Crime Bureau, and its role as a transportation hub for the Central Valley increases the risk of accidents in the Bakersfield–Delano metro area.
Based on data from Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate concluded that Geico, Mercury and National General are three of the cheapest car insurance companies in Bakersfield, California. Drivers looking for affordable coverage in the Bakersfield area may want to request quotes from these three companies, as well as the carriers listed below.
| Insurance company | Average annual min coverage premium | Average annual full coverage premium |
|---|---|---|
|
$480
|
$1,811
|
|
|
$475
|
$1,900
|
|
|
$375
|
$1,993
|
|
|
$597
|
$2,077
|
|
|
$507
|
$2,096
|
How much is car insurance in Bakersfield, California?
The average cost of car insurance in Bakersfield is $2,495 per year or $208 per month for full coverage, while the state average is $222. Minimum coverage in Bakersfield costs an average of $49 per year.
On average, full coverage car insurance in Bakersfield costs 6 percent less than the California state average, and 8 percent more than the national average. Keep in mind, however, that the actual cost of car insurance depends on individual driver characteristics like driving experience and past violations, as well as the vehicle you drive, in addition to your exact location.
Bakersfield rates for teens
Teen drivers in Bakersfield typically cannot purchase a car insurance policy on their own until turning 18. Instead, they must be added to their parents’ or guardians’ insurance. Even when a teen is able to buy coverage, staying on their parents’ policy can help to lower the overall cost of insurance coverage significantly. Eighteen-year-olds in Bakersfield pay an average of $6,863 per year for full coverage on their own, while being added to their parents’ policy averages just $5,281.
| Insurance company | 16-year-old* | 18-year-old* |
|---|---|---|
|
CSE
|
$863
|
$756
|
|
$867
|
$807
|
|
|
$947
|
$897
|
|
|
$966
|
$893
|
|
|
$1,026
|
$839
|
| Insurance company | 16-year-old* | 18-year-old* |
|---|---|---|
|
CSE
|
$3,212
|
$2,883
|
|
$3,657
|
$3,185
|
|
|
$3,992
|
$3,880
|
|
|
$4,175
|
$3,747
|
|
|
$4,182
|
$3,739
|
Bakersfield rates for young drivers
While crash rates among young adults aren’t as high as for teens, Bakersfield drivers between the ages of 20 and 25 still tend to pay higher auto insurance premiums due to limited experience on the road. However, rates typically drop as drivers enter their mid-20s.
A full coverage policy for a 25-year-old in Bakersfield costs an average of $3,148, compared to $4,586 at age 20 and $6,863 at age 18.
| Insurance company | 20-year-old | 25-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$751
|
$442
|
|
|
$754
|
$590
|
|
|
$805
|
$620
|
|
|
$859
|
$658
|
|
|
$880
|
$673
|
| Insurance company | 20-year-old | 25-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$2,709
|
$2,172
|
|
|
$2,915
|
$2,502
|
|
|
$3,273
|
$2,657
|
|
|
$3,478
|
$2,279
|
|
|
$3,702
|
$2,497
|
Bakersfield rates for adults
Moving into adulthood typically comes with lower car insurance rates. On average, 35-year-old drivers in Bakersfield pay $2,561 per year for full coverage insurance and $595 per year for minimum coverage. By comparison, 50-year-old drivers pay 11 percent less, for an annual total of $2,337 for full coverage and $570 for minimum coverage.
| Insurance company | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 50-year-old |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$383
|
$375
|
$369
|
|
|
$489
|
$475
|
$467
|
|
|
$493
|
$480
|
$485
|
|
|
CSE
|
$506
|
$490
|
$486
|
|
$535
|
$507
|
$494
|
| Insurance company | 30-year-old | 40-year-old | 50-year-old |
|---|---|---|---|
|
$1,910
|
$1,811
|
$1,697
|
|
|
$1,995
|
$1,900
|
$1,758
|
|
|
$2,054
|
$1,993
|
$1,951
|
|
|
$2,111
|
$2,077
|
$2,324
|
|
|
CSE
|
$2,199
|
$2,132
|
$1,986
|
Bakersfield rates for senior drivers
Drivers over age 55 typically pay some of the lowest rates for car insurance due to their years of driving experience. Loyalty discounts, good driver discounts and clean driving records can all help to lower the cost of car insurance for Bakersfield seniors. However, drivers aged 70 and older may start to see higher rates due to increased reaction times and vulnerability to injury.
On average, a 60-year-old driver in Bakersfield pays $2,323 per year for full coverage and $567 per year for minimum coverage. Drivers aged 70 pay an average of 8 percent more for full coverage.
| Insurance company | 60-year-old | 70-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$368
|
$392
|
|
|
$485
|
$528
|
|
|
CSE
|
$487
|
$526
|
|
$487
|
$526
|
|
|
$496
|
$610
|
| Insurance company | 60-year-old | 70-year-old |
|---|---|---|
|
$485
|
$1,910
|
|
|
$487
|
$1,928
|
|
|
$632
|
$2,061
|
|
|
$368
|
$1,988
|
|
|
$607
|
$1,963
|
The cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield by driving record
Insurance companies in Bakersfield will take a close look at your driving record when issuing car insurance quotes. If you have driving violations — from a speeding ticket to a DUI conviction to an at-fault accident on your record — you may pay a higher premium to cover the added risk your insurer assumes. Below, we’ve broken down the best car insurance companies in Bakersfield for drivers with various violations.
Car insurance with a speeding ticket in Bakersfield
If you live in Bakersfield and have a speeding ticket conviction on your California driving record, you may pay around 37 percent more than drivers with a clean record. The average cost of full coverage in Bakersfield after a speeding ticket conviction is $3,407 per year.
| Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
|
$502
|
$1,893
|
|
|
$541
|
$2,765
|
|
|
$610
|
$2,172
|
|
|
CSE
|
$632
|
$2,772
|
|
$646
|
$2,652
|
Car insurance after an accident in Bakersfield
If you’re found at fault in a car accident, your insurance premium will likely go up at your next policy renewal. On average, drivers with at-fault accidents in Bakersfield pay 68 percent more than drivers with clean records — an average of $4,188 per year.
| Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
|
$613
|
$2,961
|
|
|
$755
|
$2,647
|
|
|
$814
|
$3,218
|
|
|
CSE
|
$819
|
$3,176
|
|
$941
|
$4,250
|
Car insurance after a DUI in Bakersfield
A conviction for driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious violation and can have an outsized impact on the cost of car insurance. The California Driver’s Handbook outlines the penalties for DUI convictions, which can include fines, SR-22 filing and potential jail time.
If you have a DUI conviction on your record and are required to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility with the CA DMV, your insurance rates will typically go up. Some carriers may even deny coverage to drivers with DUIs. A Bakersfield driver with a DUI conviction usually pays 141 percent more for state minimum coverage and 139 percent more for full coverage when compared to a driver with a clean record.
| Insurance company | Average min coverage rate | Average full coverage rate |
|---|---|---|
|
$536
|
$1,887
|
|
|
$828
|
$2,932
|
|
|
$844
|
$3,301
|
|
|
$850
|
$4,304
|
|
|
$990
|
$4,849
|
Minimum coverage requirements in Bakersfield
Bakersfield drivers are required by California law to carry at least the following auto insurance coverage:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
In addition to minimum liability coverage, your insurance company must offer a policy that includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, but you can decline this coverage in writing if you choose. You can also satisfy your financial obligations through a surety bond or cash deposit to the DMV totaling $35,000 in lieu of purchasing insurance.
California’s relatively low insurance requirements keep rates close to the national average when compared to other states. Keep in mind, however, that only purchasing California’s minimum coverage would leave you with no direct coverage for physical damage to your vehicle after an at-fault accident and could leave you underinsured in the event of an accident where you are responsible for damages exceeding $30,000 for injuries and $5,000 for property damage.
Frequently asked questions
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze April 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:
- $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $50,000 property damage liability per accident
- $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $500 collision deductible
- $500 comprehensive deductible
To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.
Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.
Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 20-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.
Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 18-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy.
Bankrate Score methodology
Our 2024 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impact policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories.
Each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. Our scoring model provides a comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and highlighting where they fall short.
-
Cost & ratings 50%
-
Coverage & savings 30%
-
Support 20%
- Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, average quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best, Demotech and the NAIC, were analyzed.
- Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
- Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
R.E. Hawley is a senior writer for Bankrate. Prior to joining Bankrate’s insurance editorial team in 2024, they worked as senior writer for a popular car ownership and insurance comparison app, leading a team of over a dozen writers in creating customer-focused financial advice content on topics ranging from insurance to vehicle reliability and auto loan refinance. R.E. holds a personal lines insurance license in the state of New York.
