Bakersfield, CA Car Insurance
Compare Progressive, Allstate, GEICO and Nationwide (+ other top companies) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield.
How much does car insurance cost in Bakersfield?
Car insurance in Bakersfield costs an average of $939 for a six-month policy or $157 per month on average. In 2024, our data shows Wawanesa is the cheapest car insurance company in Bakersfield with rates at $525 for a six-month policy, or about $88 per month.Â
Residents of Bakersfield pay less than the average for car insurance in California ($966 every six months) but more than the national average of $880. Even though the costs are less than in other California cities, 32% of our customers in Bakersfield said they're paying too much for auto coverage. If you feel the same, or you just want to become more familiar with coverage and options, keep reading to learn more about fair rates in Bakersfield and the factors that go into determining insurance costs.
| Car Insurance in Bakersfield vs. California | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Bakersfield Average | $939 |
| California Average | $966 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Bakersfield
Wawanesa has the cheapest coverage in Bakersfield at $88 per month or $525 for a six-month policy.
In second place is GEICO, with rates of $673 per six-month policy. This breaks down to about $112 on a monthly basis.
The third cheapest company on our list is USAA. On average, a USAA policy in Bakersfield costs $801 per six-month policy. However, not everyone is eligible for USAA coverage, so be sure to check if you qualify.
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Bakersfield:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Bakersfield is $939 per six-month policy — $157 per month.
- The cheapest company in Bakersfield is Wawanesa, a regional carrier serving California and Oregon ($88/month).
- 32% of Zebra customers in Bakersfield stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance.
- California is one of the top states for wildfires which fall under the comprehensive coverage category of car insurance.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Bakersfield car insurance rates by company
Our 2024 research shows that the cheapest car insurance company for full coverage in Bakersfield, CA, is Wawanesa at $88 per month or $525 per six-month policy. Wawanesa's United States headquarters is in San Diego and they offer coverage in both California and Oregon.
The second cheapest company on our list is GEICO at $112 per month or $673 for a six-month policy.
Learn more about top-rated car insurance companies based on The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
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Cheapest car insurance companies in Bakersfield, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $525 |
| GEICO | $673 |
| USAA | $801 |
| Progressive | $934 |
| California Capital | $945 |
| Nationwide | $1,008 |
| Allstate | $1,078 |
| State Farm | $1,101 |
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Shop around for the best rates
The easiest way to get the best rates on car insurance is to compare. Insurance companies aren't all created equal, so let The Zebra do the research for you. Enter your ZIP code to see rates from GEICO, Nationwide, Wawanesa and more of the top insurers in Bakersfield.
Average car insurance in Bakersfield by rating factor
Rating factors are the bits and pieces of information that go into your personalized car insurance rates. These details about you help companies assess your risk and impact what you'll ultimately pay for your insurance premium. Although most companies use the same factors to determine rates, they may weigh these factors differently. For example, one company may focus more on claims history while another might prioritize credit score or ZIP code.Â
It's important to remember that as life changes, your rating factors will change as well. As your personal situation evolves it's a great idea to check in and get new quotes from time to time to make sure you're getting the best rates and coverage. The company which served you best in your 20s, for example, may not be the right fit for you in your 40s.Â
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: End-of-year earnings (revenue of premiums versus the cost of paying insureds’ claims) is also a key rating factor for how much you will pay for car insurance in most cities, including Bakersfield. You may be an excellent driver with no claims, but if the cost of doing business in your location has increased then this may not matter. Some companies just pay more to operate in certain areas and this cost is passed on to their customers in the form of higher rates.Â
Auto insurance premiums by age in Bakersfield
While getting older may not always feel great, the reality is that drivers with more years of experience behind the wheel actually pay less for insurance. Age plays a large role in car insurance costs, and teen drivers typically face significantly higher premiums than their older counterparts due to data showing they pose a greater risk of being involved in an accident. In fact, Bakersfield residents see an astounding $2,448 difference per year when comparing rates for teens with those for people in their 20s!
This can seem harsh, but insurers must consider such risks when calculating prices — after all, this isn't personal — just business! One way to mitigate some of the excess cost for teens is to be added to the policy of their parent or guardian, rather than starting from scratch with their own policy.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Bakersfield, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $873 |
| GEICO | $1,569 |
| California Capital | $1,760 |
| USAA | $1,760 |
| State Farm | $1,926 |
| Progressive | $2,296 |
| Allstate | $2,334 |
| Nationwide | $3,193 |
| Age Bracket | Cheapest Companies | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | Wawanesa | $575 |
| 30s | Wawanesa | $469 |
| 40s | Wawanesa | $469 |
| 50s | Wawanesa | $469 |
| 60s | Wawanesa | $469 |
| 70s | Wawanesa | $461 |
Zebra Tip:Â The cheapest companies for Bakersfield drivers between 20-40 are Wawanesa, GEICO and USAA.
Drivers between the ages of 20 and 40 make up the majority of those on the road in Bakersfield, according to our research. On average, this group pays $1,070 every six months for their car insurance, but by going with one of these companies, drivers in this age group can potentially save 35%.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Bakersfield
Having the right car insurance coverage can make all the difference if you're ever in an accident. According to our data, 28% of Bakersfield drivers are only carrying state-minimum levels — leaving them at risk of coming up short on needed funds should they be involved in a serious crash. While adding collision or comprehensive coverage (generally known as "full coverage") may increase your rates somewhat, it is certainly worth taking into consideration when deciding what kind of policy you need.
If full coverage is a bit over your budget, consider raising your deductible level — this will often save money off monthly payments without compromising much on quality protection. In the event of a claim, you'd pay a bit more before insurance would kick in, but that can be a trade-off for a lot of people when they get to pay less each month.
Don't forget about optional extras like roadside assistance and uninsured motorist coverage;Â these extras provide extra peace of mind behind the wheel even though they will raise your rates slightly.Â
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
When The Zebra studied data from Bakersfield, it showed that 46% of drivers own their vehicles outright. When leasing or financing your vehicle, you may be required to carry a certain amount of coverage on the car. But if you own your car outright and are looking to save money, you might consider if dropping comprehensive or collision coverage could be a good option. We highly suggest getting an accurate value on your vehicle from a source such as Kelley Blue Book, and the general rule of thumb is that for vehicles worth less than $4,000, collision coverage isn't necessary.Â
Just remember that by dropping collision coverage you'll be on the line to personally pay for any repairs in the event of a collision. If this trade-off is something you're comfortable with, you can save money by lowering your coverage.Â
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Bakersfield, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $177 |
| Wawanesa | $228 |
| USAA | $229 |
| Progressive | $262 |
| Nationwide | $322 |
| State Farm | $343 |
| Allstate | $353 |
| California Capital | $376 |
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. This might include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits, better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
44% of The Zebra's customers in Bakersfield choose the basic level of coverage, but it may not be right for you. Carrying the minimum is a surefire way to bring insurance costs down — but at what point does it become too risky? That's a personal call, but keep in mind that by carrying the bare minimum you could be stuck paying for damages beyond your liability limits.
California's minimum coverage is 15/30/5. This means you're required to carry liability insurance for damage you cause up to $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. This would probably be enough in a straightforward situation or fender-bender, but if there is an accident involving multiple vehicles or physical injuries it likely won't be enough coverage.
Learn more about insurance laws in California.
Bakersfield car insurance rates by credit score
In most states, credit score is a key component used in figuring out your auto insurance rate. However, California is one of the few places where this is not used to determine the price you pay for coverage.Â
Typically, insurance companies use credit scores to evaluate the risk of loss, and drivers who are considered riskier will pay higher rates. A poor credit score correlates with more claims filed, lapses in coverage, and more risky driving behavior in general — which can increase rates dramatically.Â
But California (and several other states including Hawaii and Michigan) has opted to ban credit score as a factor when it comes to insurance premiums, which keeps your insurance costs lower regardless of your credit background.Â
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
No one wants to be involved in an accident, but the reality is that it's possible every time a driver takes to the road, and it's essential to be prepared with both insurance coverage and information. At-fault accidents and collisions are the most common insurance claims and having either one on your driving record can significantly increase your insurance rate. Our 2024 data shows that rates in Bakersfield went up by about $115 per month after an at-fault accident. If you're looking for cheap auto insurance after an accident then Wawanesa is your best bet.Â
The very best way to avoid rate increases is to prevent accidents. We understand that this isn't always possible, but driving safely is a key component that is within your control much of the time. Do your best to keep violations and tickets at bay — things like speeding, reckless driving and DUI will result in rate increases that can last for three to five years. Sometimes a DUI may follow you for even longer periods of time.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Bakersfield, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $788 |
| California Capital | $1,109 |
| USAA | $1,135 |
| GEICO | $1,210 |
| Nationwide | $1,473 |
| State Farm | $1,731 |
| Progressive | $1,833 |
| Allstate | $2,348 |
Bakersfield car insurance rates by violation
Different violations will affect your rates differently, so take a look at the table below to get an idea of how much your insurance premiums can increase after specific citations in Bakersfield.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Bakersfield, CA
Why is car insurance in Bakersfield so expensive?
Just because the rates in Bakersfield are cheaper than in cities such as Los Angeles and Fresno doesn't mean it doesn't seem expensive, especially if you haven't shopped around for rates in a while. It can be a bit of a shock sometimes.
There are a variety of reasons why auto insurance costs can be high in certain areas. The cost of living in Bakersfield comes into play, which means that car insurance companies have to pass on some costs to cover their own. If doing business in a certain place is expensive then that will impact consumers.
There's more to it than that, as well. We've talked about individual factors like age and driving history, but keep reading to find out why insurance rates can vary, even within the city limits of Bakersfield itself.
We know that cities vary in the cost of insurance, but even the neighborhood can make a difference. Other than your personal factors, like claims history, your specific ZIP code in Bakersfield affects what you'll pay for your car insurance coverage.Â
Like most other things in the insurance business, this comes down to risk. Statistically, the amount of crime, theft and uninsured drivers can change from just one street to the next. Areas prone to circumstances like these are riskier for insurance companies. Therefore, the rates for drivers living in neighborhoods with higher risk will in turn be more than those in safer neighborhoods.
Expensive Bakersfield ZIP codes:Â 93304, 93301, 93313, 93307, 93311
Cheap Bakersfield ZIP codes:Â 93312, 93314, 93308, 93306, 93305
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California has one of the most comfortable climates around, but it's also had plenty of experience with Mother Nature's wrath, which can raise insurance rates drastically. California actually ranked #1 on the list of top states for wildfires in 2021, with over 2 million acres burned.[1] Although the city center itself may not be especially at risk, the dry landscape around Bakersfield is especially vulnerable. Consider comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle investment in the event of a natural disaster such as a wildfire.Â
Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding is also covered under your comprehensive coverage. Although Bakersfield (like most of California) is typically in a drought, when it does rain it often arrives fast, and Kern County can experience flash flooding. If you have a new or nice vehicle, we definitely recommend considering comprehensive coverage as part of your Bakersfield car insurance policy.
As the population of Bakersfield increases, it's natural that there are more cars on the road. More cars on the road mean that there will be more accidents, violations and claims. How does this affect you? If an area experiences more claims due to an ever-increasing number of drivers, these costs are then passed on to other drivers in the form of higher premiums.Â
According to our data, about 36% of drivers in Bakersfield are not currently insured — that can be a little unnerving, to say the least. If you're hit by one of those drivers, you can be left paying out-of-pocket for the damage you sustain to yourself or your vehicle (or both). We suggest carrying uninsured motorist coverage (also called UMPD). It's there to help you out in the event that your car is damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver.Â
Zebra Tip: Use your comprehensive coverage to protect your vehicle against wildfires
Damage caused by weather-related incidents can be catastrophic for states. Whether you experience an intense natural disaster or simply a thunderstorm with hail and wind, you could be paying for any car repairs yourself if you're lacking the right coverage. If you're worried about wildfires or other weather-related events damaging your vehicle, consider adding this layer of protection to your current coverage.
Bundling insurance policies in Bakersfield
Although car insurance continues to rise across the nation, you can still save on your coverage. One of the simplest ways to get a discount is to bundle. Most of us have a renters or homeowners policy, as well as our car insurance policy. If they're with different insurance companies then consider combining them. When you shop for new rates, ask about bundling discounts — you might save as much as 20% by combining your policies with one insurer. It doesn't take long to ask your current insurance company about bundling or compare rates from others to see what savings you may be missing.
Learn more about bundling home and car insurance.
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Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Bakersfield, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $525 |
| GEICO | $673 |
| USAA | $724 |
| Nationwide | $762 |
| Progressive | $801 |
| California Capital | $801 |
| State Farm | $870 |
| Allstate | $1,058 |
There will always be factors behind your insurance rates that are outside of your control. However, you can do your best to keep your profile looking good as you shop for insurance. Also, remember that you have options when it comes to your insurance company! Even if you've been with the same company since you got your first car, it is a great idea to look at other auto insurance quotes to find the most affordable rate that also meets your coverage needs. It may feel awkward to switch companies, but some just tend to be more expensive than others and you always have the option to switch.
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Frequently asked questions
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.