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Jerry Data & Research
The Best Oakland, CA Car Insurance Quotes (Apr 2024)
The Best Oakland, CA Car Insurance Quotes (Apr 2024)
Oakland drivers pay an average of $200/month for full coverage car insurance. Find the cheapest rates with Jerry, starting at $83/month.
Find Insurance Savings
No long forms
No spam or unwanted calls
Quotes from top insurance companies
Kianna Walpole
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
Edited by Amy Bobinger, Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
Table of Contents
- How much does car insurance cost in Oakland, CA?
- Estimate your car insurance costs in Oakland, CA
- Find the best car insurance companies in Oakland, CA
- Why is car insurance so expensive in Oakland?
- Auto insurance requirements for Oakland, CA
- Optional coverages to consider in Oakland
- FAQs
- Sources
- Meet our experts
Load full table of contents
With a vibrant community, plenty of artistic and naturalistic activities, and multicultural cuisines, Oakland is the ideal tourist destination for those seeking adventure. In 2022 alone, 3.3 million tourists visited Oakland,
California
—an increase of 83% since 2019. 1As a result, it’s crucial to have a robust
car insurance
policy. Most Oakland drivers pay an average of $2,400 per year for full coverage car insurance
—and although finding cheap coverage can seem challenging, it’s not impossible. Here’s how. How much does car insurance cost in Oakland, CA?
The average cost of car insurance
in Oakland, California, is approximately $2,400 per year for a full coverage policy, and $1,002 annually for the state minimum. On average, Oakland drivers pay less than the state and national averages for car insurance.
Coverage type (per year) | Oakland | California | United States |
|---|---|---|---|
Full coverage | $2,400 | $3,124 | $3,183 |
Minimum coverage | $1,002 | $1,078 | $1,373 |
Keep in mind that
auto insurance quotes
are highly individualized, with most insurance companies using factors such as age, driving history, and marital status to determine your final costs
. To find your best rate, use the
Jerry
app. Once you build out your profile, you’ll be able to compare customized quotes from dozens of Oakland car insurance companies based on your driver needs and history. 
With
Jerry
, you can view four different levels of insurance coverage—basic, basic and full coverage, standard, and preferred—and compare prices to find an affordable and reliable auto insurance policy. From start to finish, the entire process generally takes between one and two hours.
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Estimate your car insurance costs in Oakland, CA
No two car insurance rates are the same. When calculating your premiums, car insurance companies examine several different elements to generate your rates. The most common factors in California include:
- Age
- Driving record
- Marital status
- Vehicle type
- ZIP code
Some of these factors may carry more weight than others, but all of them influence your premium costs to some degree. Take a look at each factor in depth below to determine if you’re overpaying for your current policy.
Age
Your age and driving experience are some of the most important factors that impact your auto insurance rates. Compared to drivers between the ages of 26 and 34,
teen drivers
generally pay 94% more on premiums—but why? According to the
California Office of Traffic Safety
, the number of teen crash fatalities increased by 14.8% from 2020 to 2021, with distracted driving accounting for 60% of all crashes among teens. 4 As such, insurance providers often view teens as more likely to engage in risky behavior. On the other hand, however, once drivers hit 25, their rates tend to decrease, with
senior drivers
generally paying some of the lowest premiums out of all age groups.Age group | Average annual full coverage cost | Average monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
18-21 | $7,113 | $593 |
22-25 | $5,705 | $475 |
26-34 | $3,648 | $304 |
35-44 | $3,006 | $251 |
45-54 | $3,221 | $268 |
55-64 | $3,410 | $284 |
65+ | $2,692 | $224 |
Driving record
Drivers with minor violations such as a speeding ticket can see their California premiums increase by 41%, whereas drivers with more serious violations, such as a DUI or reckless driving charge, may experience a rate increase of around 170%.
Coverage type | Violations | No violations |
|---|---|---|
Full coverage | $4,211 | $2,400 |
Minimum coverage | $1,213 | $1,002 |
For the lowest possible rates in Oakland, maintain a
clean driving record
by continuously practicing safe driving habits. Not only will you build good behaviors, but your premiums will stay lower and you may become eligible for safe driver car insurance discounts.Marital status
Policyholders who are married will likely experience lower costs than those who are single, as they’re often viewed by insurance providers as being more financially responsible and having a lower risk of filing claims.
Based on our data, single drivers pay 11% more for auto insurance coverage compared to married drivers. Here’s how that breaks down for a full coverage policy.
Status | Average annual full coverage cost | Average monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
Married | $3,391 | $283 |
Not married | $3,779 | $315 |
Vehicle type
Generally, larger vehicles, high-value cars, and newer models tend to cost more to insure due to more expensive parts and the higher risk of theft and vandalism. On the other hand, used and older model year cars are on the more affordable side.
Use the table below to compare the cost of some of California’s most popular models.
Model | Average annual full coverage cost | Average monthly full coverage cost |
|---|---|---|
$1,776 | $148 | |
$1,824 | $152 | |
$1,932 | $161 | |
$1,980 | $165 | |
$2,160 | $180 | |
$2,196 | $183 | |
$2,220 | $185 | |
$2,400 | $200 | |
$2,640 | $220 |
ZIP code
Other factors that can raise your premiums include increased accident rates and uninsured motorist rates—both of which are high in California.
Here’s how those factors impact rates for the most and least expensive ZIP codes in Oakland.
The most expensive ZIP codes in Oakland
| ZIP code | Average monthly cost of insurance |
|---|---|
| 94605 | $202 |
| 94606 | $183 |
| 94603 | $176 |
| 94612 | $175 |
| 94601 | $174 |
The cheapest ZIP codes in Oakland
| ZIP code | Average monthly cost of insurance |
|---|---|
| 94608 | $116 |
| 94618 | $132 |
| 94619 | $152 |
| 94602 | $152 |
| 94621 | $155 |
Find the best car insurance companies in Oakland, CA
It’s not just individual factors that can influence your car insurance—your chosen provider also plays a role in how cheap your premiums are. Just like no two driver profiles are the same, no two insurers are either. That’s why it’s best to compare rates and coverage options among some of the top companies in Oakland.
Insurance company | Average annual full coverage cost |
|---|---|
Embark General | $1,671 |
$2,090 | |
Anchor Platinum | $2,113 |
$2,168 | |
Amica | $2,299 |
$2,395 |
Overall standout: Mercury
Overall standout: Mercury
Years in business: 45
Jerry user rating: 4/5
A.M. Best financial strength score: A (Excellent)
Average annual full coverage premium: $2,090
Along with affordable rates, Mercury provides simple and efficient claims processing, easy digital policy management, and countless car insurance discounts. As an added bonus, policyholders are offered guaranteed repairs on their vehicle if they select a Mercury authorized repair shop.
Read More
Best for drivers with violations: Safeco
Best for drivers with violations: Safeco
Years in business: 100
Jerry user rating: 4/5
A.M. Best financial strength score: A (Excellent)
Average full coverage premium with violations: $2,494
Safeco provides drivers with several insurance coverage options, including diminishing deductibles and claims-free cash back for drivers who maintain a clean record. In addition, drivers with violations can also opt into Safeco's RightTrack telematics program to earn even more discounts on their car insurance.
Read More
Most valuable for students: Travelers
Most valuable for students: Travelers
Years in business: 170
Jerry user rating: 5/5
A.M. Best financial strength score: A++ (Superior)
Average full coverage premium for 18-21: $4,110
Although car insurance rates with Travelers are high for drivers between the ages of 18 and 21, students can lower their costs by opting into safe driver, good student, distant student, and driver training discounts. And if you're a part of IntelliDrive, you can save even more.
Read More
Why is car insurance so expensive in Oakland?
While Oakland car insurance isn’t the most expensive in California, it still is relatively high due to other states and cities. If you’ve seen your rates increase lately, even with a clean record, and can’t explain why, here are some reasons:
- High accident rates: Oakland is considered one of the most dangerous cities for crashes in California, with only major cities like Los Angeles, Sacramento, and San Diego ranking higher.8
- Climate change: In 2023, there were over 7,000 wildfires across California.9 Although this number is a little lower than the previous 3 years, it’s enough concern for major insurance providers to pull out of the state.10 11 Mixed with the already rising premium costs, this makes finding car insurance in California more difficult than before.
- Growing crime: Car thefts and break-ins in Oakland increased by 46% in 2023, with a reported 9,859 thefts and 13,076 break-ins.12 As a result, insurance companies raise comprehensive insurance to offset the number of claims.
Auto insurance requirements for Oakland, CA
To follow
California’s car insurance laws
, drivers must carry at least the state minimum amounts of liability insurance
. This includes: - $30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage
- $5,000 per accident inproperty damage liability coverage
Remember, the state minimum coverage will only cover damages and medical expenses that you cause to other drivers. With the high accident and crime rates reported in Oakland, it’s a good idea to invest in
collision coverage
and comprehensive coverage
, which will cover your vehicle against severe weather, theft, and car accidents. If you live in Oakland, consider increasing your liability limits to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100. Although this may seem like a lot, it only generally adds a few extra dollars per month to your premium costs, and can protect your assets and future income in the event of a serious accident.
If you live in Oakland, consider increasing your liability limits to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100. Although this may seem like a lot, it only generally adds a few extra dollars per month to your premium costs, and can protect your assets and future income in the event of a serious accident.
Optional coverages to consider in Oakland
Along with higher liability limits, drivers should also look into optional add-on insurances, such as:
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage will provide you with added protection in a crash with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. There are two types of this coverage: uninsured motorist bodily injury, and uninsured motorist property damage.
- Medical payments (MedPay): MedPay will cover any medical bills for you and your passengers if you’re injured in an accident.
- Rental reimbursement: Rental reimbursement will pay for the cost of a rental vehicle while your car is being repaired due to a collision.
- Gap coverage: After a total loss accident, gap coverage will pay for the amount between your car’s actual cash value and remaining car loan total. Keep in mind that this is typically only for cars with full coverage policies.
- Roadside assistance: Also known as towing and labor coverage, roadside assistance covers any lockouts, towing services, jumpstarts, and tire changes.
FAQs
How much is car insurance in Oakland, CA?
The average cost of car insurance in Oakland, California is approximately $2,400 per year for a full coverage option, and $1,002 annually for the state minimum.
Who is the cheapest car insurance in California?
There is no ‘best’ or ‘cheapest’ provider for all drivers—however, many California residents find affordable rates with insurers like Travelers, Nationwide, GEICO, Allstate, State Farm, and Clearcover.
Why is car insurance so expensive in California?
Car insurance rates may have increased in California due to severe weather changes, high car accident rates, and the number of uninsured drivers in the state.
What factors affect car insurance rates in Oakland, California?
Car insurance rates in Oakland, California are impacted by individual and external factors. This includes age, driving record, vehicle type, crime rates, accident rates, weather, and more.
How can I continue to save on car insurance in Oakland, CA?
Drivers in Oakland, CA can save on car insurance by continuously shopping for lower rates, raising their deductible limits, and bundling services such as homeowners insurance, renters insurance, or life insurance with car insurance.
How much is car insurance per month in California?
California car insurance premiums, on average, cost approximately $260 per month for full coverage and $90 per month for the state minimum.
What’s the best way to shop for car insurance in Oakland, California?
Drivers in Oakland, California have two options to shop for car insurance: either with an insurance agent, or an insurance broker, like Jerry. With Jerry, you can compare free quotes from dozens of providers at once to find the best coverage for you.
Who offers the best coverage in Oakland, California, for teen drivers?
Teen drivers in Oakland may find the best savings and coverage with Travelers. While young drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 often see higher than average rates, Travelers offers several insurance products, such as discounts and telematics programs, to help drivers lower costs.
Methodology
Methodology
All premium data in this article comes from real car insurance quotes obtained through the Jerry app and analyzed by our editorial team. Jerry’s data scientists analyzed over 25 million real quotes issued to users in Jerry’s proprietary database. Jerry is partnered with 55+ insurance companies in 48 states.
Unless otherwise stated, all data represents the average of the lowest quoted price at time of writing (12/16/2023) for a currently insured single driver between the ages of 35 and 65 with a single vehicle.
Minimum coverage refers to policies with the following coverage limits: $15,000 per person/$30,000 per accident in bodily injury liability coverage and $5,000 per accident in property damage coverage.
Full coverage refers to policies that contain at least the minimum liability required by law in California along with comprehensive and collision insurance with deductibles of either $500 or $1,000.
Sources
Meet our experts
Kianna Walpole
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
Kianna Walpole is an insurance writer and editor with a comprehensive background in consumer behavior and online publishing. With experience in car insurance, maintenance, and repair, she is dedicated to building informative content that helps customers reduce costs while achieving the best service. Prior to joining the Jerry editorial team, Kianna worked as a junior editor in the content marketing industry, using consumer data and key insights to create and edit content for an array of large-scale clients in the real estate, cybersecurity, and healthcare industries.
Amy Bobinger
Licensed Insurance Agent — Expert Insurance Editor
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars.
Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
Josh Damico
Head Of Insurance Operations
18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.
