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Cheap Car Insurance in Bakersfield, California (Oct 2024)

The average cost of car insurance in Bakersfield, California is around $1,472 per year. To find cheaper rates, work with an online broker, like Jerry.
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Kianna Walpole
Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by R.E. Fulton, Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
Car insurance
in Bakersfield,
California
costs around $1,472 annually, or $122 per month. California residents typically pay higher rates than other states, and working with a broker can help you find the coverage you need at a lower cost.

How much does car insurance cost in Bakersfield?

On average, drivers in California pay $1,601 per year, or $133 per month, for a
full coverage car insurance
policy. In Bakersfield, the same type of policy costs around $1,472 annually, or $122 per month, making it 9% cheaper than the state average. 
This is also true if you purchase the
state minimum amounts
of $15k/$30k/$5k in
bodily injury liability
and
property damage liability
coverage—which usually costs around $470 per year. For a minimum liability-only policy, drivers in Bakersfield, CA, pay around 19% less than the state average
While the state minimum costs less initially, California’s mandatory liability limits are lower compared to other states, and if they max out after a serious accident, you could be exposed to lawsuits. Consider a full coverage policy or higher liability limits to protect your assets and future income.

Why is car insurance so cheap in Bakersfield?

Location plays a large role in
calculating your insurance premium rates
—and although Bakersfield has a higher population, it’s one of the lower cities on crash reports for California, with Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, and Sacramento taking the top 4 spots.1
In the past year, Bakersfield has experienced 1,303 crashes, with 48 resulting in fatalities. 2 3With a lower number of crashes, insurance companies view Bakersfield as less of a risk for claims and accidents, thus contributing to the overall cheaper cost of car insurance. 

The top car insurance companies in Bakersfield

Jerry recently conducted one of the nation’s largest consumer surveys, asking over 18,000 policyholders about their experience with their current providers. Out of these results, here were the top choices in Bakersfield, CA.
Carrier
Overall Jerry rating
Average cost for full coverage 
Average cost for state minimum
Nationwide
4.2
$828
$245
Allstate
3.6
$1,032
$268
Travelers
4.6
$1,059
$268
The General
4.1
$1,160
N/A
Progressive
4.2
$1,347
$406
Keep in mind that there is no insurance company that can provide the cheapest rates for all drivers. Car insurance quotes are highly individualized, and you may find savings with a different provider than the ones listed here. 

The key to finding car insurance quotes in Bakersfield, CA

To find the most affordable insurance coverage in Bakersfield, you can either contact an insurance agent directly, or work with a broker, like
Jerry
Instead of working with a singular insurer or a small handful of companies, Jerry can help you source quotes from dozens of car insurance providers to help you find tailored rates based on your specific driver profile. Here’s how:
  1. Download the app and create a profile: Once you download the app, you can build your driver profile by inputting basic information, such as your name, address, vehicle identification number (VIN), and driving history. 
  2. Compare coverage options and costs: After your profile is complete, you’ll receive free quotes from eligible car insurance companies in your area. These quotes will be organized by different tiers of coverage so you can compare options and car insurance rates before making a decision.
  3. Check out company ratings: Along with pricing, you can also see real reviews and ratings for each company from actual policyholders in the Jerry app.
  4. Request your final price: Auto insurance quotes are time-sensitive and change frequently, so once you’ve found your ideal policy, click on “Confirm your rate” and follow the necessary instructions.
  5. Make your first payment to activate your policy: Before your policy can begin, you’ll need to make your first initial payment. When it’s accepted, you’ll receive your digital insurance cards in the app, which can be housed in a digital glove box along with any other important documents for your vehicle.
app screenshot
Even once you have a policy, you can compare prices and coverage levels at any time.
That way, you’re always sure you have the best deals on your car insurance.
Remember: Your rates will change with your driving record, any time you move locations, or as you age. Any time you experience a shift in your profile, make sure to update your account in the app and compare prices.
Jerry is a licensed insurance broker backed by a team of independent insurance agents. We work with over 55 car companies, from big names like Allstate, Nationwide, and Progressive to smaller regional insurers like MAPFRE and Anchor General. Jerry offers quick, legitimate auto coverage options through a top-rated mobile app available through the Apple App Store or Google Play store. 

How to save on car insurance in Bakersfield, CA

In comparison to the state and national averages, Bakersfield car insurance costs less—however, that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to save on costs. Here are some of the best strategies to help you lower your car insurance premiums while maintaining adequate protection: 
  • Keep an eye on discounts: Several of the best car insurance companies provide an
    array of discounts
    for a variety of driver profiles, such as good driver, paid in full, and student away from home.
  • Bundle your policies: Motorists with multiple different types of policies with the same provider can
    earn savings by bundling
    either their homeowners insurance or renters insurance with their California car insurance.
  • Raise your deductible:
    Increasing your deductible
    beyond the standard $500-$1,000 will lower your car insurance, as insurers won’t need to payout as much in the event of an accident—however, only raise them to a limit you can realistically afford.
  • Lower your coverage: In most circumstances, a full coverage policy is your best option to meet your insurance needs while protecting your assets. But if your car is worth less than what you’re paying for full coverage, you may be able to drop down to
    liability insurance
    only and save.
  • Maintain a clean driving record: Drivers with a DUI or at-fault accident generally pay more for their auto insurance policy than those with a
    clean record
    . Practice safe driving habits and track your behavior with telematics to help you earn even more rewards.

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 for a currently insured single driver 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, and $5,000 per person in property damage liability.
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. 

FAQs

How much is car insurance in Bakersfield, CA?

Car insurance in Bakersfield, CA generally costs around $1,472 per year for a full coverage option, and $437 annually for the state minimum.

Who is known for the cheapest car insurance?

No company will provide the cheapest rates for all drivers—however, companies such as Nationwide, Travelers, and Allstate provide some of the cheapest rates for most drivers in Bakersfield, CA.

What are the average car insurance rates in Bakersfield, CA?

The average car insurance rate in Bakersfield, CA is $122 per month, or $1,472 for a full coverage policy. Keep in mind that this rate is typically for drivers over 25 with a clean record. Your costs may vary depending on your insurance agency and driver profile.

How much does car insurance cost in California per month?

The average driver in California pays around $1,601 annually for car insurance, or $133 per month.

Is $150 per month cheap for car insurance in Bakersfield, CA?

In Bakersfield, CA, $150 per month is higher than the city average and state average for car insurance. If you’re seeking to lower your rates, consider raising your deductible, shop for discounts, and get a quote from an insurance broker, like Jerry.

What type of coverage is best in Bakersfield, CA?

For drivers in Bakersfield, CA, the best type of coverage is a full coverage option with higher limits of $50k/$100k/$50k, and add-on insurance options, such as roadside assistance.

Is California car insurance high?

Although California drivers generally pay more for car insurance than other states, they are still below the national average of $1,709.

Who has the cheapest car insurance for teen drivers in Bakersfield, CA?

The best providers for teen drivers in Bakersfield, CA, include Travelers, Allstate, and Nationwide. Not only do they provide lower than average prices, but they also supply student and teen discounts to help young drivers save on insurance.

Meet our experts

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R.E. Fulton
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Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views.
As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
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Lina Zhang
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Licensed Insurance Agent
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Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017. Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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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.