Bakersfield drivers pay $693 per year for minimum auto insurance, and $1,984 for full coverage. This is more than the national average of $626 and $1,647 respectively. Bakersfield drivers need to have access to low-cost coverage options in order to maximize savings and coverage.
Bankrate has reviewed a number of carriers to determine which ones offer not only competitive pricing but also the best coverage options, discounts and financial strength for drivers in one of California’s most populated cities.
Bakersfield’s best car insurance company
Bankrate compared several popular carriers to find the best. The 2021 J.D. was also evaluated. Power overall customer satisfaction survey results among Californians, and 2021 rates for minimum and full coverage from Quadrant Information Services.
Farmers and Nationwide had lower J.D. Both carriers have high Power scores and offer many coverage options and discounts. Progressive, Wawanesa, and Geico all offer very competitive rates. They also score high on the J.D. Power list.
Farmers
Farmers, which is one of the largest auto insurance providers in the U.S., offers drivers a wide range of policy customization options and discounts, including competitive rates. Farmers claims that switching to them for your auto insurance can help you save up to $467. Additional savings are available if you bundle with them. Although the carrier isn’t the most affordable, it offers plenty of options for Bakersfield drivers looking to customize their coverage.
All over the country
Nationwide does not rank at the top of the 2021 J.D. The Nationwide survey by Power shows that the carrier has a variety of options to personalize your auto insurance policy. Nationwide offers unique coverage options, such as gap coverage or accident forgiveness. This is in addition to discounts like accident-free savings or multi-policy discounts to help you save even more on your premiums. Nationwide’s mobile app is highly recommended and can be used to manage your policy, such as submitting claims or calling for roadside assistance.
Geico
Geico has been offering auto insurance policies for more than 75 years. It continues to be a strong player in the auto insurance market, being the second-largest private passenger insurance provider. Geico offers many policy options including comprehensive, collision and roadside assistance. There are also a lot of discounts. Although the website and app may not be as comprehensive as those offered by other carriers, Geico is ranked among the top with J.D. California has high power scores, which indicate strong customer service.
Progressive
Progressive has more than 12% market share in the United States and offers Bakersfield drivers multiple coverage options, discounts, and excellent customer ratings. Progressive offers some of the most important discounts for drivers on a tight budget. Enroll for Snapshot and let Progressive track your driving. Safe driving habits could qualify you for premium discounts. Progressive also offers a savings bank with a deductible that reduces your deductible by $50 each year you avoid making claims.
Wawanesa
J.D. Power rated Wawanesa as the #1 California car insurance company. Power’s 2021 study. Bakersfield residents rate Wawanesa highly for their customer service and efficient claims processing. Wawanesa’s car insurance package, which includes full coverage, is the most affordable at $1,508 annually. This is good news for those who lease or finance vehicles and must have full car insurance. However, mobile users may find the app could use improvement — it has not received a major update since 2015.
Bakersfield has the lowest car insurance
Bakersfield’s average annual cost for minimum coverage is $565 and full coverage is $1,674 respectively. However, it is less expensive than the California average rate of $733 and $2.065 respectively. It is important to find the cheapest Bakersfield car insurance rates so that you don’t overpay for the coverage that you require.
Bankrate compared rates from several well-known carriers to find that many offer attractive rates, great customer service ratings, and discounts. Geico, for example, has the lowest rates for minimum coverage and ranks as the highest among Californians using the J.D. Power 2020 study. Capital insurance provides lower rates while also offering numerous coverage and discount options for drivers in California. AAA and Grange offer lower rates and multiple discount options for maximum savings.
Bakersfield Insurance requirements
California law requires drivers in Bakersfield to carry 15/30/5 worth of liability coverage. This means that drivers must have:
- $15,000 per person for injury or death
- $30,000 per accident for injury or death
- $5,000 per accident for property damage
Although purchasing minimum car insurance in California could save you money on your premiums, it may end up costing you more in the long-term. For instance, California is ranked 10th in the nation for highest number of uninsured drivers. By adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to your policy, you can receive additional medical payment and property damage payments if you are involved in an accident with someone who does not have insurance.
Bakersfield: Car insurance discounts
Bakersfield’s car insurance rates are higher than the national average. This means that you should seek out as many discounts and offers as possible to reduce your insurance costs. Bakersfield residents can take advantage of a variety of discounts including:
- Multi-policy:Ask about discounts if you already have homeowners or renters insurance with the carrier.
- Driving defensively:Many carriers offer additional savings for taking a defensive driving course. This will allow you to improve your driving skills and possibly save on premiums.
- Excellent studentAsk about discounts for students at California’s colleges and universities or high schools.
- Vehicle new:A discount on a newer model vehicle may allow you to lower your premiums.
These are just a few of the many ways you can save every year. You can also compare different carriers as rates and coverages can differ greatly between companies. A higher deductible (or out-of-pocket cost) can help you save even more. You have a better chance of saving money if you increase your deductible.
Questions frequently asked
Which Bakersfield car insurance company is best?
There are a number of factors to consider when pinpointing the best car insurance in Bakersfield. To help you choose the best, it is a good idea to look at customer service ratings, rates and discounts, as well as digital assets.
What is the cost of Bakersfield car insurance?
Bakersfield’s average car insurance rates are $693 per year for minimum coverage, and $1,984 annually for full policies. Your rates will be determined when you request a quote. It is based on many personal factors. Your exact quote will be determined by factors such as your zip code, vehicle, credit score, driving record, and age.
What is the difference in minimum and full auto insurance?
Because it does not include the state-required liability coverage, which pays for damages to other people, minimum car insurance is more affordable. Full car insurance covers your vehicle (comprehensive or collision), in the event that your car needs to be repaired or replaced.
What amount of Bakersfield car insurance do you need?
Bakersfield requires minimum liability coverage to be able to drive legally. It is $15,000 per person for injury/death and $30,000 per accident. There is also $5,000 per accident for property damage. The minimum coverage does not offer financial protection for you and your passengers. It may be a good idea to upgrade to full coverage.