Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Bakersfield, CA (2023)

Minimum-coverage car insurance in Bakersfield costs an average of $95 per month, nearly $200 cheaper than the California state average of $294. Bakersfield is considered the population center point of California since it’s located within just four hours of 90% of the state’s population.^[1] 

Roads can get busy in this city located just north of Los Angeles and near Interstate 5 and Highway 99. However, car insurance rates remain affordable with several options for drivers to find cheap car insurance in Bakersfield.

How much does car insurance cost in Bakersfield?

Car insurance costs in Bakersfield can vary widely, so be sure to compare quotes to get the best deal for your needs. Some factors that influence insurance rates include where you live, the type of car you drive, your age, your gender, and your driving history.^[2] 

Insurify’s data scientists analyzed the latest insurance rates in the city to identify the cheapest quotes for residents. 

• Mile Auto has the cheapest liability-only insurance in Bakersfield.

• Mile Auto offers the cheapest full-coverage insurance in Bakersfield.

• Mile Auto also has the cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Bakersfield.

Learn More: Cheap Auto Insurance in California

Average cost of auto insurance in Bakersfield

In Bakersfield, the average monthly cost for car insurance is $188. Insurance companies calculate rates differently based on factors such as your age, driving history, credit, and ZIP code. The type of car insurance policy you choose (liability, full coverage, collision) also directly affects the price you pay, so quotes can vary widely. 

Here’s how the average monthly rate for car insurance in Bakersfield differs by insurer.

Cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield: Mile Auto

Mile Auto has the cheapest car insurance rates in Bakersfield for both liability-only and full-coverage policies. Mile Auto is a pay-per-mile auto insurance company that uses technology and AI to help low-mileage drivers get insured quickly and save money. 

If you drive fewer than 10,000 miles per year, Mile Auto could be an affordable option for you. But if you drive a significant amount in a given year, insurers like Progressive or Aspire General may be better options.

How much car insurance do you need in Bakersfield?

Most states require drivers to have liability or minimum car insurance coverage. California requires drivers to carry a minimum of:

• $15,000 for bodily injury/death to one person

• $30,000 for bodily injury/death to more than one person

• $5,000 for damage to property 

Liability insurance doesn’t cover damage to the policyholder’s property or their medical expenses after an accident, so if you’re looking for additional coverage you should upgrade to a full-coverage policy.^[3] 

If you require services from your local DMV, it may require proof of insurance, and you’ll need to keep a copy of your insurance card in your vehicle to show officers if you get pulled over. 

Failure to maintain at least the minimum required car insurance coverage could result in a suspended vehicle registration.

California also accepts alternatives to a traditional insurance policy. If you have the cash, you can satisfy state insurance requirements by making a $35,000 cash deposit with the DMV or posting a surety bond for that amount. You can also obtain a self-insurance certificate from the DMV.^[3]

California DMV information

California’s DMV offices provide many driver services, such as issuing a new license or ID and driver registration. You can complete many services online or book appointments for your local office. The website also helps you locate the nearest DMV office based on your ZIP code.^[4]

Tips for getting cheap car insurance in Bakersfield

To reduce your car insurance premiums, focus on factors that you can control and ask about insurer discounts. This includes seeking discounts for bundling your car insurance with homeowner’s insurance. 

Keeping a clean driving record can help too. Check if insurers offer discounts to drivers who haven’t had an accident or moving violation within the past three years. 

“Shopping and comparing car insurance quotes is essential for saving money," says Laura Adams, a money expert and award-winning personal finance author. “Not only do auto rates change frequently, but carriers evaluate you differently and offer different discounts."

Read More: Compare Home and Auto Insurance Bundles

How age affects car insurance rates in Bakersfield 

Age and even gender affect car insurance rates. Insurers find that mature or older drivers tend to have fewer accidents than younger drivers. Young drivers have less experience on the road, which creates a higher risk to insurance companies. 

As a result, car insurance rates are often higher for people under age 25. The following table provides some insight into how age can affect average car insurance rates.

Cheapest car insurance for young drivers in Bakersfield

Mile Auto and Safe Auto have the cheapest car insurance rates for young drivers in Bakersfield. Consider applying for low-mileage or good student discounts to save even more money.

Cheapest car insurance for middle-aged drivers in Bakersfield

Mile Auto and Aspire General have the cheapest car insurance rates for middle-aged drivers in Bakersfield. Consider bundling your auto insurance with your home or renters insurance to save even more on your policy.

Cheapest car insurance for senior drivers in Bakersfield

Safe Auto and Progressive have the cheapest car insurance for senior drivers in Bakersfield. Consider pay-per-mile insurance or taking a safe driver course to save even more money on your car insurance.

How credit scores affect cheap car insurance in Bakersfield

Insurance companies also consider your credit score when you apply for car insurance. Your credit demonstrates how well you keep up with your finances and pay bills on time. A personal credit score of 700 or higher is considered good, according to Experian. 

The lower your credit score, the more risk an insurer might assume, and they’ll increase rates to reflect this. Some states, including California, restrict insurers from factoring credit into car insurance rates.^[5] 

Learn More: Car Insurance Rates by Credit Tier

The effect of driving habits on car insurance in Bakersfield

Your driving history also affects your car insurance rates. Drivers without accidents or tickets on their record tend to pay less for car insurance premiums than drivers with a bad record.

Accidents typically stay on your record for up to three years, and a DUI could not only raise your premiums but also make it harder for you to get coverage from certain insurance companies.^[6] The tables below show the effect certain driving violations can have on car insurance rates.

When you see a negative difference in a table, it doesn’t mean the insurer gives lower rates to drivers with that infraction. More likely, the sample data was too small, possibly because the insurer may have chosen not to offer policies to drivers with that infraction.

Cheapest car insurance with an accident in Bakersfield: Progressive

An accident can increase your insurance rates whether you’re at fault or not. However, if you’re found at fault for causing an accident, your premiums could go even higher.

Cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield with a DUI: Aspire General

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious infraction — one that may come with criminal charges. A DUI will almost certainly cause your rates to increase, or your insurance company may cancel your coverage altogether.

Cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield with a speeding ticket: Mile Auto

More than 68% of California drivers admitted to going over the speed limit by 10 mph, and nearly 20% have driven 20 mph over the limit, according to a 2019 study.^[7] Speeding tickets could cause your insurance premiums to rise significantly.

Car insurance in other California cities

California is home to several large cities, and insurance costs can vary from city to city — even within the same state. Here’s a look at car insurance quotes in some other California cities:

• Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Sacramento, CA

• Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in Los Angeles, CA

• Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in San Francisco, CA

• Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in San Diego, CA

• Cheap Auto Insurance Quotes in San Jose, CA

How to save on car insurance in Bakersfield

You have many ways to save money on car insurance in Bakersfield if you feel your rates are getting too expensive. 

• See if you qualify for discounts. Your insurer may provide discounts for safe drivers or for bundling your auto coverage with homeowners or renter’s insurance.

• Keep a clean driving record. Some insurers lower your premiums if you keep a clean driving record each year. Even if you can’t receive a direct discount for a good driving record, you can keep premiums low by driving safely and avoiding tickets and at-fault accidents.

• Participate in a safe driver program. Many companies offer safe driver programs, or telematics programs, that track your driving and reward drivers with discounts for safe driving. Ask your insurer if you’re eligible to participate.

• Increase your deductible. Choosing a higher deductible could lower your insurance premiums. This also means that you’ll need to pay more money up front if you file a claim before your insurance coverage kicks in.

• Apply for a good student discount. If you’re a student, you may be able to get a discount on car insurance if you maintain good grades.

“There are many discounts your insurer may not know you qualify for, such as getting married, becoming a homeowner, or changing jobs,” Adams says. “Be sure to update your information periodically and shop your existing coverage."

Bakersfield driving conditions

Bakersfield is located in Kern County. The Bakersfield city website stays up-to-date with reporting all traffic, road conditions, construction projects, and injury and non-injury accidents online. 

Find local Bakersfield agents

Bakersfield car insurance FAQs

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about car insurance in Bakersfield.