Finding the Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield, CA

If you’re a driver in Bakersfield, having proper car insurance coverage is crucial for protecting yourself on the road. But with so many insurance options, how do you know which company and policy is right for your needs and budget?

This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting great car insurance in Bakersfield, including:

• Average insurance costs in Bakersfield
• Minimum CA state requirements
• Top local insurance providers
• Money-saving tips to lower your premium
• Factors that impact your rate
• Types of car insurance coverage
• And more!

Follow along for tips to get the ideal car insurance in Bakersfield at rates you can afford.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Bakersfield

Bakersfield drivers pay an average of $1,674 per year for full coverage car insurance, according to 2021 data from The Zebra. This is slightly lower than the state average of $1,815 per year.

However, your actual rate can vary significantly based on factors like your:

• Age
• Driving record
• Credit score
• Type of vehicle
• Level of coverage
• And more

For example, a driver with a recent accident can pay 50%+ more than a clean record driver for the same policy. We’ll explain more about how these factors impact your premium later on.

California Minimum Coverage Requirements

California law requires all drivers to carry a minimum level of liability insurance. This covers injuries or damage you cause to others in an accident.

The minimum liability limits in CA are:

• $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $5,000 property damage liability

However, experts recommend getting more than just the minimum coverage. If you cause a serious accident, minimum limits may not be enough to cover all expenses. Many drivers opt for 100/300/100 or higher limits for better protection.

In addition to liability, lenders require you to carry comprehensive and collision coverage if you have an auto loan or lease.

Top Auto Insurance Providers in Bakersfield

The company you choose can have a significant impact on your policy cost and customer experience. Here are some of the top insurers locally and statewide to consider:

State Farm – With nearly 18% market share in California, State Farm has a strong presence in Bakersfield. They offer standard policies plus extras like rideshare coverage.

GEICO – GEICO is the second largest auto insurer in the state, praised for good rates on minimum coverage plans. Their online quotes and claims process make them convenient.

Mercury Insurance – Mercury is a regional company focused on CA, AZ, FL, GA, IL, NV, NY, OK, TX, and VA. With decades of experience serving CA drivers, they offer competitive rates and policy options.

AAA – For AAA members, this insurer provides bundled discounts when you add auto with homeowners or life insurance. They have strong financial ratings and excellent claims service.

Progressive – Progressive is known for innovative offerings like Name Your Price tool, Snapshot safe driving program, and immediate coverage. They insure over 2.5 million drivers in California.

Infinity Auto – Regional insurer serving CA drivers. Infinity offers low rates, extensive plan customization, and a usage-based program called Personalized Auto that adjusts premium based on driving habits.

Getting quotes from at least 3-5 providers ensures you find the best rate. Make sure to compare the same coverage levels when comparing quotes.

Tips to Lower Your Car Insurance Rate

Drivers in Bakersfield have options when it comes to lowering their auto insurance costs. Here are some smart ways to save:

Increase deductibles – Choosing higher deductibles like $500 or $1,000 means you pay more out-of-pocket if you have a claim, but you save significantly on premiums.

Bundle policies – Insure your home or condo with the same provider as your car and you can save up to 15% or more.

Maintain good credit – CA allows insurers to use your credit-based insurance score to determine rates. Keeping your credit solid can mean big savings.

Ask about discounts – Take advantage of every discount you qualify for, like multi-car, safe driver, good student, defensive driving course completion, and more.

Drop unnecessary coverage – Removing comprehensive and collision coverage on an older vehicle can lower your rate if the car isn’t worth much.

Compare quotes frequently – Shop around for cheaper rates every 6-12 months, especially if you’ve had life changes like adding a teen driver.

What Impacts Car Insurance Costs in Bakersfield?

From your driving history to the type of car you drive, many factors go into calculating your unique auto insurance rate. Here are some of the biggest ones companies consider:

Driving record – Speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, DUIs, and other violations raise your premium significantly. Drivers with a clean record save the most.

Credit score – Insurers have found a correlation between credit scores and likelihood of claims. Maintaining good credit can help lower your rate.

Vehicle type – Insuring a sports car, luxury model, or high-performance vehicle costs more than an economy sedan due to repair costs and theft risk.

Age and experience – Teen and young drivers pay the highest rates due to lack of experience behind the wheel. Rates drop significantly as you gain years of safe driving.

Annual mileage – Driving fewer than 10,000 miles per year may qualify you for a low mileage discount. Commuting long distances raises your rate.

Location – Living in a dense, high-traffic area leads to more accidents, vandalism, and theft. This drives rates higher compared to rural areas.

Marital status – Married drivers pay less than single drivers, statistically speaking. Adding your spouse to a policy generally saves money.

Gender – Young male drivers pay more on average, due to riskier driving tendencies like speeding and distracted driving. The gap closes as drivers get older.

Types of Car Insurance Coverage in Bakersfield

Below are some common auto insurance coverage types available in Bakersfield. The right policy depends on your budget, assets, and risk tolerance.

Liability coverage – Bodily injury and property damage liability covers injuries or damage you cause to others. It meets state minimum requirements but experts recommend 100/300/100 limits or higher.

Comprehensive – Pays to repair damage to your vehicle from incidents other than collisions, like fire, hail, floods, theft, vandalism, or a fallen tree branch.

Collision – Covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with an object like another car, tree, or guardrail.

Uninsured/underinsured motorist – Provides protection if you’re hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Required in CA and typically matches your liability limits.

Medical payments – Covers medical expenses for you and passengers injured in an accident, regardless of who was at fault.

Personal injury protection – Pays for injuries to you and your passengers, comparable to medical payments coverage plus lost wages.

Gap insurance – Pays the difference between what your auto insurance settles on your totaled car and what you still owe the lender. Prevents being “upside down” on a loan.

Rental reimbursement – Provides money toward a rental car while your vehicle is repaired after a covered loss.

Roadside assistance – Provides towing and help with lockouts, flat tires, battery jumps, and gas delivery. Available as an add-on through many insurers.

Final Thoughts on Buying Car Insurance in Bakersfield

With high-quality insurers like Mercury, State Farm, and GEICO, Bakersfield drivers have many options when shopping for auto insurance. Be sure to shop around and compare quotes on the same coverage. Look for an insurer that offers standard discounts plus any unique savings opportunities.

Spending time to understand the various coverage options is also key, so you know you have the protections you need. Don’t just look at the premium – make sure you feel confident in your ability to file and resolve a claim if the need arises.

If you’re looking for personalized service and competitive rates on car insurance in Bakersfield, an independent insurance broker can be a big help. Brokers like Insurance Brokers West shop multiple carriers for you and provide an added advocate as you evaluate insurance options.

With a little research, you can find quality, affordable auto insurance in Bakersfield suited to your budget and lifestyle. Drive safely out there, Bakersfield!