Cheap Auto Insurance in Bakersfield, California (2025)

Bakersfield drivers enjoy lower car insurance rates than drivers in many other California cities. On average, Bakersfield drivers pay $83 per month for a liability-only policy and $202 for full-coverage auto insurance, while California’s averages are $95 a month for liability only and $208 a month for full coverage. 

Residents of Bakersfield may have lower premiums because of its lower population and lower crime rate compared to its neighbors in Los Angeles County.1 Here’s what you need to know about finding cheap car insurance in Bakersfield.

Best car insurance companies in Bakersfield

The best car insurance depends on your budget, driving record, and car insurance coverage needs. It’s important to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies to find the best one for you.

Best insurer for liability-only coverage: Mile Auto

Best insurer for military members and veterans: USAA

Best insurer for coverage options: State Farm

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield

Coverage options, policy specifics, and other factors vary by car insurance company. Here’s how you can find affordable coverage in Bakersfield:

• Shop around. Get quotes from at least three different companies to determine the most affordable option for your unique situation. Before you move forward with the cheapest insurer, research its customer satisfaction and financial strength ratings to make sure it’s a reputable company.

• Look into usage-based insurance. If you’re retired or a remote worker and don’t drive often, pay-per-mile insurance is worth exploring. You’ll only pay for the miles you drive, plus a monthly base rate.

• Look for discounts. Most auto insurers offer a variety of discounts. A few examples include bundling discounts, loyalty discounts, anti-theft device discounts, and safe driving discounts.

• Drive responsibly. A driving history with speeding tickets, DUIs, and other incidents can raise your car insurance premiums. Be sure to drive safely at all times and follow traffic laws.

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Bakersfield: USAA

You must have the minimum liability car insurance to drive legally in California. This type of coverage pays for the other driver’s property damage and injuries when you cause an accident. Because it’s the minimum amount of car insurance required to drive, it’s typically the cheapest auto policy type you can purchase in California. But a liability-only policy won’t cover your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident you cause or if it’s stolen or vandalized.

The table below shows the cheapest liability-only car insurance companies in Bakersfield, California.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Bakersfield: Anchor

Full-coverage car insurance typically includes liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance. Your lender will likely require a full-coverage policy if you finance or lease your vehicle. Because full-coverage auto policies include more coverages, you can expect to pay more on average than you would with a liability-only policy.

Despite full-coverage insurance’s higher cost, you can start your search with the cheapest auto insurance companies in Bakersfield below.

Car insurance requirements in California

California is an at-fault — or tort — state, which means the at-fault driver must cover the damage and injuries they cause to drivers or passengers in another vehicle. The state requires drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability coverage, but drivers may purchase additional coverage for extra protection. Those who fail to show proof of insurance may face legal and financial consequences.

State lawmakers approved an increase in coverage limits, which will take effect Jan. 1, 2025. The table below reflects this change and the types and amount of coverage all drivers need to carry:3

Coverage beyond the minimum liability amounts is optional for drivers in Bakersfield, but they can add more protection in various situations. Here are some optional auto policies you might want to consider:

California’s low-cost auto insurance plan

California’s Low Cost Automobile Insurance program (CLCA) helps qualifying drivers afford car insurance. The eligibility requirements for the program are:

• Have a valid California driver’s license

• Meet income eligibility requirements

• Own a vehicle valued at $25,000 or less

• Be at least 16 years old

• Have a good driving record or be a new driver

Liability auto insurance through the CLCA program costs $232 to $932 a year, depending on the county. However, drivers can purchase additional coverages like uninsured/underinsured motorist and medical payments insurance for an extra $37 to $107 a year. You can learn more and apply for the California car insurance program at MyLowCostAuto.com.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, and driving under the influence (DUI) convictions on your record can have a significant effect on your car insurance premiums. Bakersfield drivers with clean records lock in the lowest premiums, and high-risk drivers typically pay higher rates. But even with a poor driving record, you may be able to find affordable car insurance for your coverage needs and budget.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA

Bakersfield reported 246 speed-related crashes that resulted in injuries or fatalities in 2020.5 Because speeding can lead to accidents, speeding tickets often result in higher car insurance costs.

Bakersfield drivers with speeding tickets see average car insurance rates of $246 per month for full coverage and $101 for liability-only policies. Here are the cheapest minimum-coverage car insurance quotes for drivers with a speeding ticket in Bakersfield, California.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: USAA

In 2020, Bakersfield, California, reported almost 2,000 fatalities and injuries from car crashes.5 If you’re responsible for an accident, you can expect to pay more for a car insurance policy in Bakersfield.

The average cost of car insurance in Bakersfield after an accident is $234 for full coverage and $96 for minimum coverage. But if you need affordable car insurance after causing an accident, start by comparing the cheapest companies in Bakersfield below.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: USAA

California takes DUI offenses seriously, and the state could require SR-22 insurance after a DUI conviction. That’s why a DUI often results in fines, jail time, higher auto insurance premiums, and even auto policy non-renewal.6 Because this conviction typically results in higher rates and makes you a high-risk driver, it can be difficult to find cheap car insurance with a DUI on your record.

On average, Bakersfield drivers with DUIs face monthly car insurance rates of $325 for full coverage and $134 for liability-only policies. Here are the cheapest car insurance companies in Bakersfield for drivers with a DUI.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors: USAA

Compared to younger drivers, senior drivers have higher car accident mortality rates. Average rates typically decrease around age 35 and increase a bit around age 70 due to changes in eyesight, hearing, and reaction times.7

The average monthly cost of car insurance for senior drivers in Bakersfield is $180 for full coverage and $74 for liability-only policies. However, senior drivers experience lower average premiums in general and can find the cheapest quotes in Bakersfield from the companies below.

Cheapest car insurance for teens: USAA

“Teenagers pay more for insurance because they cause a lot of damage and bodily injury as a result of car accidents,” says Earl Jones, insurance agent and owner of Earl L. Jones Insurance Agency. “They also have no history of driving that proves they are responsible behind the wheel.”

To lower their auto insurance costs, teens can stay on their parents’ insurance or take advantage of good student discounts that insurers offer. Bakersfield teens on their own policies see average rates of $389 per month for full-coverage car insurance and $160 for liability only. Here are the auto insurance companies with the lowest premiums for teenagers and young adults in Bakersfield.

Is car insurance more expensive in Bakersfield?

The average cost of a liability-only auto policy in the U.S. is $104 per month. Full-coverage insurance runs $184 per month, on average. Fortunately, car insurance in Bakersfield is usually cheaper than the national average.

Car insurance premiums vary by city and ZIP code within California, due to factors like population, accident rates, and theft rates.8 For example, premiums in Anaheim, Long Beach, and Sacramento are higher than in Bakersfield.

More cities in California

Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for auto policies in other cities in California compared to Bakersfield.