+100 more)
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
)
)
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
Updated
At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
If you live in Kern County, you’re likely paying around $151 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. Though experts predict rates in California could jump by 50% in 2024, it’s possible to get a lower rate. For example, drivers in Bakersfield can find cheaper coverage as low as $96 per month with insurers like Clearcover.
Read on to find the best and cheapest auto insurance available in Bakersfield — plus, we give you tips on how to save even more.
Bakersfield drivers pay an average of $102 per month for liability insurance and $200 per month for full coverage.
California’s new minimum liability limits, effective in 2025, will likely increase average premiums.
You can reduce your auto premiums by taking advantage of discounts like California’s good driver discount and comparing quotes with multiple insurers.
)
Location ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Liability ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield | $102 | $200 | $151 |
| California | $113 | $205 | $159 |
| National average | $92 | $176 | $135 |
Bakersfield car insurance averages $151 per month, according to our data. A full-coverage policy costs an average of $200 per month, while liability insurance costs $102 per month.
When comparing car insurance, remember that the amount you pay depends on your driving history, coverage needs, and other factors, so these prices are just a starting point.
Now, let’s take a look at some of the cheapest insurers in Bakersfield.
Bakersfield’s average car insurance might be $151 per month, but several companies offer rates well below that. The table below shows the five cheapest insurers in Bakersfield, according to Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Clearcover | $96 |
| Sun Coast | $107 |
| Mercury | $112 |
| Safeco | $127 |
| Anchor General | $132 |
Clearcover tops our list as the cheapest car insurance company for drivers in Bakersfield. Its average monthly premium is just $96.
In the next sections, we’ll list the best car insurance companies for drivers of different ages, driving histories, and coverage levels.
Compare personalized quotes from the area’s top insurers.
)
No car insurance is the best for every driver; the right choice for you will depend on your situation, including your driving habits and budget. To make the process a bit easier, we’ve researched dozens of companies and picked the top insurers in Bakersfield based on a combination of average rates, discounts, customer feedback, and coverage options.
Here are the top companies that stand out for teens and young drivers, commuters, and drivers on the hunt for discounts.
Average premium: $112 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.28 out of 5
Several local insurance agencies
Rideshare insurance available
Highly rated mobile app
Below-average customer service
Limited coverage options
Not the cheapest option
Mercury offers various discounts that can help you lower your premiums, including rewarding you with discounts for making smart choices. For example, you can get a good driver discount for practicing safe driving and a multiple-vehicle discount when you insure more than one car with the company. You can also qualify for an auto-pay discount when you sign up to make sure you pay your bill on time.
Average premium: $160 per month
Compare.com Rating: 3.37 out of 5
Among the cheapest rates in the city
Rideshare coverage available
Easy-to-use mobile app
Few available discounts
Gap insurance not available
No accident forgiveness
Clearcover offers some of the lowest rates for teens and young drivers in Bakersfield, making it a great pick for families with new drivers. The company automatically covers teens with a learner’s permit (but make sure to add them to your policy when they get their license). Plus, Clearcover’s quick claims process means the company could pay you in under 10 minutes.
Average premium: $127 per month
Compare.com Rating: 4.59 out of 5
Multiple discounts for safe drivers
New car replacement available
Plenty of local agencies in the area
High-risk drivers pay higher rates
No online quote option
Lower-than-average customer service
Safeco is a solid choice for Bakersfield commuters. It offers accident forgiveness, a diminishing deductible, and even cash back if you go claims-free for six months. The company’s RightTrack program can save you even more — when you allow it to track your driving habits, it’ll reward you for safe habits behind the wheel.
Plus, its roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement get you back on the road quickly after an accident.
Compare quotes from Bakersfield’s top companies in minutes.
Coverage level matters when it comes to your insurance rates. If you just want to meet your state’s minimum coverage requirements, basic liability insurance is the cheapest policy available. But keep in mind that if you cause an accident, it’ll only cover the vehicle damage and injuries you cause to others, not your own.
The table below lists the companies with the lowest average premiums for liability coverage in Bakersfield, based on Compare.com data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Clearcover | $64 |
| Sun Coast | $67 |
| Mercury | $81 |
| Anchor General | $87 |
| Safeco | $95 |
Clearcover has the cheapest rates for liability insurance in Bakersfield, at $64 per month.
But since liability insurance won’t cover your damages, you should consider full coverage, which we’ll cover in more detail next.
Full-coverage insurance goes beyond basic liability and typically includes collision and comprehensive insurance. These additional coverages pay for damage to your car from things like car accidents, theft, and damage from severe weather. The more coverage you buy, the more protection you get — but it also comes with higher rates.
Check out the table below for the cheapest full-coverage options in Bakersfield, according to our data.
Company ▲▼ | Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|
| Clearcover | $128 |
| Mercury | $143 |
| Sun Coast | $146 |
| Safeco | $159 |
| Anchor General | $177 |
At $128 per month, Clearcover offers the lowest full-coverage car insurance for drivers in Bakersfield.
Your age can have a big influence on your car insurance bill. Teens usually pay more since insurers consider them a higher risk. But drivers older than 65 have a higher chance of accidents and may also see their rates go up, according to the California Department of Insurance.
In the table below, we break down insurance rates based on age, according to our data. For each group, we highlight the citywide average premium and the cheapest auto insurance company and its rate.
Age Group ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens | $238 | Clearcover | $160 |
| 20s | $184 | Clearcover | $105 |
| 30s | $141 | Clearcover | $92 |
| 40s | $135 | Clearcover | $89 |
| 50s | $129 | Clearcover | $81 |
| 60s | $118 | Clearcover | $87 |
| 70s | $121 | Clearcover | $90 |
In the next section, we’ll go into more detail about the cheapest companies that stand out for teens and seniors.
Car insurance for teen drivers is more expensive no matter where you live. Insurance companies view teens as high-risk because they’re more likely to get into accidents than any other age group. In fact, car crashes are the leading cause of death for 15- to 18-year-olds, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
In Bakersfield, the average monthly premium for teens is $238, according to our data. But Clearcover offers some relief for this age group, with an average rate of $160 per month.
As you approach retirement, you might see your premiums drop. Older drivers usually pay less because they rack up fewer miles each year, according to the NHTSA.
For drivers in their 60s, Bakersfield rates average $118 per month, according to our data. Clearcover is the cheapest insurer for this age group, with an average of $87 per month.
)
If you have a clean driving record, you’re probably paying less for car insurance. California considers “good drivers” to be people without tickets in the last three years and no more than one point on their record. But if you’ve had recent tickets, accidents, or a DUI, insurers see you as a bigger risk and bump up your rates.
The table below shows how your driving history can affect your rates in Bakersfield, along with the cheapest insurer for each record, according to Compare.com data.
Driving Record ▲▼ | Citywide Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer ▲▼ | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium ▲▼ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $151 | Clearcover | $95 |
| Speeding ticket | $204 | Clearcover | $130 |
| At-fault accident | $215 | Clearcover | $151 |
| DUI | $216 | Clearcover | $142 |
Next, let’s discuss the cheapest company if you get a speeding ticket, cause an accident, or the authorities catch you driving under the influence (DUI).
Speeding tickets can happen to the best of us. And they can raise your car insurance rates quite a bit — nationally, premiums jump by about 27%, according to Compare.com data.
Bakersfield drivers with tickets pay an average of $204 per month, acording to our research. Fortunately, Clearcover offers the most affordable coverage, at $130 per month.
If you cause an accident, your premiums will likely go up even more than if you get a ticket. Our research shows that rates increase by about 34% nationwide after a vehicle crash.
You can expect to pay an average of $215 per month in Bakersfield if you have an at-fault accident on your record. Clearcover offers the lowest rate of $151 per month if you fall into this category.
A DUI is one of the most serious infractions and can hit your premiums the hardest. Nationwide, drivers see an average rate increase of 50% after a DUI, according to Compare.com data.
The average cost of car insurance for Bakersfield drivers with a DUI is $216 per month. But the cheapest option for this group is Clearcover, with an average cost of $142 per month.
You don’t need a perfect driving record to find affordable rates.
California requires drivers to have a certain amount of liability insurance to drive legally in the state. The state requires the following minimum limits through the end of 2024:
$15,000 of bodily injury liability per person
$30,000 of bodily injury liability per accident
$5,000 for property damage liability
Starting Jan. 1, 2025, the state will increase these minimum requirements to 30/60/15. To learn more about California’s auto insurance requirements, check out the State of California Department of Motor Vehicles website.
)
Car insurance in the Golden State can be pricey, but a few smart moves can help ease the burden on your wallet. Here are five tips to lower your rates.
Join the California Low Cost Automobile (CLCA) insurance program: If you’re struggling to pay for your car insurance, you may qualify for California’s CLCA insurance program, which helps people with low incomes and good driving records qualify for affordable liability coverage.
Use California’s good driver discount: If you’re a good driver who has maintained a clean record for three years, you can qualify for this discount and get 20% off your rates.
Ask your insurance agent about discounts: Most companies offer discounts to help lower your rates. Ask your insurer about discounts such as bundling car and home insurance, good student discounts, or low-mileage discounts.
Choose a higher deductible: If you choose a higher deductible, it’ll help lower your monthly rate, but you should make sure you can cover the extra out-of-pocket cost if you need to file a claim.
Compare car insurance quotes: Get a free quote from several companies to find the best possible rates. An easier and quicker way to do so is by using a car insurance comparison site.
Get personalized quotes from Bakersfield’s top insurers.
If you have more questions about car insurance in Bakersfield, we’ve compiled some common questions and answers.
Clearcover offers the cheapest coverage in Bakersfield, at an average of $96 per month, according to Compare.com data. Keep in mind that your actual rate may be different depending on your unique driver profile.
Drivers in Bakersfield pay an average of $151 per month for auto insurance, according to our data. Liability insurance costs an average of $102 per month, and full coverage costs $200. Your final rates depend on factors like your driving history, coverage level, age, and ZIP code.
California drivers must have at least $15,000 in bodily injury per person ($30,000 per accident) and $5,000 in property damage liability to meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. But these limits will increase to 30/60/15 in January 2025.
If authorities catch you driving without insurance in Bakersfield, you could face fines, a suspended license, and possibly car impoundment (where the state takes your car away).
Yes, California car insurance rates went up in 2024. Insurance experts predict increases of over 50% before the end of the year. But average prices may climb further in 2025 due to the state requiring higher liability limits.
Data Methodology:
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
Sources:
California State Association of Counties, “Kern County,” accessed October 2, 2024.
Legal Information Institute, “Cal. Code Regs. Tit. 10, § 2632.13.1 - Eligibility to Purchase Good Driver Discount Policy,” accessed October 2, 2024.
California Department of Insurance, “California's Low Cost Auto Insurance,” accessed October 2, 2024.
Google Play, “Mercury Insurance: Home & Auto,” accessed October 2, 2024.
App Store, “Mercury Insurance: Car & Home,” accessed October 2, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed October 2, 2024.
California Department of Insurance, “Driving for Seniors,” accessed October 2, 2024.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Teen Driving,” accessed October 2, 2024.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, “Understanding the Problem,” accessed October 2, 2024.
California Department of Insurance, “Good Driver Definition,” accessed October 2, 2024.
State of California Department of Motor Vehicles, “Insurance Requirements,” accessed October 2, 2024.
California Department of Insurance, “Introduction to Auto Insurance,” accessed October 2, 2024.
)
Amy Beardsley is a seasoned insurance expert who’s been writing for Compare.com since 2023. She has more than 12 years of industry knowledge and expertise in auto, home, life, commercial, and other insurance products. Amy’s work has been published by Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance, Legal & General, NerdWallet, Robinhood, Insurify, NEXT Insurance, and more.
Amy worked as a court administrator before becoming a content marketing writer. Her legal background has equipped her with the ability to simplify complex technical language into easy-to-understand content.
She graduated magna cum laude from Ferris State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Legal Studies.
Lequita Westbrooks is an insurance editor at Compare.com. Her writing and editing experiences span several industries, including insurance, personal finance, higher education, and more. She excels at explaining complex topics like auto insurance in simple, easy-to-understand language and is passionate about helping readers save money. Lequita graduated from the University of South Florida, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in English.
)
AAA auto insurance policies often have higher average rates than many competitors, but it does have solid discounts and membership benefits.
)
Allstate offers 12 car insurance discounts to help lower your auto insurance premiums. Learn more about the available discounts and other ways to save.
)
Discover which insurance comparison sites have transparent pricing and unbiased recommendations. Compare and purchase your ideal policy.
)
Discover which car insurance companies give discounts for electric and hybrid cars, how to qualify, and potential savings. Plus, tips to reduce premiums.
)
AAA membership unlocks exclusive car insurance savings of 12% or more, along with excellent perks and benefits. Learn how it compares to other memberships.
)
First responders can save up to 12% on car insurance with a first responder discount. Find out where and how to get this special discount.
)
