BestCar InsuranceBakersfieldBest Car Insurance Companies in Bakersfield, CA
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The best car insurance provider in Bakersfield depends on your driver profile and car insurance needs. GEICO is MoneyGeek’s pick for the best provider overall, the best for minimum coverage and the best for young adult drivers. Teens and drivers with offenses can get the best deal from Capital Insurance Group. Chubb is best for customer service, State Farm for seniors and Travelers for drivers with new cars.
For drivers prioritizing savings, MoneyGeek analyzed numerous providers to determine the cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield.
BestCar InsuranceBakersfieldTable of Contents (Jump to Your Best Fit)
Best Overall - GEICO
Best for Customer Service - Chubb
Best Cheap - GEICO
Best for Young Adults - GEICO
Best for Teens - Capital Insurance Group
Best for Seniors - State Farm
Best for Driving Offenses - Capital Insurance Group
Best for New Cars - Travelers
Best Overall Car Insurance in Bakersfield
The best car insurance companies in Bakersfield are as follows:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score 73 out of 100 ($949 per year)
- Progressive: MoneyGeek score 69 out of 100 ($1,037 per year)
GEICO scored highest in affordability and customer service, so expect an excellent customer experience at an affordable rate. USAA is MoneyGeek’s top pick for military-affiliated drivers in Bakersfield, with a MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100. AAA California offers the best car insurance in California as a whole.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
High affordability and customer service scores
Offers unique coverage options, such as mechanical breakdown insurance
cons
Low claims management score
Does not offer some common coverages like gap insurance or deductible modification
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is the best car insurance company in Bakersfield, California, offering high-quality service at an affordable premium. This provider also offers some unique coverages. However, you may run into some challenges when you file a claim.
GEICO is one of the few auto insurance providers to offer mechanical breakdown insurance. In many cases, you’re better off securing this coverage as an add-on to your policy rather than purchasing an extended warranty from your dealer. The latter typically only covers specific items, but GEICO’s mechanical breakdown insurance includes coverage for all your vehicle's parts and systems. It provides more comprehensive protection for your car if it's within GEICO's requirements (it must be less than 15 months old and have fewer than 15,000 miles).
Drivers with older cars may not qualify for mechanical breakdown insurance, but they can take advantage of GEICO's rental reimbursement coverage, which helps pay for your rental if your vehicle is in the shop because of a covered accident. However, remember your coverage is limited to a daily or per-claim limit, and it doesn't include the cost of gas or any deposit your rental company may require.
How the Best Insurers in Bakersfield Rank: MoneyGeek Scores and Costs
We analyzed 15 companies in Bakersfield, among which GEICO and Progressive had the highest MoneyGeek scores for full coverage policies, but neither was the cheapest. National General had a lower average annual premium than GEICO at $888, but its low claims management scores and limited coverage options caused it to fall to third place for best overall provider. Capital Insurance Group received the highest customer service score, but its low coverage availability rating and high premiums lowered its ranking.
Note that insurers only qualify for a MoneyGeek score if we can find enough data for all individual scoring components.
Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield for Customer Service
Without considering cost, the best auto insurance companies in Bakersfield for customer service are:
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($1,711 per year)
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 68 out of 100 ($1,309 per year)
Chubb ranks highest in customer service and claims management in the city. However, this comes at a cost — Chubb has the highest annual average premium among the companies MoneyGeek evaluated in Bakersfield.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
Ranks second in customer service among 14 insurers
Has the highest score in claims management
Offers original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage
cons
Has a relatively low rating for coverage options
Does not offer commonly available add-on coverages, such as roadside assistance
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Chubb is a top option for customers prioritizing quality service and excellent claims management processes. You can also find rare add-on coverages with Chubb that benefit most drivers.
An example is its original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage. It assures that shops use original parts when repairing your car after a covered accident. Not all insurers offer this coverage since original parts are typically more expensive. Chubb's OEM coverage helps restore your car to the same look, function and feel it had pre-crash.
While your car's in the shop, mobility can become a concern. Chubb's rental car reimbursement helps pay for a rental. The best part is there's no per-day limit — but keep in mind that coverage only goes up to $5,000.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Customer Service?
Well-managed expectations, client responsiveness and efficient claims processing are trademarks of high-quality customer service. Nothing is more stressful than jumping through hoops when looking for information about your insurance policy or filing a claim after a crash.
Chubb ranked as the second-best provider on Crash Network's Insurer Report Card, with an A- rating. It also has the highest claims management score among all providers MoneyGeek analyzed. Chubb received the second-highest score for customer service, surpassed only by Capital Insurance Group.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Bakersfield
For policies with minimum coverage, the car insurance companies in Bakersfield that balanced service and cost best are:
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score 78 out of 100 ($342 per year)
- Progressive: MoneyGeek score 67 out of 100 ($448 per year)
Minimum car insurance requirements in California determine minimum coverage limits for all cities in the state, and policies with these coverages are typically your cheapest options. However, these policies offer the least protection against liability costs and won't help pay for any expenses from damages to your car.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
A minimum coverage policy costs an average of $342 per year
Offers discounts for insuring multiple cars, having airbags and always using your seatbelt
Scored highest in affordability among all insurers
Rated higher in customer service than 10 other providers
cons
Doesn't offer discounts for paying in full or going paperless
Scored relatively low in claims management
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is an excellent choice for drivers whose primary concern is cost. With this provider, you get quality service for an affordable premium, and with its broad range of discounts, you can lower your insurance costs even further.
Using GEICO for various insurance needs can lead to a bundling discount. By purchasing your home or renters insurance policy from them, you’ll enjoy lower rates on all of these policies. Insuring multiple vehicles can also get you a better deal. If you're a full-time student, keeping up your grades makes you eligible for GEICO’s good student discount.
You can also find some discounts with GEICO that other providers don't offer. For example, belonging to one of their partner organizations (fraternities, sororities or professional groups) may qualify you for GEICO’s affinity organization discount.
Safety is a focus area for GEICO. Having airbags, anti-lock brakes and an anti-theft system installed in your vehicle — along with consistently using your seatbelt — can result in discounts.
What Makes an Insurer the Best Cheap Option?
Although good customer experience usually translates to higher premiums, it isn't always the case — in many instances, you can still get good service from an affordable insurer offering minimum coverage.
GEICO has the lowest average annual rate for minimum coverage policies among all insurers MoneyGeek evaluated. Although it didn't receive the highest score for customer service, it outranked 10 of the 14 providers we assessed in Bakersfield.
Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield for Young Adults
You can find the best car insurance for young drivers in Bakersfield from the following companies:
GEICO: MoneyGeek score 75 out of 100 ($1,095 per year) Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 74 out of 100 ($1,475 per year)
Based on MoneyGeek's internal scoring system, GEICO's two highest scores are on affordability and service. These scores mean young adult drivers can get coverage for a manageable rate without sacrificing customer service quality.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
Second cheapest insurer in Bakersfield for young adults, with an annual average premium of $1,095
Offers discounts for being a good student and taking a driver's education course
Awarded good scores for affordability and customer service
cons
Offers relatively limited coverage options
Scored low in claims management
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
GEICO is one of the most affordable options in Bakersfield for young adult drivers, cheaper than 13 other auto insurance companies. It also scored above the regional average in J.D. Power's 2022 Auto Insurance Study, meaning its customer service score is higher than others.
Although it's a cost-effective option, a GEICO policy can still cost almost a hundred dollars a month for young drivers. Taking advantage of discount options is one way to minimize costs. You may qualify for a discount if you've recently completed a driver's education course or maintain good grades as a student.
Although GEICO doesn't offer many add-on coverages, it has some that are common among providers, such as rental car reimbursement or roadside assistance. These can come in handy if your car breaks down or is totaled in an accident.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Young Adults?
If you're a young adult looking for car insurance, an insurer with affordable rates and good customer service will likely be the best fit for you. Providers offering age-specific discounts should be at the top of your list since these discounts can help make your costs significantly more manageable.
National General has a lower average premium than GEICO but lacks discounts that benefit young drivers. Although GEICO costs more per year, its score for customer satisfaction and available discounts moved it to the top of MoneyGeek’s list of best insurers for young adults.
Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield for Teens and Their Families
The providers in Bakersfield with the best car insurance for teens on a family policy are:
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 81 out of 100 ($3,303 per year)
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($2,943 per year)
Capital Insurance Group might not have the lowest rate in Bakersfield overall, but it's still cheaper than other insurers. It also scored highest in customer service, meaning a better customer experience for a slightly higher cost.
A family plan is a great way to insure teen drivers while keeping insurance costs low. In Bakersfield, a family policy costs an average of $3,825 a year. However, an individual teen policy requires you to pay $4,498 per year, on average.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
More affordable than the majority of providers with an annual rate of $3,303
Offers discounts for students with good grades
Received solid scores in claims management and customer satisfaction
cons
Tied for the lowest coverage rating of the nine insurers analyzed
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Capital Insurance Group is an ideal choice for families with teens in Bakersfield needing car insurance. Although this provider isn’t the most affordable policy option, its above-average score in customer satisfaction ensures you'll have a good experience.
Fortunately, discounts are available to bring down premium costs. Capital Insurance Group's good student discount can reduce the $275 monthly rate by up to 20% if student drivers keep their cumulative grade point average at a B or higher.
You can also customize your policy by purchasing add-on coverages. Capital Insurance Group's full glass coverage allows glass repairs to be done at your location, saving you the trouble of driving a car with a cracked windshield to a repair shop. This provider also offers custom parts coverage, which covers name-brand auto parts replacement.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Teens?
The best auto insurance companies for teens and their families offer affordable premiums without sacrificing quality service. Capital Insurance Group fits that standard and offers the additional perk of a good student discount option. Student-specific discounts like this can help significantly reduce teen insurance costs.
Providers offering discounts for distant students or students completing driver's education may also be a good option to cut costs.
Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield for Seniors
The companies with the best auto insurance options for seniors in Bakersfield are:
- State Farm: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($899 per year)
- GEICO: MoneyGeek score 75 out of 100 ($916 per year)
GEICO received high scores in customer satisfaction and affordability, meaning you can find affordable rates and still expect a positive customer experience from this provider.
Auto insurance premiums for adults in their 60s tend to be similar to those in their 30s through 50s. However, rates begin creeping upward as you enter your 70s, so comparing quotes from multiple providers can go a long way in helping you find the best car insurance for seniors.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
Offers the most affordable annual average premium in Bakersfield at $899
Scored higher than 11 providers in customer service
cons
Received low scores for coverage options
Scored relatively low in claims management
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
State Farm has the cheapest rate for seniors among all the insurers analyzed. It also ranked higher in customer service than 11 other providers.
Additionally, seniors can benefit from many of State Farm's add-on coverages, such as roadside assistance. This coverage helps pay for the delivery cost of gas, a battery or new tires if your car breaks down. It also covers expenses from having your vehicle towed from a public road to the nearest repair location. For those who sometimes forget their keys inside their cars, this add-on coverage also pays for an hour of a locksmith's labor.
Adding rental reimbursement coverage can also be a good idea. This way, you won't have to worry about your finances if you have to rent another vehicle if your car's out of commission after an accident.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Seniors?
The best provider for seniors offers coverages like medical payments (MedPay) or personal injury protection (PIP). While drivers in their 60s tend to be safe, they're more likely to get hurt in an accident.
Although State Farm doesn't have these coverages, it does offer a senior driving discount. That, along with affordable rates and excellent service, make it the best option for seniors in Bakersfield.
Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield for Drivers With Offenses
If you have offenses on your driving record, your best options for car insurance in Bakersfield are:
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score 71 out of 100 ($2,343 per year)
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score 69 out of 100 ($3,603 per year)
Capital Insurance Group received high scores in customer service and claims management. Having a responsive insurer when processing an accident claim can help prevent additional stress after an accident.
Cheap car insurance after a ticket can be challenging to find, but it's not impossible. Expect to pay a higher rate depending on the offense. A safe driver pays an average of $1,329 for a full coverage policy. You'll spend an additional $540 if you have a ticket, while those with DUIs pay $1,864 more.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
Has relatively affordable rates for drivers with offenses at an average of $2,343 annually
Offers roadside assistance and custom parts coverage
Scored highest among 15 providers in customer service
Ranked second in claims management
cons
Scored lowest in coverage options
Doesn't offer new or better car replacement or accident forgiveness
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Capital Insurance Group's high score for customer service means it receives fewer complaints than its competitors. With an efficient claims process, you're in good hands if you get into an accident. This provider also offers a relatively low rate for those with driving offenses, making it an attractive option if you have an accident on your record.
The company also offers coverages like roadside assistance. Adding this coverage to your car insurance policy helps pay for costs if you find your car undrivable after an accident or if your car breaks down.
Capital Insurance Group also offers coverages you’re less likely to find with other insurers, like custom parts and full glass coverages. Custom parts coverage ensures that your vehicle’s systems function properly by providing name-brand auto parts if your car needs part replacements after a crash. With full glass coverage — also offered by this provider — you won't have to drive your car to the shop if you get a crack in your windshield or windows — they'll bring the glass repair to you instead.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With Offenses?
On-record violations typically result in higher car insurance premiums, so a provider with affordable rates and options to lower your costs is ideal.
Capital Insurance Group may not offer many discounts, but its average annual premium is more affordable than the majority of the companies MoneyGeek assessed. Its coverage options may also help you save on repair costs. All that, plus outstanding service and efficient claims processing, makes Capital Insurance Group our top choice for drivers with offenses.
Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield for Drivers With New Cars
Drivers with a new car can get the best car insurance in Bakersfield from the following:
- Travelers: MoneyGeek score 76 out of 100 ($1,509 per year)
- Allstate: MoneyGeek score 49 out of 100 ($1,883 per year)
MoneyGeek evaluated providers based on affordability and service quality for drivers with a 2022 model. We only included insurers that offer new car replacement as an add-on coverage, which pays for a new car of the same make and model if yours is totaled in a crash.
Travelers tops the list with high scores in affordability and coverage options, allowing you to customize your policy with your preferred add-ons at a reasonable rate.
How was this MoneyGeek score calculated?
pros
Has the most affordable rate for insuring new vehicles at $1,509 per year
Offers new car replacement coverage
Awarded solid scores for customer service and coverage options
cons
Doesn't offer deductible modification
COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS
Travelers is an excellent provider for drivers with new cars. This provider offers policies at affordable premiums and gives you several add-on coverage options, including new car replacement and gap insurance.
For example, Travelers offers a Premier New Car Replacement coverage package that helps pay for a new car of the same make and model if an accident totals yours within five years of purchase. However, you must own the vehicle (not lease) and have comprehensive and collision insurance to qualify.
Consider getting gap coverage if you're still financing your new car. It covers the difference between the remaining amount on your loan or lease and your car's actual cash value if it is totaled after a crash. Although you won’t receive a replacement vehicle, it doesn't let the funds you invested in your car go to waste.
What Makes an Insurer Best for Drivers With New Cars?
The best provider for drivers with new cars offers add-ons specifically for new vehicles, such as new or better car replacement coverage.
Travelers offers replacement coverage on top of other coverages that benefit new vehicle owners, like gap coverage and new car replacement coverage. Travelers also has the most affordable premium among providers. Other insurers that don't provide new or better car replacement may have received higher MoneyGeek scores but didn't qualify.
How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield for You
Finding the best car insurance in Bakersfield involves considering cost, service quality and financial strength, all factors MoneyGeek included in this study. However, you can do your own evaluation of your car insurance options by following the steps below.
1
Research customer service reputations in Bakersfield
Although MoneyGeek provides customer service ratings for insurers in Bakersfield, you can confirm the information by checking their J.D. Power satisfaction scores and NAIC complaint ratios. The California Department of Insurance website is also a good starting point for your research.
2
Compare quotes
Remember, the figures we presented are averages based on sample driver profiles. Insurers may offer you different rates based on your specific attributes. Gathering quotes from at least three providers can help you determine how much your insurance costs will be.
3
Find the coverages you want in Bakersfield
Providers' websites offer a wealth of information, but remember to read the fine print. You may find a lengthy list of coverages and discounts only to realize that some aren't available in specific states (like accident forgiveness in California). Ask the insurer specifically about what's available in your location.
4
Check financial stability ratings
An insurer's financial strength is essential information. Providers with high financial stability ratings are more likely to remain operational and be able to fulfill claims in the future. Large insurance companies are more likely to be financially stable, regardless of market conditions, while regional or local providers in Bakersfield may face more challenges when paying out claims.
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FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield
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