Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Oakland, CA (July 2024)

In Oakland, California, GEICO offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance and is the most affordable for families with teens. Progressive is the most inexpensive provider for full coverage. Chubb stands out for customer service, while Capital Insurance Group provides the best overall value, balancing cost and service. The ideal insurer for you hinges on personal preferences and coverage requirements.

MoneyGeek found that GEICO is the best option in Oakland for drivers seeking the cheapest car insurance. For budget-conscious drivers, this can mean significant savings on their auto insurance policy.

• GEICO: $392 per year
• Mercury: $473 per year

The most expensive policy in Oakland comes from National General, at $811 per year. The $419 difference between the cheapest and most costly options underscores the value of comparing car insurance rates to ensure you're receiving a competitive offer.

In California, state law sets car insurance coverage minimums. Drivers are required to carry:

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

Suppose you have a minimum coverage policy and are at fault in an accident. In that case, your insurer will cover up to $15,000 for any one person's injuries and a total of $30,000 for all injuries in that accident. If the injured party's medical bills exceed your policy's minimums, you have to pay the excess out of pocket. This is the risk of just having minimum coverage.

MoneyGeek found that Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Oakland, providing substantial savings without skimping on coverage. When searching for the cheapest full coverage car insurance, consider these top two affordable options:

• Progressive: $1,167 per year
• GEICO: $1,205 per year

Farmers has the most expensive full coverage policy in Oakland, costing $2,273 per year — $1,106 more than Progressive. This price difference emphasizes the importance of comparing rates to secure affordable full coverage car insurance, which ensures broad protection against various incidents on the road. Full coverage policies generally cost more than minimum coverage because they provide comprehensive and collision insurance, offering a wider safety net than basic liability insurance.

Full coverage policies have increased liability limits and integrate both comprehensive and collision coverages:

• Collision Insurance: This insurance type pays for damage to your automobile caused by a crash, whether with another car or an object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.

• Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage compensates you for your vehicle's damage due to incidents other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, fires, extreme weather conditions or being struck by an animal like a deer.

Opting for full coverage is generally advisable when you own a new vehicle to protect your substantial investment. However, the added coverage may not justify the extra cost for older vehicles. Understanding how much car insurance you need requires a careful evaluation of the risks of being underinsured against the cost of higher premiums.

MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group offers the most affordable full coverage policies for drivers with a poor driving record in Oakland. Annual premiums vary based on the specific infraction:

• Speeding Ticket: Capital Insurance Group ($1,637 per year)
• At-Fault Accident: Capital Insurance Group ($1,678 per year)
• DUI: National General ($1,732 per year)

CSAA presents the most expensive rate after a DUI, charging an annual premium of $6,517. The difference in annual rates between the cheapest after a speeding ticket and the cheapest following a DUI is $95, underscoring how premiums can increase with the severity of the violation.

Driving offenses in cities like Oakland can sharply increase insurance rates to reflect the higher risk and potential costs associated with more severe infractions. For instance, drivers with a DUI offense face an average annual rate of $3,962, compared to $2,331 for those with a speeding ticket — a substantial difference of $1,631. These increased rates make it essential for drivers with offenses to diligently compare insurance quotes, ensuring they secure the most financially advantageous coverage for their situation.

MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for male and female teens in Oakland. This is a valuable insight to consider for those searching for the cheapest car insurance for teens.

• GEICO: $2,877 per year for female teens and $3,006 per year for male teens
• State Farm: $3,083 per year for female and male teens

Kemper has the priciest family policy for teens in Oakland, with an annual premium of $6,561 for female teens. The significant rate difference between the cheapest and most expensive policies underscores the importance of comparing insurance quotes, especially for those who need to insure a teenager — a demographic often associated with elevated risk on the road.

In Oakland, as well as other urban areas, the financial burden of car insurance weighs heavily on teens seeking individual policies. The average annual premium for a teen buying independently stands at a hefty $4,538, compared to $4,211 if they opt into a joint family plan. The stark premium difference is attributed to the heightened risks insurers associate with teenage drivers—lack of experience, higher accident propensity, and a statistical likelihood of filing claims. Consequently, this high-risk demographic often faces challenges in securing individual coverage, as insurers may be hesitant to underwrite policies for them without the buffer of a more balanced family insurance risk profile.

MoneyGeek found that Progressive is the cheapest option in Oakland for full coverage car insurance tailored for those with military backgrounds. Those looking for the cheapest car insurance for military backgrounds can consider the following providers:

• Progressive: $1,167 per year
• GEICO: $1,205 per year

Although USAA is the third cheapest provider, it has a competitive annual premium of $1,285. It provides services specifically tailored to the needs of active-duty military insurance. USAA's specialized services might make it a valuable option for military personnel looking for car insurance despite slightly higher rates.

Securing the best car insurance rates in Oakland is key to savings. However, manually comparing rates is a lengthy process — it often takes up to 15 minutes per company. For a thorough comparison of at least three companies, expect to invest over an hour.

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator simplifies this task, delivering instant estimates by concentrating on the crucial elements that influence Oakland's car insurance costs. To receive your tailored rate estimate, provide details such as your age, driving history, credit score, desired coverage levels and other relevant factors.

Finding the right auto insurance depends on your priorities, whether it be service quality, cost, coverage options or a combination of these and other factors. With MoneyGeek's unique scoring for various categories, we've identified Oakland's best insurers to suit different needs:

• Best overall: Capital Insurance Group (MoneyGeek score 84 out of 100)
• Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
• Best cheap: Capital Insurance Group (MoneyGeek score 77 out of 100)

Those looking for an insurance provider that excels in service without compromising on cost should consider Chubb, which is recognized for exceptional service. Meanwhile, Capital Insurance Group is the best overall option in Oakland, balancing high-quality service and affordability. Additionally, if saving money is a top priority, Capital Insurance Group is also the best in affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking good service.

MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group provides the best car insurance in Oakland.

• Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($1,419 per year)
• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($1,917 per year)

Capital Insurance Group distinguishes itself by excelling in the areas customers care about most: satisfaction and affordability. Its well-rounded offerings provide high-quality coverage that meets the needs of Oakland drivers, making it the top choice for those seeking peace of mind on the road.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Oakland for customer service in car insurance, with exceptional scores in overall satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options, without considering rates.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,917 per year)
• Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82*out of 100 ($1,419 per year)

Chubb distinguishes itself with its top-tier claims process and broad coverage features, which are significant factors in its high MoneyGeek score. Its dedication to client satisfaction is also evident, protecting its policyholders in Oakland.

MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group is the best option for affordable car insurance in Oakland. This company offers competitive rates and upholds a strong track record in claims handling and customer satisfaction. Here are the top two providers:

• Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($569 per year)
• Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($473 per year)

Capital Insurance Group distinguishes itself by achieving an exceptional balance between cost and service quality. The company's high MoneyGeek score is a testament to its affordability, particularly for minimum coverage policies, while maintaining excellent claims service and customer satisfaction.

In Oakland, California, the average car insurance cost is $1,657 per year. This figure is higher than the average car insurance cost in California, which is $1,562, indicating that Oakland residents tend to pay $95 more for their auto insurance. Compared to the national average, California's average is less expensive by $219, with the national average costing $1,781 per year.

Car insurance premiums hinge on various factors, with location playing a significant role. Factors such as local traffic conditions, accident rates, theft statistics and weather patterns can significantly impact insurance costs in different places. For instance, Santa Maria has the cheapest premium at $1,251 per year, which is $311 less than the state average. On the other hand, Glendale has the most expensive annual premium of $2,433, which is $871 more than what Californians generally pay. These examples illustrate how dramatically premiums can differ even within the same state. Rates can be even more favorable in less populated areas with fewer cars on the road and, thus, lower traffic density.