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Insuring your car in Bakersfield, California, can put a dent in your wallet. With the average cost of car insurance in Bakersfield being $2,144 per year or $178 per month for full coverage, compared to the state average of $2,291, finding affordable options is essential. Thankfully, Bankrate has done the research to help you find the best cheap car insurance companies in Bakersfield.
Best Cheap Car Insurance Companies in Bakersfield
Based on data from Quadrant Information Services, Bankrate has identified Wawanesa, Geico, and National General as three of the cheapest car insurance companies in Bakersfield. To determine their rankings, Bankrate’s insurance editorial team, which includes licensed agents, analyzed factors such as average rates, coverage availability, financial strength ratings from AM Best, and customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power.
| Insurance Company | Bankrate Score | J.D. Power Score (California) | Average Annual Premium for Full Coverage | Average Annual Premium for Minimum Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | 3.1 | 879/1,000 | $1,565 | $551 |
| Geico | 4.0 | 824/1,000 | $1,580 | $338 |
| National General | 4.0 | Not Rated | $1,667 | $476 |
| Mercury | 3.2 | 827/1,000 | $1,719 | $514 |
| Progressive | 4.2 | 803/1,000 | $1,855 | $492 |
Wawanesa
Wawanesa stands out with high customer satisfaction ratings in California and offers comparatively low average rates. The company provides a range of add-on coverage options for drivers looking to customize their policies. Although their app is currently only available to Android users, Wawanesa’s combination of affordable rates, customer satisfaction, and extensive coverage options make it a worthy consideration.
Learn more: Wawanesa insurance review
Geico
With over 75 years of experience, Geico is a trusted name in car insurance. They offer standard coverage options, including comprehensive, collision, roadside assistance, and rental car reimbursement. Geico also provides numerous discount opportunities. While their website and app may not be as robust as some competitors, paying your bill and filing claims online should meet the needs of most drivers.
Learn more: Geico insurance review
National General
National General offers standard policies along with attractive options and add-on coverage. Roadside assistance, accidental death and dismemberment coverage, and an auto protection plan are just a few of the additional offerings. Additionally, if you use one of National General’s certified repair shops, they guarantee your vehicle’s repairs.
Learn more: National General insurance review
Mercury
In addition to the standard coverage options, Mercury provides rideshare insurance, which can be beneficial for drivers working with platforms like Uber or Lyft. Mercury embraces a strong network of local agents, setting them apart from many competitors. They also offer several discounts and a savings program that can reduce rates based on low mileage.
Learn more: Mercury insurance review
Progressive
Progressive offers Bakersfield drivers multiple coverage options and discount opportunities. If you’re on a budget, their Snapshot telematics program provides potential rewards for good driving behavior. Progressive also offers a Deductible Savings Bank, which can lower your deductible by $50 for each policy term without claims. While they have a range of digital tools, Progressive falls short in customer satisfaction, according to J.D. Power.
Learn more: Progressive insurance review
How to Get and Keep the Cheapest Car Insurance in Bakersfield
The average rate for full coverage in Bakersfield is $2,144 per year, which is 6 percent higher than the national average. However, there are ways to save on your car insurance policy by shopping smart. Consider these tips:
- Shop around: Experts recommend getting quotes from multiple car insurance companies to find the cheapest rates for the coverage you need. Ensure that the quotes include similar types of coverage and policy limits for fair comparisons.
- Pursue discounts: Car insurance companies often provide discounts to eligible drivers. These discounts, eligibility requirements, and savings amounts vary between companies. Stay updated with your insurer to discover opportunities you might be eligible for.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best car insurance company in Bakersfield?
- What is the difference between minimum and full car insurance?
- How much car insurance do I need in Bakersfield?
- What is the methodology used for this study?
- What is the Bankrate Score?
Remember, finding affordable car insurance in Bakersfield requires research and understanding. Use the information provided here as a starting point in your search. For more details and comprehensive reviews, visit Ratingperson, your trusted source for car insurance information.
