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Best Cheap Car Insurance in Bakersfield, California
GEICO, USAA, AAA, Wawanesa, and State Farm are top picks in Bakersfield.
Cheapest
Editor's Rating:
4.9/5
4.9/5
Average Cost in Bakersfield
- Full Coverage Monthly: $127
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $50
Best for Military and Veterans
Editor's Rating:5/5
5/5
Average Cost in Bakersfield
- Full Coverage Monthly: $154
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $55
Best for Customer Satisfaction
Editor's Rating:4.5/5
4.5/5
Average Cost Nationwide
- Full Coverage Monthly: $251
- Minimum Coverage Monthly: $90
Last updated: June 18, 2026
Key Takeaways: Best Cheap Car Insurance in Bakersfield, CA
GEICO offers the cheapest car insurance in Bakersfield, with full coverage averaging $1,521/year.
- Bakersfield drivers pay an average of $2,144/year for full coverage and $771/year for minimum coverage.
- GEICO is the cheapest provider in Bakersfield at $1,521/year for full coverage.
- USAA is the second cheapest at $1,851/year, but is only available to military members, veterans, and their families.
- AAA ranks first for customer satisfaction in California (J.D. Power).
Note: Average premiums are useful for side-by-side comparisons, but they do not guarantee what you’ll be quoted. Your actual rate will vary based on personal factors, such as your age, driving record, and location.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Bakersfield
- Cheapest: GEICO
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best for Customer Satisfaction: AAA
- Best Local Provider: Wawanesa Insurance
- Best for Rideshare Drivers: State Farm
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Bakersfield
| Company | Full coverage annual average | Minimum coverage annual average | California customer satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wawanesa | Not available | Not available | Above average |
| GEICO | $1,521 | $598 | Above average |
| USAA | $1,851 | $661 | Above average |
| AAA | Not available | Not available | Above average |
| State Farm | $2,370 | $917 | Below average |
| Bakersfield | $2,144 | $771 | – |
Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Bakersfield
1. GEICO - Cheapest
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $28 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $87 mo.
Wide variety of discounts- Cheapest average rates in Bakersfield
- Above-average regional customer satisfaction
Limited agent presence- Doesn't underwrite home insurance
Why we chose it
GEICO offers the cheapest average rates in Bakersfield for both full and minimum coverage, along with an extensive list of auto insurance discounts. While it has below-average claims satisfaction scores, it has the third-highest customer satisfaction score for California in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study.
Who it’s best for
People who want affordable coverage from a national insurer, those looking for add-on coverages, those who prefer to manage their insurance by desktop or app
DID YOU KNOW?
Over 10 percent of the population of Bakersfield is between the ages of 18 and 24, which makes it one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.1
GEICO Bakersfield Pricing
| GEICO | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $127 | $50 |
| Annually | $1,521 | $598 |
| Difference from Bakersfield average | -35% | -17% |
2. USAA - Best for Military and Veterans
5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $29 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $106 mo.
- Caters specifically to military members
- Low rates and good discounts
- Highly rated for customer satisfaction
- Military eligibility required
- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
Why we chose it
USAA offers car insurance exclusively to military members, veterans, and their families. The provider received the highest regional customer satisfaction score from J.D. Power for California. It also placed second in J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Study.
USAA offers some of the cheapest rates in Bakersfield for both full and minimum coverage, and it’s a great option for military-affiliated drivers looking for app-based telematics discounts, as it offers significant savings through SafePilot and SafePilot Miles.
FYI:
Bakersfield is situated around several military bases, including Edwards Air Force Base and Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, which attracts many military families to the desert city.2
Who it’s best for
Military members, veterans, and their families
USAA Bakersfield Pricing
| USAA | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $154 | $55 |
| Annually | $1,851 | $661 |
| Difference from Bakersfield average | -21% | -8% |
3. AAA - Best for Customer Satisfaction
4.5
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $90 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $251 mo.
- Highest satisfaction ratings in California
- Additional car-related discounts for members
- Local agents available
- Membership required
- Pricing varies by club
Why we chose it
AAA is one of the best providers in California for customer service. J.D. Power ranked it first among providers in California, and fifth overall in its Claims Satisfaction Study. It also has a “B” grade CRASH Network, the highest of any company on our list. While AAA’s exact premiums for Bakersfield drivers are unavailable, full coverage policies tend to be competitive in California.
Who it’s best for
Customers who prioritize customer service, existing AAA members or those interested in signing up
4. Wawanesa Insurance - Best Local Provider
4.5
Editor's Rating:
- Excellent customer service
- Additional coverage options
- Loyalty discount
- Smaller footprint
- Basic mobile experience
Why we chose it
Wawanesa is exclusively available in California and Oregon. It has a strong customer service record, ranking second overall for customer satisfaction in California in J.D. Power’s 2025 Auto Insurance Study. Additionally, it has a B- rating from CRASH Network, meaning customers can expect a smooth process for claims-related repairs.
It also offers a few more unique coverages, such as original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts coverage and custom equipment coverage. Average pricing isn’t available, so get a quote to see how much you’ll pay.
Who it’s best for
Safe drivers, those who want to work with a local provider, drivers looking for OEM or custom parts coverage
5. State Farm - Best for Rideshare Drivers
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $53 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $162 mo.
- Wide network of local agents
- Robust rideshare coverage in California
- Competitive rates
- Must complete quotes by phone
- No accident forgiveness
Why we chose it
If you drive for a rideshare service, your car insurance company will generally require that you add a rideshare endorsement to your auto policy, as personal policies do not cover commercial use. Companies like Uber and Lyft provide some coverage, but there are important gaps to be aware of. State Farm offers robust rideshare coverage in California that will cover these gaps.
State Farm is also a great choice for young drivers, offering the lowest rates for teen car insurance in the state after USAA.
Who it’s best for
Ride drivers, those who want to work with a local agent, families with young drivers
State Farm Bakersfield Pricing
| State Farm | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $198 | $76 |
| Annually | $2,370 | $917 |
| Difference from Bakersfield average | -1% | -27% |
Bakersfield Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – California3 | CRASH Network Report Card4 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction5 | NAIC Complaint Index6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | 644 | C- | 697 | 0.89 |
| USAA | 748 | C- | 741 | 1.31 |
| AAA | 676 | B | 726 | N/A |
| Wawanesa | 672 | B- | N/A | 4.86 |
| State Farm | 635 | D+ | 716 | 2.13 |
| Average | 631 (out of 1,000) | C+ | 700 (out of 1,000) | 1 |
| What the study measures | Customer satisfaction regionally, based on responses from over 40,000 customers | Claims handling and payment practices, based on an annual survey of collision repair shops | Satisfaction with the claims process, based on responses from nearly 10,000 customers who recently filed a claim | Consumer complaints relative to market share. The lower the score, the better |
*USAA technically doesn’t qualify to rank on J.D. Power studies due to its eligibility restrictions.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Bakersfield
GEICO offers the cheapest full coverage in Bakersfield, which averages about $1,521 annually. The provider’s premiums are 61 percent lower than the city average. After Wawanesa, USAA and GEICO offer the lowest premiums, at $1,552 annually and $1,775 annually, respectively.
| Company | Monthly Bakersfield average | Annual Bakersfield average |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $127 | $1,521 |
| Progressive | $132 | $1,582 |
| USAA | $154 | $1,851 |
| Mercury | $157 | $1,884 |
| State Farm | $198 | $2,370 |
| Allstate | $210 | $2,524 |
| Nationwide | $269 | $3,222 |
| Bakersfield average | $179 | $2,144 |
| California average | $214 | $2,569 |
| U.S. average | $196 | $2,356 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Bakersfield
For Bakersfield drivers, GEICO and Progressive both offer the lowest rates for minimum coverage car insurance, at $598 annually. That’s about 17 percent lower than the city average. USAA also has below-average premiums.
| Company | Monthly Bakersfield average | Annual Bakersfield average |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $50 | $598 |
| Progressive | $50 | $598 |
| USAA | $55 | $661 |
| State Farm | $76 | $917 |
| Mercury | $77 | $918 |
| Allstate | $79 | $947 |
| Nationwide | $104 | $1,252 |
| Bakersfield average | $68 | $816 |
| California average | $63 | $751 |
| U.S. average | $60 | $722 |
How many car accidents happen in Bakersfield?
In 2023, there were 2,073 people killed or seriously injured as a result of car accidents in Bakersfield.7 Over 200 fatal and injury-causing crashes occurred between the hours of 9 p.m. and 2:59 a.m., and 199 were speed-related. Three hundred forty people were killed or injured in accidents involving alcohol.
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in California
In California, drivers must have auto insurance with these liability limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per person/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,000 per accident
Since these minimums won’t be enough to cover damages from a major accident, it’s best to include higher limits and get full coverage. Sufficient coverage means your provider will cover accident costs, so you’ll avoid paying for them out-of-pocket.
Pro Tip:
Although uninsured motorist coverage isn’t required in California, we highly recommend adding it to your plan. With an uninsured driver rate of 20 percent, California has the 8th-highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country.8
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, the cheapest providers for full coverage in Bakersfield include GEICO ($1,521 annually or $127 monthly) and Progressive ($1,582 monthly or $132 monthly).
AARP (The Hartford) offers auto insurance tailored to older Americans, and it is available in Bakersfield. It offers coverage like new car replacement and RecoverCare, up to $2,500 to pay for cooking, cleaning, and transportation after you are injured from an auto collision. Plus, you’ll get a 10 percent discount for being an AARP member.
Most insurers offer safe driver discounts, including Wawanesa, GEICO, USAA, AAA, and National General. Safe drivers in Bakersfield may be able to save more with GEICO, since it offers the cheapest rates for those with a clean record.
Your credit score will not affect your premium in Bakersfield. California is one of the few states that bar insurance companies from using credit scores to determine rates.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we score auto insurance companies using four weighted criteria:
- Price (40%): We reviewed average premiums for minimum and full coverage in Bakersfield, California, based on good drivers with strong credit. Full coverage pricing reflects these limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured and underinsured motorist bodily injury: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims handling (25%): We look for insurers that offer a smooth, transparent claims process with timely communication and fair payouts. Our analysis draws on resources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card, J.D. Power’s Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, and financial strength ratings from AM Best, along with real customer feedback when available.
- Customer experience (25%): We assess how easy it is to get a quote, buy a policy, manage coverage, and access documents. Our evaluation includes both digital tools and agent support, using data from J.D. Power studies, the NAIC Complaint Index, and app store reviews.
- Coverage options (10%): We favor insurers that go beyond state minimums by offering add-ons like accident forgiveness, gap insurance, and rideshare coverage.
Learn more about our ratings and methodology.
Sources
Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists. JD Power. (2026).
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motoristsQuickFacts. United States Census Bureau. (2026).
https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/bakersfieldcitycalifornia,losangelescitycalifornia,CA/INC110221https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/bakersfieldcitycalifornia,losangelescitycalifornia,CA/INC110221California Military Bases. Military Bases. (2026).
https://militarybases.com/california/It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, June 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-studyTop Rated U.S. Car Insurance Companies for 2026. Crash Network. (2026).
https://www.crashnetwork.com/irc/Satisfaction with Auto Insurance Claims Strained by Higher Deductibles, More Total Losses, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, Oct 28).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-claims-satisfaction-studyConsumer Insurance Search Results. NAIC. (2026).
https://content.naic.org/cis_refined_results.htm
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