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Best Cheap Car Insurance in Oakland
GEICO, USAA, State Farm, Progressive, and Mercury are our top picks in Oakland.
Last updated: June 3, 2026
Key Takeaways: Cheap Car Insurance in Oakland
GEICO and USAA offer the cheapest car insurance in Oakland, with rates well below the city average.
Full coverage in Oakland averages $3,028/year; minimum coverage averages $873/year.
GEICO is the cheapest for minimum coverage averaging $591/year — 38% below the Oakland average.
USAA offers the cheapest full coverage at $1,773/year, but is only available to military members and their families.
Progressive is the top pick for bundling home and auto, State Farm is a top major insurer, and Mercury is best for rideshare drivers.
The cheapest car insurance varies by case, and depends on factors like vehicle make and model, driving record, and coverage limits. Always compare two or more quotes to find the lowest possible rates.
Our Top Picks for the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Oakland
- Cheapest: GEICO
- Best for Military and Veterans: USAA
- Best Major Insurer: State Farm
- Best for Bundling Home and Auto: Progressive
- Best for Rideshare: Mercury
Compare the Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Oakland
| Company | Full Coverage Annual Avg. | Minimum Coverage Annual Avg. | California Customer Satisfaction (J.D. Power) |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,853 | $591 | Above average |
| USAA | $1,773 | $654 | Above average |
| State Farm | $3,097 | $967 | Above average |
| Progressive | $2,454 | $627 | Above average |
| Mercury | $2,416 | $870 | Below average |
| Oakland | $3,028 | $960 | – |
Detailed List of the Best Cheap Providers in Oakland
1. GEICO - Cheapest
4.2
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $28 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $87 mo.
Cheapest average minimum coverage in Oakland- Easy online quotes
- Wide range of discount options
Limited agent presence- Doesn't underwrite home insurance
Why we chose it
GEICO is a national provider with the lowest average minimum coverage rates in Oakland. Its full coverage rates are the second cheapest after USAA, which is only available to military members and their families. GEICO offers a wide range of discounts, including autopay, driver training for young drivers, online quotes, and federal employees.
It also offers lower-than-average rates across a range of driver profiles in California, including drivers with a speeding ticket, accident, or DUI, which is why we named it the best cheap car insurance in California. Along with its low rates, GEICO was awarded an above-average score in California in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction survey.
Who it’s best for
Anyone looking for the cheapest minimum coverage rates, non-military members looking for the cheapest full coverage rates, and drivers who are comfortable managing their policies digitally
GEICO Oakland Pricing
| Provider | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $154 | $49 |
| Annually | $1,853 | $591 |
| Difference from the Oakland average | -39% | -38% |
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.
- Cheapest average full coverage rates in Oakland
- Excellent customer service scores
- Specifically serves military community
- Military eligibility required
- Limited to members
- Fewer branch locations
Why we chose it
USAA has the lowest full coverage rates in Oakland and the third lowest minimum coverage rates, on average. It has a strong reputation for customer service and scored the highest out of all reviewed providers in both the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction survey in California and the national J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction survey (though it technically doesn’t qualify to rank, due to its limited availability).
USAA is only available to military members, veterans, and their families. It offers discounts like vehicle storage, good student, and multi-vehicle, along with two safe driving discount programs, USAA Safepilot and USAA Safepilot Miles. These programs award discounts for drivers who practice safe driving habits and drive fewer miles, respectively.
Who it’s best for
Military members, veterans, and their families
USAA Oakland Pricing
| Provider | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $148 | $55 |
| Annually | $1,773 | $654 |
| Difference from the Oakland average | -41% | -32% |
3. State Farm - Best Major Insurer
4.9
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $53 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $162 mo.
- Local Oakland agents
- Major national insurer
- Above-average customer service scores
- Must complete quotes by phone
- No accident forgiveness
Why we chose it
State Farm is a national insurer with a higher-than-average score in the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction survey in California. It has plenty of local Oakland agents, who can help you purchase and manage your policy by email, phone, or in-person.
It also offers a range of discounts, including bundling discounts for homeowners, renters, and/or life insurance. Along with its bundling discount, it offers a telematics Safe Driving discount called Drive & Save, which awards drivers with a 5 to 10 percent discount just for enrolling, and additional savings based on their driving habits.
Who it’s best for
Drivers who like to shop through a local agent and those who prioritize a strong customer service experience over the absolute lowest rates.
State Farm Oakland Pricing
| Provider | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $258 | $81 |
| Annually | $3,097 | $967 |
| Difference from the Oakland average | +2% | +1% |
4. Progressive - Best for Bundling Home and Auto
4.7
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $56mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $136 mo.
- California home and auto bundling discounts
- Lower than average Oakland rates
- Wide range of discounts
- Mixed reviews for customer service
- Gap insurance won’t necessarily cover full amount owed
Why we chose it
Progressive offers both home and auto insurance bundles in Oakland (some providers, like State Farm, have stopped issuing new home insurance policies in California). It also bundles with condo and renters insurance, and a wide range of other discounts, including multi-car, online quotes, pay in full, homeowners, and teen drivers.
Progressive has affordable Oakland rates—its average minimum coverage rate is the second-lowest in Oakland after GEICO, and its average full coverage rate is 19 percent lower than the statewide average. Along with its low rates and wide range of discounts, it scored 2 points higher than the statewide average in the J.D. Power California Customer Satisfaction survey.
Who it’s best for
Homeowners looking to bundle home and auto, California drivers with DUIs, and drivers looking for low minimum coverage rates.
Progressive Oakland Pricing
| Provider | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $204 | $52 |
| Annually | $2,454 | $627 |
| Difference from the Oakland average | -19% | -34% |
5. Mercury - Best for Rideshare
3.7
Editor's Rating:
- Average Rate for Minimum Coverage
- $83 mo.
- Average Rate for Full Coverage
- $197 mo.
- Low Oakland rates
- Rideshare coverage
- Affordable rates for high risk drivers
- Customer service varies
- Basic mobile tools
Why we chose it
Mercury offers auto insurance policies in 11 states, including California. If you’re one of Oakland’s many rideshare drivers, Mercury offers some of the lowest Oakland rates along with add-on rideshare coverage, meaning your vehicle will be covered in the periods when you’re not using the rideshare app, or traveling to pick up a rideshare passenger.
While its J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction score is slightly below the statewide average, its Claims Satisfaction score is 1 point higher than the national average—indicating it provides a reasonable claims handling experience.
Who it’s best for
Rideshare drivers, drivers who prioritize low rates, and those with a less-than-stellar driving record.
Mercury Oakland Pricing
| Provider | Full coverage | Minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $204 | $52 |
| Annually | $2,416 | $870 |
| Difference from the Oakland average | -20% | -9% |
Oakland Best Cheap Picks — Detailed Customer Satisfaction Summary
| Company | J.D. Power Auto Insurance Study – California1 | CRASH Network Report Card2 | J.D. Power Claims Satisfaction3 | NAIC Complaint Index4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | 644 | C- | 697 | 1.14 |
| USAA | 748 | C- | 741 | 3.45 |
| State Farm | 635 | D+ | 716 | 1.8 |
| Progressive | 638 | C- | 673 | 2.65 |
| Mercury | 594 | C+ | 701 | 4.89 |
| 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 |
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Oakland
USAA has the cheapest full coverage on average in Oakland. Its annual rate of $1,733 is 41 percent lower than the citywide average and 31 percent lower than the statewide average. After USAA, GEICO and Mercury have the next-cheapest full coverage rates, with average rates of $1,853 and $2,416, respectively.
| Company | Annual Oakland Average | Monthly Oakland Average |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $1,853 | $154 |
| USAA | $1,733 | $148 |
| State Farm | $3,097 | $258 |
| Progressive | $2,454 | $204 |
| Mercury | $2,416 | $201 |
| Allstate | $3,174 | $262 |
| Farmers | $3,412 | $284 |
| Oakland average | $3,028 | $252 |
| California average | $2,569 | $214 |
| U.S. average | $2,356 | $196 |
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Oakland
GEICO has the lowest minimum coverage rate in Oakland. Its annual average rate of $591 is 38 percent lower than the statewide average. USAA, State Farm, Progressive, and Mercury also have lower-than-average minimum coverage rates.
| Company | Annual Oakland Average | Monthly Oakland Average |
|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $591 | $49 |
| USAA | $654 | $55 |
| State Farm | $967 | $81 |
| Progressive | $627 | $52 |
| Mercury | $870 | $73 |
| Allstate | $1,135 | $95 |
| Farmers | $1,180 | $98 |
| Oakland average | $873 | $73 |
| California average | $751 | $63 |
| U.S. average | $722 | $60 |
How many car accidents happen in Oakland?
In 2023, a total of 1,272 people were killed or injured in traffic accidents in Oakland. This marked an increase of 5 percent (1,211 people killed) from the previous year. Of the 1,272 fatalities and injuries in 2023, 152 (12 percent) involved alcohol, and 240 (19 percent) were speed related.5
Drive safe:
According to the 2024 High Injury Network report—a map representing the 8 percent of streets responsible for 60 percent of severe and fatal collisions in Oakland—the most dangerous intersections in the city include Perkins and Grand, Grand and Telegraph, and Bancroft and Seminary.6
Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements in California
To legally drive in California, drivers must carry car insurance that meets the following minimum coverage limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $30,000 per accident/$60,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $15,0007
Uninsured motorist coverage is not legally required in California, though it’s wise to purchase. California is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for causing the accident is responsible for covering the cost of the damages.
Frequently Asked Questions
On average, USAA offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Oakland, California, with an average annual rate of $1,773. GEICO offers the second cheapest full coverage insurance, with an annual rate of $1,853.
GEICO offers the lowest minimum coverage car insurance, with an average annual rate of $591.
GEICO currently offers the cheapest car insurance in California — for both full and minimum coverage. Its average annual full coverage rate is $1,760, which is 32 percent lower than the California average.
GEICO’s average annual minimum coverage cost is $456, which is 39 percent lower than the California average.
On average, GEICO offers cheaper car insurance in the U.S. GEICO’s average full coverage car insurance rate is $1,867, which is 9 percent lower than Progressive’s average full coverage rates of $2,060.
Methodology
We use four key factors to evaluate our best cheap providers at AutoInsurance.com:
- Price (40%): We reviewed average full and minimum coverage premiums in Oakland, California, for drivers with a clean driving history and good credit. Full coverage averages use the following 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 favor claims processes that are prompt, transparent, and efficient. We also look for providers that communicate well, fairly evaluate damages, and offer timely payment resolution. We use sources like the CRASH Network Insurer Report Card and J.D. Power’s Claims Satisfaction Report, and financial strength from sources like AM Best and S&P Ratings, to assess the claims process. When available, we also use real customer experiences.
- Customer Experience (25%): We review every aspect of the customer journey from getting a quote and purchasing a policy, to making a claim or enacting policy changes. We take into consideration the quality of online and in-person interactions, as well as website and mobile apps. We use sources like the J.D. Power studies, NAIC Complaint Index, and BBB ratings.
- Coverage Options (10%): We review each company’s coverage offerings, favoring providers offering coverage beyond the required state minimums, including accident forgiveness, rideshare, and gap coverage.
Sources
It’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, JD Power Finds. JD Power. (2025, Jun 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.htmOTS Crash Rankings Results. OTS CA Traffic Safety. (2026).
https://www.ots.ca.gov/media-and-research/crash-rankings-results/2024 High Injury Network. City of Oakland. (2026).
https://www.oaklandca.gov/Public-Safety-Streets/Traffic-Safety/2024-High-Injury-Network-HINInsurance Requirements. State of California DMV. (2026).
https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehicle-registration/insurance-requirements/
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