Finding the Best Car Insurance in Bakersfield, CA

As a Bakersfield resident, having the right car insurance coverage is key to protecting yourself on the road. With high rates of accidents, thefts and claims in the area, skimping on insurance is a risky move. But at the same time, you don’t want to overpay for your policy. So how do savvy drivers find the ideal car insurance at reasonable rates in Bakersfield?

I’ve called Bakersfield home for most of my driving life. Over the years, I’ve learned the ins and outs of getting good coverage at a fair price in our city. In this article, I’ll share my top tips for getting the best car insurance in Bakersfield, whether you’re a new driver or have been on the road for decades.

Shop Around Extensively

The first rule of thumb is to get quotes from a wide range of insurers before choosing a company Rates can vary dramatically from one carrier to the next here in Bakersfield Too often, people just renew with whoever they’re with year after year.

I recommend getting at least 5-6 quotes each renewal to ensure you’re getting the lowest available rates. Spend time researching both large national companies and smaller local/regional operations.

Some of the major carriers in Bakersfield include:

• State Farm
• Allstate
• GEICO
• Progressive
• AAA
• Farmers

And don’t overlook options like:

• Wawanesa
• National General
• Explorer Insurance
• Coast National

Cast a wide net. The more quotes you gather the better chance you have of finding something affordable.

Compare Coverage Levels Carefully

Cheapest doesn’t always mean best. As you compare Bakersfield car insurance rates, be sure to also look at the types and levels of coverage included.

Some key factors to examine:

• Liability limits – Recommended minimum is 100/300/100. Consider higher limits of 250/500/250 or more.

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage – Get enough to protect yourself against irresponsible drivers.

• Comprehensive and collision deductibles – Lower deductibles mean higher premiums. Choose the highest deductible you can afford.

• Additional protections like rental reimbursement and roadside assistance.

Getting the right amount of coverage is just as crucial as finding the lowest rates. Make sure to evaluate both factors.

Take Advantage of Discounts

Most insurers offer a range of discounts that can significantly reduce your car insurance premium in Bakersfield. Be sure to inquire about any savings you may qualify for.

Some common auto insurance discounts include:

• Good driver discount – For a clean driving record.

• Good student discount – If you or someone on your policy maintains a B average.

• Multi-policy discount – For bundling home and auto insurance.

• Anti-theft device discount – For having a car alarm or other device.

• Defensive driver discount – For completing an approved course.

• Low mileage discount – If you drive fewer than a set number of miles per year.

Even if each discount is small, they can add up to major savings. Make sure to take advantage of every discount possible.

Maintain Good Credit

Most insurance companies these days use credit-based insurance scores to set rates. Simply put, the better your credit, the lower your car insurance premiums.

Maintaining a high credit score and low debt-to-income ratio will benefit your rates. If your credit is less than stellar, consider taking steps to improve it before shopping for Bakersfield auto insurance.

Also, be sure to check your credit reports annually and dispute any errors that could be needlessly inflating your scores. Every little bit helps when it comes to lowering rates.

Choose Higher Deductibles

Deductibles represent the amount you pay out-of-pocket on a claim before insurance coverage kicks in. Choosing higher deductibles means lower premiums.

For example, raising your deductible from $500 to $1000 could potentially decrease your collision and comprehensive coverage cost by 30% or more. Just be sure to have the extra funds available should you need to pay the deductible.

If you want cheaper car insurance in Bakersfield, picking higher deductibles is one of the most effective ways to lower rates.

Limit Teenage Drivers

Adding inexperienced teenage drivers to your Bakersfield auto insurance drives rates sky high. Unfortunately, it’s just the reality here. Young drivers simply represent greater risk.

To keep insurance affordable, avoid adding teens to your policy. But if you must, consider:

• Putting your teen on their own policy if financially feasible.

• Only allowing teen to drive certain less valuable vehicles on your policy.

• Asking about discounts like good student discount.

• Enrolling teen in additional driver training programs.

• Using premium monitoring devices to track teen’s driving habits.

Taking steps to limit teen driver access can help offset some of the rate hike.

Ask About Bundling Options

You may be able to save on Bakersfield car insurance by combining multiple policies with one company. Most insurers offer discounts for bundling.

Consider adding in:

• Homeowner’s insurance – Having both home and auto policies with one carrier can result in 5-15% discounts or more.

• Life insurance – Some life insurance policies come with auto insurance perks.

• Umbrella insurance – Provides extra liability coverage across policies.

• Renter’s insurance – Combine with auto if you rent.

Before choosing a car insurance provider, be sure to inquire about bundling savings to maximize value.

Enroll in Usage-Based Programs

Usage-based or telematics programs use technology to track your driving habits. Safe, low-mileage drivers can potentially save 10-15% or more on Bakersfield car insurance with these voluntary programs.

They work by using a small device you keep in your vehicle or a mobile app to record metrics like:

• Total miles driven
• Time of day driven
• Rapid acceleration/hard braking
• Frequency of sharp turns

The program data helps identify your risk profile more accurately. Safer driving means lower premiums.

Usage-based insurance is absolutely worth considering if you practice safe habits behind the wheel.

Choose High Safety Rating Vehicles

Believe it or not, your vehicle itself impacts your insurance rates in Bakersfield. Insurers classify each make/model into a “class” based on repair costs, safety/collision ratings, theft rates and other factors.

Higher-risk vehicles cost more to insure, while lower-risk vehicles qualify for lower premiums.

When shopping for a car, cross-reference the insurance class rating and try to stick with models that fall into the lowest classes to maximize savings. Having a safe vehicle can make a big difference in what you pay.

Compare Local Independent Agents

While you can certainly buy directly from insurers, don’t count out working with an independent insurance agent. Many of the best agencies in Bakersfield offer policies from a range of providers for maximum choice.

An independent insurance agent may be able to beat the rates you find going direct by leveraging their carrier knowledge and relationships. They can provide an added layer of guidance during the insurance buying process.

Be sure to get quotes from a few recommended local agencies to see if an independent agent offers any advantage in cost or coverage.

Keep a Clean Driving Record

Last but not least, maintaining a stellar driving record over time is key to affordable car insurance in Bakersfield. Even one at-fault accident, traffic violation or claim can drive your premiums up substantially.

Practice safe, defensive driving habits, obey all traffic laws and rules of the road, and avoid distractions at the wheel. Also try to minimize driving during high-risk times like late nights.

The fewer infractions and claims you accumulate, the lower your rates will be. Keeping your record clean saves you money in the long run.

Finding the right car insurance doesn’t have to be a hassle if you follow these tips. With some diligent research and smart moves, you can lock down a policy that’s both comprehensive and reasonably priced. Use these strategies to find the best coverage for your needs at a rate you can afford.