Oakland, CA Car Insurance
How much does car insurance cost in Oakland?
Car insurance costs in Oakland average around $1,120, covering a six-month policy or $187 per month. Our 2023 data reveals that Wawanesa is the most affordable car insurance company in Oakland, with rates starting at just $605 for a six-month policy. On average, drivers in California pay about $965 every six months for car insurance. While Oakland's average rate is slightly higher than the national average of $880, it remains competitive.
Interestingly, 32% of our customers in Oakland utilize our service because they were paying too much for car insurance. If you're seeking assistance with your car insurance, delve further to discover insights into determining a fair rate in Oakland based on factors like credit score and coverage level.
| Car Insurance in Oakland vs. California | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Oakland Average | $1,120 |
| California Average | $965 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Oakland
Wawanesa offers the cheapest rates in Oakland with six-month policies at $605, $101 per month.
Capital Insurance Group is the second cheapest company in Oakland with average rates at $789 for six months or $132 per month.
Coming in third place for the cheapest insurance company is GEICO. GEICO policies start at $790 for six months ($132 per month).Â
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Oakland:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Oakland is $1,120 per six-month policy — $187 per month.
- The cheapest company in Oakland is Wawanesa ($605 per six-month policy).
- 32% of Zebra customers in Oakland stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance with their current provider.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Oakland car insurance rates by company
According to our 2024 data, Oakland's most affordable car insurance provider happens to be Wawanesa, with an average monthly rate of $101, which adds up to a six-month policy costing $605. Following closely in second place is Capital Insurance Group, offering their services at the same monthly rate of approximately $132 or a total of $789 for a six-month policy.
Find out additional information regarding highly regarded car insurance companies by consulting The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Oakland, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $605 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $789 |
| GEICO | $790 |
| USAA | $896 |
| Progressive | $1,034 |
| Farmers | $1,112 |
| State Farm | $1,195 |
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
Shop around for the best rates
In order to determine the most affordable insurance coverage for your needs, it is imperative to engage in a thorough comparison. Our diligent analysis will handle all the necessary groundwork on your behalf. Simply input your ZIP code and witness the rates offered by Progressive, Allstate, USAA, State Farm, and other esteemed companies, enabling you to effortlessly discover the finest and most economical car insurance available in Oakland.
Average car insurance in Oakland by rating factor
Car insurance companies utilize rating factors to assess premium costs. These rating factors encompass various aspects, such as age, credit score, driving history, and the make and model of your vehicle. Although certain factors carry more weight, all of them possess the potential to influence your premium.
Consequently, both rating factors and the ideal car insurance company for you can undergo alterations. Therefore, periodically exploring alternative providers is advisable to guarantee the continued acquisition of the most favorable rates.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A:Â When it comes to determining the amount you'll shell out for car insurance in Oakland, the comparison between the revenue generated from premiums and the expenses incurred in settling policyholders' claims at the end of the year stands as a significant rating element. Irrespective of whether you've had a clean claims record, the possibility exists that you might be subjected to higher payments with a specific insurance provider due to the escalating costs associated with conducting business in Oakland.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Oakland
Let's begin with one of the most important rating factors in the insurance business: age. Typically, teen drivers have the highest rates of accidents among any age group, making their premiums the highest. The difference in 6-month rates paid by teenage drivers and drivers in their 20s is a whopping $1,506. See the table below for the cheapest insurance companies for teenagers in Oakland.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Oakland, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $1,004 |
| GEICO | $1,821 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,844 |
| USAA | $1,971 |
| State Farm | $2,080 |
| Farmers | $2,359 |
| Progressive | $2,548 |
| Age Bracket | Cheapest Companies | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | Wawanesa | $663 |
| 30s | Wawanesa | $538 |
| 40s | Wawanesa | $538 |
| 50s | Wawanesa | $538 |
| 60s | Wawanesa | $538 |
| 70s | Wawanesa | $527 |
Zebra Tip:Â The cheapest companies for Oakland drivers between 30-40 are Wawanesa, GEICO and Capital Insurance Group
Our data analysis reveals that the majority of drivers in Oakland fall within the age range of 30-39. On average, this specific group spends approximately $1,128 every six months. By opting for these insurers, these cohorts have the potential to save around 43%.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Oakland
The level of coverage you opt for plays a significant role in determining the cost of your car insurance premium. Every state mandates a minimum coverage amount, and selecting this lower level usually leads to lower premiums. According to our data, a striking 24% of drivers in Oakland have solely opted for the state minimum coverage.
While this is the most economical choice, it also exposes you to the risk of being underinsured. Opting for "full coverage" insurance, which includes collision and comprehensive coverage, results in higher premiums but offers enhanced protection in case of an accident. Both these coverages come with a deductible, which is the amount you pay upfront before your insurance coverage takes effect.
Additionally, you might want to consider other optional coverages such as roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage, as they can significantly contribute to safeguarding both you and your vehicle. Although more coverage translates to higher premiums, industry experts at The Zebra strongly recommend considering these opportunities.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
According to an analysis conducted on our data, it has been observed that 54% of drivers in Oakland possess vehicles that they own outright. If you are not currently involved in a lease or financing arrangement for your vehicle, it would be wise to contemplate whether eliminating comprehensive or collision coverage aligns with your needs. Our recommendation is to ascertain the actual cash value of your vehicle by utilizing reputable sources such as Kelley Blue Book. As a general rule of thumb, if the worth of your vehicle falls below $4,000, it is likely that collision coverage is unnecessary. However, it is important to bear in mind that by removing these coverages, any repairs required will have to be paid for directly from your own funds.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Oakland, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $186 |
| USAA | $249 |
| Wawanesa | $250 |
| Progressive | $277 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $306 |
| State Farm | $348 |
| Farmers | $408 |
- Minimum: State liability coverage only
- Basic: State liability + collision and comprehensive (full) coverage
- Better: Better liability limits at 50/100/50. Full coverage included with towing and rental car benefits. May include additional personal medical benefits and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Best: Best liability limits at 100/300/50. Full coverage included with better towing and rental car benefits and better personal medical benefits and increased uninsured/underinsured coverage.
Most of our customers in Oakland opt for the basic level of coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand state minimum coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. California's 15/30/5 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $15,000 per person in bodily injury, $30,000 per accident in bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for most standard car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims or multi-vehicle accidents.
Learn more about insurance laws in California.
Oakland car insurance rates by credit score
While many states consider credit scores as a crucial aspect in evaluating car insurance policies, some, including California, have taken a different stance by prohibiting this practice.
Typically, car insurance providers incorporate credit scores into their assessment process to gauge the likelihood of risky driving behaviors based on historical data. Consequently, individuals with poor credit often face higher premiums.
However, California has implemented regulations that forbid insurance companies from factoring in credit scores when determining rates. This development proves advantageous for all applicants since rates can remain affordable, irrespective of their credit standing.
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
Regarding insurance claims, the most commonly filed type is a collision-type accident. In Oakland, an at-fault accident can lead to an increase in rates up to $135 per month. Wawanesa stands out as the most cost-effective insurance company in Oakland following an at-fault accident.
The most effective approach to maintaining affordable auto insurance premiums is by striving to avoid accidents and citations to the best of your ability, regardless of your location. Depending on the nature of the accident or ticket, your premium will be affected for a duration of three to five years. More severe charges such as DUIs and DWIs may have a longer-lasting impact on your record. Speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, and accidents will all significantly raise your premiums.
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Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Oakland, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $908 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,162 |
| USAA | $1,274 |
| GEICO | $1,413 |
| Farmers | $1,568 |
| State Farm | $1,879 |
| Progressive | $2,040 |
Oakland car insurance rates by violation
Below you can see how much different violations and claims will increase your rate in Oakland.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Oakland, CA
Why is car insurance in Oakland so expensive?
When it comes to car insurance, Oakland stands out for its relatively higher costs compared to the average rate in the state of California and the national average. Numerous factors contribute to this situation. Namely, Oakland's stature as a major city in California typically accommodates a larger population and more drivers, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents. Additionally, the cost of living in Oakland surpasses that of other towns in California, prompting car insurance companies to establish higher rates to compensate for their expenses.
In addition to individual rating factors, location-specific elements significantly contribute to the elevated cost of car insurance in Oakland, regardless of an individual's driving profile.
The Bay Area is quite densely populated. More residents often mean more drivers on the road, and a high concentration of cars can lead to an increased likelihood of accidents. Some ZIP codes are more densely packed than others, so if you live in one of these ZIP codes, statistics show that you are more likely to get into an accident than a driver from a less concentrated community.
Certain neighborhoods within Oakland that have higher crime rates could potentially lead to an upsurge in car insurance costs. If your ZIP code in Oakland experiences elevated incidents of crime, theft, or vandalism, it's likely that you will encounter higher insurance premiums.
Given the number of vehicles on the roadways in densely-populated Oakland, the probability of accidents goes up significantly. The congestion in Oakland's traffic often results in frequent accidents and insurance claims. Because of this, auto insurance providers in Oakland shift the burden of these costs onto policyholders through elevated premiums.
Zebra Tip: Consider uninsured property damage coverage
For cities or ZIP codes characterized by a high prevalence of uninsured drivers, our recommendation is to consider acquiring uninsured motorist coverage, also known as UMPD. This coverage offers assistance in the event that you or your vehicle sustains damages caused by an underinsured or uninsured driver. Typically, this coverage entails a lower deductible and comes at a more affordable cost compared to collision coverage. Furthermore, filing a claim under UMPD generally results in a significantly lesser increase in rates compared to a collision claim, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.
Bundling insurance policies in Oakland
The cost of car insurance has been steadily rising each year, but there are still strategies to save money. One effective method is to bundle multiple insurance products with a single provider, which can qualify you for a multi-policy discount. Many insurance companies offer this discount, so even if you're comparing quotes from different providers, it's worth considering this option.
The most popular combination is bundling homeowners and auto insurance policies, potentially resulting in savings of 10% or more on combined premiums. If you currently have separate policies for your home and car, it's advisable to explore bundling options and see if you can achieve significant cost savings. Find out more about the advantages of bundling home and car insurance.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Oakland, CA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Wawanesa | $605 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $668 |
| GEICO | $790 |
| USAA | $810 |
| Progressive | $885 |
| Farmers | $924 |
| State Farm | $944 |
Although certain rating factors may be beyond your control, there are proactive measures you can take to enhance your driving profile and appeal to insurance providers. The initial step towards securing the optimal rate for your coverage and service requirements is to shop around and compare auto insurance quotes from a wide array of companies. It is advisable to engage in this practice at each renewal period, particularly if personal factors such as age, credit score, and location have undergone changes. Keep in mind that certain companies simply carry higher price tags than others, so don't hesitate to consider switching providers.
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.