Cheapest Auto Insurance in Oakland, California (2024)

Oakland’s overall average cost of car insurance is $178 per month, compared to the national overall average of $158 per month. The city’s proximity to San Francisco, combined with the higher risk of natural disasters in the state, could contribute to its higher car insurance costs. The risk of accidents is greater in larger cities, so insurers raise rates to account for the increased likelihood of drivers filing a claim.

If you want to find the best price for your situation, here’s what you need to know about comparing quotes and how different factors affect your premiums.

3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Oakland

When searching for the ideal car insurance company in Oakland, it’s crucial to assess your unique requirements and specific needs. The right policy for you may differ based on factors like your driving record, vehicle type, and desired coverage. One way to find better prices is to compare the best car insurance companies in Oakland.

Best insurer for teens and young drivers: Mile Auto

Best insurer for drivers with a DUI: Sun Coast

Best insurer for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Oakland

Getting affordable car insurance isn’t possible without a little work. When searching for cheap car insurance in Oakland, keep these tips in mind:

• Ask for discounts. Inquire about available discounts, such as for having features like antilock brakes and passive restraint systems in your vehicle.

• Research insurance companies. Get free quotes from different companies for the same coverage levels and compare them. Once you find a better price with an insurer, research its customer service and financial strength ratings.

• Consider a higher deductible. Selecting a higher deductible can lower your premium. But make sure you have sufficient savings to cover it in case of a claim.

• Bundle your policies. Ask about multi-policy discounts when bundling your car insurance with other policies, like renters or homeowners insurance.

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Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Oakland: Mile Auto

Liability-only coverage provides financial security for damages or injuries to other parties in an accident you cause. It doesn’t include repairs for your own vehicle. This insurance type pays for the medical expenses and property damage of the other party, up to the policy limits. Liability-only insurance is usually the most affordable auto insurance policy type because it only covers other parties’ expenses, not your own.

Oakland drivers pay an average of $138 per month for liability coverage.

Here are the average quotes for liability-only insurance from the cheapest insurers in Oakland, California.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Oakland: Mile Auto

Liability-only doesn’t provide coverage for your vehicle. For more protection, consider full-coverage car insurance. It typically includes liability insurance, plus comprehensive and collision coverages, which cover damages to your car. Full-coverage insurance is a good idea for drivers with valuable vehicles, people living in areas prone to accidents or theft, or anyone seeking extensive coverage for personal and third-party damages.

Full-coverage policies in Oakland cost an average of $218 per month.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for full-coverage policies in Oakland, California.

Car insurance requirements in California

The state of California imposes a mandatory minimum car insurance requirement known as 15/30/5. This translates to the following requirements:^[1]

Because minimum liability insurance is the most basic auto policy, you may want more protection for yourself and your vehicle. Consider enhancing your insurance coverage with these optional add-ons:

• 

  Collision coverage

  Collision insurance covers damages to your vehicle from collisions with other vehicles or objects, regardless of fault.

• 

  Comprehensive coverage

  Comprehensive insurance offers protection against theft and damages resulting from non-collision incidents, like fire, vandalism, falling objects, and natural disasters.

• 

  Glass coverage

  This includes coverage for windshield and glass damage, with some policies providing no-deductible coverage for side windows, rear windows, and glass sunroofs.

• 

  Gap coverage

  Ideal for financed or leased vehicles, gap insurance covers the difference between your auto loan balance and the insurance payout in case of a total loss.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Drivers with incidents like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets, driving under the influence (DUI), or other moving violations on their records need to prioritize finding cost-effective auto insurance. Marks on your driving record often result in higher premiums because insurance companies take on an increased risk of potential future claims.^[3]

California may even require high-risk drivers to file SR-22 insurance, which can increase rates for at least three years. Here are the most affordable car insurance companies for drivers with incidents on their records.

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: Mile Auto

Oakland reported 251 fatalities and injuries in speeding-related crashes in 2020.^[4] If you receive a speeding ticket, you can anticipate higher auto insurance premiums because of the increased risk of loss. But it’s still possible to find comparatively cheap car insurance coverage, even with a speeding ticket.

Drivers in Oakland with a speeding ticket pay monthly averages of $193 for liability coverage and $304 for full coverage.

Here are the cheapest insurers for drivers with a speeding ticket in Oakland, California.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: Mile Auto

An at-fault accident on your driving record often leads to an increase in your auto insurance premiums. Insurance companies adjust prices to minimize potential financial liabilities from future accidents.

Liability policies for Oakland drivers with an accident cost an average of $180 per month, and full-coverage policies cost $284 per month.

For Oakland residents with an at-fault accident history, the table below highlights the cheapest insurers.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: Mile Auto

DUIs are serious driving offenses, leading to significant hikes in car insurance premiums. Insurance companies deem a history of DUIs as a substantial financial liability, resulting in increased premiums. Oakland reported 232 DUI arrests in 2020 and 306 in 2019.^[4] If you have a DUI conviction, California may even require you to purchase SR-22 insurance, which is typically more expensive.

Oakland drivers with a DUI pay a monthly average of $185 for liability coverage. Full-coverage policies increase to an average of $293 per month.

Here are the cheapest auto insurers in Oakland for drivers with a DUI on their record.

Cheapest car insurance for seniors: Mile Auto

Age significantly influences car insurance costs. As drivers gain experience, premiums typically decrease, especially around age 35, provided they maintain clean driving records. But as older drivers approach their 70s, premiums may increase slightly due to changes in vision and hearing.^[5]

Senior drivers in Oakland pay $179 per month, on average, for a full-coverage policy.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance companies for senior drivers in Oakland.

Cheapest car insurance for teens: Mile Auto

Teens generally pay higher premiums than older drivers.

“Teens pay more for car insurance because there is a lack of experience behind the wheel, as well as a tendency to have poor decision-making skills,” says Steve Rivera, partner at The Liberty Company Insurance Brokers.

Oakland teens pay $214 per month for liability coverage and $337 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data.

If you’re a young adult or teen, here are some tips for finding lower prices:

• Stay on a parents’ car insurance policy for as long as possible.

• Look for student-away-at-school, defensive driving courses, and good student discounts.

• Choose a car with highly rated safety features.

Here are the cheapest car insurance companies for teens and young drivers in Oakland.

Is car insurance more expensive in Oakland?

The average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance across the U.S. is $213 per month. Oakland drivers pay similar rates, with an average monthly premium of $218 for full coverage.

Insurance prices can fluctuate substantially depending on the ZIP code, as each city’s weather conditions, crime rates, and traffic patterns come into play.^[6]

More cities in California

Compared to several California cities, Oakland’s average full-coverage car insurance quotes are higher. But big cities like Los Angeles, which reported more traffic injuries and fatalities in 2020 than Oakland, often have greater expenses for car insurance.

Here’s a breakdown of average car insurance quotes in other major cities in California.

Oakland car insurance FAQs