Oakland, California, reported a lower accident rate in 2020, resulting in lower average car insurance premiums for its residents compared to other major California cities, such as Los Angeles.^[1] However, while the California average for full-coverage insurance is $262 a month, Oakland drivers pay a bit more, at an average of $273 a month.

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

Quick Facts

The average cost of liability-only insurance in Oakland is $140 a month, which is 18% lower than the national average.
Eligible drivers can apply for California’s Low Cost Auto Insurance program for affordable, state-sponsored car insurance.
California car insurance companies can’t use your credit score when determining your premiums.^[2]

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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 for teens and young drivers: Mile Auto

Teens and Young DriversMile Auto

Compare personalized, real-time quotes

IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	3.4
A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).	NR
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$62/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$113/mo

Overview

Mile Auto is an excellent choice for teen drivers who spend limited time on the road. With its pay-per-mile insurance model, low-mileage drivers may save between 30% and 40% on their current premiums. You only pay for the miles you drive, making it a simple and cost-effective option.

Pros and cons

Pros

Low-mileage drivers can save
No in-car telematics device required

Cons

No mobile app
Unimpressive Trustpilot ratings

Best for drivers with a DUI: Sun Coast

Drivers with a DUISun Coast

Compare personalized, real-time quotes

IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).	Not rated
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$67/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$136/mo

Overview

For drivers with a DUI, Sun Coast offers affordable car insurance. It caters to customers with various driving records, including clean records, accidents, tickets, suspended licenses, and foreign driver’s licenses. Sun Coast also provides discounts for good drivers, prior insurance holders, multiple cars, and homeowners.

Pros and cons

Pros

Flexible billing options
Low down payments possible

Cons

No home or life policies
No mobile app

Best for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover

Drivers with a Speeding TicketClearcover

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IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.	3.1
A.M. Best A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).	NR
Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.	$61/mo
Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.	$123/mo

Overview

Clearcover stands out as one of the most affordable options for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record. Its streamlined process allows customers to get a custom quote quickly, and filing a claim takes an average of just seven minutes.

Pros and cons

Pros

Speedy claims process
Mobile app for policy management

Cons

Few discount options
No bundling available

Reviews

I filed a claim with Clearcover last year, and they haven't paid it. Now my policy has gone up by $40 per month.

Catherine - January 14, 2023

Verified

Great service, low price, very helpful staff

Jack - September 12, 2022

Verified

The price was right, but only lasted for six months

Kelvin - September 3, 2022

Verified

Read our Clearcover review

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Oakland

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.

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

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
Clearcover	61
Mile Auto	62
Infinity	74
Mercury	77
USAA	83
Kemper	96
National General	102
Dairyland	108
GEICO	111
Allstate	115
Farmers	118
State Farm	127
Bristol West	129
Travelers	134

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Oakland

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.

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

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto	113
Clearcover	123
Mercury	136
Infinity	143
USAA	166
Kemper	185
Travelers	197
National General	208
GEICO	222
Allstate	230
Farmers	236
Dairyland	250
State Farm	255
Bristol West	267

Estimate your insurance costs

State

Age

Credit Score

Are you insured

Your estimated deal

*Estimate based on a market average of rates provided to other users like you.

Select discounts that apply to you

I’m a good driver

Save 35%

I’m a homeowner

Save 5%

I’m married

Save 24%

I have multiple cars

Save 39%

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:^[3]

Coverage

Minimum Requirements

Bodily injury liability

$15,000 per person

$30,000 per accident

Property damage liability

$5,000 per accident

Important Information

California liability limits are increasing on Jan. 1, 2025, to 30/60/15. This translates to $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $15,000 per accident for property damage liability.^[4]

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 noncollision 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.^[5]

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.

Shop for Car Insurance in Oakland

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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

Oakland reported 251 fatalities and injuries in speeding-related crashes in 2020.^[1] 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. Here are the cheapest insurers for drivers with a speeding ticket in Oakland, California.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto	166
Clearcover	181
Mercury	200
Infinity	210
USAA	244
Kemper	272
Travelers	289
National General	305
GEICO	326
Allstate	338
Farmers	346
Dairyland	367
State Farm	374
Bristol West	392

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

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.^[5]

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

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto	158
Clearcover	172
Mercury	190
Infinity	200
USAA	232
Kemper	259
Travelers	276
National General	291
GEICO	311
Allstate	322
Farmers	330
Dairyland	350
State Farm	357
Bristol West	374

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

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.^[5] Oakland reported 232 DUI arrests in 2020 and 306 in 2019.^[1] If you have a DUI conviction, California may even require you to purchase SR-22 insurance, which is typically more expensive.

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

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto	170
Clearcover	185
Mercury	204
Infinity	215
USAA	249
Kemper	278
Travelers	296
National General	312
GEICO	334
Allstate	346
Farmers	355
Dairyland	376
State Farm	383
Bristol West	401

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Age significantly influences car insurance costs. As drivers gain experience, premiums typically decrease, especially around the age of 35, provided they maintain clean driving records. However, as older drivers approach their 70s, premiums may slightly increase due to factors like impaired vision and hearing.^[6]

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

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto	60
Clearcover	66
Mercury	73
Infinity	76
USAA	89
Kemper	99
Travelers	105
National General	111
GEICO	119
Allstate	123
Farmers	126
Dairyland	134
State Farm	136
Bristol West	143

Cheapest car insurance for teens

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.

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.

The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.

Insurance Company	Average Monthly Quote
Mile Auto	195
Clearcover	212
Mercury	234
Infinity	247
USAA	286
Kemper	319
Travelers	340
National General	359
GEICO	383
Allstate	397
Farmers	407
Dairyland	431
State Farm	440
Bristol West	460

Keep Reading: Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Oakland

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. However, 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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Is car insurance more expensive in Oakland?

The average monthly cost of full-coverage car insurance across the U.S. is $253 a month. Interestingly, Oakland drivers pay more, with an average monthly premium of $273 for comparable 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.^[7] When compared to Oakland, Irvine drivers typically pay lower monthly premiums, while San Diego drivers face higher costs.

More cities in California

Compared to several California cities, Oakland’s average full-coverage car insurance quotes are higher. However, big cities like Los Angeles, which reported more traffic injuries and fatalities in 2020 than Oakland, often have greater expenses for car insurance.^[1]

To gain insight into the disparities in average car insurance prices, here’s a breakdown of how Oakland’s average full-coverage car insurance quotes fare against other major cities in California.

City	Average Monthly Quote	Compared to Oakland
Anaheim	$258	-6%
Bakersfield	$244	-10%
Fresno	$234	-14%
Irvine	$234	-14%
Long Beach	$264	-3%
Los Angeles	$349	28%
Modesto	$223	-18%
Oakland	$257	-6%
Riverside	$264	-3%
Sacramento	$223	-18%
San Diego	$317	16%
San Francisco	$258	-6%
San Jose	$249	-9%

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Oakland car insurance FAQs

Compare car insurance rates by state to see how California stacks up against other states’ average premiums, and learn more about Oakland car insurance with the answers to these common questions.

How much is car insurance in Oakland?
The average cost of car insurance in Oakland is $140 a month for liability only and $273 a month for full coverage.
What are the best car insurance companies in Oakland?
Some of the best car insurance companies in Oakland include Mile Auto, USAA, and Safeco. These companies have strong customer satisfaction ratings, comparatively affordable premiums, and strong Insurify Quality Scores. However, the best insurer will depend on your specific needs and budget, so it’s important to always compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best rates for you.
Can credit history affect your car insurance prices in California?
No. Your credit history doesn’t affect your car insurance premiums in California. This means that insurers can’t charge you higher premiums if you have fair or poor credit.^[2]
How much car insurance do you need in Oakland?
California law requires Oakland drivers to purchase at least 15/30/5 car insurance limits. This translates to $15,000 per person and $30,000 per accident for bodily injury liability and $5,000 per accident for property damage liability.^[3]

Methodology

Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.

Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).

Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:

Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage

Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:

Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible

Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.

More cities in California

Popular cities

Sources

California Office of Traffic Safety. "Crash Rankings Results." Accessed July 5, 2023
Federal Trade Commission. "Credit-Based Insurance Scores: Impact on Consumers of Automobile Insurance." Accessed July 5, 2023
California DMV. "Auto Insurance Requirements." Accessed July 5, 2023
California Legislative Information. "SB-1107 Vehicles: insurance.." Accessed July 3, 2023
III. "Do auto insurance premiums go up after a claim?." Accessed July 5, 2023
III. "Senior driving safety and insurance tips." Accessed July 5, 2023
III. "What determines the price of an auto insurance policy?." Accessed July 5, 2023

Jacqueline DeMarco

During college, Jacqueline DeMarco interned at a retirement plan advisory firm and was tasked with creating a presentation on the importance of financial wellness. During her research into how money can affect our health, relationships and career, Jacqueline realized just how important financial education is. Jacqueline is a contributor for Insurify and has worked with more than a dozen financial brands, including LendingTree, Capital One, Credit Karma, Fundera, Chime, Bankrate, Student Loan Hero, ValuePenguin, SoFi, and Northwestern Mutual, providing thoughtful content to give readers insight into complex topics that they likely didn’t learn in school.

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Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto

Courtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto

3+ years producing insurance and personal finance content
Main architect of the Insurify Quality Score

Courtney’s deep personal finance knowledge extends beyond insurance to credit cards, consumer lending, and banking. She thrives on creating actionable content.

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Table of contentsCompare quotes

Shop for Car Insurance in Oakland

Cheapest car insurance companies in Oakland

Best for teens and young drivers: Mile Auto

Teens and Young DriversMile Auto

Best for drivers with a DUI: Sun Coast

Drivers with a DUISun Coast

Best for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover

Drivers with a Speeding TicketClearcover

Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Oakland

Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Oakland

Estimate your insurance costs

Select discounts that apply to you

Age

Credit Score

Are you insured

Your estimated deal

Select discounts that apply to you

Car insurance requirements in California

Collision coverage

Comprehensive coverage

Glass coverage

Gap coverage

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident

Shop for Car Insurance in Oakland

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI

Cheapest car insurance for seniors

Cheapest car insurance for teens

Keep Reading: Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Oakland

Shop for Car Insurance in Oakland

Is car insurance more expensive in Oakland?

More cities in California

Oakland car insurance FAQs

Methodology

Related articles

More cities in California

Popular cities

Sources

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