Best Cheap Auto Insurance in Oakland, California (2023)

To find the cheapest car insurance in Oakland, it helps to keep a clean driving record.

Jacqueline DeMarco
Jacqueline DeMarco
  • 13+ years writing insurance and personal finance content

  • Insurance, lending, and retirement expert

Jacqueline has contributed content, and her personal finance passion, to dozens of noteworthy financial brands, including Credit Karma, Bankrate, and MagnifyMoney.

Featured in

media logomedia logo
Courtney Mikulski
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.

Featured in

media logomedia logo

Updated September 20, 2023

Save up to $717 by comparing quotes from the top 70+ insurance companies

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers
Advertiser Disclosure

At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.

We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.

Why you can trust Insurify: Insurify’s expert insurance writers and editors operate independently of our insurance partners. As an independent agent and insurance comparison website, we make money through commissions from insurers. But that does not influence any editorial content, including reviews. Learn more.

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]

Shop for Car Insurance in Oakland

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

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

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

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
  • 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

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

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
  • Flexible billing options

  • Low down payments possible

Cons
  • No home or life policies

  • No mobile app

Best for drivers with a speeding ticket: Clearcover

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.
3.1
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

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
  • Speedy claims process

  • Mobile app for policy management

Cons
  • Few discount options

  • No bundling available

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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
Clearcover61
Mile Auto62
Infinity74
Mercury77
USAA83
Kemper96
National General102
Dairyland108
GEICO111
Allstate115
Farmers118
State Farm127
Bristol West129
Travelers134
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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
Mile Auto113
Clearcover123
Mercury136
Infinity143
USAA166
Kemper185
Travelers197
National General208
GEICO222
Allstate230
Farmers236
Dairyland250
State Farm255
Bristol West267
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.

Estimate your insurance costs

Select discounts that apply to you
Save 35%
Save 5%
Save 24%
Save 39%
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

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]

CoverageMinimum 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:

illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/169fdfde11/liability-coverage.svg

Collision coverage

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

illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/665da91bf7/comprehensive-coverage.svg

Comprehensive coverage

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

illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/x/73ee7a876e/repair.svg

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.

illustration card https://a.storyblok.com/f/162273/100x100/9997698e9e/emergency-roadside-service.svg

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

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
Mile Auto166
Clearcover181
Mercury200
Infinity210
USAA244
Kemper272
Travelers289
National General305
GEICO326
Allstate338
Farmers346
Dairyland367
State Farm374
Bristol West392
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 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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
Mile Auto158
Clearcover172
Mercury190
Infinity200
USAA232
Kemper259
Travelers276
National General291
GEICO311
Allstate322
Farmers330
Dairyland350
State Farm357
Bristol West374
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 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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
Mile Auto170
Clearcover185
Mercury204
Infinity215
USAA249
Kemper278
Travelers296
National General312
GEICO334
Allstate346
Farmers355
Dairyland376
State Farm383
Bristol West401
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 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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
Mile Auto60
Clearcover66
Mercury73
Infinity76
USAA89
Kemper99
Travelers105
National General111
GEICO119
Allstate123
Farmers126
Dairyland134
State Farm136
Bristol West143
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 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 CompanyAverage Monthly Quote
Mile Auto195
Clearcover212
Mercury234
Infinity247
USAA286
Kemper319
Travelers340
National General359
GEICO383
Allstate397
Farmers407
Dairyland431
State Farm440
Bristol West460
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.
Keep Reading: Car Insurance Rates by Age and Gender

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.

Shop for Car Insurance in Oakland

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers

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.

CityAverage Monthly QuoteCompared to Oakland
Anaheim$258-6%
Bakersfield$244-10%
Fresno$234-14%
Irvine$234-14%
Long Beach$264-3%
Los Angeles$34928%
Modesto$223-18%
Oakland$257-6%
Riverside$264-3%
Sacramento$223-18%
San Diego$31716%
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.

Sources

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

Courtney Mikulski
Edited byCourtney MikulskiSenior Editor, Auto
Courtney Mikulski
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.

Featured in

media logomedia logo

Compare Car Insurance Quotes Instantly

Secure. Free. Easy-to-use.
Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Shopper Approved
ProgressiveLiberty MutualTravelers