In Oakland, California, GEICO offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance and is the most affordable for families with teens. Progressive is the most inexpensive provider for full coverage. Chubb stands out for customer service, while Capital Insurance Group provides the best overall value, balancing cost and service. The ideal insurer for you hinges on personal preferences and coverage requirements.
Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Oakland, CA (2024)
GEICO offers the cheapest minimum coverage in Oakland, at $392 per year. Capital Insurance Group is the best-rated option, with a MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100.
Updated: December 19, 2024
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Key Takeaways
In Oakland, California, GEICO offers the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance at $392 per year, which can mean significant savings compared to the most expensive option from National General at $811 per year, illustrating a potential savings of $419 by comparing providers.
In Oakland, California, selecting Progressive for full coverage car insurance over the priciest alternative, Farmers, can save you $1,106 annually, highlighting the substantial savings potential by comparing rates amongst different providers.
In Oakland, California, Progressive offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for military drivers at $1,167 annually, compared to GEICO's $1,205, underscoring the importance of comparing providers to secure competitive premiums tailored to specific needs, such as military backgrounds.
Why Trust MoneyGeek? We analyzed 352,910 quotes in California from 18 companies, used six sources and conducted original research to rate the cheapest companies and develop a scoring system for Oakland insurance providers based on ZIP codes in the city only. Our scores are based on affordability, customer satisfaction, claims experience, coverages offered and financial stability.
These rates reflect the cheapest car insurance quotes in Oakland, CA, as of July 2024.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Oakland
MoneyGeek found that GEICO is the best option in Oakland for drivers seeking the cheapest car insurance. For budget-conscious drivers, this can mean significant savings on their auto insurance policy.
- GEICO: $392 per year
- Mercury: $473 per year
The most expensive policy in Oakland comes from National General, at $811 per year. The $419 difference between the cheapest and most costly options underscores the value of comparing car insurance rates to ensure you're receiving a competitive offer.
GEICO | $392 | $33 |
Mercury | $473 | $39 |
Progressive | $478 | $40 |
CSAA | $495 | $41 |
Capital Insurance Group | $569 | $47 |
State Farm | $579 | $48 |
Kemper | $583 | $49 |
Farmers | $609 | $51 |
State National | $658 | $55 |
Hartford | $684 | $57 |
Nationwide | $693 | $58 |
Allstate | $709 | $59 |
Travelers | $726 | $61 |
Chubb | $776 | $65 |
National General | $811 | $68 |
State Minimum Liability Requirements
In California, state law sets car insurance coverage minimums. Drivers are required to carry:
- $15,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $30,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $5,000 property damage liability per accident
Suppose you have a minimum coverage policy and are at fault in an accident. In that case, your insurer will cover up to $15,000 for any one person's injuries and a total of $30,000 for all injuries in that accident. If the injured party's medical bills exceed your policy's minimums, you have to pay the excess out of pocket. This is the risk of just having minimum coverage.
Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Oakland
MoneyGeek found that Progressive offers the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Oakland, providing substantial savings without skimping on coverage. When searching for the cheapest full coverage car insurance, consider these top two affordable options:
- Progressive: $1,167 per year
- GEICO: $1,205 per year
Farmers has the most expensive full coverage policy in Oakland, costing $2,273 per year — $1,106 more than Progressive. This price difference emphasizes the importance of comparing rates to secure affordable full coverage car insurance, which ensures broad protection against various incidents on the road. Full coverage policies generally cost more than minimum coverage because they provide comprehensive and collision insurance, offering a wider safety net than basic liability insurance.
Progressive | $1,167 | $97 |
GEICO | $1,205 | $100 |
Allstate | $1,390 | $116 |
Capital Insurance Group | $1,419 | $118 |
Mercury | $1,429 | $119 |
Hartford | $1,557 | $130 |
Kemper | $1,578 | $132 |
State National | $1,601 | $133 |
State Farm | $1,601 | $133 |
National General | $1,651 | $138 |
CSAA | $1,816 | $151 |
Nationwide | $1,888 | $157 |
Chubb | $1,917 | $160 |
Travelers | $2,234 | $186 |
Farmers | $2,273 | $189 |
Do You Need Full Coverage in California?
Full coverage policies have increased liability limits and integrate both comprehensive and collision coverages:
Collision Insurance: This insurance type pays for damage to your automobile caused by a crash, whether with another car or an object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage compensates you for your vehicle's damage due to incidents other than collisions, such as theft, vandalism, fires, extreme weather conditions or being struck by an animal like a deer.
Opting for full coverage is generally advisable when you own a new vehicle to protect your substantial investment. However, the added coverage may not justify the extra cost for older vehicles. Understanding how much car insurance you need requires a careful evaluation of the risks of being underinsured against the cost of higher premiums.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Oakland After a Driving Offense
MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group offers the most affordable full coverage policies for drivers with a poor driving record in Oakland. Annual premiums vary based on the specific infraction:
- Speeding Ticket: Capital Insurance Group ($1,637 per year)
- At-Fault Accident: Capital Insurance Group ($1,678 per year)
- DUI: National General ($1,732 per year)
CSAA presents the most expensive rate after a DUI, charging an annual premium of $6,517. The difference in annual rates between the cheapest after a speeding ticket and the cheapest following a DUI is $95, underscoring how premiums can increase with the severity of the violation.
Capital Insurance Group | $1,637 | $136 |
National General | $1,732 | $144 |
GEICO | $1,784 | $149 |
Mercury | $1,892 | $158 |
Allstate | $2,027 | $169 |
Kemper | $2,096 | $175 |
Progressive | $2,205 | $184 |
State National | $2,277 | $190 |
CSAA | $2,300 | $192 |
Hartford | $2,334 | $195 |
State Farm | $2,363 | $197 |
Chubb | $2,514 | $210 |
Farmers | $3,151 | $263 |
Nationwide | $3,271 | $273 |
Travelers | $3,379 | $282 |
Driving offenses in cities like Oakland can sharply increase insurance rates to reflect the higher risk and potential costs associated with more severe infractions. For instance, drivers with a DUI offense face an average annual rate of $3,962, compared to $2,331 for those with a speeding ticket — a substantial difference of $1,631. These increased rates make it essential for drivers with offenses to diligently compare insurance quotes, ensuring they secure the most financially advantageous coverage for their situation.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Oakland for Teens and Their Families
MoneyGeek found that GEICO offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for male and female teens in Oakland. This is a valuable insight to consider for those searching for the cheapest car insurance for teens.
- GEICO: $2,877 per year for female teens and $3,006 per year for male teens
- State Farm: $3,083 per year for female and male teens
Kemper has the priciest family policy for teens in Oakland, with an annual premium of $6,561 for female teens. The significant rate difference between the cheapest and most expensive policies underscores the importance of comparing insurance quotes, especially for those who need to insure a teenager — a demographic often associated with elevated risk on the road.
GEICO | $2,877 | $3,349 |
State Farm | $3,083 | $3,145 |
Allstate | $3,408 | $3,725 |
Capital Insurance Group | $3,447 | $3,216 |
Farmers | $3,661 | $4,755 |
Progressive | $3,936 | $3,920 |
Travelers | $4,743 | $3,971 |
Nationwide | $6,057 | $7,849 |
Kemper | $6,561 | $6,400 |
In Oakland, as well as other urban areas, the financial burden of car insurance weighs heavily on teens seeking individual policies. The average annual premium for a teen buying independently stands at a hefty $4,538, compared to $4,211 if they opt into a joint family plan. The stark premium difference is attributed to the heightened risks insurers associate with teenage drivers—lack of experience, higher accident propensity, and a statistical likelihood of filing claims. Consequently, this high-risk demographic often faces challenges in securing individual coverage, as insurers may be hesitant to underwrite policies for them without the buffer of a more balanced family insurance risk profile.
Cheapest Car Insurance in Oakland for Military Drivers
MoneyGeek found that Progressive is the cheapest option in Oakland for full coverage car insurance tailored for those with military backgrounds. Those looking for the cheapest car insurance for military backgrounds can consider the following providers:
- Progressive: $1,167 per year
- GEICO: $1,205 per year
Although USAA is the third cheapest provider, it has a competitive annual premium of $1,285. It provides services specifically tailored to the needs of active-duty military insurance. USAA's specialized services might make it a valuable option for military personnel looking for car insurance despite slightly higher rates.
Progressive | $1,167 | $97 |
GEICO | $1,205 | $100 |
USAA | $1,285 | $107 |
Allstate | $1,390 | $116 |
Capital Insurance Group | $1,419 | $118 |
Mercury | $1,429 | $119 |
Hartford | $1,557 | $130 |
Kemper | $1,578 | $132 |
State National | $1,601 | $133 |
State Farm | $1,601 | $133 |
National General | $1,651 | $138 |
CSAA | $1,816 | $151 |
Nationwide | $1,888 | $157 |
Chubb | $1,917 | $160 |
Travelers | $2,234 | $186 |
Farmers | $2,273 | $189 |
Car Insurance Companies in Oakland
Company | Address | Phone | Website |
---|---|---|---|
Abdumhmood Insurance Agency | 3937 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Oakland, CA 94609 | (510) 227-6520 | |
Farmers Insurance - Norman Garcia | 8105 Edgewater Dr Ste 118, Oakland, CA 94621 | (510) 878-7555 | |
All Purpose Insurance Agency | 5857 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94605 | (510) 382-1900 | |
Rightworks Insurance Services | 3018 Foothill Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601 | (510) 534-9203 | |
CCR Insurance Services, Inc | 5035 International Blvd, Oakland, CA 94601 | (510) 436-9114 | |
Concise Solutions Insurance Services | 3349 International Blvd Suite 2, Oakland, CA 94601 | (510) 534-6293 | |
Globe Life American Income Division: Saavedra Longino Organization | 80 Swan Way #130, Oakland, CA 94621 | (510) 309-4550 | |
Jain Williams - State Farm Insurance Agent | 4222 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619 | (510) 530-3222 | |
Halbrook Insurance | OAKMORE PROFESSIONAL BUILDING, 1425 Leimert Blvd, Oakland, CA 94602 | (510) 531-1432 |
How to Compare Cheap Oakland Car Insurance Quotes Online
Securing the best car insurance rates in Oakland is key to savings. However, manually comparing rates is a lengthy process — it often takes up to 15 minutes per company. For a thorough comparison of at least three companies, expect to invest over an hour.
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator simplifies this task, delivering instant estimates by concentrating on the crucial elements that influence Oakland's car insurance costs. To receive your tailored rate estimate, provide details such as your age, driving history, credit score, desired coverage levels and other relevant factors.
Car Insurance Calculator
MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator will give you a customized estimate of your auto insurance cost. It's free to use, requires no personal information and we won't send you any spam.
Rates updated:
Dec 24, 2024
Although MoneyGeek partners with some of the companies we recommend, our content is written and reviewed by an independent team of writers, editors and licensed agents. Learn more about our editorial policies and expert editorial team.
Best Car Insurance in Oakland: Overview
Finding the right auto insurance depends on your priorities, whether it be service quality, cost, coverage options or a combination of these and other factors. With MoneyGeek's unique scoring for various categories, we've identified Oakland's best insurers to suit different needs:
- Best overall: Capital Insurance Group (MoneyGeek score 84 out of 100)
- Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 94 out of 100)
- Best cheap: Capital Insurance Group (MoneyGeek score 77 out of 100)
Those looking for an insurance provider that excels in service without compromising on cost should consider Chubb, which is recognized for exceptional service. Meanwhile, Capital Insurance Group is the best overall option in Oakland, balancing high-quality service and affordability. Additionally, if saving money is a top priority, Capital Insurance Group is also the best in affordability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious consumers seeking good service.
Overall Best Car Insurance in Oakland
MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group provides the best car insurance in Oakland.
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($1,419 per year)
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($1,917 per year)
Capital Insurance Group distinguishes itself by excelling in the areas customers care about most: satisfaction and affordability. Its well-rounded offerings provide high-quality coverage that meets the needs of Oakland drivers, making it the top choice for those seeking peace of mind on the road.
Capital Insurance Group's high MoneyGeek score is primarily due to its top-rated satisfaction and strong claims handling. Although it doesn't provide rental car and/or travel reimbursement, it does offer roadside assistance. Despite lacking some coverages, Capital Insurance Group is an excellent choice given its high customer satisfaction and claims service scores.
Capital Insurance Group caters to diverse needs with full glass coverage, ensuring convenient auto glass repairs that can be invaluable after minor incidents. Moreover, it offers custom parts coverage, which is highly beneficial for drivers who customize their vehicles as it guarantees replacement with name-brand components. These offerings underscore the adaptability of Capital Insurance Group's car insurance to both everyday and specific customer requirements.
- Ranks first in the city for general customer satisfaction
- Ranks second in the city for claims handling
- Offers custom parts coverage and full glass repair, ranking third for key coverages
- Ranks fourth for cost, with an average annual premium of $1,419
- Does not offer rental car and/or travel reimbursement or gap insurance
MoneyGeek ranks Oakland car insurance by prioritizing customer satisfaction and affordability, followed by claims handling, coverage options and financial stability.
Best Car Insurance in Oakland for Customer Service
MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option in Oakland for customer service in car insurance, with exceptional scores in overall satisfaction, claims handling and coverage options, without considering rates.
- Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 94 out of 100 ($1,917 per year)
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 82*out of 100 ($1,419 per year)
Chubb distinguishes itself with its top-tier claims process and broad coverage features, which are significant factors in its high MoneyGeek score. Its dedication to client satisfaction is also evident, protecting its policyholders in Oakland.
Chubb's high MoneyGeek score is predominantly due to its exceptional satisfaction and claims performance. The company offers rental car and/or travel reimbursement, ensuring thorough protection for drivers. However, Chubb doesn't offer roadside assistance, which is a slight drawback. Its robust selection of other coverages compensates for this, providing customers with valuable security.
Drivers can benefit from Chubb's antique/classic car insurance, a rare option that caters to the needs of vintage car enthusiasts by safeguarding their treasured vehicles. The OEM coverage is equally advantageous and widely applicable, essential for maintaining a car's integrity with manufacturer-specific parts after an accident. These offerings enhance Chubb's robust portfolio, adding to its high MoneyGeek scores in satisfaction and claims — further testament to its reliability and customer-first approach.
- Ranks first in the city for claims handling
- Offers OEM coverage and antique/classic car insurance
- Does not offer roadside assistance or gap insurance
MoneyGeek's car insurance ratings for Oakland prioritize customer satisfaction and claim service, with coverage options and company financial stability as key considerations.
Best Cheap Car Insurance in Oakland
MoneyGeek found that Capital Insurance Group is the best option for affordable car insurance in Oakland. This company offers competitive rates and upholds a strong track record in claims handling and customer satisfaction. Here are the top two providers:
- Capital Insurance Group: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($569 per year)
- Mercury: MoneyGeek score of 77 out of 100 ($473 per year)
Capital Insurance Group distinguishes itself by achieving an exceptional balance between cost and service quality. The company's high MoneyGeek score is a testament to its affordability, particularly for minimum coverage policies, while maintaining excellent claims service and customer satisfaction.
Capital Insurance Group leads the ranks due to exceptional satisfaction and robust claims handling. With an average annual premium of approximately $569, drivers enjoy minimal coverage costs by paying less than $50 per month. Customers benefit from rare discounts like the good student discount, which rewards achieving students with lower premiums. However, Capital Insurance Group does not carry the most common discounts such as bundling, multiple car or safe driving. Still, the company’s exceptional affordability is evident.
Capital Insurance Group's solid MoneyGeek score is significantly influenced by its impressive affordability, superior satisfaction score and strong claims score. These factors ensure that customers receive excellent service without compromising on cost-effectiveness or claims support.
- Offers good student discount
- Ranks first for general customer satisfaction
- Lacks common discounts: bundling, multiple car, safe driving
- Ranks fifth for affordability, with an average annual premium of $569
- Ranks third for coverage options
MoneyGeek's rating for Oakland car insurance prioritizes affordable minimum coverage and customer satisfaction, and also considers claims processing, coverage options and insurer stability.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Oakland
In Oakland, California, the average car insurance cost is $1,657 per year. This figure is higher than the average car insurance cost in California, which is $1,562, indicating that Oakland residents tend to pay $95 more for their auto insurance. Compared to the national average, California's average is less expensive by $219, with the national average costing $1,781 per year.
Car insurance premiums hinge on various factors, with location playing a significant role. Factors such as local traffic conditions, accident rates, theft statistics and weather patterns can significantly impact insurance costs in different places. For instance, Santa Maria has the cheapest premium at $1,251 per year, which is $311 less than the state average. On the other hand, Glendale has the most expensive annual premium of $2,433, which is $871 more than what Californians generally pay. These examples illustrate how dramatically premiums can differ even within the same state. Rates can be even more favorable in less populated areas with fewer cars on the road and, thus, lower traffic density.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.