Oildale drivers can compare car insurance quotes from multiple California carriers, and with a short commute of about 23 minutes, mileage may work in your favor.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Oildale?
Prop 103 says driving record, annual mileage and years of experience count most, so a commute shorter than the state average of 29 minutes can help keep your mileage down. Vehicle theft in Kern County ran about 4.4 per thousand people in 2025, compared with 3.2 statewide, which can push up the cost of comprehensive coverage.
| Factor | Oildale | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute | 23 min | 29 min |
| Homes with 2+ cars | 49% | 63% |
| Car thefts per 1,000 (Kern County) | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| ZIP codes | 1 |
Why Oildale Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
Each carrier weighs the optional factors, like ZIP code 93308 and your vehicle, in its own way, so the same driver can get quite different prices. A1 works with several California carriers rather than one, so you get side-by-side quotes for free.
About Oildale, California
Oildale is an unincorporated community of about 34,971 people in Kern County, in the San Joaquin Valley. It covers roughly 8 square miles at an elevation of 469 feet. Bakersfield is about 5 miles away, and nearby places include La Cresta, East Bakersfield and Hillcrest.
- County
- Kern County
- Population
- 34,971 (Census est.)
- Major routes
- SR-99, SR-204
Driving in Oildale: What to Know
Around 79% of Oildale commuters drive alone, well above the state figure of 67%, so most people here depend on their own car every day. Only about 1% use public transit, which means a car problem can quickly disrupt work. About 12% of households have no vehicle, while roughly 49% have two or more, below the state share of 63%. SR-99 and SR-204 run through or near the community, so solid liability limits and uninsured motorist protection are worth considering for highway driving.
State highways through or near Oildale:
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023; California DOJ OpenJustice (2025); Caltrans State Highway Network.
DMV Office and Traffic Court for Oildale
The nearest DMV office is Bakersfield DMV at 3120 F Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301, about 3 miles away.
Nearest DMV: Bakersfield
3120 F Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
About 2.9 miles from Oildale
California Car Insurance Rules for Oildale Drivers
California's minimum liability is 30/60/15, but those limits may not stretch far after a serious crash. Qualifying good drivers get at least a 20% Good Driver Discount, and credit scores and gender can't be used to set your rate.
Guides: Minimum coverage · Discounts · SR-22 and high-risk · Driving uninsured · How rates are set
Oildale ZIP Codes and Nearby Areas
ZIP codes in Oildale:
Nearby cities and communities:
More About Oildale
Just across the Kern River from Bakersfield, the unincorporated community of Oildale has deep oil roots, a proud working-class spirit and a big place in country music history. Here’s what locals love:
- Oil country heritage. Oildale takes its name from the nearby Kern River Oil Field, one of California's oldest and largest, and the pumpjacks on the hillsides are part of the local scenery.
- Merle Haggard's hometown. The country legend grew up here, and Oildale's story is tied to the Bakersfield Sound and to the Dust Bowl families who settled in the area.
- The Kern River. The river runs along Oildale's southern edge, with the Kern River Parkway offering paths for walking, biking and watching the sunset.
- Mountains within reach. The Kern River Canyon, Sequoia National Forest and Lake Isabella are an easy drive northeast for weekend camping, fishing and rafting.
Oildale Car Insurance FAQ
Does vehicle theft in Oildale affect my insurance?
Kern County's 2025 theft rate of about 4.4 per thousand is higher than the state average of 3.2. Comprehensive coverage pays for theft, fire, flood and vandalism, while liability-only does not cover your own car.
Does a short commute lower my rates?
It can. Annual mileage is one of the top factors under Prop 103, and the average Oildale commute of about 23 minutes is shorter than the state's 29 minutes. Tell your broker your real yearly mileage so it is counted.
What if I need an SR-22 in Oildale?
An SR-22 is a form your insurer files with the DMV after a DUI, driving uninsured or a suspension. Not every carrier handles them the same way, so comparing quotes through A1 can help you find one that does.