South Taft drivers face a commute of about 38 minutes, so it pays to compare car insurance quotes and find a policy that fits those miles.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in South Taft?
Long daily drives matter here because annual mileage is one of the top rating factors under Prop 103. Vehicle theft in Kern County runs about 4.4 per thousand people, above the state average of 3.2, which can also push prices up.
| Factor | South Taft | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute | 38 min | 29 min |
| Homes with 2+ cars | 41% | 63% |
| Car thefts per 1,000 (Kern County) | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| ZIP codes | 1 |
Why South Taft Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
Every carrier weighs mileage, record and location a little differently, so the same driver can get quite different prices. A1 is independent and compares quotes from several California carriers, which saves you from calling around one company at a time.
About South Taft, California
South Taft is a small unincorporated community of about 2,500 people packed into just over one square mile in the San Joaquin Valley. It sits at roughly 1,000 feet in elevation and shares a ZIP code, 93268, with nearby Taft. Taft Heights, Ford City and Maricopa are all close neighbors, and the county sheriff handles local policing.
- County
- Kern County
- Population
- 2,534 (Census est.)
- Major routes
- SR-33, SR-119
Driving in South Taft: What to Know
Commutes here average about 38 minutes, which ranks sixth of 72 places in Kern County and is well above the state figure of 29. Nearly 70 percent of workers drive alone, and no one reports using public transit, so the car is how people get to work. About 13 percent of households have no vehicle, and only 41 percent have two or more, so many families depend on one car and a breakdown or accident hits hard. With SR-33 and SR-119 nearby and Bakersfield 28 miles away, good liability limits and a plan for rental or repair costs are worth pricing.
State highways through or near South Taft:
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2019–2023; California DOJ OpenJustice (2025); Caltrans State Highway Network.
DMV Office and Traffic Court for South Taft
The Taft DMV at 165 Center St. is under a mile from South Taft, so renewals, registration and license visits are a short drive. That is a real convenience in an area where the next big city is nearly 30 miles off.
Nearest DMV: Taft
165 Center St., Taft, CA 93268
About 0.7 miles from South Taft
California Car Insurance Rules for South Taft Drivers
Because commutes are long, your reported annual mileage carries real weight, so make sure it is accurate and not overstated. With theft above the state average, comprehensive coverage deserves a look, since liability-only will not pay if your own car is stolen or vandalized.
Guides: Minimum coverage · Discounts · SR-22 and high-risk · Driving uninsured · How rates are set
South Taft ZIP Codes and Nearby Areas
ZIP codes in South Taft:
Nearby cities and communities:
More About South Taft
South Taft is a small unincorporated community in Kern County, set in the oil country on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley, and it shares its story with neighboring Taft. Here's what makes the area special:
- Oil country heritage. The West Side oil fields shaped this part of Kern County, and the pumpjacks dotting the hills are a daily reminder of the industry that built the community.
- West Kern Oil Museum. Located in nearby Taft, this museum shows off antique drilling equipment, historic photos and exhibits on the early days of California's oil boom.
- Wide-open Carrizo Plain. The Carrizo Plain National Monument is a short drive southwest, with sweeping grasslands, wildlife and spectacular wildflower blooms in wet springs.
- Small-town community feel. Neighbors know each other here, and the area's school pride and local gatherings give South Taft a close-knit, welcoming character.
South Taft Car Insurance FAQ
Will my long commute raise my insurance rates in South Taft?
It can, because mileage is one of the main factors insurers must weigh, and a 38-minute average commute means many local drivers log high miles. Give each carrier your true mileage and compare, since some price it more gently than others.
Is comprehensive coverage worth it with theft in Kern County?
Kern County's theft rate of about 4.4 per thousand is higher than the state's 3.2. Comprehensive pays for theft, fire, flood and vandalism, so it protects a car you could not easily replace.
What if my household only has one car?
That is common here, since only about 41 percent of households have two or more vehicles. Losing that one car can stop you from getting to work, so ask about coverage that helps with repairs or a rental, and request a free quote by phone, text or the form.