Taft drivers, with commutes of about 20 minutes, can compare car insurance quotes from multiple California carriers with A1 and see what fits.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Taft?
Taft's short commute, about 20 minutes compared with a state average of 29, can help keep annual mileage low, and Prop 103 counts mileage and driving record most. Vehicle theft here ran about 2.8 per thousand people in 2025, a bit under the state average of 3.2, so theft risk is one factor but not an extreme one.
| Factor | Taft | California |
|---|---|---|
| Average commute | 20 min | 29 min |
| Homes with 2+ cars | 48% | 63% |
| Car thefts per 1,000 | 2.8 | 3.2 |
| ZIP codes | 1 |
Why Taft Drivers Compare Quotes With A1
Each carrier weighs mileage, experience and ZIP code a little differently, so the same Taft driver can see different prices from company to company. A1 is an independent broker that compares quotes from multiple California carriers, so you can see those differences in one place.
About Taft, California
Taft is an incorporated city of about 7,200 people in Kern County, in the San Joaquin Valley. It covers roughly 15 square miles at an elevation of about 955 feet and uses the ZIP code 93268. Small neighboring communities such as South Taft, Taft Heights and Ford City sit within a few miles.
- County
- Kern County
- Population
- 7,228 (Census est.)
- Major routes
- SR-33, SR-119
Driving in Taft: What to Know
About 82% of Taft workers drive alone, well above the state average of 67%, and nobody commutes by public transit. That makes your own car the main way to get to work, so having solid coverage matters. State Routes 33 and 119 run through or near town, and Bakersfield is about 27 miles away for longer trips. Only about 48% of households have two or more vehicles, and about 14% have none, so many families depend on a single car and would feel a loss or accident sharply. Comprehensive coverage is worth a look if one vehicle is all you have.
State highways through or near 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 Taft
The nearest DMV office is Taft DMV at 165 Center St., about 2 miles from the city center.
California Car Insurance Rules for Taft Drivers
California's minimum liability is 30/60/15, meaning $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for injury, plus $15,000 for property damage. Qualifying good drivers get at least a 20% Good Driver Discount, and a first uninsured driving offense brings a $100 to $200 fine plus penalty assessments.
Guides: Minimum coverage · Discounts · SR-22 and high-risk · Driving uninsured · How rates are set
Taft ZIP Codes and Nearby Areas
ZIP codes in Taft:
Nearby cities and communities:
More About Taft
Set in the southwest corner of the San Joaquin Valley, Taft is an oil town with a friendly, small-community feel and wide open country all around it. A few local favorites:
- Oil heritage at West Kern Oil Museum. This museum in Taft shows off the region's petroleum history with vintage equipment and exhibits on the Midway-Sunset field, one of the oldest and largest oil fields in California.
- Fort Taft Days. Taft's long-running community celebration brings neighbors together with local pride and a hometown feel.
- Elk Hills and the Carrizo Plain. The nearby hills and open grasslands are a draw for wildflower seekers and wildlife watchers, especially in spring.
- Taft College Cougars. Taft College anchors the community with local sports, classes and events that give the town a lively campus energy.
Taft Car Insurance FAQ
Does a short commute lower my car insurance in Taft?
It can, because annual mileage is one of the top factors insurers must weigh under Prop 103. Taft's average commute is about 20 minutes, so many drivers log fewer miles than the state typical.
Should I carry comprehensive coverage if I only have one car?
Comprehensive pays for theft, fire, flood and vandalism, while liability-only does not cover your own car. Taft saw about 20 vehicle thefts in 2025, and with one vehicle to rely on, many drivers want that protection.
How do I get quotes in Taft?
You can call, text or use the form at A1 California Auto Insurance Quotes. Quotes are free, and A1 compares multiple California carriers for you.