Short answer: Kern County's FEMA National Risk Index report ranks hazards for Bakersfield tracts. The California FAIR Plan backs up fire coverage for hard-to-place homes.
This guide is general information for homeowners and drivers in the Bakersfield area (Kern County). It isn't legal advice or a coverage determination. Your policy wording, underwriting, city and county ordinances, and state insurance and motor-vehicle rules control. Check your address on FEMA's National Risk Index (county report for Kern County) and the Flood Map Service Center.
Local hazards: FEMA National Risk Index for Kern County
Look up FEMA's National Risk Index and the Kern County report.
Federal disaster declarations in Kern County
FEMA's disaster declarations data shows 18 major disaster declarations that included Kern County since 1967, led by severe storm events (6), flood events (6) and freezing events (3). The most recent: Tropical Storm Hilary, 2023, Severe Winter Storms, Straight-Line Winds, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides, 2023, Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Mudslides, 2017 and Severe Winter Storms, Flooding, and Debris and Mud Flows, 2011. FEMA also lists 5 emergency declarations for the county in the same data.
The dam upstream
Isabella Dam sits about 40 miles northeast of Bakersfield on the Kern River. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says more than 300,000 people live and work below it, mainly in Lake Isabella and Bakersfield. A 2006 study found three risks: overtopping, seepage and seismic damage. By 2022, crews had raised both dams 16 feet and added a new emergency spillway with a labyrinth weir.
Risk rating lowered
After that work, the Corps lowered the dam's risk rating from DSAC 1, its highest urgency, to DSAC 4, low risk, and let the lake fill to full capacity again. Lower risk isn't zero risk, and homeowners policies still exclude flood. If you live near the Kern River, check your FEMA zone. The fix also doesn't change the area's earthquake exposure, which needs separate coverage.
Residual market: California FAIR Plan
The California FAIR Plan is available when no admitted insurer will write fire coverage; pair it with a difference-in-conditions policy for theft, water and liability.
More for Bakersfield policyholders
The southern valley has active faults—earthquake requires a separate CEA or private policy.
Auto: California 30/60/15
Since January 1, 2025, California DMV requires at least $30,000/$60,000 bodily injury and $15,000 property damage for policies issued or renewed on or after that date.
Questions? Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in California.
Frequently asked questions
Does Bakersfield need earthquake insurance?
It's optional but excluded from homeowners policies; price CEA or private options.
What does the FAIR Plan cover?
Basic fire and limited perils; add a difference-in-conditions policy for gaps.
What auto liability does California require?
30/60/15.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.