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Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington (Nov 2024)

Compare 50+ top insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Washington.
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R.E. Fulton
Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations

How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Washington

Let's get real: no single insurance company can guarantee the absolute lowest rate for every driver in Washington. The diversity among drivers in this region means that premiums will vary accordingly.
So, you need to shop around and compare rates to find the best car insurance for your unique driver profile and coverage needs.
Jerry
has helped a lot of Washington drivers with affordable car insurance, as you can see below.
Insurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Allstate
$153
Hyundai Ioniq SEL
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$155
Chevrolet Cruze LT
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$383
Subaru WRX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
AAA
$148
Toyota Corolla
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Mercury
$204
Volkswagen Tiguan SE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 23, 2024

Cheapest car insurance companies in Washington

Finding
cheap car insurance
can be a battle, but we’ve equipped Washington drivers with a ton of data. Our surveys cover everything from the factors that affect your rates to the
hacks you can use
to save money.
The data reveal . . . there’s not actually a single winner! There’s no “best” company for the majority of Washington drivers. However, there are some clear trends. 
For the average driver, Pemco and
USAA
  offer the cheapest rates shortly followed by
GEICO
and
State Farm
. Note that USAA is only for military members and their families. The most popular auto insurance companies in the Evergreen State also include
Progressive
, American Family,
Allstate
, and
Farmers
.
Let’s look at reviews of insurance providers from real Washington drivers.
Insurance companyDateCost rating (out of 5)What our customer said:
National General
November 18, 2024
5
"They have been good to me! "
-Jesus
Bristol West
November 12, 2024
5
"Just started a policy with Bristol West for car insurance and so far it has been a great experience and for a price t...(read more)"
-Sylvia
Elephant Auto Insurance
November 12, 2024
3
"I have an awesome driving record; not only have they Never offered me a discount for my clean driving record, they ha...(read more)"
-Augusta
AAA
November 11, 2024
5
"Love them. My parents always used them. "
-Cynthia
Dairyland
November 9, 2024
5
"Dairyland is the only one that would accept me"
-Millie
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024
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How'd we get these scores?

Jerry's experts conducted one of the largest car insurance surveys in the United States. We surveyed 15,000 policyholders, in all 50 states, over the span of 18 months. These policyholders hold insurance policies with 87 different insurance companies. We surveyed policyholders to gauge their satisfaction with their insurance carriers in: policy cost, customer service, buying and renewal experience, as well as claim experience. These scores were all reported by real customers of the insurance companies.
If you want to compare multiple providers quickly and painlessly, use a
car insurance
comparison app or website. 
Jerry is
a trusted insurance agency
with a user-friendly app for motorists, which can be used to obtain fast and free quotes and explore various options for car insurance coverage.

Minimum car insurance requirements for liability and full coverage in Washington

To help you navigate car insurance shopping, try a comparison app like Jerry.
The hardest part of finding a policy is
comparing coverage quotes
and costs. Instead of pulling up a ton of tabs and researching minimum coverage requirements,
Jerry's user-friendly app
gives dedicated support to Washington drivers.

Cheapest minimum liability coverage in Washington

Let’s take a closer look at the
liability auto insurance coverage
in Washington: 
Washington state law
requires all drivers to have this coverage.  
Jerry has helped a lot of Washington drivers find cheap liability coverage—check it out.
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Gerald (69 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChrysler Town & Country
$85
per month
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Lloyd (63 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carNissan Rogue S
$112
per month
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Randall (33 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carBMW X1 sDrive28i
$152
per month
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Lula (26 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carHyundai Ioniq SEL
$153
per month
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Gainsco
Jane (29 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$79
per month
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Andre (40 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carJeep Grand Cherokee COL
$217
per month

Do you need more than the minimum liability insurance coverage in Washington? 

Choosing 30/60/20 coverage won't break any laws, but higher limits provide better protection in an accident. 
Imagine the costs involved after a major crash: medical expenses, car replacement fees, and potential lawsuits that could amount to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Washington's minimum coverage may not cover all these expenses, leaving you financially liable. 
It's wise to get as much liability coverage as you can afford, and the added protection may not be as costly as you think. 
The bottom line: For better financial protection, consider 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage—even if you choose not to purchase full coverage.
Lower my car insurance too!

Cheapest full coverage Washington auto insurance quotes

Full coverage is the only way to cover yourself and your vehicle. Liability coverage only protects you from lawsuits if someone else sues you for damages when you cause an accident.
A full coverage policy includes
comprehensive
and
collision coverage
Collision coverage: If you get into a collision—with a mailbox or another vehicle—this coverage will pay for the damage.
Comprehensive coverage: If your vehicle suffers non-collision damage—like dents from hail , vandalism, or theft—this coverage will kick in.
Be aware that you might be required to have
full coverage if you own a financed vehicle
. Lenders wish to protect their investment, so they can require this extra coverage. If this is you, check with your lender before you start shopping for insurance.
Take a look at real
costs for full coverage
in Washington.
Insurance CoverageInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$177
Toyota Corolla Night Shade
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$152
BMW X1 sDrive28i
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Nationwide
$383
Subaru WRX
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$133
Ford Ranger XL
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
AAA
$148
Toyota Corolla
coverageLast Updated Nov 23, 2024

Average rates for minimum liability coverage and full coverage car insurance in Washington

For about $0 per month or $0 per year, you can get the basic liability coverage in Washington. $0 per month is the average cost of full coverage insurance in Washington—about double.
Average rates can help you get a better idea of what to expect with rates. However, there’s no such thing as the “average” Washington driver. Your rate will be entirely unique to your driver profile.

Other types of Washington auto insurance

If you want more protection than the basic coverage, you can opt for extra add-ons. Here are some of the most valuable coverages available to Washington drivers: 
Financed your car?
Gap insurance
can cover the gap between what you owe and what you’re paid out, in the event of a total loss. 

Car insurance premium by rating factors

In the past, companies could not use your credit score to determine your car insurance premium in Washington. However, that law was overturned in 2022 and credit score can now be considered. Here are some of the key factors that affect your rates:
  • Your driving record and claims history: If you’ve gotten into accidents or received tickets in the past, car insurance companies will charge you higher rates.
  • Your credit score: Poor credit applicants (under 600) will pay much more for insurance than people with good credit (over 750) who get the best rates.
  • Zip code: Each neighborhood has its own risk profile, including auto theft rates, traffic accident rates, and weather patterns. 
  • Your make and model: You’ll pay more to insure sports cars, performance models, and luxury vehicles.
  • Usage: Frequent commuters will pay more for coverage.

How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Washington?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited): Washington currently does not disallow any common insurance rating factors when calculating insurance premiums.
Learn more abut the car insurance rating factors in Washington:

How to find cheap Washington car insurance if you’re a high-risk driver

Driving violations not only result in fines and legal consequences but can also impact your insurance premiums. Accumulating a significant number of violations on your record categorizes you as a
high-risk driver
. While it is still possible to obtain coverage, it's important to note that your policy will likely be more expensive compared to that of an average driver.

Cheapest car insurance for Washington drivers with a speeding ticket

If you exceed the speed limits in Washington, you will face penalties based on the extent to which you were over the speed limit. The fines for speeding increase with each mile over the limit, and
reckless driving
incurs exceptionally high fines as well.
Speeding tickets
can significantly impact insurance rates for drivers in Washington. But you can still
find affordable coverage
even if you have a speeding ticket on your record. 
Here’s how we have successfully helped other Washington drivers in similar situations.  
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Progressive
$182
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 6-10
Travelers
$153
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 11-15
Bristol West
$274
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
Speeding 16-20
Nationwide
$139
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 21+
Safeco
$424
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 25, 2024

Over 3,500,000 customers and counting

We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
Libertymutual
No problems with process or app. Easy access and painless payments.
Joshua
Safeco
They work hard for you so you don't have to and I promise there fast and efficient
Daisy
Progressive
Have been so amazing! The prices are great glad jerry for this for me.
Savannah
Kemper
Great rates and awesome coverage and never would have switched if it weren't for Jerry!
Shilo

How to find cheap Washington auto insurance after a DUI

A DUI conviction will definitely lead to a significant increase in your insurance rates. It's possible that certain insurance companies may decline coverage altogether.
We understand that navigating the process of finding insurance after a
DUI in Washington
can be complex. 
Jerry has helped numerous Washington drivers with DUI convictions. Here’s a look at rates for these drivers.
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Cecilia (59 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationCuster, WA
carRAM 3500 Laramie
$335
per month
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Tillie (29 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carSubaru Legacy Outback AWP
$158
per month
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Alvin (23 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carAudi A4 Allroad Premium Plus
$171
per month
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Isaiah (53 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carToyota Camry CE
$64
per month
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Alta (41 years old)
DUI
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carFord Focus SE
$111
per month

Washington SR-22 insurance

In Washington, if you engage in highly risky driving behavior, the state may require you to demonstrate your responsibility to drive again.
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This involves obtaining an SR-22 form from an insurance company. The SR-22 is a proof of financial responsibility, which the insurance company files on your behalf.
There’s a small fee for the SR-22 form—plus increased insurance costs. 
You may need an
SR-22 insurance in Washington
if one of these situations applies to you: 
  • You were convicted of a DUI or DWI.
  • You were at-fault in a serious car accident.
  • You participated in a
    hit-and-run
    .
  • You were convicted of reckless driving.
  • You were caught driving without insurance.

How to find cheap car insurance in Washington after an at-fault accident

Causing an accident is an indication to insurance companies of increased risk. However, it's important to remember that you still have options for finding a favorable insurance rate, even with an at-fault accident on your
Washington record
Below, you can see real rates for Washington drivers with at-fault convictions on record.
Accident TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
At Fault With Injury
Progressive
$139
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Safeco
$75
• State Minimum Liability
Not At Fault
Allstate
$126
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
At Fault With No Injury
Allstate
$108
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With Injury
National General
$339
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024

FAQ

Yes. In
an at-fault state like Washington
, you file against the party who caused the accident. But if the other party does not have enough coverage (or any coverage), then you could be left without protection—unless you have uninsured motorist coverage. 
The bottom line: All Washington drivers must have at least the minimum liability car insurance—but more coverage is recommended.

Cheapest auto insurance after other violations in Washington

Even a minor violation such as tailgating can have an impact on your car insurance rates in Washington.
To better understand how common traffic violations in Washington can affect your car insurance rates, check out the info below.
ViolationInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Careless Driving
Progressive
$105
Subaru Legacy Outback AWP
• State Minimum Liability
Cell Phone
Safeco
$174
Ford Fusion SE
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Defective Equipment
Allstate
$72
Tesla Model 3
• State Minimum Liability
Driving on Sus. License
National General
$132
Chevrolet Cruze LS
• State Minimum Liability
DUI
Nationwide
$129
Buick Encore Preferred
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal
Bristol West
$126
Dodge Charger R/T
• State Minimum Liability
Homicide
National General
$147
Mazda 3 S
• State Minimum Liability
Illegal Turn
Progressive
$90
Ford Escape Titanium
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Improper Passing
Travelers
$192
Volkswagen Golf S
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run
Bristol West
$77
Dodge Stratus SXT
• State Minimum Liability
Open Container
Dairyland
$383
Toyota Yaris IA
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Racing/Drag Racing
National General
$92
Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5I
• State Minimum Liability
Reckless Driving
The General
$269
Mercedes-Benz C 300 4matic
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Seat Belt
Bristol West
$61
Toyota Scion XD
• State Minimum Liability
Speeding Violation-Major
Safeco
$136
Infiniti QX30
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 1-5
Nationwide
$144
Volkswagen Passat SEL
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Suspension
Bristol West
$294
KIA RIO LX
• State Minimum Liability
Wrong Way/Wrong Lane
Bristol West
$178
Honda Accord EX
• State Minimum Liability
Other Minor
Allstate
$170
BMW 135 i
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 24, 2024

How to find cheap Washington car insurance based on your insurance history

Maintaining consistent car insurance coverage is essential to avoid any red flags on your record. Companies take note of any
lapses in coverage
, which typically result in increased premiums.
With Jerry, you can enjoy the advantage of regular reminders to prevent coverage gaps. We also assist individuals who have experienced lapses in finding coverage again, just like the Washington drivers showcased here.
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Mamie (44 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carSubaru Outback 2.5I Premium
$89
per month
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Lenora (40 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carKIA Forte LX
$166
per month
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Della (25 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carHyundai Ioniq SEL
$153
per month
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Ophelia (26 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$251
per month
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Travis (37 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carLexus IS 200T
$138
per month
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Carlos (36 years old)
Not Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
locationBlack Diamond, WA
carVolkswagen Jetta TDI
$104
per month

How to find cheap Washington car insurance with a low credit score

Data shows that individuals with poor credit tend to file more insurance claims. Consequently, if
your credit score
falls below 600, it is likely that you’ll pay a higher rate for coverage in Washington.
To gain insights into the insurance premiums paid by drivers with poor credit in Washington, here’s a glimpse into some real figures.
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
> 750
Progressive
$118
Honda Accord LX
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
660 - 750
Safeco
$117
Audi A6 S-Line Quattro
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
550 - 659
Allstate
$169
Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
Allstate
$110
Mini Cooper Clubman
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Nov 21, 2024

How to find cheap auto insurance in Washington for your age

Older drivers may face increased risks in the event of an accident, while younger drivers and those with
provisional licenses
often have limited experience on the road. If you fall into the age range of under 25 or over 75, it is likely that you will incur higher premiums for coverage in the state of Washington.

The best car insurance companies in Washington for young drivers

Teen drivers in Washington under the age of 19 tend to face the highest insurance costs. This emphasizes the importance of considering full coverage, particularly for young drivers operating newer vehicles.
Real rates are the best source of information, so check out these
young drivers and their rates
.
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Ethan (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBlaine, WA
carAudi Q7 Premium
$129
per month
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Lida (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carFord Ranger Super Cab
$269
per month
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Randy (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carSubaru WRX
$383
per month
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Alvin (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carAudi A4 Allroad Premium Plus
$171
per month
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Clearcover
Abbie (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carNissan Versa SV
$87
per month
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Timothy (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
locationTacoma, WA
carToyota Camry L
$299
per month

The best car insurance companies for senior drivers in Washington

Seniors pay higher costs for car insurance, primarily due to their increased vulnerability to serious injuries in the event of a car accident. Car insurance companies take this into consideration when determining
coverage rates for older drivers
.
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Etta (69 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carChrysler Town & Country
$85
per month
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Ivan (68 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carLexus RX 350
$197
per month
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Dora (70 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carDodge Grand Caravan GT
$223
per month
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Travis (106 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
carNissan Sentra S
$184
per month
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Alfred (71 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
carToyota Corolla LE
$182
per month
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Irene (69 years old)
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
carAudi Q3 Premium Plus S-Line
$131
per month

Over 3,500,000 customers and counting

We love saving our customers money. Turns out, they love it too! Here's what they have to say about their switch with Jerry:
Progressive
They were able to drop what I was paying for insurance in half
Megan
Dairyland
Was easy to switch and was very affordable
Hugo
State Auto
Wonderful experience! Saving $77 a month!
Kaytlin
Allstate
Fair prices, and helpful staff!
Tera

How to find car insurance discounts in Washington for your motor vehicle

Your make and model is a big factor when it comes to car insurance. So, let’s take a look at 
Here are some of the most popular vehicles in Washington:
Popular CarInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerInsurance Coverage
Honda Civic Type-R TouringProgressive
$115
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
RAM 1500 LaramieSafeco
$128
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 26, 2024

Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?

In general, insuring a car that is older than 10 years can lead to significant savings. However, if you have your heart set on driving a brand new car, it's important to be aware that premium rates will reflect the value of the vehicle.
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Etta (69 years old)
2005 Chrysler Town & Country
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$85
per month
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Christian (47 years old)
2005 Ford Focus ZX4
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
$62
per month
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Dominic (37 years old)
2005 Honda Element EX
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
$101
per month
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Anthony (41 years old)
2005 Ford Focus ZXW
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationTacoma, WA
$147
per month
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Irene (41 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
$120
per month
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Gainsco
Lucy (29 years old)
$79
per month

How to find cheap car insurance in Washington in your city

Insurance premiums take into account various factors, including your zip code. Each neighborhood has its own distinct risk profile, considering factors such as traffic accident rates and crime statistics. Therefore, you can expect insurance rates to vary between different locations. For instance, a driver in
Spokane
faces different risks than a driver in
Seattle
.
Here are some real rates from Jerry drivers across the state of Washington. 
CityCustomerInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CarInsurance coverage
Spanaway, WA
Gerald, 69
Progressive
$85
Chrysler Town & Country
• State Minimum Liability
Shelton, WA
Lloyd, 63
Safeco
$112
Nissan Rogue S
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Seattle, WA
Mayme, 31
Allstate
$210
Dodge RAM 1500 ST
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Wenatchee, WA
Vincent, 30
Nationwide
$108
BMW X5 xDrive35i
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Everett, WA
Randy, 26
AAA
$148
Toyota Corolla
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Gig Harbor, WA
Matilda, 45
State Auto
$208
Audi Q7 4.2 Quattro
• 30,000/60,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Seattle, WA
Della, 41
National General
$130
Toyota Corolla L
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Kirkland, WA
Eugenia, 30
Clearcover
$89
Lexus ES 350
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Port Orchard, WA
Andre, 40
Bristol West
$217
Jeep Grand Cherokee COL
• State Minimum Liability
Marysville, WA
Jane, 29
Gainsco
$79
Pontiac Firebird
• State Minimum Liability
Redmond, WA
Shane, 29
Mercury
$163
Ford Fusion SEL
• 30,000/60,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Spokane Valley, WA
Dollie, 29
Dairyland
$330
Honda Accord Sport
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Nov 25, 2024

How to lower the cost of car insurance in Washington

Washington drivers can take advantage of these valuable tips to maximize their savings and find the cheapest option:
  • Regularly compare quotes from different providers.
  • Inquire about available
    car insurance discounts
    , like the safe driver discount.
  • If your budget permits, consider raising your deductible.
  • Bundle your car insurance with homeowners
    or renters to enjoy additional savings.
  • Reduce your coverage limits, if it makes sense for your situation.
  • For older vehicles, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.
  • Review your auto insurance policy for any duplicate coverages.

Why is car insurance so expensive in Washington?

Compared to the national average, car insurance in Washington is generally more affordable—even though the cost of living is higher than the national average. Sweet!
Here are some factors that affect insurance prices in WA:
  • Low number of fatal crashes
  • Low population density
  • Mild weather patterns
Of course, if you live in an area of the state with extreme weather, lots of crashes, or a dense population, your rate might be higher than the Washington average.

FAQs

Yes. All drivers in Washington state are required to carry minimum car insurance limits to drive legally.
Car insurance coverage follows the car. Every driver who borrows the vehicle on a temporary basis—that you’ve given permission to—will be covered, thanks to permissive use. The exception is if you have non-owner insurance, which is attached to the driver and not the vehicle.
All Washington drivers must carry 25/50/10 of liability coverage to be compliant with state laws regarding insurance.
All Washington drivers must carry 25/50/10 of liability coverage to be compliant with state laws regarding insurance.
Compared to the national average, car insurance in Washington is generally more affordable. If you’re seeing higher rates than the national average, it could be due to a number of individualized factors, such as traffic tickets or excessive claims.
Check with your provider to find out why you’re paying rates, or check with Jerry to see how you can potentially lower your rates with a new policy.
In addition to the required state minimum liability coverages, experts recommend both comprehensive and collision coverage to ensure you’re protected in case you cause an accident. To ensure you don’t wind up paying out of pocket for damages, we also recommend higher limits on your liability coverage.
To make sure you’ve got all your bases covered, consider adding uninsured motorist coverage and other add-ons, like PIP and MedPay to cover the unforeseen expenses that often follow a traffic accident.
Yes, many drivers in the Evergreen State pay less than the national average for car insurance. However, drivers in some zip codes will experience higher than average rates due to the increased risk profile in these neighborhoods.
Pemco and USAA offer some of the lowest car insurance rates in Washington, followed by State Farm. However, there’s no guaranteed lowest rate at any company. You’ll have to shop around to uncover the best car insurance companies for your driver profile.
Yes, you will need to show proof of insurance at the Washington DMV before you can
register a car.
. The Washington DMV requires that drivers show proof of insurance before they can register a car.
Yes. If you’re in a situation where your registration is suspended because you were caught driving without insurance, then your vehicle must be towed to a safe location.
You can legally drive through Washington with insurance from another state. However, it’s important to get a new policy with your Washington address when you officially become a resident. Otherwise, any future claims could be denied.
No, PIP is an optional coverage for Washington drivers.
No. PIP and MedPay are usually exclusive to each other. They both cover important healthcare expenses after a car accident, but PIP covers more.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. 
Insurance research: We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes; conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). 
We surveyed insurance policyholders for their experience with their insurers in the following areas: (1) insurance cost (2) customer service (3) insurance buying experience (4) insurance renewal experience (5) claim experience. In addition, we asked people what they like about their insurers and what areas in which their insurers could improve. The driver characteristics used in calculating average rates for auto insurance include: single driver, single car, currently insured, clean driving record.  
For the quotes and sold policies included in this article, please note that personal information has been hidden. Not all customers find savings. 
Team: The team consists of licensed insurance agents, insurance industry veterans, and data scientists.

Meet our Experts

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R.E. Fulton
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Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer
R.E. Fulton is an expert insurance writer specializing in car ownership topics from car shopping and loan advice to insurance and repair guides. R.E.’s mission is to create unique and accessible content that helps readers to become more successful and independent car owners. R.E. has written and edited over 900 high-performing articles for Jerry, with an average of 1 million+ views.
As a senior writer on Jerry’s editorial team, R.E. draws on over 10 years of experience as a professional writer and digital publishing specialist. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2021, R.E. worked as a writing coach at Columbia University, the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and the University of Rochester. They serve as a managing editor for peer-reviewed history publication Nursing Clio, where their work has appeared regularly since 2015.
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Lina Zhang
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Licensed Insurance Agent
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Licensed in 50 states and Washington DC
Lina Zhang is Vice President of Operations at Jerry. She helped to found Jerry in order to take the confusion and mystery expenses out of car ownership and help drivers achieve financial success. Leading a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, legal, and content, Lina has been a key contributor to the AllCar™ app’s 10x growth in its first year of operation. Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, created YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from just five markets to more than 50. The trio left YourMechanic to incubate Jerry at Y Combinator in 2017. Lina’s previous roles include intellectual property attorney at Morrison & Foerster LLP and a biomedical researcher at Stanford University.
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Josh Damico
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Head Of Insurance Operations
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18+ Years Experience in Insurance
Josh Damico is Jerry’s vice president of insurance operations and a licensed insurance professional with nearly two decades of experience in the industry. Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College, and has appeared on news channels including FOX and CBS to offer insurance expertise and tips to drivers across the country. His work has appeared in Business Insider, Kelley Blue Book, and Digital Insurance and been quoted in The Balance, GOBankingRates, and Inspiring Workplaces.
*Illustration only. For all the pricing information presented in this article (including various tables), please note that not all customers find savings and the information is for illustrative purposes only. Savings depend on type of car, location, policy features, driving history and other factors. Drivers who switch through Jerry save over $70/month on average.