Best car insurance companies in Seattle
While no single provider earns the title for “best insurance in Seattle,” there are certainly some standouts. Industry giants like State Farm, Allstate, and Progressive earn the highest ratings from customers in our nationwide survey for things like claims handling and customer service, but when it comes to cost, many drivers find the lowest rates with smaller regional providers like PEMCO.
See the table below to find out how drivers in Seattle rate some of Washington’s largest providers.
| Insurance Company | Overall Jerry rating | Average annual cost for full coverage | Average annual cost for minimum coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 4.5 | $1,359 | $615 |
| Allstate | 4.4 | $2,191 | $765 |
| Progressive | 4.2 | $2,102 | $893 |
| Nationwide | 4.0 | $1,720 | $443 |
| USAA | 3.6 | $1,146 | $446 |
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.
Cheapest car insurance quotes in Seattle
For the average Seattle driver, auto insurance costs about $104 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $165 per month for full coverage insurance. When compared to the Washington average, Seattle drivers pay 8% more.
Finding the cheapest car insurance quotes for Seattle drivers is easy—just use the comparison app Jerry to review and purchase car insurance policies. Take a look at the rates below. These are the cheapest car insurance quotes that Jerry uncovered for Seattle customers.
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Age
|
Zip Code
|
Car
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| The General | $345 | 19 | 98118 | Bmw 335I | State Minimum | No |
| Progressive | $50 | 29 | 98119 | Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 | State Minimum | Yes |
| The General | $294 | 28 | 98115 | Tesla Model 3 | State Minimum | Yes |
| Progressive | $82 | 28 | 98188 | Hyundai Elantra Blue | State Minimum | No |
| Dairyland | $146 | 23 | 98121 | Toyota Corolla Eco | State Minimum | No |
Best cheap car insurance quotes in Seattle
All Seattle drivers must purchase minimum coverage car insurance for liability to the amount of 25/50/10. This is Washington state’s minimum for car insurance requirements and it applies to all drivers in the state.
This minimum coverage includes property damage liability and bodily injury liability coverage. While you’ll get the cheapest rate by opting for minimal coverage, it doesn’t give you much protection in the event of an accident. Seattle drivers should choose full coverage to cover repair costs for their own vehicles.
Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Seattle
Let’s take a closer look at the required liability auto insurance coverage for Seattle drivers:
- $25,000 per person of bodily injury liability coverage
- $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage
- $10,000 per accident of property damage liability
Remember, these are the bare minimum levels of liability coverage. Every Seattle driver needs to meet—or exceed—these thresholds for liability coverage.
Jerry has helped a lot of Seattle drivers find affordable liability coverage—see the table below for real prices.
Do you need more than minimum coverage in Seattle?
Choosing 25/50/10 coverage won’t break any laws, but higher limits provide better protection for Seattle drivers who get into 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. Your minimum coverage may not cover all these expenses, leaving you financially liable.
Ultimately, Seattle drivers should get as much liability coverage as they can afford—especially because the added protection may not be as costly as you think.
The bottom line: For better financial protection, you should consider 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 liability coverage—even if you choose not to have full coverage on your car.
Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Seattle
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 in Seattle 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 often require this extra coverage. Check with your lender before you start shopping for insurance.
Take a look at real sample costs for full coverage insurance policies in Seattle.
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Age
|
Zip Code
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | No | The General | $345 | 19 | 98118 | Bmw 335I |
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $50 | 29 | 98119 | Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 |
| State Minimum | Yes | The General | $294 | 28 | 98115 | Tesla Model 3 |
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $82 | 28 | 98188 | Hyundai Elantra Blue |
| State Minimum | No | Dairyland | $146 | 23 | 98121 | Toyota Corolla Eco |
The easiest and fastest way to find the cheapest car insurance for your preferred coverage option is to compare car insurance rates online.
Jerry, a top insurance agency, offers a free app that compares car insurance quotes and provides end-to-end service to customers with the help of 100+ licensed insurance agents.
Average cost of car insurance in Seattle
Because we have helped so many Seattle drivers find car insurance, we’ve discovered that the average cost of minimum liability coverage is $104 per month or $1,250 per year. For full coverage insurance in Seattle, the average cost is $165 for month or $1,983 per year.
Be warned: Average rates can help you get a better idea of what to expect with rates. However, there’s no such thing as the “average” Seattle driver. Your rate will be entirely unique to your driver profile, even if you share a zip code with thousands of other people.
Based on your unique situation, your monthly costs could go up to several hundred dollars per month.
Average cost of car insurance in Seattle by zip code
Every city has multiple zip codes—and each zip code has a unique risk profile. In Seattle, some neighborhoods experience more traffic accidents or car thefts. With higher risk comes higher insurance premiums. So which zip codes are the highest risk in Seattle?
Let’s see what the data says.
| Zip Code | Average State Minimum Coverage Rate | Average Full Coverage Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 98101 | $88 | $165 |
| 98102 | $92 | $124 |
| 98103 | $92 | $141 |
| 98104 | $91 | $206 |
| 98105 | $140 | $149 |
| 98106 | $53 | $163 |
| 98108 | $65 | $107 |
| 98109 | $36 | $151 |
| 98115 | $84 | $154 |
| 98116 | $89 | $138 |
| 98117 | $69 | $134 |
| 98118 | $116 | $178 |
| 98119 | $76 | $142 |
| 98121 | $83 | $166 |
| 98122 | $95 | $136 |
| 98125 | $91 | $170 |
| 98126 | $53 | $152 |
| 98133 | $75 | $171 |
| 98144 | $73 | $153 |
| 98178 | $93 | $177 |
Car insurance quotes in Seattle by rating factors
Insurance companies in Seattle use many rating factors when deciding your auto insurance premium:
- Your driving record and claims history: Insurance companies will charge more if you’ve had accidents or tickets—even if they happened in another city or state.
- Your credit score: Low credit applicants (under 600) will pay much more for insurance than people with strong credit (over 750) who get the best rates.
- Your age: Drivers younger than 25 years old will pay higher insurance rates as insurance companies consider young drivers a higher risk due to limited driving experience.
- The kind of car you have: Collision and comprehensive coverage are more costly for luxury, high-performance, and sports cars.
- Where you keep your car: If you park your car on the street—especially if you live in an area with high auto theft rates—rates will be higher than if you park in a garage or driveway.
- How you use your car: Frequent commuters pay more for coverage than infrequent leisure drivers.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Seattle after driving violations
Driving violations not only result in fines and legal consequences, but they 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 for high-risk drivers in Seattle to obtain coverage, it’s important to note that your policy will likely be more expensive compared to that of another driver who has a clean record.
Here are some of the violations that could trigger a rate hike:
- Speeding
- DUIs
- Hit-and-run
- At fault accident
- Reckless driving
- Driving on a suspended license
- Driving without insurance
Cheapest car insurance in Seattle after speeding ticket
If you exceed the speed limits, you will face penalties based on how fast you were going over the speed limit. The state levies fines for speeding that increase with each mile over the limit—and reckless driving incurs exceptionally high fines, too.
While speeding tickets can significantly impact insurance rates for drivers in Seattle, it’s still possible to find affordable coverage even with a speeding ticket on record.
Here’s how we have successfully helped other Seattle drivers in similar situations.
|
Speeding Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Age
|
Zip Code
|
Car
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding Violation-Major | National General | $145 | 25 | 98108 | Volkswagen Passat Glx 4Motion | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Major | Bristol West | $731 | 20 | 98168 | Chevrolet Silverado C1500 Ls | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding 1-5 | Progressive | $154 | 24 | 98144 | Toyota Camry Le | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Major | National General | $286 | 32 | 98125 | Chevrolet Bolt Ev Premier | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding 21+ | Bristol West | $221 | 39 | 98168 | Ford Crown Vic Police Int | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheapest car insurance in Seattle after DUI
A DUI conviction in Seattle will definitely lead to a significant increase in your insurance rates. It’s possible that certain insurance companies could decline coverage altogether.
We understand that navigating the process of finding insurance after a DUI in Washington can be complex. Rates may vary widely from one company to another.
Jerry has helped Seattle drivers with DUI convictions find coverage. Here’s a look at rates for these drivers.
Cheapest car insurance in Seattle after an at-fault accident
Causing an accident is an indication to insurance companies that you could pose an 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 State driving record.
|
Accident type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Age
|
Zip Code
|
Car
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not At Fault | Progressive | $50 | 29 | 98119 | Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 | State Minimum | Yes |
| At Fault With Injury | Dairyland | $973 | 29 | 98109 | Tesla Model 3 | State Minimum | Yes |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $110 | 31 | 98119 | Volkswagen Jetta Base | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $112 | 33 | 98121 | Toyota Camry | 50/100 | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Bristol West | $423 | 26 | 98109 | Toyota Camry Xse | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheapest car insurance in Seattle after other driving violations
In Seattle, even a minor violation such as tailgating can have an impact on a driver’s car insurance rates.
To better understand how common traffic violations can affect your car insurance rates, check out the data below from real Seattle drivers.
|
Violation
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Age
|
Zip Code
|
Car
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Other Minor | Progressive | $260 | 22 | 98118 | Bmw X3 Xdrive28I | State Minimum | Yes |
| Improper Passing | Bristol West | $180 | 26 | 98109 | Bmw 325I | 50/100 | Yes |
| Following too Closely | Progressive | $230 | 44 | 98198 | Toyota Scion Xb | State Minimum | Yes |
| Ticket Violation Not Listed | National General | $359 | 47 | 98133 | Audi A3 Premium | State Minimum | Yes |
| Other Minor | Progressive | $274 | 29 | 98107 | Honda Cr-V Lx | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Seattle by age
Older drivers in Seattle may face increased risks in the event of an accident, whereas younger drivers and those with provisional licenses often have limited experience on the road. There’s risk at every age!
If you’re under 25 or over 75, it is likely that you will incur higher premiums for coverage in Seattle.
Cheapest car insurance in Seattle for young drivers
Teen drivers in Seattle 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 in Seattle.
Cheapest car insurance in Seattle for senior drivers
Seniors in Seattle 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 in Seattle.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Seattle based on 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 drivers who have experienced lapses in finding coverage again, just like the Seattle drivers shown below.
Cheap car insurance quotes in Seattle for drivers with poor credit
Although insurers were temporarily blocked from using credit as a factor for setting rates in Washington, the practice is currently allowed, meaning when you buy insurance in Seattle your credit score will affect your premium.
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.
To gain insights into the insurance premiums paid by drivers with poor credit in Seattle, here’s a glimpse into some real figures.
|
Credit Range
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Age
|
Zip Code
|
Car
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 750+ | Progressive | $50 | 29 | 98119 | Mercedes-Benz Cla 250 | State Minimum | Yes |
| 750+ | The General | $294 | 28 | 98115 | Tesla Model 3 | State Minimum | Yes |
| 660-750 | Bristol West | $78 | 32 | 98168 | Toyota Camry Hybrid | State Minimum | No |
| 550-659 | The General | $600 | 23 | 98146 | Tesla Model 3 | State Minimum | Yes |
| 750+ | The General | $77 | 41 | 98144 | Lexus Is 250 | State Minimum | No |
Cheap car insurance quotes in Seattle for popular cars
Your make and model is a big factor when it comes to car insurance. Your model impacts the cost of repairs, likelihood of theft, and even your safety ratings.
In Seattle, here are some of the most popular vehicles:
- Ford F-150
- Honda Civic
- Ram 1500
- Toyota Tacoma
- Chevy Silverado 1500
Learn more: How to get car insurance before buying a car
|
Popular Car
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Age
|
Zip Code
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado C1500 Ls | Bristol West | $731 | 20 | 98168 | State Minimum | Yes |
| Toyota Tacoma Double Cab | Progressive | $352 | 42 | 98103 | 50/100 | Yes |
| Ford F-150 | National General | $154 | 49 | 98106 | State Minimum | Yes |
| Honda Civic Hybrid | Progressive | $118 | 26 | 98115 | State Minimum | No |
| Ford F-150 | National General | $385 | 46 | 98146 | State Minimum | Yes |
Cheapest car insurance in Seattle for new vs. old 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.
How to lower car insurance costs in Seattle
1. How to lower car insurance costs in Seattle
Each insurance company has its own set of rules to determine the price you pay for car insurance—and these rules can change over time. To make sure you always get the best deal, experts suggest comparing prices from at least three companies and checking for new rates every six months. This way, you can find the most affordable option that suits your needs.
Remember, we’re here to help Seattle drivers understand and choose the insurance that works best for them!
Jerry makes this tedious process simple! In just 45 seconds, Jerry can collect quotes from a pool of 55+ top insurance providers to help you identify the best auto insurance coverage at the best price. Better yet—Jerry provides this service for free!
2. Hunt for car insurance discounts
Hunt for car insurance discounts. Every insurance company offers a set of discounts, but the exact discount offered varies by company. Some common discounts include:
- Good driver discounts. Qualification requirements vary by company, but Seattle drivers may be able to unlock a serious discount for having a clean record with no or minimal points and accidents.
- Telematics discounts. Enrolling in telematics programs to track your driving habits can unlock a world of easy-to-attain discounts offered by many companies. In fact, you may even receive a discount just by signing up!
- Good student discounts. Are you a full-time student in Seattle who is either in high school or college? Do you have a B average or better? You probably qualify for a discount from your insurance company.
- Bundling discounts. Bundle your home and auto insurance (or auto and renters) with the same company, and you could get a discount on both policies.
3. Increase your deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage
Want to maintain comprehensive coverage for your vehicle while keeping your monthly costs in check? Consider adjusting your deductible if you have full coverage car insurance.
Why is car insurance in Seattle so expensive?
- Traffic: Certain areas of Seattle may experience dense traffic, leading to a higher rate of car accidents. That could cause insurance companies to charge higher prices.
- Crime: Insurance companies look at the crime rate in Seattle—especially car theft and vandalism—when they’re determining the cost of comprehensive car insurance.
- Natural disasters: Washington is known to experience natural disasters like earthquakes and floods. Insurance companies consider the increased risk of vehicle damage from these events when setting rates.
FAQ
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Sarah Gray is an insurance writer with nearly a decade of experience in publishing and writing. Sarah specializes in writing articles that educate car owners and buyers on the full scope of car ownership—from shopping for and buying a new car to scrapping one that’s breathed its last and everything in between. Sarah has authored over 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to how to get a salvage title for a totaled car. Prior to joining Jerry, Sarah was a full-time professor of English literature and composition with multiple academic writing publications.
Expert insurance writer and editor Amy Bobinger specializes in car repair, car maintenance, and car insurance. Amy is passionate about creating content that helps consumers navigate challenges related to car ownership and achieve financial success in areas relating to cars. Amy has over 10 years of writing and editing experience. After several years as a freelance writer, Amy spent four years as an editing fellow at WikiHow, where she co-authored over 600 articles on topics including car maintenance and home ownership. Since joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2022, Amy has edited over 2,500 articles on car insurance, state driving laws, and car repair and maintenance.
As Vice President of Insurance Operations at Jerry, Josh Damico leads teams across product development, operations and carrier relations, integrating Jerry’s smart and fast car insurance customer experience with that of traditional carriers to help customers find savings and coverage. Josh’s nearly 20 years of insurance-industry experience and knowledge generate partnerships with more than 55 name-brand and specialty insurance partners that enable Jerry to serve customers with all types of vehicle and policy needs.
Previously, Josh held executive roles at Geico, where he had vast regional oversight and leadership opportunities. In his most recent role as director of sales, servicing, and underwriting, Josh developed and executed profit and growth strategy for the New England states and New Jersey.
Josh holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management from Medaille College.
*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.
