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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Updated on Nov 21, 2024

R.E. Fulton

Licensed Insurance Agent —Senior Content Writer

Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations

Edited by Lina Zhang, Licensed Insurance Agent, VP of Operations

Learn more about our insurance review board

What's on this page?

How to find the cheapest car insurance quotes in Washington
Cheapest car insurance companies in Washington
Washington Car Insurance Coverage Requirements
Washington Car Insurance Rating Factors
How Do Different Factors Impact Your Car Insurance Costs in Washington?
Car Insurance for High-Risk Washington Drivers
Car Insurance for Washington Drivers With DUI
Car Insurance for Washington Drivers With a Coverage Lapse
Car Insurance for Washington Drivers With a Low Credit Score
Washington Car Insurance Cost by Age
Washington Car Insurance by Car
Is it cheaper to insure a new car or a used car?
How to find cheap car insurance in Washington in your city
How to lower the cost of car insurance in Washington
Why is car insurance so expensive in Washington?
FAQs
Methodology
Meet our Experts

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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 Company	Premium (monthly)	Customer	Car	Insurance Coverage
Nationwide	$158	Lawrence, 34 Olympia, WA	Toyota Corolla Matrix S	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Allstate	$210	Eleanor, 31 Seattle, WA	Dodge RAM 1500 ST	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Travelers	$213	Sophia, 36 Seattle, WA	Tesla Model 3	• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
AAA	$148	Larry, 26 Everett, WA	Toyota Corolla	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
National General	$289	Kate, 51 Federal Way, WA	Toyota Venza LE	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision

Last Updated Nov 19, 2024

Compare car insurance quotes now

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 company	Date	Cost rating (out of 5)	What our customer said:
Assurance America	November 13, 2024	5	"They have been good to me! " -Eugene
Bristol West	November 8, 2024	5	"My agent I spoke to on the phone was great! He was so nice, I plan on continuing with him for a while!" -Maria
Progressive	November 7, 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)" -Betty
AAA	November 4, 2024	5	"Love them. My parents always used them. " -Cynthia
Dairyland	November 2, 2024	5	"I hadn't been covered for a bit of time which made getting insurance impossible and expensive. With Dairyland that al...(read more)" -Josephine

Last Updated Nov 21, 2024

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:

$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

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.

Progressive

George (45 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Kent, WA

Subaru Impreza

$189

per month

Safeco

Allen (63 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Shelton, WA

Nissan Rogue S

$112

per month

Allstate

Katharine (26 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Seattle, WA

Hyundai Ioniq SEL

$153

per month

Nationwide

Lawrence (34 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Olympia, WA

Toyota Corolla Matrix S

$158

per month

Clearcover

William (37 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Des Moines, WA

Ford Mustang

$119

per month

Infinity

Agnes (46 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Cusick, WA

Honda CR-V LX

$76

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.

"Jerry is the new benchmark in app usefulness. Period. It is SO EASY and the results are SO GOOD, and they specifically point out that no one is going to start calling and emailing me all the time. I gave very little info, it pulled up all my existing insurance info, and showed me how to get the same insurance for less, lesser coverage for huge savings, or better coverage for about the same I currently pay. I am personally saving around $1,400/year with my new insurance, and the entire process (including follow ups to sign the docs from the insurance companies) took less than an hour. If you make over $1,400/hour, this may not be worth your time. Otherwise, get the app and use it now!"

Sean S.

| Verified Jerry Customer

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 Coverage	Insurance Company	Premium (monthly)	Customer	Car
• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision	Progressive	$177	Catherine, 31 Poulsbo, WA	Toyota Corolla Night Shade
• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision	Allstate	$153	Katharine, 26 Seattle, WA	Hyundai Ioniq SEL
• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision	Travelers	$155	Rosalie, 25 Spokane Valley, WA	Chevrolet Cruze LT
• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision	Nationwide	$108	Dominic, 30 Wenatchee, WA	BMW X5 xDrive35i
• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision	Safeco	$112	Edith, 63 Shelton, WA	Nissan Rogue S

Last Updated Nov 21, 2024

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

For about $126 per month or $1,517 per year, you can get the basic liability coverage in Washington. $271 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:

Towing and labor coverage

Uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage

Rental reimbursement coverage

New car replacement insurance

Personal injury protection (PIP)

Medical payments (MedPay)

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.

MORE:

Types of insurance

Not in Washington?

Oregon car insurance

Idaho car insurance

Montana car insurance

Nevada car insurance

Wyoming car insurance

Utah car insurance

California car insurance

North Dakota car insurance

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?

Allowed (with applicable limitations): Gender, age, driving experience, credit history, education, occupation, employment status, marital status, zip code, insurance history

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 Type	Insurance Company	Premium (monthly)	Customer	Insurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5	Progressive	$182	Elsie, 35 Spokane, WA	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Speeding 6-10	Travelers	$153	Billy, 40 Lake Stevens, WA	• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Speeding 11-15	Bristol West	$274	Stanley, 23 Vancouver, WA	• 50,000/100,000 Liability
Speeding 16-20	Nationwide	$139	Roy, 50 Lakewood, WA	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Speeding 21+	Safeco	$424	Bruce, 22 Vancouver, WA	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision

Last Updated Nov 20, 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:

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Joshua

They work hard for you so you don't have to and I promise there fast and efficient

Daisy

Have been so amazing! The prices are great glad jerry for this for me.

Savannah

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.

Progressive

Lilly (59 years old)

DUI

Coverage

100,000 per person

300,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Custer, WA

RAM 3500 Laramie

$335

per month

Safeco

Mittie (29 years old)

DUI

Coverage

State Minimum

Gig Harbor, WA

Subaru Legacy Outback AWP

$158

per month

National General

Samuel (23 years old)

DUI

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Vancouver, WA

Audi A4 Allroad Premium Plus

$171

per month

Aspire Advantage

Dora (27 years old)

DUI

Coverage

15,000 per person

30,000 per accident bodily injury

Spokane, WA

Honda Accord EXL

$114

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.

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 Type	Insurance Company	Premium (monthly)	Customer	Insurance Coverage
At Fault With Injury	Progressive	$139	Louisa, 52 Auburn, WA	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury	Safeco	$75	Marie, 39 Seattle, WA	• State Minimum Liability
Not At Fault	Allstate	$126	Kyle, 42 Granite Falls, WA	• 50,000/100,000 Liability
At Fault With No Injury	Allstate	$108	Anthony, 26 Kennewick, WA	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
At Fault With Injury	National General	$339	Lydia, 42 Bellevue, WA	• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision

Last Updated Nov 21, 2024

FAQ

Is Washington an at-fault state?

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.

Violation	Insurance Company	Premium (monthly)	Customer	Car	Insurance Coverage
Careless Driving	Progressive	$105	Tillie, 41 Ellensburg, WA	Subaru Legacy Outback AWP	• State Minimum Liability
Cell Phone	Safeco	$174	Cynthia, 25 Bellevue, WA	Ford Fusion SE	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Defective Equipment	Allstate	$72	Timothy, 32 Kent, WA	Tesla Model 3	• State Minimum Liability
Driving on Sus. License	National General	$132	Linnie, 25 Spokane Valley, WA	Chevrolet Cruze LS	• State Minimum Liability
DUI	Nationwide	$129	Iva, 42 Lynnwood, WA	Buick Encore Preferred	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Failure to Obey Signal	Bristol West	$126	Eddie, 24 Walla Walla, WA	Dodge Charger R/T	• State Minimum Liability
Homicide	National General	$147	Hattie, 33 Spokane, WA	Mazda 3 S	• State Minimum Liability
Illegal Turn	Progressive	$90	Sarah, 50 Everett, WA	Ford Escape Titanium	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Improper Passing	Travelers	$192	Curtis, 34 Bothell, WA	Volkswagen Golf S	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Leaving scene of an Accident/Hit and Run	Bristol West	$77	Rosie, 36 Spokane, WA	Dodge Stratus SXT	• State Minimum Liability
Open Container	Dairyland	$383	Joe, 23 Centralia, WA	Toyota Yaris IA	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Racing/Drag Racing	National General	$92	Duane, 24 Cashmere, WA	Subaru Legacy Outback 2.5I	• State Minimum Liability
Reckless Driving	The General	$269	Ina, 25 Puyallup, WA	Mercedes-Benz C 300 4matic	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Seat Belt	Bristol West	$61	Jennie, 61 Gig Harbor, WA	Toyota Scion XD	• State Minimum Liability
Speeding Violation-Major	Safeco	$136	Alvin, 38 Seattle, WA	Infiniti QX30	• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Speeding 1-5	Nationwide	$144	Donald, 42 Kennewick, WA	Volkswagen Passat SEL	• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Suspension	Bristol West	$294	Helen, 37 Tacoma, WA	KIA RIO LX	• State Minimum Liability
Wrong Way/Wrong Lane	Bristol West	$178	Elsie, 20 Spokane Valley, WA	Honda Accord EX	• State Minimum Liability
Other Minor	Allstate	$170	Frances, 31 Seattle, WA	BMW 135 i	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision

Last Updated Nov 19, 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.

Progressive

Mamie (44 years old)

Currently Insured

Coverage

100,000 per person

300,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Mount Vernon, WA

Subaru Outback 2.5I Premium

$89

per month

Safeco

Lenora (40 years old)

Not Currently Insured

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Bonney Lake, WA

KIA Forte LX

$166

per month

Allstate

Della (25 years old)

Currently Insured

Coverage

State Minimum

Seattle, WA

Hyundai Ioniq SEL

$153

per month

Nationwide

Ophelia (26 years old)

Not Currently Insured

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Edmonds, WA

Volkswagen GTI S

$251

per month

State Auto

Travis (37 years old)

Currently Insured

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Seattle, WA

Lexus IS 200T

$138

per month

National General

Carlos (36 years old)

Not Currently Insured

Coverage

100,000 per person

300,000 per accident bodily injury

Black Diamond, WA

Volkswagen 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 Range	Insurance Company	Premium (monthly)	Customer	Car	Insurance Coverage
> 750	Progressive	$118	Shane, 28 Bothell, WA	Honda Accord LX	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
660 - 750	Safeco	$117	Charlotte, 51 Bonney Lake, WA	Audi A6 S-Line Quattro	• 50,000/100,000 Liability
550 - 659	Allstate	$169	Viola, 26 Kennewick, WA	Chevrolet Silverado K1500 LT	• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
< 550	Allstate	$110	Todd, 33 Vancouver, WA	Mini Cooper Clubman	• State Minimum Liability

Last Updated Nov 16, 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

Progressive

Paul (18 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Goldendale, WA

Nissan Murano SE

$141

per month

Travelers

Blanche (23 years old)

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Spokane Valley, WA

Ford Ranger Super Cab

$269

per month

Safeco

Sue (24 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Spokane, WA

Chevrolet Silverado K1500

$152

per month

National General

Samuel (23 years old)

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Vancouver, WA

Audi A4 Allroad Premium Plus

$171

per month

Clearcover

Chase (24 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Pullman, WA

Nissan Versa SV

$87

per month

Encompass

May (24 years old)

Coverage

100,000 per person

300,000 per accident bodily injury

Tacoma, WA

Toyota 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

Progressive

Bess (78 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

West Richland, WA

Nissan Frontier Pro-4x

$148

per month

Safeco

Lula (68 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Seattle, WA

Lexus RX 350

$197

per month

Allstate

Lizzie (70 years old)

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Vancouver, WA

Dodge Grand Caravan GT

$223

per month

Nationwide

Cornelia (106 years old)

Coverage

State Minimum

Arlington, WA

Nissan Sentra S

$184

per month

Bristol West

Mary (71 years old)

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Seattle, WA

Toyota Corolla LE

$182

per month

National General

Sophia (69 years old)

Coverage

100,000 per person

300,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Aberdeen, WA

Audi 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:

They were able to drop what I was paying for insurance in half

Megan

Was easy to switch and was very affordable

Hugo

Wonderful experience! Saving $77 a month!

Kaytlin

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 Car	Insurance Company	Premium (monthly)	Customer	Insurance Coverage
Honda Civic Type-R Touring	Progressive	$115	Joel, 27 Moses Lake, WA	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
RAM 1500 Laramie	Safeco	$128	Kate, 27 Ephrata, WA	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision

Last Updated Nov 21, 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.

Progressive

Harold (65 years old)

2005 Dodge RAM 2500 SLT

Coverage

State Minimum

Ritzville, WA

$71

per month

Travelers

Larry (47 years old)

2005 Ford Focus ZX4

Coverage

State Minimum

Longview, WA

$62

per month

Nationwide

Ronald (37 years old)

2005 Honda Element EX

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Kennewick, WA

$101

per month

Safeco

Callie (41 years old)

2005 Ford Focus ZXW

Coverage

100,000 per person

300,000 per accident bodily injury

Comp / Collision

Tacoma, WA

$147

per month

Bristol West

Gavin (41 years old)

2001 Infiniti QX4

Coverage

50,000 per person

100,000 per accident bodily injury

Sammamish, WA

$120

per month

Infinity

Olga (46 years old)

2004 Honda CR-V LX

Coverage

State Minimum

Cusick, WA

$76

per month

MORE:

How to get car insurance before buying a car

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.

City	Customer	Insurance Company	Premium (monthly)	Car	Insurance coverage
Aberdeen, WA	Jonathan, 66	Progressive	$192	Toyota Corolla LE	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Shelton, WA	Allen, 63	Safeco	$112	Nissan Rogue S	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Seattle, WA	Louis, 36	Travelers	$213	Tesla Model 3	• 100,000/300,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Everett, WA	Gerald, 26	AAA	$148	Toyota Corolla	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Gig Harbor, WA	Martin, 45	State Auto	$208	Audi Q7 4.2 Quattro	• 30,000/60,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Seattle, WA	Cory, 26	Bristol West	$88	Toyota Corolla	• State Minimum Liability
Kirkland, WA	Timothy, 30	Clearcover	$89	Lexus ES 350	• 50,000/100,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Pasco, WA	Claudia, 44	National General	$230	Chevrolet Equinox LT	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision
Marysville, WA	Alfred, 29	Gainsco	$79	Pontiac Firebird	• State Minimum Liability
Redmond, WA	Josephine, 29	Mercury	$163	Ford Fusion SEL	• 30,000/60,000 Liability • Comp / Collision
Auburn, WA	Ada, 50	The General	$97	KIA Optima EX	• State Minimum Liability
Spokane Valley, WA	Caroline, 29	Dairyland	$330	Honda Accord Sport	• State Minimum Liability • Comp / Collision

Last Updated Nov 21, 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.

Learn more:

11 Ways to lower car insurance

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

Do you need car insurance in Washington state?

Yes. All drivers in Washington state are required to carry minimum car insurance limits to drive legally.

Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Washington?

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.

What car insurance is required in Washington state?

All Washington drivers must carry 25/50/10 of liability coverage to be compliant with state laws regarding insurance.

What car insurance is required in Washington state?

All Washington drivers must carry 25/50/10 of liability coverage to be compliant with state laws regarding insurance.

Why is car insurance so expensive in Washington?

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.

What is the recommended car insurance coverage for Washington?

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.

Is insurance cheaper in Washington?

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.

Who has the best cheap auto insurance in Washington?

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.

Do you need insurance to register a car in Washington?

Yes, you will need to show proof of insurance at the Washington DMV before you can

. The Washington DMV requires that drivers show proof of insurance before they can register a car.

Can your car get towed for no insurance in Washington?

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.

Can you have out of state car insurance in Washington?

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.

Is PIP required in Washington?

No, PIP is an optional coverage for Washington drivers.

Can you have both PIP and MedPay in Washington?

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

R.E. Fulton

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.

Lina Zhang

Licensed Insurance Agent

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.

Josh Damico

Head Of Insurance Operations

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.

Learn more

about our editorial standards, and our expert review board

*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.