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Cheapest car insurance in Bellingham, Washington (Oct 2024)

Compare 55+ insurance companies including Progressive, Travelers, AAA, Nationwide (and more!) to find the best and cheapest car insurance in Bellingham, 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

Cheapest Car Insurance Quotes in Bellingham

For the average Bellingham driver,
auto insurance
costs about $76 per month for minimum coverage liability insurance, and about $156 per month for full coverage insurance. When compared to the
Washington
average, Bellingham drivers pay --
Finding the cheapest car insurance quotes for Bellingham 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 Bellingham customers.
Insurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Progressive
$106
Gerald, 41
Zip: 98229
Jeep Wrangler Sport
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$139
Rhoda, 51
Zip: 98226
BMW X3 xDrive28i
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$79
Louis, 47
Zip: 98226
Toyota RAV4 XSE
• No Coverage Liability
Travelers
$170
Sue, 25
Zip: 98225
Nissan Sentra SV
• 250,000/500,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 4, 2024

Best Car Insurance Companies in Bellingham

Let’s start with a truth bomb: There is no single best car insurance company for every Bellingham driver. Rates in Washington can vary widely from driver to driver, even within the same city.
The most affordable insurance company for you may be different from the cheapest company for your neighbor across town. And remember, price is not the only factor to consider when you’re shopping—customer service and claims handling are pretty important, too!
Jerry conducted a nationwide insurance survey to help drivers find the cheapest policies and best car insurance companies. There are mixed reviews across the board, from major insurers like Progressive down to smaller providers like Root.
See the table below to find out how drivers in Bellingham rate different companies on a scale of 0 to 5.
Insurance companyOverall ratingPriceClaims experienceCustomer service
State Farm
4.5
4.4
3.7
4.3
Allstate
4.4
3.7
N/A
4.5
Progressive
4.2
4
3
4
Geico
3.8
3.4
3.8
3.7
USAA
3.6
3.2
4.3
3.4
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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.

Best cheap car insurance quotes in Bellingham

All Bellingham 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. Bellingham drivers should choose full coverage to cover repair costs for their own vehicles.  

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Bellingham

Let’s take a closer look at the required
liability auto insurance coverage
for Bellingham drivers: 
Remember, these are the bare minimum levels of liability coverage. Every Bellingham driver needs to meet—or exceed—these thresholds for liability coverage.
Jerry has helped a lot of Bellingham drivers find affordable liability coverage—see the table below for real prices.
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Jane (25 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
carJeep Wrangler Sahara
$83
per month
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Franklin (44 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98226)
carFord Fusion SE
$87
per month
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Ricky (39 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98229)
carSubaru Legacy Outback 2.5I Limited
$72
per month
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Virginia (38 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
carKIA Sportage LX
$161
per month

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Bellingham?

Choosing 25/50/10 coverage won't break any laws, but higher limits provide better protection for Bellingham 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, Bellingham 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 Bellingham

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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham.
Insurance coverageInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCar
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Progressive
$106
Gerald, 41
Zip: 98229
Jeep Wrangler Sport
• 250,000/500,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Travelers
$170
Sue, 25
Zip: 98225
Nissan Sentra SV
• 50,000/100,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
Allstate
$139
Rhoda, 51
Zip: 98226
BMW X3 xDrive28i
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Safeco
$72
Hester, 29
Zip: 98225
Honda Odyssey LX
coverageLast Updated Oct 4, 2024
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.
Lower my car insurance too!

Average cost of car insurance in Bellingham

Because we have helped so many Bellingham drivers find car insurance, we’ve discovered that the average cost of minimum liability coverage is $76 per month or $907 per year. For full coverage insurance in Bellingham, the average cost is $156 for month or $1,875 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” Bellingham 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 Bellingham by zip code

Every city has multiple zip codes—and each zip code has a unique risk profile. In Bellingham, 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 Bellingham?
Let’s see what the data says.
Zip CodeAverage State Minimum Coverage RateAverage Full Coverage Rate
98225
$62
$146
98226
$54
$139
98229
$64
$90

Car insurance quotes in Bellingham by rating factors 

Insurance companies in Bellingham 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.

How do different factors impact your car insurance costs in Bellingham?

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Allowed (with applicable limitations): Driving experience, age, gender, occupation, credit history, education, marital status, employment status, residential status.
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Prohibited (or effectively prohibited):
Learn more abut the car insurance rating factors in Bellingham:

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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:

Cheapest car insurance in Bellingham 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 Bellingham, it’s still possible to
find affordable coverage
even with a speeding ticket on record. 
Here’s how we have successfully helped other Bellingham drivers in similar situations.   
Speeding TypeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
Speeding 1-5
Progressive
$151
Brandon, 24
Zip: 98225
Subaru Crosstrek Sport
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 16-20
National General
$184
Lilly, 24
Zip: 98225
Subaru Crosstrek Sport
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
Speeding 21+
Progressive
$103
Chris, 28
Zip: 98225
Hyundai Tucson GLS
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Oct 3, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Bellingham after DUI

A DUI conviction in Bellingham 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 Bellingham drivers with DUI convictions find coverage. Here’s a look at rates for these drivers.
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Mary (31 years old)
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
$73
per month
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Francis (30 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98227)
$73
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Bellingham 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
Below, you can see real rates for Bellingham drivers who have at-fault convictions on record.
Accident typeInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
At Fault With No Injury
Progressive
$84
Susie, 25
Zip: 98225
Honda Civic Hybrid
• State Minimum Liability
Not At Fault
Travelers
$170
Belle, 24
Zip: 98225
Nissan Sentra SV
• 250,000/500,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
At Fault With No Injury
Safeco
$177
Isaac, 38
Zip: 98229
Toyota RAV4 LE
• 100,000/300,000 Liability
• Comp / Collision
coverageLast Updated Oct 1, 2024

Cheapest car insurance in Bellingham after other driving violations

In Bellingham, 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 Bellingham drivers.
ViolationInsurance companyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance coverage
Driving on Sus. License
Kemper
$82
Bessie, 36
Zip: 98225
KIA Amanti
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Oct 6, 2024

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bellingham by age

Older drivers in Bellingham 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 Bellingham.

Cheapest car insurance in Bellingham for young drivers

Teen drivers in Bellingham 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 Bellingham.
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Juan (24 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98226)
carHyundai Elantra SE
$159
per month
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Roy (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98226)
carGMC Yukon XL K1500 SLE
$119
per month
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Walter (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
carKIA Amanti
$100
per month
card cover
Julian (23 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98229)
carAcura MDX Technology
$202
per month
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Joe (22 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98229)
carLexus RX 400
$94
per month

Cheapest car insurance in Bellingham for senior drivers

Seniors in Bellingham 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 Bellingham.
card cover
Marguerite (68 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
$66
per month
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Gussie (66 years old)
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
carSuzuki Esteem GL
$103
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bellingham 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 Bellingham drivers shown below.
card cover
Margaret (25 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
carHonda Civic Hybrid
$84
per month
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Carrie (24 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
250,000 per person
500,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98225)
carNissan Sentra SV
$170
per month
card cover
Stephen (50 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
50,000 per person
100,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98226)
carBMW X3 xDrive28i
$139
per month
card cover
Carl (38 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
100,000 per person
300,000 per accident bodily injury
Comp / Collision
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98229)
carToyota RAV4 LE
$177
per month
card cover
Alfred (27 years old)
Currently Insured
coverageCoverage
State Minimum
locationBellingham, WA
(Zip Code: 98226)
carHonda CR-V LX
$89
per month

Cheap car insurance quotes in Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham, here’s a glimpse into some real figures.
Credit RangeInsurance CompanyPremium (monthly)CustomerCarInsurance Coverage
660 - 750
Progressive
$84
Susie, 25
Zip: 98225
Honda Civic Hybrid
• State Minimum Liability
660 - 750
Bristol West
$99
Ophelia, 29
Zip: 98225
Chevrolet Cruze LT
• State Minimum Liability
550 - 659
Progressive
$159
Kevin, 23
Zip: 98226
Hyundai Elantra SE
• State Minimum Liability
• Comp / Collision
< 550
National General
$89
Alfred, 27
Zip: 98226
Honda CR-V LX
• State Minimum Liability
coverageLast Updated Oct 3, 2024

How to lower car insurance costs in Bellingham

1. Shop around and compare quotes

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 Bellingham 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

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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham 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 Bellingham so expensive? 

  • Traffic: Certain areas of Bellingham 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 Bellingham—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

People living in Bellingham pay on average $76 per month – or $907 per year – on state-minimum liability coverage. Full coverage in Bellingham costs on average $156 per month or $1,875 per year.
With car insurance though, there’s no such thing as average. It is important to know that car insurance varies greatly based on a driver’s individual situation. Shopping around for car insurance quotes is the best way to get an accurate idea of how much you can expect to pay on insurance. Luckily, Jerry is here to take the hassle out of insurance shopping! At the click of a button, Jerry will help you compare personalized quotes from top insurance providers. Best of all, it’s 100% free.
The state-minimum car insurance in Bellingham, Washington is as follows:
  • $20,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $40,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $15,000 property damage liability per accident
These coverages are commonly referred to as 20/40/15 coverage.
Based on thousands of Bellingham drivers Jerry has worked with, car insurance in Bellingham costs an average of $76 per month for state-minimum coverage and $156 per month for full coverage.
No single insurance company has the cheapest insurance for everyone, but by shopping for insurance quotes, you can find the cheapest insurance company for you. Jerry takes the hard work and the waiting out of insurance shopping – generating you quotes with the best coverage and best prices in seconds, 100% free. Try Jerry Today!  
Shopping for the best coverage at the best price is important, but customer service may play a role in what insurance company you pick, too. Amica, Farmers, and The General receive good ratings from Bellingham drivers, based on the largest car insurance survey in the nation conducted by Jerry.
Learn more about how fellow car owners rate various insurance companies and get free quotes in seconds with Jerry.

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

avatar
R.E. Fulton
badge icon
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.
avatar
Josh Damico
badge icon
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.