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Cheapest car insurance in Tumwater, Washington (Mar 2024)

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Andrea Barrett
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Reviewed by Josh Damico, Vice President Insurance Operations
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Edited by Maria Cruz, Expert Insurance Writer & Editor

Cheapest car insurance quotes in Tumwater

Car insurance
in Tumwater, WA, costs an average of $120 per year for full coverage policies and $46 for state minimum coverage. Although Washington auto insurance rates continue to rise, finding affordable coverage in Tumwater isn’t impossible—but you’ll need to implement smart shopping strategies to find the best rates. 
A small city on the outskirts of Seattle, Tumwater might be subject to different risk factors than larger cities. Still, a higher cost of living, inflation, and increasing traffic deaths pose major challenges for Washington car insurance companies. 
Coverage type
Tumwater, WA
Washington
United States
State minimum
$46
$65
$77
Full coverage
$120
$145
$165
To help you navigate the complex work of auto insurance, consider working with an independent broker like
Jerry
, who has instant access to real-time quotes from local insurance companies.
Jerry
partners with top insurers nationwide, including top-rated Tumwater insurers like Bristol West, Esurance, and The General.

Best car insurance companies in Tumwater

Finding the best car insurance in Tumwater is more than just finding the best deal on price. If you must file a claim, you’ll want an insurer with a reputation for excellent customer service and claims handling.
Jerry conducted a nationwide insurance survey to help drivers find the insurance providers that hold true to their values. We took the ratings from drivers all over the country and combined them with real quote data from Tumwater drivers to find the companies that offer rates below the citywide average and scored 4 stars or higher overall in our shopping survey. 
Insurance company
Monthly minimum coverage cost
Monthly full coverage cost
Cost rating
Overall Jerry rating
$17
$93
4.2
4.5
$26
$154
3.8
4.0
$38
$96
4.2
4.4
$67
$143
3.8
4.2
While big-name providers like
State Farm
Insurance,
Progressive
, and
Allstate
monopolize the insurance market in Washington, Tumwater drivers tended to favor smaller companies. 
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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 Tumwater

The key to finding the cheapest car insurance in Tumwater comes down to deciding what coverage you need. Drivers can choose between state-minimum liability coverage or opt for a more comprehensive policy with full coverage.
Whether you choose minimum or full coverage, our insurance agents at Jerry recommend increasing your minimum coverage limits above what your state requires—choose 50k/100k/50k at a minimum, but 100k/300k/100k is even better—and adding full coverage (i.e., collision and comprehensive insurance) for better financial and legal protection.

Cheap minimum liability insurance quotes in Tumwater

Washington car insurance laws require all drivers to carry liability insurance that meets or exceeds the following limits:
Remember, these are the bare minimum levels of liability coverage. In the event of a collision, you’ll be protected up to your policy’s limits if you cause injuries or property damage while driving.
In Tumwater, WA, a minimum coverage policy averages about $46 per month or $552 per year, and there are affordable places you can turn for coverage in the city.
Insurance company
Monthly minimum coverage cost
$14
$17
$26
$38

Do you need more than minimum coverage in Tumwater?

Most Tumwater drivers can benefit from liability insurance that exceeds state minimum coverage limits.
The reason: Healthcare costs are rising across the US, meaning that accidents involving third-party injuries can quickly exhaust minimum limits. And if property damage is severe, the cost to replace it can amount to well over the $10,000 property damage limit. In short, if you don’t increase your limits and cause a serious accident, you’ll be on the hook for paying the remaining fees that exceed your policy limits. 
It’s also important to note that liability coverage doesn’t pay for physical damage to your vehicle or protect you against collisions with hit-and-run or uninsured drivers. 
The bottom line: Increase your liability limits to at least 50/100/50, or choose a policy with comprehensive, collision, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Cheap full coverage car insurance quotes in Tumwater

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 Tumwater includes
comprehensive
and
collision coverage
  • Collision coverage: Pays for vehicle repair or replacement costs if you get into a collision with another vehicle or stationary object. 
  • Comprehensive coverage: Pays for damages resulting from non-collision-related incidents, such as theft, vandalism, or a severe weather event. 
Also, keep in mind that if you loan or lease your vehicle, your lender may require you to have collision, comprehensive, and gap insurance for the duration of your loan or lease.
Let’s take a look at some of the most affordable providers for a full coverage policy in Tumwater.
Insurance company
Monthly full coverage cost
$93
$96
$137
$143
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Average cost of car insurance in Tumwater

Tumwater drivers pay an average of $46 per month or $552 per year for minimum coverage insurance, while a full coverage policy costs an average of $120 per month or $1,440 per year. Compared to the state average, that’s 21% lower. 
Although auto insurance costs in Washington are less than in other states, rising costs can be narrowed down to a few key factors: cost of living, inflation, and traffic deaths and accident rates.

Cost of living

Washington has one of the highest price tags for livability in the country. Scholaroo’s team ranked Washington as the fifth worst state for cost overall1, with living and personal expenses ranked low on the affordability scale2. So while insurance in Washington may be more affordable than California and New York, a higher cost of living, in general, contributes to higher-than-average prices for other necessities. 

Inflation

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for All Urban Consumers rose 0.4% in February 2023 after rising 0.5% in January and 0.1% in December 2022.3 Inflation rates have been unprecedented in the last several years, but US residents saw a whopping 6% increase between February 2022 and 2023. 
According to the CPI, inflation also affects the cost of auto parts and services, rising approximately 7% from 2022 to 2023.4 While consumer prices are reportedly dropping, the cost of operation everywhere is still coping—meaning insurers are adjusting their rates to keep up.

Traffic deaths and accident rates

Washington’s 750 traffic deaths in 20225 was recorded as the deadliest year the state’s seen since 1990. Washington surpassed that record, with a reported 800 road deaths in 20236, continuing a multi-year increase. 
While rural areas are less affected by traffic deaths, the increasing statistic affects auto insurance rates state-wide.

Car insurance quotes in Tumwater by rating factors 

Insurance companies in Tumwater use many rating factors when
deciding your auto insurance premium
:  
  • Your driving record and claims history: A driving history of accidents and moving violations will lead to higher auto insurance rates—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).
  • 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 Tumwater?

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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 about the car insurance rating factors in Tumwater:

Cheap car insurance quotes in Tumwater 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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater after speeding ticket

Repercussions for speeding vary depending on the severity of the offense. In Washington, speeding is broken down into four categories:
  • General speeding (if posted limit is over 40 mph)
  • General speeding (if posted limit is under 40 mph)
  • Driving too fast for conditions
  • Reckless driving
While
speeding tickets
can significantly impact insurance rates for drivers in Tumwater, it’s still possible to
find affordable coverage
even with a speeding ticket on record—which is a good thing considering how high your rates can soar after the fact. 
Violation
Monthly coverage cost
Rate increase (%)
Speeding
$199
140%

Cheapest car insurance in Tumwater after DUI

A DUI conviction in Tumwater will definitely lead to a significant increase in your insurance rates, though it's possible that certain insurance companies could decline coverage altogether.
Although rates will undoubtedly increase after a
DUI in Washington
, rates will still vary between providers. The best way to find the most affordable rate is to compare quotes from multiple providers.
Violation
Monthly coverage cost
Rate increase (%)
DUI
$153
84%

Cheapest car insurance in Tumwater 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
Here’s how much your rates can increase after an at-fault accident in Tumwater.
Driving record
Monthly coverage cost
Rate increase (%)
At-fault accident
$100
20%

Cheapest car insurance in Tumwater after other driving violations

In Tumwater, 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 Tumwater drivers.
Violation
Monthly coverage cost
Rate increase (%)
Careless driving
$110
33%
Driving with suspended license
$169
104%
Drag racing
$177
113%
Operating vehicle without permission
$194
134%

Cheap car insurance quotes in Tumwater by age

Older drivers in Tumwater 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 Tumwater.

Cheapest car insurance in Tumwater for young drivers

Teen drivers in Tumwater aged 16 to 19 tend to face the highest insurance costs of any age group due to a lack of driving experience. 
While minimum coverage is the cheapest option for young and new drivers, a full-coverage auto insurance plan offers better financial protection in the event of a collision. 
Have a look at what the average young motorist pays for insurance coverage in Washington.
Age
Monthly minimum coverage cost
Monthly full coverage cost
<18
$229
$537
18-21
$226
$521

Cheapest car insurance in Tumwater for middle-aged drivers

As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, their rates lower. Drivers 25-64 see some of the cheapest rates for all age demographics, with rates rising again after motorists turn 65+. 
Age
Monthly minimum coverage cost
Monthly full coverage cost
22-25
$92
$205
26-34
$132
$176
35-44
$52
$113
45-54
$45
$89
While driver premiums are often lower than average for this age group, drivers can still achieve even cheaper costs by looking into car insurance discounts and bundling policies.

Cheapest car insurance in Tumwater for senior drivers

Seniors in Tumwater pay higher costs for car insurance 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 Tumwater.
Age
Monthly minimum coverage cost
Monthly full coverage cost
55-64
$28
$92
65+
$58
$100

Cheap car insurance quotes in Tumwater based on insurance history

Maintaining consistent auto insurance coverage is essential to avoid any red flags on your record. Drivers with a history of car insurance
coverage lapses
or new drivers with a short insurance history typically pay higher premiums.
Insurance history
Monthly coverage cost
Rate increase (%)
With coverage lapses
$109
31%

Cheap car insurance quotes in Tumwater for drivers with poor credit

Insurers in Seattle were previously not permitted to use credit-based insurance scoring, but changing laws now permit them to do so. As such, insurers consider your
credit score
when calculating your premium. 
Statistics show that drivers with poor credit (<550) are more likely to file an insurance claim, which means they will significantly pay more for the same insurance as a driver with good credit. 
According to findings from the 2023 Consumer Federation of America (CFA) report,7 safe drivers in Washington with poor credit will pay 94% more for equal car insurance than safe drivers with good credit.
To gain insights into the insurance premiums paid by drivers with poor credit in Washington, here’s a glimpse into some real figures.
Credit score
Monthly coverage cost
< 600
$190
601-699
$163
700+
$150

How to lower car insurance costs in Tumwater

1. Shop around and compare quotes

Car insurance rates are rising nationwide, but that doesn’t mean you need to empty your wallet to afford to drive. The best way to combat high rates is to
shop around
and compare quotes.
With an independent broker app like Jerry, comparison shopping becomes a cinch (and stress-free). In under a minute, Jerry pulls quotes from trusted providers in the Tumwater area using your unique driving profile to deliver the most affordable quotes tailored to your needs.

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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater 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 auto and homeowners insurance
    (or auto and renters insurance) 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.

FAQs

How much is car insurance in Tumwater?

On average, Tumwater drivers pay around $46 per month or $552 per year for minimum coverage insurance. A full coverage auto insurance policy in Tumwater costs an average of $120 per month or $1,440 per year.

What is the minimum car insurance in Tumwater, Washington?

Washington car insurance laws require all Tumwater drivers to carry liability insurance with limits of at least 25/50/10—$25,000 per person of bodily injury liability coverage, $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage, and $10,000 per accident of property damage liability.

What is the cheapest car insurance in Tumwater?

Minimum coverage auto insurance will always be the cheapest option; In Tumwater, drivers pay an average of $552 per year for state minimum coverage. According to our survey results, Safeco, Esurance, and Encompass offer the best policy costs to Tumwater drivers. 

What is the best car insurance in Tumwater?

According to real drivers, some of the best car insurance companies in Tumwater, WA are Travelers, Encompass, and Safeco. But car insurance policies are as unique as every driver—the best way to find the right company for your needs is to shop around.

Methodology

The Insurance Research Team analyzes insurance products and services to drive insights and help consumers make informed purchase decisions. We analyzed over 25 million car insurance quotes and conducted the largest insurance shopping survey (over 15,000 customers surveyed and 85 carriers reviewed in the past 18 months). All average quote data is based on rates for single drivers with a clean record and a single car between the ages of 35 and 65.  
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. 
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
Andrea Barrett
Andrea Barrett is an insurance writer with five years of experience in writing and publishing. Andrea specializes in car insurance, maintenance, and brand reviews, and her mission is to create comprehensive and useful content readers can use to help lower their car-related expenses. Andrea has written nearly 1,500 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from first-time buyer programs to insurance costs and vehicle life expectancies.
Before joining Jerry, Andrea co-founded a successful health food business and created content for clients in the health and wellness industry.
avatar
Maria Cruz
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Expert Insurance Writer & Editor
Maria is an insurance writer with over 10 years of experience as a professional writer. Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team in 2023, she worked at various online publications like Nimble Media, Factinate.com, and served as editor-in-chief at The Medium. She holds a double major in English and Professional Writing and Communications.
avatar
Josh Damico
badge icon
Head Of Insurance Operations
badge icon
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.