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
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $97 | Austin, 55, Bellevue, WA | Honda Accord Touring Hybri | State Minimum | No |
| Dairyland | $332 | Christina, 34, Port Orchard, WA | Nissan Sentra Sr | 50/100 | Yes |
| Progressive | $190 | Ivan, 22, Maple Valley, WA | Toyota Camry Se | State Minimum | No |
| Progressive | $139 | Harvey, 32, Tacoma, WA | Mazda Cx-9 | State Minimum | Yes |
| Progressive | $42 | Mae, 83, Rochester, WA | Dodge Grand Caravan Sxt | State Minimum | No |
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: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allstate | October 31, 2024 | 5 | “THEY SETTLED MY CLAIM AND MADE THE PROCESS QUICK AND EASY FOR ME” -Christian |
| The General | October 31, 2024 | 5 | “They have been good just need something lower in rate” -Dennis |
| Bristol West | October 20, 2024 | 5 | “I’ve had an excellent experience “ -Etta |
| Dairyland | October 20, 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)” -Elva |
| DirectAuto | October 18, 2024 | 5 | “They have been good to me! “ -Francis |
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.
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.
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
|
Has Full Coverage
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Car
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $97 | Austin, 55, Bellevue, WA | Honda Accord Touring Hybri |
| 50/100 | Yes | Dairyland | $332 | Christina, 34, Port Orchard, WA | Nissan Sentra Sr |
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $190 | Ivan, 22, Maple Valley, WA | Toyota Camry Se |
| State Minimum | Yes | Progressive | $139 | Harvey, 32, Tacoma, WA | Mazda Cx-9 |
| State Minimum | No | Progressive | $42 | Mae, 83, Rochester, WA | Dodge Grand Caravan Sxt |
Average rates for minimum liability coverage and full coverage car insurance in Washington
For about $113 per month or $1,361 per year, you can get the basic liability coverage in Washington. $199 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.
Learn more: Types of 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 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
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speeding Violation-Minor | The General | $137 | Cameron, 62, Kent, WA | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding 1-5 | National General | $142 | Dollie, 35, Bothell, WA | State Minimum | No |
| Speeding Violation-Minor | National General | $166 | Eliza, 37, Des Moines, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding Violation-Major | Bristol West | $522 | Jack, 20, Olympia, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Speeding 1-5 | Bristol West | $217 | Lulu, 40, Port Orchard, WA | State Minimum | No |
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.
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.2 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.
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Accident Type
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Insurance Coverage
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Not At Fault | Dairyland | $74 | Alta, 55, Camas, WA | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $45 | Travis, 45, Bothell, WA | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | The General | $137 | Cameron, 62, Kent, WA | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Dairyland | $195 | Lou, 20, Tacoma, WA | State Minimum | No |
| At Fault With No Injury | Progressive | $111 | Roy, 40, Snohomish, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
FAQ
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Is Washington an at-fault state?
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
|
Violation
|
Insurance Company
|
Premium (monthly)
|
Customer
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Vehicle without Permission | Progressive | $198 | Manuel, 19, Maple Valley, WA | State Minimum | No |
| Failure to Obey Signal | The General | $151 | Sara, 28, Lacey, WA | State Minimum | No |
| Failure to Stop | Progressive | $308 | Randall, 28, Federal Way, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Unsafe Operation of a Motor Vehicle | The General | $350 | Olivia, 46, Tacoma, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Following too Closely | Progressive | $281 | Catherine, 44, Seattle, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
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.
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
|
Liability Limits
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 660-750 | Progressive | $190 | Ivan, 22, Maple Valley, WA | Toyota Camry Se | State Minimum | No |
| 550-659 | Progressive | $139 | Harvey, 32, Tacoma, WA | Mazda Cx-9 | State Minimum | Yes |
| 750+ | Progressive | $42 | Mae, 83, Rochester, WA | Dodge Grand Caravan Sxt | State Minimum | No |
| <550 | Progressive | $152 | Glen, 33, Clarkston, WA | Dodge Dart Sxt Sport | State Minimum | Yes |
| <550 | Dairyland | $74 | Alta, 55, Camas, WA | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited S | State Minimum | No |
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.
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.
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
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda Civic Hybrid | National General | $100 | Brian, 40, Everett, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Ram 1500 St | Progressive | $90 | Manuel, 43, Lacey, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Honda Civic Si | The General | $382 | Charlotte, 30, Renton, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Honda Civic Ex | Progressive | $211 | Nell, 30, Tacoma, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
| Honda Civic Ex | The General | $408 | Minnie, 35, Vancouver, WA | State Minimum | Yes |
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.
Learn 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
|
Has Full Coverage
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue, WA | Austin | Progressive | $97 | Honda Accord Touring Hybri | State Minimum | No |
| Port Orchard, WA | Christina | Dairyland | $332 | Nissan Sentra Sr | 50/100 | Yes |
| Maple Valley, WA | Ivan | Progressive | $190 | Toyota Camry Se | State Minimum | No |
| Tacoma, WA | Harvey | Progressive | $139 | Mazda Cx-9 | State Minimum | Yes |
| Rochester, WA | Mae | Progressive | $42 | Dodge Grand Caravan Sxt | State Minimum | No |
How to lower the cost of car insurance in Washington
Washington drivers can take advantage of these valuable tips to maximize their savings and find the cheapest option:
- Regularly compare quotes from different providers.
- Inquire about available car insurance discounts, like the safe driver discount.
- If your budget permits, consider raising your deductible.
- Bundle your car insurance with homeowners or renters to enjoy additional savings.
- Reduce your coverage limits, if it makes sense for your situation.
- For older vehicles, consider dropping collision and comprehensive coverage.
- Review your auto insurance policy for any duplicate coverages.
Why is car insurance so expensive in Washington?
Compared to the national average, car insurance in Washington is generally more affordable—even though the cost of living is higher than the national average. Sweet!
Here are some factors that affect insurance prices in WA:
- Low number of fatal crashes
- Low population density
- Mild weather patterns
Of course, if you live in an area of the state with extreme weather, lots of crashes, or a dense population, your rate might be higher than the Washington average.
FAQ
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Do you need car insurance in Washington state?
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Does insurance follow the car or the driver in Washington?
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What car insurance is required in Washington state?
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Why is car insurance so expensive in Washington?
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Why is the recommended car insurance coverage for Washington?
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Is insurance cheaper in Washington?
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Who has the best cheap auto insurance in Washington?
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Do you need insurance to register a car in Washington?
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Can your car get towed for no insurance in Washington?
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Can you have out of state car insurance in Washington?
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Is PIP required in Washington?
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Can you have both PIP and MedPay in Washington?
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Licensed Insurance Agent
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 is co-founder and vice president of operations at Jerry, where she leads a global team responsible for operations, talent acquisition, content, legal, and compliance. Lina’s operational excellence was a critical enabler of Jerry’s 10x growth in its first year of operation.
Prior to Jerry, Lina and her Jerry co-founders, Art Agrawal and Musawir Shah, led YourMechanic, the largest on-demand car repair services provider. In one year, Lina built and scaled YourMechanic operations from 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.
Lina holds a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Nanjing University, a doctorate in biochemistry from Dartmouth College, and a juris doctorate from the University of California Berkeley School of Law. She’s a member of the State Bar of California and a licensed property and casualty insurance producer in all 50 states.
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.
