- The average cost of car insurance in Washington is $2,389 a year or $199 per month, based on our data analysis.
- Minimum liability coverage in Washington costs around $668 annually for limits of 25/50/10, while liability-only coverage costs $729 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- GEICO provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Washington, costing $2,033 per year.
- In Washington, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 41%, a DUI raising rates by 48%, and an at-fault accident by up to 53%.
Car insurance costs in Washington vary greatly depending on various factors, including the type of coverage you choose, coverage limits, your address and personal factors. GEICO offers the cheapest annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Washington at $2,033 annually.
This comprehensive guide to buying car insurance for Washington drivers is based on data research and expert advice from CarInsurance.com’s team of insurance analysts and editors. We spent countless hours doing the homework for you and analyzed rates for various driver demographics to show you what you can expect to pay.
Keep reading to learn how auto insurance in Washington works and how much insurance you need.
How much is car insurance in Washington?
CarInsurance.com data found that drivers in Washington pay $199 monthly for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you plan your budget. Remember, car insurance rates vary widely, depending on the type of car you drive, your driving history and other personal factors.
See how rates change in Washington based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in Washington pay the most — about $793 a month or $9,515 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $339 monthly or $4,062 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $210 monthly or $2,522 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $280 monthly or $3,361 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $305 a month or $3,662 a year.
Average cost of auto insurance in Washington by coverage level
In Washington, car insurance rates can differ depending on how much coverage you choose. Drivers in Washington are required by law to have minimum insurance coverage limits of 25/50/10 to drive legally.
Liability-only insurance is the least expensive coverage and meets the minimum legal requirements in Washington, but it doesn’t offer adequate protection.
While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.
On the other hand, full coverage car insurance costs more but provides a lot more protection. It covers damage to your car in accidents, theft, natural events and animal collisions. If you have full coverage, you can be reassured that you’re well-protected.
Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below, you will find the rates for car insurance in Washington for different coverage levels.
| Coverage level | Monthly rates | Annual rates |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $56 | $668 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $61 | $729 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $199 | $2,389 |
State minimum car insurance in Washington
Washington laws mandate that all drivers carry insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability.
In Washington, you can get state minimum car insurance for $668 per year. However, this minimum coverage doesn’t offer enough protection. Drivers can add other types of insurance, such as comprehensive and collision, increase their liability limits and buy personal injury coverage for added protection.
Drivers in Washington must be aware of the minimum insurance coverage requirements to stay compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in Washington
According to CarInsurance.com data, liability-only car insurance costs $729 in Washington for limits 50/100/50.
This policy covers the cost of damages caused to others but not damages to the policyholder’s vehicle or passengers. While it is less expensive than a full coverage plan, liability-only insurance does not protect against an accident or theft of the insured vehicle.
Full coverage car insurance in Washington
In Washington, you can expect to pay around $2,389 per year for full coverage car insurance for the limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.
Car insurance experts advise drivers to get full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, with a deductible.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in Washington
Insurance costs can vary depending on where you live. An affordable policy for someone in one area might be more expensive for someone living elsewhere.
When determining insurance premiums, companies study crime rates, traffic conditions, car thefts and population density in different areas. This research helps them assess the associated risk and set competitive prices for their policies.
As a result, residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in Washington pay more for premiums than those in lower-risk areas.
Use our simple tool to see how much you’ll have to pay for car insurance. Just type in your ZIP code, and you’ll get quotes for different coverage options quickly.
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code in Washington
Rates vary by location. Our tool helps you understand how your ZIP code impacts your premium.For 30 year old Male ( Full - 100/300/100)
Estimate car insurance in Washington by car model
In Washington, car insurance costs depend on the type of car you drive. If you have a luxury or electric vehicle that’s more expensive to repair, you’ll pay higher insurance rates than someone with a car that’s cheaper to repair.
For example, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi tend to have higher insurance costs. On the other hand, more affordable brands like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda typically come with the cheapest insurance cost.
Find out how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your vehicle make and model in Washington.
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in Washington
As you age, the cost of your car insurance might change. As a young driver, you’ll pay more than an experienced, older driver. This is because younger drivers are more prone to accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than for drivers 20 years old or older.
Auto insurance companies understand that teenage drivers typically have less experience and pose a higher risk to insure. In Washington, drivers aged 30 to 60 enjoy the lowest average auto insurance premiums, at $2,358 annually.
Washington drivers aged 16-19 pay $7,157 more for insurance premiums than drivers aged 30-60.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $9,515 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $3,857 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $2,358 per year in Washington.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $2,522 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in Washington
If your driving record includes a DUI, speeding ticket or an at-fault accident, your rates will increase significantly. A DUI conviction in Washington can increase your premiums by up to 48% because insurers see you as a risky driver.
Similarly, if you get a speeding ticket in Washington, you’ll likely see an increase in your car insurance premium by up to 41% upon your policy renewal. Typically, you’ll pay more for three years. However, your rate increase also depends on state laws, your insurance company and your driving record.
Here is how much your car insurance rate increases in Washington after driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 41% increase
- DUI conviction: 48% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 53% increase
But even with a traffic ticket, comparison shopping can save you money.
Car insurance cost in Washington for high-risk drivers
In Washington, drivers deemed high-risk face higher car insurance premiums due to the increased risk. Factors such as past accidents, traffic infractions and low credit scores significantly affect premium costs.
High-risk drivers can lower their insurance premiums by comparing price quotes from different insurance companies. Each company offers different prices, so shopping around and finding the best deal that fits your needs is a good idea.
Use this tool to determine which company has the best prices for drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents on their driving records.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its average annual full coverage rates.
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Explore car insurance costs in your neighboring states
Compare car insurance quotes in Washington
In Washington, drivers can save on their premiums by comparing insurance quotes from different carriers. The cost of car insurance can vary based on several factors, including your driving history and the model of your car. Comparing multiple options allows you to find the right policy at an affordable price.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in Washington by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
In the table below, see an overview of various car insurance companies in Washington, along with their average annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| GEICO | $536 | $609 | $2,033 |
| Travelers | $628 | $688 | $2,154 |
| Farmers | $628 | $707 | $2,217 |
| PEMCO | $448 | $496 | $2,415 |
| Progressive | $570 | $673 | $2,557 |
| State Farm | $810 | $943 | $2,559 |
| Nationwide | $789 | $709 | $2,563 |
| Allstate | $939 | $1,006 | $2,618 |
Car insurance rates by city in Washington
Federal Way is the priciest city in Washington for car insurance, costing an average of $2,948 annually. On the other hand, Spokane Valley is the most affordable city, where drivers pay an average of $2,240 per year for car insurance.
Car insurance premiums differ across cities in Washington and are influenced by traffic conditions. Cities with heavier traffic often experience more frequent accidents and insurance claims, which results in higher insurance costs.
The number of uninsured drivers, crime rates, and the average cost of repairs and medical bills also influence car insurance rates.
The table below shows the average annual car insurance premiums for Washington’s largest cities.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
How much does car insurance cost in Washington per month?
The average cost of a full-coverage car insurance policy in Washington costs $199 monthly for coverage limits of 100/300/100.
Paying car insurance monthly can offer individuals greater budget flexibility. By spreading the cost over time, they can avoid the strain of a hefty lump sum payment and manage their expenses more comfortably.
While paying your car insurance in full upfront at renewal can sometimes get you a discount, the best choice will depend on your situation.
| Coverage level | Monthly rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum BI/PD | $56 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $61 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 BI/PD – 500 Comp/Coll | $199 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in Washington
There’s no one best car insurance for everyone. Some drivers are willing to pay a bit more for outstanding customer service, some want the lowest rates, others prefer carriers who can handle claims and payments through mobile apps and some prefer agents.
Ultimately, understanding your needs to find the best policy at the most competitive price is critical. Shop around for a good deal that provides peace of mind when hitting the open road in Washington.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed April 2026.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed April 2026.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in Washington. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.
The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:
- Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/10.
Read the detailed methodology for more information.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
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