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 $1,171 annually.
This guide makes buying car insurance in Washington easy. We’ve done the hard work by researching and analyzing what different drivers might pay for insurance.
Keep reading to get a clear idea of how car insurance in Washington works and how much coverage you need.
- Geico provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Washington, costing $1,171 per year.
- In Washington, insurance costs are influenced by various factors, including coverage limits, age, location, make/model of your vehicle and your driving history.
- Minimum liability coverage in Washington costs around $438 annually for limits of 25/50/10, while liability-only coverage costs $731 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- In Washington, driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 51%, a DUI raising rates by 76%, and an at-fault accident by up to 41%.
How much is car insurance in Washington?
According to CarInsurance.com data, drivers in Washington pay about $134 per month for full coverage car insurance.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you budget effectively for your coverage. Remember that insurance premiums can differ significantly based on your vehicle’s make and model and your driving history.
Average cost of auto insurance in Washington by coverage level
In Washington, the cost of car insurance can vary depending on how much coverage you purchase. Washington drivers need at least the minimum insurance coverage limits of 25/50/10 to legally drive.
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 is more expensive, but it offers extensive protection. It helps cover your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, natural disasters, and animal collisions. Full coverage can make you feel more secure, knowing you’re well-protected if something happens.
Full coverage car insurance comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
In the table below, see the car insurance premiums in Washington for three different coverages.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Cost | Avg. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $36 | $438 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $61 | $731 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $134 | $1,608 |
State minimum car insurance in Washington
In Washington, minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 of bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 of property damage liability.
In Washington, you can get state minimum car insurance for $438 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 car insurance requirements to remain legally compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in Washington
The average cost of liability-only insurance in Washington is $731 for the coverage limits of 50/100/50, based on a recent data analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Liability-only insurance helps cover the costs if you damage someone else’s car or injure someone in an accident. It’s more affordable than full coverage insurance, but remember, it doesn’t pay for repairs to your vehicle or cover injuries to your passengers.
Full coverage car insurance in Washington
The average annual premium in Washington is $1,608 for a full coverage policy with 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.
Experts recommend that drivers purchase full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford to be financially protected. Full coverage car insurance policies include liability, comprehensive and collision coverage.
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Calculate the cost of car insurance in Washington
Insurance rates can differ depending on your ZIP code because what’s affordable in one area might be expensive in another.
Different areas pose more or less risk based on crime rate, traffic, car thefts and population density. Insurance companies research each area’s risks and then use that information to determine what they can charge for premiums.
As a result, people living in higher-risk neighborhoods of Washington have to pay more than those living where the risks are lower.
Our tool lets you quickly obtain insurance quotes for different coverage limits specific to your ZIP code within minutes. Input your ZIP code to see how much you can save on premiums.
Washington Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code
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.
See how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your specific make and model in Washington.
Insurance Rates by Car Model
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in Washington
Younger drivers and teenagers typically pay more for insurance than older, more experienced drivers. This is because teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents. In fact, teenagers are four times more likely to crash than drivers who are 20 or older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
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 $1,583 annually.
Car insurance for drivers aged 16-19 costs $3,661 more annually than Washington drivers aged 30-60.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $5,244 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $2,376 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $1,583 per year in Washington.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 65 and older can expect to pay $1,693 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in Washington
Having a DUI, speeding ticket or being at fault in an accident can substantially increase your insurance rates. In Washington, a DUI conviction often results in higher premiums and you may see an increase of up to 76% as insurers perceive you as a high-risk driver.
If you receive a speeding ticket in Washington, be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 51% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.
Here’s a breakdown of how much your car insurance rate goes up in Washington following driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 51% increase
- DUI conviction: 76% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 41% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, comparing quotes can still help you save 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.
Luckily, there are ways for high-risk drivers to reduce their premium payments. Shopping around and comparing quotes is a great place to start, as each company will have its own rate structure tailored to individual needs.
Use the tool below to see which company offers cheaper rates for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions and at-fault accidents.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,206 |
| Geico | $1,954 |
| State Farm | $2,101 |
| Travelers | $2,165 |
| Allstate | $2,481 |
| American Family | $2,577 |
| Nationwide | $2,799 |
| Farmers | $3,074 |
| Progressive | $4,598 |
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Average car insurance cost in different states of U.S.
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Our apologies, we cannot display the data due to availability or spelling errors. Please check the spelling and try again. For assistance, reach out us via Compare car insurance quotes in Washington
In Washington, drivers can save on car insurance by comparing prices from different companies. Many factors affect how much you pay, like your driving history and the type of car you drive. Luckily, there are plenty of choices to help you find good insurance that fits your budget.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in Washington by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
Below is a breakdown of car insurance companies in Washington and their average annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $296 | $473 | $1,171 |
| PEMCO | $158 | $351 | $1,326 |
| Travelers | $398 | $713 | $1,503 |
| Nationwide | $496 | $792 | $1,658 |
| Farmers | $450 | $868 | $1,714 |
| American Family | $709 | $1,109 | $1,750 |
| Allstate | $639 | $927 | $1,766 |
| State Farm | $410 | $741 | $1,794 |
| Progressive | $595 | $947 | $2,554 |
| USAA | $226 | $387 | $853 |
Car insurance rates by city in Washington
Tukwila is the most expensive city in Washington, with an average car insurance rate of $2,085 a year. Malden is the cheapest city for Washington drivers at an average rate of $1,331 annually.
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.
Rates can also be influenced by factors such as uninsured motorist statistics, expenses related to repairs and medical treatment, as well as the overall crime rate in the city.
Find below the average annual car insurance cost for drivers in some of Washington’s major cities.
Select your city below to see the insurance company and its average full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| USAA | $833 |
| Geico | $1,051 |
| PEMCO | $1,263 |
| Travelers | $1,282 |
| Farmers | $1,510 |
| Nationwide | $1,530 |
| American Family | $1,654 |
| State Farm | $1,691 |
| Allstate | $1,698 |
| Progressive | $2,319 |
How much does car insurance cost in Washington per month?
In Washington, a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $134 per month.
For some people, it is better to pay car insurance monthly because it gives them more flexibility in their budget. They can spread the cost over a longer period of time and don’t have to worry about a large lump sum payment.
Alternatively, paying your car insurance in full upon renewal may earn you a discount. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your needs and situation.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $36 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $61 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $134 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in Washington
The ideal car insurance company varies depending on what matters most to you. Some prioritize excellent customer service, even if it costs slightly more. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates. Some drivers also value the convenience of handling everything through a mobile app, while some prefer the personalized touch of a dedicated agent.
It’s really important to figure out what you need and find the best insurance policy for your car without breaking the bank while driving in Washington.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2024.
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.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Washington