- 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 rates vary greatly based on your ZIP code, the coverage you choose and other personal details, such as age and driving record. CarInsurance.com’s data shows that GEICO offers the most affordable car insurance at $2,033 per year.
We’ve compiled this detailed guide to help you choose the right car insurance in Washington. The team at CarInsurance.com has done all the hard work by researching and analyzing insurance prices for different kinds of drivers.
Keep reading to learn how car insurance works in Washington and how much you need.
How much is car insurance in Washington?
According to CarInsurance.com data, drivers in Washington pay about $199 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.
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
Car insurance costs in Washington can differ based on the coverage limit. To legally drive, Washington residents must adhere to the minimum liability limits of 25/50/10.
Liability-only policies are the cheapest, offering bare-bones protection that meets state’s financial responsibility laws – but they don’t offer much legal protection and coverage for your medical costs or property damage.
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.
Full coverage car insurance policies are the most expensive but provide much more protection. They cover your own vehicles from accidents, theft, natural disasters and animal strikes. With a full-coverage insurance policy, drivers can be confident that they’re protected in the event of an accident up to the limits of their policies.
Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below are the Washington car insurance costs for three 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
Liability-only car insurance costs $729 in Washington for coverage limits of 50/100/50, according to CarInsurance.com data.
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
On average, premiums for full coverage car insurance in Washington cost $2,389 per year 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.
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.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in Washington
A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living 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.
With our easy-to-use tool, you can get insurance quotes for different coverage limits for your ZIP code in minutes. Enter your ZIP code into our free tool to see how much you can save.
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
Washington car insurance providers use the make and model of your vehicle to determine premiums. If you drive a luxury car, which can be expensive to repair, expect to pay more for insurance than cars that are easier and cheaper to fix.
For instance, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche, and Audi usually have higher insurance costs. Cars like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are often cheaper to insure.
Find out how much car insurance costs for your car 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
High-risk drivers in Washington pay more for car insurance than other drivers because they are considered riskier. Factors like accident history, traffic violations and poor credit scores influence how much the policyholder will pay for insurance coverage.
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.
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
Drivers in Washington can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around and comparing quotes. While many factors influence the cost of your car insurance, from driving record to the type of car you drive, there are many options to get the coverage you need at a price that works for you.
Start your search for the best car insurance policy in Washington by getting quotes from several insurers for comparison.
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 | $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 most expensive city in Washington, with an average car insurance rate of $2,948 a year. Spokane Valley is the cheapest city for Washington drivers at an average rate of $2,240 annually.
Car insurance rates vary by city in Washington for several reasons. One of the most significant factors is traffic congestion. Areas with more traffic typically have higher rates of accidents and claims, which leads to higher premiums.
Other factors that can affect rates include the number of uninsured drivers, the cost of repairs and medical bills and the crime rate in the city.
Below, you’ll see the average annual car insurance cost of major cities in Washington.
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?
In Washington, a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $199 per month.
Opting for monthly car insurance payments can be a budget-friendly strategy for some people. It allows for spreading the cost throughout the year, making it easier to manage than a hefty annual payment. This approach provides more flexibility and avoids the burden of a large upfront sum.
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 | 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
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 March 2026.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed March 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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