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Washington drivers pay an average of $197 a month for car insurance, which is higher than the national average. Motorists in Washington may struggle to choose the right car insurance company and for good reason. A vehicle’s type, age, and your driving record can all affect the type of car insurance you need.[1]
Quick Facts
Drivers in Washington state pay 28% more for car insurance than the national average of $148 per month.
A DUI charge in Washington can drive your auto insurance rates up by nearly 100%.
Yokima and Spokane residents enjoy some of the lowest car insurance costs in the state.
Best car insurance companies in Washington
Due to the unique insurance needs of each individual driver, choosing the right auto insurance company depends on a variety of factors, such as your budget, vehicle type, and driving history.[1] To make things easier, Insurify compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Washington.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
Insurify uses an in-house, proprietary method to rate and review the best car insurance companies. The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 crucial criteria, including average premiums, customer satisfaction, discounts, third-party ratings, and more, to calculate a final score for a company.
Criteria are weighted by importance to the consumer — factors such as customer reviews and affordability influence the score more than availability and third-party ratings. With the IQ Score, Insurify is able to provide quantitative ratings for drivers to better compare car insurance companies and make informed decisions to meet their coverage needs.
USAA is Insurify’s top overall pick for Washington car insurance because of its combination of quality coverage, policyholder benefits, and excellent customer service. The insurer has an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.5 out of 5 and earned the highest overall score in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study.[2]
With an average monthly cost of $66 for liability-only coverage, USAA’s rates are often lower than many other insurers, making it an affordable option for drivers of all types.
USAA pros and cons
Pros
Excellent customer service reputation
Customizable coverage options available
Competitive rates
Cons
Only available to military members and their families
Limited physical locations
Telematics-based SafePilot discount rewards safe driving behavior but isn’t available in all areas
Best cheap car insurance in Washington: American Family
American Family’s commitment to affordable rates and excellent coverage options makes it the best cheap car insurance in Washington. The company has a 4.3 IQ Score and average monthly quotes of $98.
You’ll also find a variety of discounts to help you save even more on your policy. However, the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Insurance Study ranked American Family below average in overall customer satisfaction.[2]
American Family pros and cons
Pros
Affordable rates and high value for budget-conscious drivers
Above-average claims satisfaction rating in the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study[3]
User-friendly mobile app for easy policy and claim management
Cons
Limited available add-ons
Some customers report problems with customer service and policy renewal
Typically not the best option for drivers with poor credit or driving records
Most affordable car insurance in Washington: State Farm
State Farm is the most affordable car insurance in the Evergreen State. It has a low average price of $65 per month. When getting a quote, make sure to ask about discounts to reduce your premiums. You don’t have to sacrifice quality for good rates — the company’s 4.4 IQ Score shows it has a commitment to customer satisfaction and reliability.
State Farm pros and cons
Pros
Lowest average liability-coverage rates in Washington state
Large network of in-person agents
High marks for financial strength and customer service
Cons
Limited coverage options compared to other insurers
Accident forgiveness program not available
Custom equipment coverage for added equipment or modifications not available
Allstate ranks as Insurify’s best choice for full coverage in Washington. A typical full-coverage policy includes liability, collision, and comprehensive protection. But with Allstate, you can customize your policy to include new-car replacement, repair provision coverage, and loan or lease gap protection.
Allstate boasts an IQ Score of 4.2 and an average rate of $118 for full coverage, making it a compelling choice for those who want full coverage at an affordable price.
Allstate pros and cons
Pros
Various customizable coverage options available
Strong financial stability rating
Large network of agents and customer service representatives
Farmers is a top choice for commuters in Washington, according to Insurify research. The company offers an ideal combination of coverage to suit drivers on the go, such as accident forgiveness, roadside assistance, and new-car replacement coverage. With an IQ Score of 3.8 and an average monthly cost of $114, you’ll get reliable coverage that won’t weigh you down.
Farmers pros and cons
Pros
Safe driving discounts can help lower premiums and reward good driving habits
Car insurance from Liberty Mutual is an easy choice for Washington families. Not only does it offer a multi-car discount for households with multiple vehicles, but it also provides a discount for teen drivers and good students.
With an IQ Score of 3.8 and an average monthly cost of $259, Liberty Mutual offers quality coverage and peace of mind for families on the road.
Liberty Mutual pros and cons
Pros
Teen driver and multi-car discount options available
Custom coverage options, including original parts replacement and roadside assistance
Digital tools to access ID cards, pay bills, and file and manage claims
Cons
Higher average premiums than other Washington insurers
High amount of complaints in NAIC’s complaint index
Common discounts like anti-theft systems and airbag not available
If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, GEICO is a great option for Washington car insurance. The company offers off-road vehicle insurance for ATVs, RVs, boats, and motorcycles. GEICO has an IQ Score of 4.3 and offers outstanding coverage for an average monthly cost of $80.
GEICO pros and cons
Pros
Lower rates than many other Washington car insurance companiess
If you’re a college student in Washington, Insurify recommends Travelers car insurance. You can access a range of discounts specifically for students, and the Responsible Driver plan can keep your rates steady if you’re in an accident or commit a minor moving violation.
Travelers has an IQ Score of 4.3 and an average rate of $111, making it a competitive option for college students looking for affordable coverage.
Travelers pros and cons
Pros
Lower rates than many other insurers in Washington
Several available student discounts
Telematics-based safe-driving IntelliDrive program allows for savings of up to 30%
Cons
Limited discounts beyond those for college students
Insurify’s choice for luxury car insurance in Washington state is Nationwide. Through original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts and agreed-value coverage, the company can restore your luxury cars to their original specifications if you’re in an accident. The company takes the wheel on coverage for your high-end vehicles, with an IQ score of 4.1 and an average rate of $148.
Nationwide pros and cons
Pros
Accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible available
Car key replacement, pet protection, and auto-shopping service perks available for loyal customers
Private Client program caters to people with high net worth
Cons
Discounts for paying in full and airbags not available
Higher average premiums than other insurers in Washington
Kemper is Insurify’s top choice for high-risk drivers. You can purchase insurance even if you had trouble getting coverage in the past. The company also offers SR-22 insurance if you need it. However, Kemper has an IQ Score of 2.8 and had the highest average rates overall, with an average monthly cost of $239.
Kemper pros and cons
Pros
Specializes in auto insurance options for high-risk drivers
Mobile app allows policyholders to file claims
Roadside assistance available
Cons
Higher average premiums than most other insurers in the state
Low IQ Score indicates customer service may not be up to par
Mobile app users report poor functionality and design issues
How Insurify’s experts used internal proprietary data to rate top auto insurers
Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from the company’s partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, and demographic information.
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates. With this information, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums.
The data included on this page represents averages across all ages, genders, credit scores, and Washington driver profiles.
How to shop for the best car insurance in Washington
Drivers should consider a company’s financial stability, prices, coverage options, and more when they shop for insurers in Washington.
“When shopping for insurance coverage, we recommend consumers look for the most robust coverage for the best price,” says Mark Friedlander, director of corporate communications at the Insurance Information Institute (III). “It’s also important to consider an auto insurer’s financial stability and customer service record. You want to make sure your insurer has the ability to pay claims and will quickly take care of you when you suffer a loss.”
Here’s how to get coverage that meets your needs and keeps your wallet happy:
Assess your coverage needs. Determine what coverage you need based on your car’s value and your driving habits.
Compare rate quotes. Get quotes from multiple insurance companies and compare them to find the best rates and coverage.
Check the company’s financial stability. Look up the company’s financial ratings to ensure it’s financially stable and able to pay out claims.
Research the company’s reputation. Read customer reviews and check the company’s ratings with organizations like J.D. Power and the Better Business Bureau.
Review discounts. Review discounts the company offers to help lower your premiums.
Understand policy details. Review the policy carefully to make sure you understand what your coverage includes and what it doesn’t.
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Washington
Several factors can influence the cost of car insurance in Washington, including your driving history, the type of car you drive, where you live, and your credit score.[1]
Here are some tips to help you get lower premiums:
Shop around. Gather quotes from multiple insurance companies to find the best rates.
Adjust coverage limits. Consider adjusting your policy limits, deductibles, and add-ons to find a balance between affordability and protection.
Look for discounts. Ask about discounts for good driving habits, vehicle safety features, and bundling policies.
Maintain good credit. Keeping a good credit score can often lead to lower insurance rates.
Drive safely. Avoid accidents and traffic violations to maintain a clean driving record.
Consider a cheaper vehicle. Driving an older-model car can be less expensive to insure.
Minimum car insurance requirements in Washington
All motor vehicles operating or parked on Washington’s roads must carry insurance. You must carry proof of insurance in your car at all times and have the proof available when:
Law enforcement requests it
Renewing vehicle registration
The vehicle is involved in a car accident
The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles in Washington are:[5]
Coverage Type
Minimum Amount
Bodily injury (per person)
$25,000
Bodily injury (per accident)
$50,000
Property damage
$10,000
“These minimums are on par with many other states but can leave you financially vulnerable if you are involved in a serious at-fault accident,” says Friedlander. “For a much greater level of protection, insurance professionals recommend limits of $100,000 per person, $300,000 per accident, and $100,000 for property.”
Liability-only vs. full-coverage insurance in Washington
Washington requires drivers to have minimum liability auto insurance to cover damages or injuries they might cause to others. Choosing a liability-only policy may make sense if you have an older car, are on a tight budget, or have a solid emergency fund to pay for repairs or replacement costs out of pocket.
To increase your protection, consider full-coverage insurance. It includes collision for damage an accident causes to your vehicle as well as comprehensive coverage for theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. Full coverage is a good choice when you have an expensive or new car, are financing or leasing the vehicle, or just want peace of mind.
Here’s a look at the cheapest auto insurance in Washington by policy type. Note that rates vary considerably from one insurer to the next. For instance, State Farm offers the cheapest rates for liability and full-coverage policies. You’ll pay 50% more for the same coverage from The General and nearly 300% more for liability insurance from Liberty Mutual.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Washington car insurance rates by driving and accident history
Driving history can greatly affect car insurance costs. If you receive speeding tickets, have a driving under the influence conviction, or have an at-fault accident, your insurance rates can go up because you present a higher risk to the insurance company.[6] In Washington, an at-fault accident can increase your rates by 43% and a DUI can increase your rates by almost 100%, so it’s in your best interest to avoid violations and collisions.
Here’s a look at average monthly quotes for the cheapest car insurance in Washington based on driving and accident history.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
SR-22 insurance in Washington
Following a conviction, failure to pay judgments, or being involved in an accident, you might need to carry SR-22 insurance. However, it isn’t a policy type — it’s a certificate that proves you meet the state-minimum liability requirements. You typically need to have the form on file with the state for three years starting on the day you reinstate your license.[7]
If you need SR-22 coverage in Washington, you can find it at GEICO, State Farm, and Nationwide.
Car insurance companies in Washington can use credit scores to set rates. Your credit-based insurance score determines how likely you are to file a claim.[8]Excellent or good credit scores mean fewer claims, while poor credit scores indicate a higher risk to the insurance company.
“Drivers with lower scores tend to have a higher risk of at-fault accidents. So, the higher your score, most likely the better your rate will be,” says Friedlander.
Car insurance quotes in Washington cities
Car insurance rates can change depending on where in Washington you live. A city’s population density, crime rate, and accident statistics can influence your premiums.[1] The most expensive cities for car insurance typically have more people, more crime, and more accidents.
The two tables below illustrate how differences in population, accident rates, and other location-related factors can affect car insurance costs. The first table shows the cheapest cities in the state. For example, Yakima — which has a population of around 96,968 — has average insurance rates that are 19% less than the state average.
City
Average Monthly Quote
Compared to State Average
Yakima
$159
-19%
Spokane
$161
-19%
Olympia
$170
-14%
Vancouver
$195
-1%
Bellevue
$213
8%
Everett
$215
9%
Puyallup
$221
12%
Kent
$224
13%
Tacoma
$226
15%
Renton
$227
15%
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
The following table shows the most expensive cities for car insurance in Washington. While Federal Way has a similar sized population — around 99,000 — than Yakima, it has a higher rate of accidents. Federal Way saw 2,075 reported accidents in 2022, while much larger Yakima had just 1,883, according to state data.[9]
City
Average Monthly Quote
Compared to State Average
Federal Way
$263
33%
Auburn
$251
27%
Seattle
$234
18%
Renton
$227
15%
Tacoma
$226
15%
Kent
$224
13%
Puyallup
$221
12%
Everett
$215
9%
Bellevue
$213
8%
Vancouver
$195
-1%
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
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Washington car insurance rates by driver age
Age can further influence how much you pay for auto coverage. Younger drivers pay higher rates, as they tend to have more accidents. Fatal crash rates are almost 200% higher for teen drivers than drivers aged 20 and older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[10] As you age, your risk and rates generally decrease.
Here’s how age can affect insurance rates in Washington. On average, teens pay 131% more for coverage than drivers in their 30s, while people in their 60s typically have the lowest rates.
Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time quotes from Insurify's 50-plus partner insurance providers. Actual quotes may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.
State Farm, USAA, and GEICO are the cheapest insurers, with rates ranging from $65 to $80 for liability coverage. These companies are also the cheapest for full coverage. Comparing multiple quotes can help you find the cheapest car insurance in Washington.
What is the required car insurance coverage in Washington?
In Washington, you legally need at least $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.[5] These figures are similar to car insurance limits in other states, but if you’re in an accident, you may be financially responsible for damages and injuries that exceed these limits.
What are the best car insurance companies in Washington?
For the best car insurance in Washington, look to USAA, State Farm, American Family, and GEICO. These companies are financially sound and have high IQ Scores, while also offering the lowest average cost for liability coverage in the state. State Farm is the cheapest, at $65 per month on average for liability-only coverage.
How does credit score affect car insurance premiums in Washington?
Washington car insurance companies can include driver credit scores when determining the risk of a driver. Insurers often offer lower rates to those with higher credit scores and may charge drivers with lower credit scores higher rates, regardless of their driving record.
Is Washington a no-fault state?
No. Washington is an at-fault state. This means the person who caused the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. If you’re in a car accident in Washington, your insurance company determines who is at fault before covering damages.[11]
Insurify Insights
How Washington Drivers Measure Up
While most drivers know that car insurance quotes are determined in part by your personal driving history, many may be unaware that rates are also impacted by the average risk of the drivers around you as well. Check out Insurify's latest analysis of driving records in Washington below:
Methodology
Drawing from an internal database of over 4 million car insurance applications, the research team at Insurify analyzes patterns in car ownership and driver behavior - including how Washington drivers measure up to their fellow motorists across the United States in areas including speeding, DUIs, and more. Insurify Insights publishes data-driven articles, trend analyses, and national rankings each week on all factors related to cars and those who drive them.
Ford F-Series Pickup
Most Popular Car in Washington
#8
State with the Most Speeding Tickets Rank
#11
State with the Moving Violations Rank
#25
State with the Most DUIs Rank
#31
State with the most Suspended Licenses
While car accidents are a sadly unavoidable feature of time spent on the road, rates of accidents do vary from city to city and from state to state. Washington is the #9 state in the country for drivers with an at-fault accident on their driving record.
Rank among states: #9
Percent of drivers in Washington with an accident: 10%
While driving while intoxicated is never acceptable, it’s a more common offense than many assume. Washington is the #25 state in the country for drivers with a prior drunk driving conviction.
Rank among states: #25
Percent of drivers in Washington with a DUI: 1.4%
Reckless driving refers to a specific traffic violation: when drivers willfully act dangerously in spite of the risks they’re imposing on both themselves and others. Washington is the #14 state in the country for drivers with a reckless driving offense on record.
Rank among states: #14
Percent of drivers in Washington with a reckless driving offense: 1.7%
The Insurify team classifies rude drivers as those who commit one or more of the following driving offenses: failure to yield or failure to stop, improper backing, passing where prohibited, tailgating, street racing, or hit-and-run. Washington is the #10 state in the country for drivers with a rude driving violation on record.
Rank among states: #10
Percent of drivers in Washington with a rude driving violation: 2.1%
Exceeding the speed limit can endanger others and have a serious impact on your insurance costs. Washington is the #8 state in the country for drivers with a speeding ticket on record.
Rank among states: #8
Percent of drivers in Washington with a speeding ticket: 11%
Failing to yield the right of way isn’t just frustrating for other drivers; it’s dangerous, too. Washington is the #7 state in the country for drivers with a failure to yield violation on record.
Rank among states: #7
Percent of drivers in Washington with a failure to yield violation: 0.3%
Insurify Insights
Insurify's team of data scientists and content specialists presents Insurify Insights, a series of automotive, home, and health studies focusing on the topics that impact us all. through expert analysis of over 4 million car insurance applications and an array of top data sources, the Insurify Insights team produces new data-driven articles, trend analyses, regional superlatives, and national rankings every week. See Insurify Insights as featured in Forbes, Fox News, USA Today, NPR, and more.
Methodology
Data scientists at Insurify analyzed more than 40 million real-time auto insurance rates from our partner providers across the United States to compile the car insurance quotes, statistics, and data visualizations displayed on this page. The car insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers' vehicles, driving records, and demographic information. Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Service's database of auto insurance rates. With these insights, Insurify is able to offer drivers insight into how companies price their car insurance premiums.
Amy is a personal finance and technology writer. With a background in the legal field and a bachelor's degree from Ferris State University, she has a talent for transforming complex topics into content that’s easy to understand. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.
