Cheap Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers in Washington

What is low-income car insurance in Washington?

Low-income car insurance is not a special type of policy. It typically refers to cheap car insurance that low-income drivers in Washington can afford.

For example, state-minimum car insurance is usually the cheapest coverage you can buy. Minimum liability coverage helps pay for injuries and damages you cause to others in an accident, but not your own.

Full-coverage car insurance typically costs more than state-minimum coverage, but offers more financial protection. Full coverage includes liability insurance, plus collision and comprehensive coverage, to help pay to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident.

No matter which coverage you choose, looking for discounts is one of the best ways to keep costs down. Many insurers offer discounts for safe driving, good grades, and bundling policies.

You can also lower costs by increasing your deductible. But make sure you have some money set aside. Raising your deductible lowers your monthly premium, but you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.

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Cheapest car insurance in Washington

The cheapest car insurer in Washington is State Farm, with an average monthly rate of $58 for liability-only coverage. Compare that to the overall state average of $95.

The average cost of car insurance in Washington is similar to the national average. The state’s average rates reflect its unique combo of risk factors.

Washington has a higher-than-average population density and uninsured motorist rate, which can increase rates.^{[1] [2]} But the state has relatively low minimum liability requirements and a lower rate of driving under the influence (DUI) convictions, which help lower rates.^[3]

Rates are lowest in Bellingham, Kennewick, and Longview, where the population is smaller and more spread out. More urban areas like Tacoma have higher rates.

The table below shows the cheapest car insurance rates in Washington.

The below rates in Washington are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:28 AM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Average Quote: Liability Only
State Farm	$58
USAA	$60
Root	$61
Progressive	$82
The General	$83
National General	$87
GEICO	$88
American Family	$89
Direct Auto	$93
Allstate	$96
Chubb	$98
Safeco	$99
Farmers	$103
Bristol West	$118
Dairyland	$118
Travelers	$120
Liberty Mutual	$166

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Washington car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Washington may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Cheapest car insurance for drivers with poor credit in Washington

Washington state law allows insurers to use your credit history when setting rates. Drivers with poor credit usually pay more for car insurance in Washington because they’re more likely to file a claim.

The table below shows liability quotes for drivers with poor credit and with good credit in Washington.

The below rates in Washington are estimated rates current as of: Sunday, November 1 at 12:28 AM PDT. 

Insurance Company	Average Liability Quote: Good Credit	Average Liability Quote: Poor Credit
State Farm	$57	$85
USAA	$59	$75
Root	$59	$76
The General	$80	$103
Progressive	$81	$103
National General	$84	$108
American Family	$87	$108
GEICO	$87	$104
Direct Auto	$90	$115
Allstate	$94	$120
Chubb	$95	$157
Safeco	$96	$123
Farmers	$102	$121
Dairyland	$114	$146
Bristol West	$115	$146
Travelers	$116	$143
Liberty Mutual	$163	$199

Disclaimer: Table data sourced from real-time Washington car insurance quotes from Insurify's 500+ partner insurance providers and quote estimates from Quadrant Information Services. Actual car insurance quotes in Washington may vary based on the policy buyer's unique driver profile.

Car insurance options for low-income drivers in Washington

Washington doesn’t have a state-sponsored car insurance program for low-income drivers. But you have ways to lower your costs. Comparing multiple insurers, asking about discounts, and maintaining a clean driving record can help you reduce your rate.

Non-standard insurance companies are another option for low-income drivers in Washington. Non-standard insurers specialize in car insurance for high-risk drivers. For example, Dairyland is a non-standard company that offers insurance for people with coverage gaps or driving violations. Vern Fonk is a regional option for drivers with DUIs who need an SR-22.

You also have options if you’re struggling to find coverage. The state-sponsored Washington Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP) offers coverage for high-risk drivers who can’t find insurance through the voluntary market.^[5]

Minimum car insurance requirements in Washington

Washington requires drivers to have minimum bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage. Bodily injury liability coverage helps pay medical costs for injuries you cause to someone else while driving. Property damage liability coverage helps pay for damage you cause to someone else’s vehicle or property.

The table below shows Washington’s minimum liability insurance requirements.

Coverage	Minimum Requirement	What It Covers
Bodily injury liability	$25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident	Injuries or death you cause to another person
Property damage liability	$10,000	Damage you cause to someone else’s property

You can also buy medical payments coverage (MedPay), uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, and personal injury protection (PIP), but the state doesn’t require them.

Choosing state-minimum car insurance coverage over full coverage can be cheaper, helping lower your costs. But it could leave you financially vulnerable if you don’t have enough insurance to pay your costs after an accident.

For example, say you’re traveling through Federal Way when you rear-end another vehicle during a traffic jam on the Pacific Highway. You cause $25,000 in damage to the other driver’s vehicle. State-minimum insurance would cover only the first $10,000. You’d have to pay the remaining $15,000 out of pocket.

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What affects car insurance rates in Washington?

Several factors affect Washington’s car insurance rates, including the number of drivers without insurance. The state ranks No. 10 nationally for uninsured drivers, with 19% driving without car insurance, according to Insurance Research Council data. Insurers spread the cost of accidents caused by uninsured drivers, increasing costs for everyone.

Washington also ranks No. 10 nationwide for auto thefts, according to state data, which can increase car insurance rates.^[6] Although auto theft rates declined by 40% from 2024 to 2025, the state still had more than 17,000 thefts in 2025.

Traffic density also affects car insurance rates. The Seattle metro area ranks No. 22 globally for traffic congestion, according to INRIX.^[7] Drivers commuting between Everett and Seattle spend an average of 50 minutes on the road during the morning rush. Heavy traffic increases the risk of accidents and raises insurance rates.^[8]

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