As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications, Triple-I
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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Home to stunning landscapes, storied professional sports teams, major tech companies, and a thriving coffee culture, Seattle has a little something for everyone.
The trade-off for people in this bustling city is relatively high car insurance rates. The average cost of car insurance in Seattle is $103 per month for liability-only coverage and $241 per month for full coverage, compared to Washington state’s average rates of $80 and $172, respectively, according to Insurify data.
Seattle’s dense population likely contributes to its higher car insurance rates. Traffic congestion on city roads can lead to higher accident rates.
If you live in Seattle, it’s worth comparing car insurance companies like Travelers, USAA, and State Farm to find the best rates and coverage options.
Quick Facts
Seattle drivers can expect to find the cheapest liability-only coverage from State Farm and the cheapest full coverage from Direct Auto.
Seattle’s average car insurance rates are higher than the national averages of $214 for full coverage and $105 for liability-only policies.
Seattle had 740 fatal crashes in 2022, the most recent year for which the Washington Traffic Safety Commission has data.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Seattle
The right car insurance company for you may be different from the ones you see below.
“The best advice is to shop around and know how much you can afford for your monthly premium and any out-of-pocket expenses if you have a claim,” says Stephanie Marquis, director of public affairs at the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. “Each company prices their coverage differently, and there are many factors that go into what they charge.”
Companies like Travelers, USAA, and State Farm are good starting points for your auto insurance search. Each brings decades of industry experience and affordable rates.
Insurance Company
IQ Score
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
Full Coverage
Liability Only
Best For
Travelers
9.0
$242
$112
Cheap rates
USAA
9.4
$120
$55
Military members and families
State Farm
9.3
$118
$54
Families
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 Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.0/10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$153/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$330/mo
Whether you’re seeking a liability-only or a full-coverage policy, you can count on Travelers to provide some of the lowest rates. The 160-year-old national insurance company also offers a variety of discounts for additional savings.
Pros
Wide array of coverage options
Highly rated mobile app
Cons
Only 1.8 stars (out of 5) on Trustpilot
Rideshare insurance only offered in Colorado and Illinois
It was a horrible experience. We were loyal customers for years and never filed any claims. However, this year, both my husband and I were involved in accidents. It was the first year we actually needed to utilize our insurance benefits, and we were dropped.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.4/10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$75/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$164/mo
If you’re looking for car insurance with the best value as an active-duty military member, veteran, or qualifying family member, USAA may be right for you. The company offers affordable rates with discounts designed for members of the military community.
Pros
SafePilot safe-driving usage-based telematics program offers policy savings of up to 30%
Available nationwide
Cons
Policies only sold to current or former military members and their families
A few years ago, a minor male bicyclist collided with my car, which my wife was driving at the time. She was leaving a large intersection with a green light when the bicyclist, who was riding in a pedestrian lane, appeared from behind a stopped box truck that obscured his approach. The local police department in Belmont, MA, was called and the Traffic Control Officer wrote up the accident report, clearing my wife of any responsibility. I forwarded this report to USAA. However, when I applied for increased motor vehicle insurance coverage about a year later, I was denied. USAA cited the accident with the bicyclist as a chargeable accident against my wife, despite the police report, and they had never informed us about this. I was never able to resolve this issue. Another incident occurred on December 14, 2023. I wired $60,000 to USAA for a 7-month CD and received a receipt acknowledgment. However, on the same day, the deposit was withdrawn without any direct notice to me, except for a normal monthly bank statement reflecting the withdrawal without any explanation in mid-January. It took about 9 days for USAA to resolve the issue and return the $60,000. This was a very stressful 9 days for me, and I never received an apology or explanation. Trying to reach someone with authority through numerous phone calls was literally impossible. It took a two-page business letter with 7 enclosures to get the CEO's right-hand woman to take action and return the $60,000 to my credit union. As for insurance rates, we own, register, and insure two cars that are driven about 10 miles per week on average, sometimes 100 miles on a Saturday to visit our daughter. However, it seems that we do not receive any discount for this.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
9.3/10
Liability Only
Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages.
$74/mo
Full Coverage
Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible.
$161/mo
Insuring multiple drivers can get costly, especially if you have teens or a driver with a blemish on their record. State Farm, the nation's largest auto insurer, offers multi-vehicle and multi-policy discounts and deals for students to ensure you’re getting the best rates on your policy.
Pros
More than 100 years of experience in the insurance industry
Rideshare insurance available
Cons
Gap insurance not available
Accident forgiveness coverage only offered to long-term policyholders
The initial representative lied to me about the price of the policy. I'm paying $30 more a month than was quoted.
Matthew - July 25, 2024
Verified
Abandoned by State Farm
It was a negative experience. After 15 years with the company, I was dismissed due to two car accidents on my record, both of which had been previously reported as not my fault. They refused to communicate with me afterwards. I would advise others to consider this before choosing State Farm.
Janet - July 25, 2024
Verified
Too High
I have had State Farm for 5 years and have been very happy until this last renewal. My full coverage insurance jumped up by $400. This is why I keep looking for cheaper insurance.
Finding cheap car insurance doesn’t always mean you’re getting the best policy. It’s important to consider a company’s track record of customer satisfaction, claims handling, financial strength, and coverage options to meet your needs.
But you can still find a car insurance company that checks all your boxes by following these tips:
Compare quotes. Get quotes from at least three different companies. Ensure that your coverage types and amounts are similar across policies for the most accurate comparison.
Stack discounts. You can get discounts for bundling insurance products, being a member of an affiliated group, or even putting your policy on autopay. Most insurers advertise discount offerings on their website, but you can contact a company representative to see if you qualify for other deals.
Keep your risk profile low. While you have little control over several things when it comes to your insurance rates — like where you live, your age and gender, and your driving experience — you can still take steps to lower your risk. For instance, you can keep your driving history clean and drive a safe vehicle.
Opt for a higher deductible. A higher deductible usually means lower premiums. If you choose a lower deductible for your policy, be sure you can pay it when you file a claim.[1]
Cheapest liability-only car insurance in Seattle: State Farm
Liability-only car insurance covers the other party’s bodily injuries and vehicle repairs if you’re at fault in an accident. It’s generally the most basic coverage offered by car insurance companies and, therefore, the cheapest. But keep in mind that having only minimum coverage can leave you financially vulnerable if your vehicle is damaged or totaled in an accident you caused. And if you finance or lease your vehicle, the lender or leasing company will require you to have full coverage.
Liability coverage costs an average of $103 per month in Seattle. If you only need the minimum required insurance coverage, here are some of Seattle’s cheapest car insurance companies.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Seattle: Direct Auto
Full-coverage car insurance covers you more thoroughly than liability-only coverage. It offers comprehensive coverage for damages and losses due to non-collision events like theft and natural disasters, as well as collision coverage, which will reimburse you for repairs to your vehicle after a collision, regardless of fault.
Full coverage may be optimal if you commute frequently, drive in a high-risk location, or own a high-value vehicle. Your lender may also require you to have collision and comprehensive coverage if your car has an outstanding loan or lease. On average, Seattle drivers pay $241 per month for full-coverage car insurance.
The following insurers offer affordable quotes for full-coverage auto insurance.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
Car insurance requirements in Washington
Washington drivers must carry the state’s minimum liability coverage to drive legally. Liability insurance pays for the other party’s property damages and medical expenses if you’re at fault in an accident.[2]
Coverage
Minimum Requirements
Bodily injury liability
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability
$10,000 per accident
Car insurance is an essential financial tool to help you protect your assets if you’re involved in a car accident. Consider these additional coverages to stay financially protected on the road:
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
If someone else is at fault in an accident but doesn’t have enough coverage, this insurance will cover the gaps. UI/UIM coverage can also pay for hit-and-run accidents. While Washington doesn't require drivers to have uninsured motorist coverage, it does require insurers to offer it to all drivers. You can decline the coverage by signing a waiver.
Personal injury protection (PIP) coverage
If you or your passengers sustain injuries in a car accident, this coverage will reimburse you for medical expenses, lost wages, child care expenses, and funeral costs. Washington requires insurance companies to offer all drivers at least $10,000 of PIP coverage, but you can decline it by signing a waiver.
Gap coverage
Your insurer will cover the difference between what your car is worth and your car loan outstanding amount if you total your vehicle in an accident.
Accident forgiveness coverage
Rates tend to increase after an at-fault accident. But this coverage forgives your first at-fault accident, ensuring your car insurance premiums stay the same. Just keep in mind that not all insurers offer accident forgiveness.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an incident
Driving incidents include speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, driving under the influence (DUI), and other moving violations. If you have incidents on your driving record, your auto insurance premiums are likely higher than someone with a clean driving record.
The more severe and frequent the driving incident is, the higher your rates will be. Insurance companies may even refuse to insure you if you have severe or too many traffic violations.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Seattle
Minimum coverage policies start as low as $74/mo.
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Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket: State Farm
A speeding ticket may seem like a minor traffic infraction, but it can increase your insurance premium. Depending on your insurer, a ticket can also stay on your driving record for three to five years, resulting in hundreds of dollars in additional payments.
Seattle drivers with speeding tickets see average car insurance rates of $352 for full coverage and $151 for liability-only policies. Here are a few of the cheapest companies for drivers with speeding tickets on their record.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with an at-fault accident: State Farm
At-fault accidents can result in thousands of dollars in car repairs, medical costs, legal fees, and increased insurance rates. If you’ve recently caused a car accident, you’re not completely out of luck when looking for an affordable auto policy.
An at-fault accident in Seattle can bump drivers' car insurance rates to $365 for full coverage and $156 for liability only. The following insurers offer the most competitive monthly rates if you’re looking for car insurance in Seattle with an at-fault accident in your driving history.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI: State Farm
DUI convictions can spell major legal and financial repercussions for drivers, including significantly increased insurance rates. Seattle drivers with a DUI will need to obtain an SR-22 certificate or proof that they have the minimum liability coverage in the state of Washington.
Seattle drivers with DUIs on their motor vehicle records face average monthly car insurance rates of $414 for full coverage and $177 for liability only. If you’re a high-risk driver in Seattle, finding a company offering you insurance can be challenging and often expensive. Fortunately, these companies offer affordable monthly car insurance rates to drivers with DUIs.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
Cheapest car insurance for seniors: State Farm
While auto insurance premiums typically fall at age 35, you may see a gradual increase in your rates again after 70. Age-related conditions, such as slower reflexes and decreased vision, increase the likelihood of an accident, so insurance companies account for this risk by making rates more expensive for senior drivers.
Still, Seattle seniors pay the lowest average car insurance rates of any age group in the Emerald City. Full coverage averages $169 per month for seniors, and liability averages $72 per month.
Seniors can still find affordable monthly insurance rates with the following companies.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
Cheapest car insurance for teens: State Farm
Teenagers usually pay some of the highest insurance rates for car insurance. New drivers have the least experience on the road and, therefore, are often more susceptible to more at-fault accidents. So, insurers charge them higher rates to offset the risk.
Young drivers can lower their rates by staying on their parent’s policy, driving a safe car, and taking advantage of student-away-at school and good student discounts. Comparing auto insurance quotes from car insurance companies can also help you save money. Teens younger than 18 won't be able to get their own policy without the written consent of a parent or guardian.
Seattle teen drivers see average monthly insurance rates of $424 for full coverage and $181 for minimum coverage. You can start your search by reviewing monthly quotes from some of the cheapest car insurance companies for teens featured in the table below.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, July 1 at 12:00 PM PDT.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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.
Unlock savings and discounts when you compare rates through Insurify
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Seattle car insurance quotes by credit tier
Insurance companies in Washington are allowed to consider your credit history when setting your car insurance rates. Drivers with good credit often pay much less than drivers with bad credit. The table below highlights the differences in full-coverage car insurance quotes for drivers of varying credit levels.
Rates by Credit Tier
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.
Is car insurance more expensive in Seattle?
Drivers in Seattle can expect to pay $172 per month for car insurance, which is higher than the national average of $160 per month. While car insurance is generally more expensive in Seattle than in other parts of Washington state, car insurance rates can fluctuate based on the city you live in.
Factors such as population density, frequency of accidents, crime rates, and severity of natural disasters contribute to increased rates. For instance, drivers in Washington cities with smaller populations — like Kent, Vancouver, and Olympia — may pay lower rates than drivers in Seattle.[3]
More cities in Washington
As the table below illustrates, drivers in cities outside Seattle tend to see lower insurance rates. For example, drivers in Spokane pay an average of $125 per month for full coverage car insurance, while the same coverage averages $177 in Vancouver. The following table shows how rates differ among cities in Washington.
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.
Seattle car insurance FAQs
Finding the best car insurance can be challenging. Below, you’ll find answers to some commonly asked questions about how to find the best auto insurance in Seattle.
How much is car insurance in Seattle?
Car insurance in Seattle costs $241 per month for full-coverage insurance and $103 per month for liability coverage.
Your exact premium will depend on your insurer, driving record, age, credit history, vehicle type, chosen coverage level, and more.
Which companies offer the cheapest car insurance in Seattle?
State Farm has the lowest car insurance rates in Seattle; liability policies start at $74 per month.
Seattle drivers can also find affordable car insurance from USAA and Direct Auto, the city's second- and third-cheapest insurers, with liability rates as low as $75 and $76, respectively.
What are the best car insurance companies in Seattle?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 9.0 out of 5 and an AM Best financial strength rating of A++ (Superior), Travelers is the best car insurance company in Seattle.
Of the companies Insurify has rate data for, other top Seattle auto insurers include USAA and State Farm.
Is Washington a no-fault state?
No. Washington is a fault state, meaning that the driver at fault is responsible for paying the injured party’s expenses.
Methodology
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 90 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 50+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Bodily injury limits between state-minimum rates and $50,000 per person, $100,000 per accident
Property damage limits between $10,000 and $50,000
No additional coverage
Full-coverage premium averages correspond to the same bodily injury and property damage limits in addition to:
Comprehensive coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
Alani Asis is a personal finance freelance writer with nearly three years of experience in content creation. She has landed bylines with leading publications and brands like Insider, Fortune, LendingTree, and more. Alani aims to make personal finance approachable through fun, relatable, and digestible content.
As Insurify’s home and pet insurance editor, Danny also specializes in auto insurance. His goal is to help consumers navigate the complex world of insurance buying.
Mark FriedlanderDirector, Corporate Communications, Triple-I
Corporate communications director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
As Director, Corporate Communications for Triple-I, Mark serves as the non-profit’s national spokesperson, sharing information and education on a wide array of insurance issues.
Konstantin HalachevVP of Engineering & Data Science
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Konstantin has led data teams across multiple industries, including insurance, travel, and biology. He’s led Insurify’s engineering team for more than three years.
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