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.
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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 tradeoff for people in this bustling city is relatively high car insurance rates. The average cost of car insurance in Seattle is $248 — slightly more expensive than Washington’s average rate of $218, according to Insurify data.
If you live in Seattle, Travelers, USAA, and State Farm are a few insurance companies worth considering for their competitive rates and comprehensive coverage options.
Quick Facts
Seattle requires drivers to carry the state’s minimum liability insurance coverages.
Drivers with a past driving incident will likely pay more for car insurance.
Drivers in Seattle can expect higher rates than other cities in Washington State.
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Seattle
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Best 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, bringing decades of industry experience and affordable rates.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
829
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.
$137/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.
$209/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 insurance company also offers a variety of discounts for additional savings.
Pros
Wide array of coverage options
Highly rated mobile app
Cons
Below-average Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating
Rideshare insurance only offered in Colorado and Illinois
They have the lowest rates I could find.
Elise - September 11, 2023
Verified
They are one of the few companies writing policies for a full year. All these "discount companies " miss lead you by quoting 6 month policies.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.3
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
880
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.
$69/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.
$122/mo
If you’re looking for car insurance with the best value as a military member, veteran, or family member of one, USAA may be right for you. The company offers affordable rates with discounts designed for service members.
Pros
SafePilot safe-driving program offers policy savings of up to 30%
Available nationwide
Cons
Policies only sold to current or former military members and their families
Gap insurance not available
Overall poor service, took a safe driving discount away because I wasn’t driving enough.
The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-five scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores.
4.4
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
842
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.
$67/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.
$120/mo
Insuring multiple drivers can get costly, especially if you have teens or a driver with a blemish on their record. State Farm 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 a century of experience in the insurance industry
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.
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, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
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
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. The following insurers offer affordable quotes for full-coverage auto insurance.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
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.[1]
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.
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.
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 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
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
4.8/5
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket
A speeding ticket may seem like a minor traffic infraction, but it can increase your insurance premium. It can also stay on your driving record for up to five years, resulting in hundreds of dollars in additional payments.
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, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
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
At-fault accidents can result in thousands of dollars in car repairs, medical costs, 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.
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, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
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
DUI convictions can spell major legal and financial repercussions for drivers, including significantly increased insurance rates. Seattle drivers with a DUI may have to obtain an SR-22 certificate or proof that they have the minimum liability coverage in the state of Washington.
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, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
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
While auto insurance premiums typically fall at age 35, you may see a gradual increase in your rates again at age 75. 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 among this demographic.
Seniors can still find affordable monthly insurance rates with the following companies.
The below rates are estimated rates current as of: Monday, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
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
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 accidents. So, insurers charge them higher rates to offset the risk.
Young drivers can lower their rates by staying on their parents’ policy, driving a safe car, and taking advantage of good student discounts. Comparing auto insurance quotes from car insurance companies can also help you save money.
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, September 18 at 12:00 PM PDT.
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.
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.[2]
Find Cheap Car Insurance in Seattle
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Based on 3,806+ reviews
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Seattle car insurance quotes by credit tier
Insurance companies in Washington are allowed to consider your credit score 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 scores.
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 $248 per month for car insurance, which is higher than the national average of $212 per month. While car insurance is generally more expensive in Seattle, 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 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 can expect premiums 22% less than the Seattle area. In contrast, some cities have higher rates. Drivers in Renton pay 12% more for car insurance on average than Seattle drivers.
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 $248 per month, on average. Drivers in the state pay $297 per month for full-coverage insurance and $198 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.
What are the best car insurance companies in Seattle?
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 4.2 out of 5 and an A.M. 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 an SEO-savvy, 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.
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.
Travelers
USAA
State Farm
