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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
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Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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At Compare.com, it’s our mission to give you the tools to find the best (and most affordable) insurance for your unique needs and budget. We strive to provide information that’s helpful, clear, and unbiased, and we believe that comparing insurance companies should never put you at risk of spam. Our editorial team — which is made up of experienced writers, editors, insurance agents, and data analysts — has spent thousands of hours researching and creating the coverage overviews, side-by-side comparisons, and detailed reviews you see across our site.
While we make money through partnerships with some of the brands we discuss in our articles, our editorial team operates 100% independently, and these partners never influence or affect the topics, reviews, ratings, or recommendations we provide. We never guarantee favorable reviews or mentions in exchange for compensation from any brands or partners, and we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure our content is always independent, truthful, and unbiased.
Car insurance in Washington state costs an average of $130 per month, according to Compare.com data. But what you’ll pay can vary depending on many local factors like traffic, claim rates, and weather-related risks. Personal details like your age, car, and driving record also play a big role.
Even so, several companies offer car insurance policies for well below the statewide average. For example, State Farm, USAA, and Direct Auto provide some of the lowest average liability rates, with the cheapest around $53 per month.
This guide will help you find the best insurer for your situation, compare the cheapest car insurance companies by driver type, and learn the easiest ways to save on premiums.
The cheapest company for liability coverage in Washington is State Farm, with an average monthly rate of $53.
Average rates in Washington are around $167 for full coverage.
Washington requires at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $10,000 for property damage liability.
Regardless of Washington’s average car insurance premiums, it’s always possible to lower your costs — especially by working with insurance companies that deliver high-value policies at below-average rates.
Here’s a snapshot of the cheapest insurers in Washington, according to Compare.com data.
Company  | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $53 |
| USAA | $54 |
| Direct Auto | $67 |
| Allstate | $70 |
| American Family | $80 |
| Nationwide | $82 |
| National General | $88 |
| Progressive | $89 |
| Chubb | $89 |
| Farmers | $93 |
| The General | $95 |
| Safeco | $103 |
| Travelers | $109 |
| Dairyland | $117 |
| GEICO | $120 |
| Bristol West | $122 |
| Liberty Mutual | $214 |
We found that State Farm ranks as the most affordable car insurance company in Washington, with an average annual liability rate of $53.
In the next sections, we’ll explore how rates change based on various driver profiles, the cheapest car insurance company for each, and tips for saving money. We also highlight the best companies in the state based on key rating factors, including claims handling, customer satisfaction, discounts, and coverage options.
While the companies in the previous section provide a great starting point, car insurance rates in Washington vary significantly depending on your age, driving record, location, credit, and other factors.
The table below highlights the cheapest car insurance companies for different driver profiles and coverage types, based on Compare.com data.
Driver/Coverage Type | Cheapest Insurer | Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| State-minimum coverage | State Farm | $53 |
| Full coverage | State Farm | $111 |
| Teens | USAA | $106 |
| Seniors | State Farm | $42 |
| Drivers with a speeding ticket | State Farm | $66 |
| Drivers with an at-fault accident | State Farm | $69 |
| Drivers with a DUI | State Farm | $72 |
| Drivers with excellent credit | State Farm | $48 |
| Drivers with poor credit | USAA | $62 |
We’ve included more detailed breakdowns for each of these driver types in the sections below, so you can see how different factors shape your rates, plus how to find the best value.
Comparing quotes can save you up to $867.†
Like most states, Washington requires drivers to have at least state-minimum liability insurance. This covers basic costs if you cause an accident. But, because medical bills or repairs after a crash can easily exceed minimum limits, it’s usually a good idea (and inexpensive) to extend your coverage.
The average state-minimum policy in Washington runs about $93 per month. But you can almost certainly find a better deal with the right insurer.
The following companies offer the cheapest state minimum policies in Washington, according to our data.
If you lease or finance your car, lenders will require you to have full-coverage insurance. It includes collision and comprehensive insurance to cover damage to your vehicle from things like accidents, severe weather, theft, and vandalism.
The average full-coverage rate in Washington is $167 per month. That might seem like a big step up from a minimum-limit policy, but several companies offer much cheaper average rates.
The chart below shows the five cheapest insurers in Washington for full coverage, according to Compare.com data.
Teen drivers pay some of the highest insurance rates because they get into accidents three times more often than other drivers, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).[1]
The average monthly cost to insure a teen in Washington is about $274. But the chart below highlights the five cheapest insurers, based on our research.
Paying an average rate of $112 per month, senior drivers enjoy some of the cheapest car insurance premiums in Washington, thanks largely to their lower accident rates and mileage.[2]
Even so, most Washington seniors can still find ways to save money on their car insurance. The chart below highlights the cheapest options in Washington, according to Compare.com research.
A traffic ticket triggers a rate increase the next time your policy renews. That’s because insurers view violations as indicators of high-risk driving, which increases your chances of filing a claim. Nationwide, a single speeding ticket raises premiums by 37%, on average, according to our research.
In Washington, the average cost for drivers with a speeding ticket is $165 per month. But several insurers offer better-than-average rates.
Here are the cheapest for drivers with a recent ticket, according to Compare.com data.
Causing an accident leads to, on average, a 41% rate increase in car insurance rates, according to analysis at Compare.com. Washington drivers with a recent at-fault accident pay an average of $173 per month for coverage.
But you can also find better deals with the following insurers, based on Compare.com research.
Driving under the influence (DUI) convictions typically lead to the largest increases in car insurance rates. Our research shows that national premiums rise by an average of 61% after a DUI. In Washington, the average rate after a DUI conviction is $160 per month.
But many drivers get more affordable coverage with the companies listed in the chart below.
Some Washington insurers consider your credit history when calculating rates. Studies link poor credit with filing claims.[3] Our research shows that drivers with poor credit pay 20% more for coverage than people with excellent credit.
In Washington, the average monthly rate for drivers with poor credit is $145, according to Compare.com data.
Even so, not all companies use credit when calculating rates, and some offer competitive prices regardless of your credit history.
We compiled the five cheapest insurers for drivers with poor credit in the table below.
No car insurance company is the best for every driver in Washington. At the end of the day, the right fit depends on your unique driver profile, budget, and coverage needs.
To help you choose, we selected these companies based on a blend of average local rates, available discounts, customer satisfaction ratings, and coverage options specific to Washington. Each of these insurers stands out for offering real value beyond just low prices.
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.7 /5 |
| 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. | $53/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. | $111/mo |
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
Customers appreciate the helpful agents and prompt claim handling, but many are unhappy with the constant rate increases, even for safe drivers. Some also reported poor customer service.
State Farm is a strong choice for Washington drivers who want reliable coverage, local agent support, and competitive rates. The company consistently earns higher-than-average claims satisfaction and solid customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power.[4]
But if you’re car loan exceeds your car’s value, be aware that State Farm doesn’t offer gap insurance to cover that difference on a totaled vehicle.
Strong financial strength rating[5]
Many local agents
Affordable average rates
Accident forgiveness not available
No vanishing deductible
Gap insurance not available
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.6 /5 |
| 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. | $120/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. | $146/mo |
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
Drivers appreciate the easy communication and good customer service, but many are unhappy with the regular and significant price increases.
If you like managing your policy yourself, GEICO’s user-friendly website and app make it simple. The company often provides low premiums and a wide range of discounts to save up to 25%. Its highly rated DriveEasy program alone can knock up to 22% off your bill.
But GEICO doesn’t offer gap insurance. And J.D. Power also rates claims handling and customer service lower than some competitors.[6]
Easy-to-use website and app
Top-rated telematics program
23 available discounts
So-so customer satisfaction scores
Claims satisfaction below some competitors
Gap insurance not available
| AM Best AM Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor). | A+ |
|---|---|
| Our Rating Compare.com's ratings are determined by our editorial team. The objective formula used in these reviews weighs several important factors to consider when choosing financial products and services, including customer satisfaction ratings, ease of use, and a number of other components. | 4.5 /5 |
| 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. | $82/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. | $173/mo |
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
Drivers appreciate the available discounts but dislike the high prices and lack of communication.
Nationwide offers a broad selection of optional coverages, including gap insurance, accident forgiveness, vanishing deductible, and total loss deductible waivers. The company also provides a solid list of discounts, and low-mileage drivers in Washington can benefit from its highly rated SmartMiles pay-per-mile program.
But while Nationwide earns strong satisfaction scores in some regions, it sees higher complaint levels and more mixed reviews in the Northwest.
Strong claims satisfaction ratings
Many coverage options
Top-rated mobile app
No EV-specific discount
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Higher-than-average customer complaints
Local rates start as low as $53 per month.
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Like nearly every state, Washington requires all drivers to have auto insurance to ensure they can cover the costs of an accident. Driving without insurance in Washington comes with steep fines, license suspension, and other penalties.[7]
Here are Washington’s minimum auto insurance requirements:
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist bodily injury coverage: Insurers must offer it at the same limits as liability coverage, but you can reject it in writing.
Personal injury protection: Insurers must offer at least $10,000, but you can reject it in writing.
Most experts, including the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner,[8] advise buying coverage above the state’s bare minimum. For example, imagine you rear-end a car and cause $40,000 in medical expenses for one victim and total a car worth $30,000.
With state-minimum limits, you’d have to pay for $15,000 of medical expenses and $20,000 of property damage out of your own pocket.
If you’re shopping for car insurance in Washington, you probably have questions. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common ones to help streamline the decision-making process.
Car insurance in Washington costs an average of $130 per month, according to Compare.com data. Liability insurance averages $93 per month, while full coverage runs around $167.
The most affordable Washington insurer for liability-only coverage is State Farm, with an average monthly rate of $53, according to our research.
If you need full coverage, State Farm offers the lowest average rate.
It depends. The price of car insurance in Washington varies based on factors like your location, driving record, age, credit, and coverage needs. That said, the state’s average monthly premium is $143, compared to the national average of $143, according to Compare.com data.
Yes. AAA Washington offers auto insurance to its members in Washington and northern Idaho. The coverage features member-only discounts and coverage options like new-car replacement and accident forgiveness.
Data scientists at Compare.com analyzed more than 50 million real-time auto insurance quotes from more than 75 partner insurers in order to compile the rates and statistics seen in this article. Compare.com’s auto insurance data includes coverage analysis and details on drivers’ vehicles, driving records, insurance histories, and demographic information.
All the rates listed in this article have been collected from a combination of real Compare.com quotes and external insurance rate data gathered in collaboration with Quadrant Information Services. Compare.com uses these observations to provide readers with insights into how auto insurance companies determine their premiums.
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Compare.com's #1 goal is to save you money. We publish resources that are based on hard-hitting data and years of industry experience to help you make more informed decisions with your wallet.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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J.J. Starr is an insurance and personal finance expert who has been writing for Compare.com since 2022. Her work has been published across the web, appearing on sites such as Insurify.
Prior to writing for Compare.com, J.J. was a registered banker and life insurance consultant, holding a Series 6, FINRA, and life insurance license. She also earned a master’s degree in writing from New York University.
J.J. has a passion for helping people save money by explaining complex topics like car insurance in a way that is simple and easy to understand.
Nick Versaw leads Compare.com's editorial department, where he and his team specialize in crafting helpful, easy-to-understand content about car insurance and other related topics. With nearly a decade of experience writing and editing insurance and personal finance articles, his work has helped readers discover substantial savings on necessary expenses, including insurance, transportation, health care, and more. As an award-winning writer, Nick has seen his work published in countless renowned publications, such as the Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and U.S. News & World Report. He graduated with Latin honors from Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Digital Journalism.
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