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Washington Car Insurance: Key Takeaways
State Farm offers the most affordable policies in Washington, with an average rate of $62 per month.
The average liability policy costs $92 per month in Washington, while full coverage averages $175 per month.
Overall, car insurance costs an average of $133 per month in Washington.
Washington has one of the country’s highest vehicle theft rates, which likely increases the cost of comprehensive coverage.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates in Washington
The average car insurance premium in Washington costs $133 per month, which is lower than the national average, according to Compare.com data. Liability-only coverage costs an average of $92 per month, while full-coverage car insurance averages $175.
State Farm is the cheapest car insurance company in Washington, with rates averaging $62 per month. USAA and Root also offer affordable coverage in the Evergreen State.
The following table compares the cheapest car insurance companies in Washington by policy type, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $62 | $119 |
| USAA | $64 | $121 |
| Root | $65 | $148 |
| The General | $87 | $186 |
| Progressive | $89 | $156 |
| National General | $93 | $163 |
| American Family | $94 | $179 |
| GEICO | $94 | $152 |
| Direct Auto | $99 | $175 |
| Allstate | $102 | $171 |
| Chubb | $105 | $199 |
| Safeco | $107 | $153 |
| Farmers | $110 | $209 |
| Bristol West | $126 | $278 |
| Dairyland | $127 | $287 |
| Travelers | $128 | $244 |
| Liberty Mutual | $174 | $245 |
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Average Car Insurance Quotes in Washington Cities
Bellingham drivers pay some of the lowest average rates in Washington, just $106 per month. Federal Way has some of the highest average rates, at $185 per month — about 75% higher than in Bellingham.
One factor that likely causes the big difference in rates is population density. Federal Way has about 1,000 more people per square mile than Bellingham.[1] [2] Denser areas usually have more people on the road, increasing traffic and the risk of accidents.
The table below shows the average liability and full-coverage rates across the state, according to Compare.com data.
City | Average Monthly Premium: Liability-Only | Average Monthly Premium: Full-Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Bellingham | $80 | $132 |
| Longview | $83 | $143 |
| Kennewick | $87 | $160 |
| Olympia | $87 | $156 |
| Spokane | $90 | $159 |
| Vancouver | $104 | $186 |
| Redmond | $106 | $197 |
| Bellevue | $108 | $194 |
| Bothell | $108 | $194 |
| Seattle | $118 | $209 |
| Renton | $122 | $203 |
| Tacoma | $122 | $224 |
| Auburn | $128 | $227 |
| Federal Way | $129 | $240 |
Washington Driver Insights
Below, we’ve compiled the most interesting insights about Washington drivers.
About 5% of Washington drivers have a speeding ticket on their record, more than the national average. Speeding can increase the severity of accidents, which in turn can raise rates.[3]
Around 5% of drivers in Washington have an accident on their record. High accident rates, especially fatal ones, usually increase overall rates in an area.
The typical Washingtonian drives about 9,200 miles annually. Federal Way drivers travel the most, about 9,600 miles per year. Redmond drivers average the least, traveling 8,300 miles per year.
Kennewick drivers have higher rates of tickets, while Bellingham drivers have higher rates of driving under the influence (DUI), which may contribute to more expensive premiums in those areas.
Why It’s Important to Compare Car Insurance Quotes in Washington
Car insurance rates can vary significantly across the state. Many factors affect your premium, like your location, vehicle, and age.
Seattle drivers usually pay some of the highest rates in the state. But University of Washington students may qualify for a discount if they maintain good grades. Kennewick and Longview have a fraction of Seattle’s population, and drivers in those cities pay some of the cheapest rates in the state.
But your personal rates may be more expensive or cheaper than average, especially once you factor in your driving record. That’s why it’s so important to compare quotes from several insurance companies before you choose your policy.
The table below highlights the average rates, customer reviews, and other important details for some of the most notable insurers in the state.
Average Premium $207/mo* | Average Premium $130/mo* | Average Premium $137/mo* | Average Premium $123/mo* | Average Premium $93/mo* |
Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating | Overall Rating |
Value | Value | Value | Value | Value |
Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service | Customer Service |
Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling | Claims Handling |
Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 10 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 27 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 26 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 1112 user reviews | Special Highlight N/AAI-generated from 220 user reviews |
The Best Car Insurance Companies in Washington
We chose the best car insurance companies in Washington based on a combination of user reviews, average costs, and Compare.com ratings. Use these companies as a starting point when shopping for car insurance in the Evergreen State.
| User Reviews | 4.1 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $62/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. | $119/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.5 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.4 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.3 | 2.9 |
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.
Drivers with State Farm typically find affordable rates and strong coverage options, including roadside assistance and car rental reimbursement. The company offers fewer discounts in Washington than in other states, but has local agents across the state who can provide personalized customer service.
Cheap rates for high-risk drivers
Highly rated customer and claims service
Gap coverage not available
Fewer discounts available in Washington
| User Reviews | 4.3 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $64/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. | $121/mo |
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.9 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 4.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 4.9 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
USAA customers get strong coverage options and valuable perks like discounts on travel and rentals. The company offers cheap premiums for a wide range of drivers, plus many valuable discounts. Drivers can save up to 30% with the SafePilot telematics program, and up to 10% by bundling auto and homeowners insurance.
Cheapest coverage for drivers with poor credit
Top-rated claims and customer satisfaction
Available only to military members and families
Vanishing deductible not available
| User Reviews | 3.6 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| 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. | $65/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. | $148/mo |
Root Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.4 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.1 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.4 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.5 | 2.9 |
Drivers appreciate the quick claim handling and good service but dislike the high rates and lack of pricing transparency.
Root Insurance offers some of the cheapest liability and full-coverage car insurance for teen drivers in Washington. It also offers add-ons like emergency roadside assistance. While the company doesn’t offer discounts, drivers can save money by participating in a test-drive and practicing safe driving habits.
Cheap rates for teens and young drivers in Washington
Lower rates for good driving habits
Accident forgiveness not available
Doesn’t offer discounts
How we chose the best car insurance in WA
Our editorial team, composed of seasoned editors, insurance experts, and licensed agents, analyzed more than 50 of the state’s top insurers to select the best companies for various Washington drivers. We researched, analyzed, and weighed several categories important to Washington insurance shoppers, including average rates, local customer satisfaction ratings, coverage options, discount offerings, policy features, and more.
Our goal is to provide actionable advice and detailed, personalized analysis that helps Washington drivers find the best auto insurance policy for their unique needs.
Washington Car Insurance Requirements
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Like most states, Washington requires drivers to have liability car insurance.[4] Minimum coverage requirements include:
Bodily injury liability: You need $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident of bodily injury liability coverage. This helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
Property damage liability: You need $10,000 of property damage liability coverage to help pay for damage you cause to other people’s property in an accident.
Washington requires insurers to offer personal injury protection (PIP) and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage, but you can decline them in writing.
Drivers caught driving without insurance must pay a minimum fine of $550 for a first offense.
What Affects Car Insurance Rates in Washington?
Here are some of the most important factors affecting car insurance premiums in Washington.
High rates of auto theft: Washington ranks No. 7 for the most stolen vehicles in the country. High vehicle theft rates usually increase comprehensive coverage premiums.
Higher-than-average population density: Washington has 116 people per square mile, compared with the national average of 94. More dense areas usually mean more people on the road, increasing traffic congestion and the risk of accidents.
High rate of uninsured drivers: About 17% of Washington drivers don’t have car insurance, which is higher than the national average. More uninsured drivers increase claims costs and insurance rates.
Rising rates of natural disasters: The annual average of billion-dollar disasters in Washington increased to 2.2 between 2020 and 2024, according to the National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI).[5]
How to Find the Cheapest Washington Car Insurance
Even though Washingtonians pay lower-than-average rates, they still have ways to save even more money.
Maintain a clean driving history. Drivers with clean records pay less for coverage. But a driving history with speeding tickets, accidents, or DUIs usually increases rates.
Lower deductibles. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State recommends increasing deductibles to lower your car insurance premiums.[6] But make sure you have money set aside, because you’ll pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
Improve your credit. Washington allows insurers to use your credit history when setting rates.[7] Drivers with poor credit tend to file more claims, so insurers charge them more for coverage. Maintaining good credit can help lower your rates.
Consider usage-based insurance. Low-mileage drivers can save with a usage-based insurance policy or pay-per-mile coverage.
Compare coverage options. Compare quotes for policies with the same coverage options from multiple companies. This can help you make sure you have the lowest price for your coverage.
Compare Car Insurance Quotes
Check personalized rates from Washington’s top insurers and save money today.
More Washington Car Insurance Resources
Here are some useful resources for Washington drivers.
Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State: Get information about insurance companies and file complaints through the insurance commissioner’s website.
Washington State Department of Licensing: Renew your driver’s license or register your vehicle online.
Washington’s Attorney General Consumer Protection: File a consumer complaint with the Washington Attorney General.
Washington State Legislature: Check Washington state’s current insurance laws and regulations.
Washington Car Insurance FAQs
Below, we answered the most common questions Washington drivers have about getting cheap car insurance.
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Washington?
State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance in Washington, with average rates starting at $62 per month, according to Compare.com data. That said, the overall cheapest company may not be your cheapest option. Your rates depend on factors like your driving record and ZIP code.
Is AAA cheaper than GEICO in Washington?
On average, GEICO offers cheaper car insurance rates than AAA. But averages can’t always predict the cheaper option. Comparing quotes from multiple companies can help you find the cheapest price for your car insurance.
Do people with EBT get cheaper car insurance in Washington?
No. People with EBT don’t get cheaper car insurance in Washington. That said, low-income drivers can often save on car insurance by comparing quotes from multiple companies and asking about discounts.
Can you use digital proof of insurance in Washington?
Yes. You can use digital proof of insurance in Washington. But it’s still a good idea to keep a physical copy of your card in case you don’t have access to your phone or it runs out of battery.
What’s the best way for Washington drivers to get auto insurance quotes?
The easiest way to get auto insurance quotes in Washington is to use a car insurance quote comparison website. These sites allow you to quickly get multiple car insurance quotes for the same coverage.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Federal Way, Washington."
- U.S. Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Bellingham, Washington."
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. "Speeding."
- Washington Department of Licensing. "Mandatory insurance."
- National Centers for Environmental Information. "Billion-Dollar Weather and Climate Disasters."
- Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State. "A consumer’s guide to: Auto insurance."
- Office of the Insurance Commissioner of Washington State. "State Senate passes restitution, credit scoring study bills."
Methodology
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.
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.
- All of Compare.com's content is written and reviewed for accuracy by a team of experienced writers and editors who are experts on the topics they cover.
- None of Compare.com's content is ever influenced by the companies and brands we partner with.
- Compare.com's editorial team operates independently of any of the company's partnership or business development interests. We publish unbiased information strictly for the benefit of our readers.
- All of the content you see on Compare.com is based on comprehensive analysis and all data is gathered and vetted from trustworthy sources.
Learn more about us, our team, and what makes us tick.
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