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Jess Ullrich is a personal finance writer who’s been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work has been published in Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and she's been contributing to Compare.com since 2024. Prior to writing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz.
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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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If you’re looking for auto insurance in Seattle, average rates for liability-only and full-coverage policies are $120 and $200 per month, respectively. That said, insurance companies in Seattle will consider your driving record, age, gender, and other factors when offering you a car insurance quote.
Here’s what to know about car insurance in Seattle, which auto insurance companies offer the best rates, and how to get cheaper coverage.
State Farm offers the lowest average auto insurance rates for Seattle drivers, at $72 per month.
Washington sets the minimum requirements for car insurance in Seattle, and your policy will need to include bodily injury and property damage liability insurance.
Car insurance costs in Seattle are typically higher than in the rest of Washington.
Where you live affects how much you pay for car insurance, and factors such as your address and crime rates play a big role. Let’s look at how the average car insurance rates in Seattle compare to state and national averages, according to Compare.com data.
Location  | Average Monthly Premium: Liability Insurance | Average Monthly Premium: Full Coverage | Average Monthly Premium: All Policies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $120 | $200 | $160 |
| Washington | $94 | $162 | $128 |
| National average | $100 | $173 | $136 |
Our research found that liability insurance costs around $120 per month for Seattle drivers, while full coverage costs $200 per month, on average. But remember that these are simply averages, and your actual insurance rates could be higher or lower based on your unique driving profile.
The following section highlights the companies offering the cheapest car insurance rates in Seattle, on average.
Compare personalized quotes from Seattle’s top insurers.
Even though the average car insurance rate in Seattle is $160 per month, you can still take certain steps to get the lowest premiums possible. Comparing quotes from different car insurance companies is a good first step.
Here are the cheapest insurance companies offering affordable coverage for Seattle drivers, according to Compare.com data.
Company | Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $72 |
| USAA | $73 |
| Allstate | $94 |
| Direct Auto | $98 |
| Progressive | $105 |
| American Family | $108 |
| National General | $110 |
| Nationwide | $110 |
| The General | $114 |
| Chubb | $120 |
| Farmers | $125 |
| GEICO | $127 |
| Safeco | $131 |
| Dairyland | $145 |
| Travelers | $146 |
| Bristol West | $151 |
| Liberty Mutual | $251 |
State Farm offers the cheapest rates, on average, with Seattle drivers paying around $72 per month. But different insurers may offer better or cheaper policies for certain types of drivers.
To start, let’s take a closer look at a few of the best insurers in Seattle.
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There’s no single best auto insurance company for everyone. Instead, the right company and auto policy for you will depend on your unique needs, demographics, and past driving history. The following companies were chosen based on a combination of average rates in Seattle, available discounts, customer ratings and reviews, and available coverage options.
Here’s a look at which insurers could work best for different types of drivers. Again, your premiums may vary.
| 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. | $59/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. | $114/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 our top pick for Seattle drivers with spotty records. It offers some of the lowest premiums, on average, if you have a speeding ticket, at-fault accident, or DUI in your driving history.
Besides offering affordable coverage, State Farm also provides an impressive array of discounts. You can take advantage of safe driving discounts, vehicle safety feature discounts, bundling, and age-based discounts. And if you don’t drive often, State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save telematics program could also help lower your rates.
Relatively cheap rates
Below-average number of NAIC complaints
Highly rated on J.D. Power’s 2023 Auto Insurance Study
Below-average customer ratings
Not the cheapest option for teen drivers
Relatively expensive full-coverage policies
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| 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. | $60/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. | $117/mo |
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
Customers appreciate the prompt customer service and claims handling but are frustrated by the significant and frequent price increases.
USAA is our top pick for Seattle teens seeking car insurance. Teen drivers often pay high rates because of their inexperience behind the wheel, but it’s possible to find an affordable policy with USAA.
Despite its great rates for teens, USAA is only available to people affiliated with the U.S. military. If this doesn’t describe your family, you might not qualify for auto insurance coverage with this company. But if it does, USAA could be a great fit.
Affordable coverage for teens
Highly rated on J.D. Power’s 2023 Auto Insurance Study
Plenty of available discounts
Only available to military families
Below-average customer ratings
Higher-than-average number of complaints with NAIC
| User Reviews | 4.2 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 4.2 /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. | $142/mo |
Drivers appreciate the reasonable initial rates and decent coverage but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency.
Drivers appreciate the reasonable initial rates and decent coverage but dislike the consistent rate increases and lack of transparency.
Full-coverage insurance can help protect your car to the fullest extent possible, whether you’re parked downtown to grab a bite at one of Seattle’s top restaurants or commuting on Interstate 5. Direct Auto offers the most affordable full-coverage insurance policies for Seattle residents on average. It also provides SR-22 coverage for high-risk drivers if you have a spotty driving history.
Direct Auto offers several car insurance discounts, too. If you qualify, you might be eligible for military, good student, safe driver, senior citizen, multi-car, homeowner, and other discounts.
Cheap rates for full coverage
Plenty of available discounts
Available SR-22 coverage
Below-average customer ratings
Unranked by J.D. Power
Higher-than-average number of complaints
Compare personalized quotes from Seattle’s cheapest companies.
Liability-only coverage meets the minimum requirements in Washington state, and it’s more affordable than full-coverage insurance because it offers less protection. If you opt for liability-only, you’ll get bodily injury and property damage liability insurance, which protect you financially if you hurt someone else in an accident or damage their property.
Here are some of the best car insurance rates for liability coverage in Seattle, according to Compare.com data.
Most experts advise purchasing more than the state-minimum limits. And if you have a loan or lease, the bank or leasing company will require full coverage.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at which insurers offer Seattle residents some of the best full-coverage rates.
While liability insurance provides minimal protection, full-coverage car insurance gives you maximum protection. It usually includes liability insurance, comprehensive coverage, and collision coverage.
Comprehensive protects your car from damage that’s outside of your control, like fallen tree limbs or severe weather, while collision pays for damages to your car after an accident. Full coverage could also include uninsured motorist coverage, medical payments (MedPay), or personal injury protection (PIP), depending on the state and insurance company.
Here are some insurers offering the best rates for full-coverage policies in Seattle, according to our data.
Keep in mind that factors beyond coverage levels affect your rates. In the next sections, we’ll focus on how age and driving record influence premiums.
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Your age plays a significant role in your car insurance costs. Young drivers tend to pay the most for coverage, and rates decrease significantly once you reach age 25. Data from the Insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that teens are four times likelier to get into an accident than other drivers. Because of this, their insurance rates are higher.
Here’s how age can affect your premiums in Seattle, according to Compare.com data.
Age Group | Citywide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teens | $351 | USAA | $149 |
| 40s | $161 | State Farm | $69 |
| Seniors | $139 | State Farm | $57 |
As mentioned, insurance companies view teens as a higher risk to cover based on accident statistics. These new drivers don’t have experience on the road, which is likely one of the reasons they’re statistically more likely to have an accident.
The average Seattle teen pays $351 per month for car insurance, according to our data. Still, it’s possible to find relatively affordable car insurance policies for teens. USAA offers the cheapest rates on average for teen drivers in Seattle, at around $149 per month.
As you approach retirement age, your insurance rates start to decrease even further. This holds true whether you live in Seattle or another city. The IIHS found that older drivers tend to drive fewer miles and avoid night driving when possible. Fewer miles driven can equate to a lower risk of accidents, which leads to cheaper premiums.
Seattle seniors pay an average monthly rate of $139, according to our data. But these drivers can find cheaper rates with State Farm. Its average rates for Seattle drivers in their 60s are the lowest, at just $57 per month.
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Your driving record has a major influence on your insurance rates, not only in Seattle but also everywhere else. If you have past incidents like speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or driving under the influence (DUI) charges, your insurance company will probably view you as a high-risk driver. That means you’ll likely pay more for car insurance.
Here’s a look at how different incidents can affect your insurance rates, according to Compare.com data.
Driving Record | Citywide Average Monthly Premium | Cheapest Insurer | Cheapest Insurer’s Average Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record | $160 | State Farm | $72 |
| Speeding ticket | $209 | State Farm | $93 |
| At-fault accident | $221 | State Farm | $97 |
| DUI | $197 | State Farm | $97 |
If you get a speeding ticket, your auto insurance rates will likely go up. National insurance costs increase by 27% with one ticket on your record, based on our recent data.
Seattle drivers with a ticket pay $209 per month on average, according to our data. But you can get cheaper rates with State Farm It offers the cheapest car insurance for Seattle drivers with speeding tickets, with an average monthly cost of $93.
Your car insurance rates will also increase after an at-fault accident, as your insurance company could flag you as a higher risk to cover. Our data indicates that insurance rates go up around 34% on average after an accident.
After an accident, drivers pay around $221 per month for auto insurance, according to our analysis. State Farm offers the cheapest car insurance for Seattle drivers with an at-fault accident, with an average monthly rate of $97.
You’ll also pay more for car insurance coverage with a DUI on your record — around 50% more, based on our data. So drivers paying $100 per month with a clean record would see their insurance rates increase to $150 per month. That’s an annual increase of $600.
Drivers with a DUI conviction in Seattle pay an average monthly rate of $197, according to our data. State Farm has the most affordable rates for these drivers, on average, at around $97 per month.
Washington state requires all drivers to have car insurance. You’ll need to maintain a minimum amount of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance to be roadworthy. Here are the state’s required coverages:
Bodily injury liability (BI): $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Property damage liability (PD): $10,000
Remember that these are just minimum requirements. You’ll likely want more auto insurance coverage, especially if you drive often or have a newer vehicle. Again, most experts recommend purchasing more than your state’s minimum requirements. Getting into a car accident with minimum coverage could be financially devastating if your vehicle (or others) ends up with significant damage.
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Insurance costs are relatively affordable for most Seattle drivers, though actual rates vary based on your unique situation. If you’re looking for lower-cost coverage, here are some tips that can increase your savings.
Maintain a clean driving record: Following the rules of the road is the easiest way to get cheaper car insurance coverage — in Seattle or elsewhere. Obey posted speed limits, don’t drive while intoxicated, and be mindful of other drivers behind the wheel.
Research discounts: Auto insurance discounts are common, but discount options vary by insurer. Research potential discounts to help reduce your rates.
Opt for a safe vehicle: Many car insurance companies offer safe vehicle discounts if you drive a car with certain features, such as alarm systems, anti-lock brakes, airbags, or driver assist technology.
Compare quotes: Comparing quotes from different auto insurance companies can offer valuable insight into rates and help you get the best car insurance policy for your money.
Compare personalized quotes from the cheapest insurers in Seattle.
If you’re still wondering about how car insurance works in Seattle, here are some answers to common questions from drivers like you.
State Farm offers the cheapest average car insurance coverage in Seattle, at $72 per month, according to our analysis. But the cost of your personal car insurance will depend on a variety of factors, including your driving history and age.
The average cost of car insurance in Seattle is $160 per month, according to Compare.com data. The average Seattle driver pays $120 per month for liability insurance and $200 for full coverage.
Car insurance is more expensive in Seattle than in many other Washington cities. This is likely because Seattle has the largest population in this state. A large population could increase your likelihood of getting into an accident, which increases your insurance rates.
On average, Washington drivers pay $128 per month for car insurance, according to Compare.com data. Keep in mind this is just an average, and your premiums might be higher or lower depending on your driving record and other demographic factors.
State law requires you to obtain minimum amounts of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. You’ll need $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury coverage, and $10,000 in property damage coverage to legally drive in Washington.
National Association of Insurance Commissioners, “NAIC Complaint Index,” accessed November 21, 2024.
J.D. Power, “2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study,” accessed November 21, 2024.
Washington State Department of Licensing, “Mandatory Insurance,” accessed November 21, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Teenagers,” accessed November 21, 2024.
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, “Older Drivers,” accessed November 21, 2024.
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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Jess Ullrich is a personal finance writer who’s been creating financial and business content for over a decade. Her work has been published in Investopedia, MoneyWise, NextAdvisor, The HuffPost, and she's been contributing to Compare.com since 2024. Prior to writing full-time, Jess was an editor at Investopedia, The Balance, and FinanceBuzz.
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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