In Washington, the average yearly cost for full coverage car insurance is $1,347, and for minimum coverage, it's $688. These rates are $51 and $93 pricier, respectively, than the national average.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Washington
Updated: January 12, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Drivers in the Evergreen State pay 3.93% more for full coverage car insurance than the national average.
Residents pay 15.56% more for minimum coverage than the average American driver.
The average cost in Washington is $688 for minimum coverage and $1,347 for full coverage, making it one of the pricier states.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Washington?
| Full Coverage | $1,347 | $1,296 | 4% |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $688 | $595 | 16% |
Read More: Average Cost of Car Insurance
Washington Car Insurance Rates by Coverage Level
Your choice of coverage level affects how much you pay for car insurance in the Evergreen State. Choose higher liability limits and full coverage, and your rate will increase; a higher deductible could bring it down. Here are the average rates for minimum and full coverage in Washington based on different deductibles and limits.
| 300/500/300 | Full Coverage | $1,604 | $500 |
| 100/300/100 | Full Coverage | $1,515 | $0 |
| 300/500/300 | Full Coverage | $1,436 | $1,000 |
| 300/500/300 | Full Coverage | $1,396 | $1,500 |
| State Minimum | Full Coverage | $1,379 | $500 |
| 100/300/100 | Full Coverage | $1,347 | $1,000 |
| 100/300/100 | Full Coverage | $1,307 | $1,500 |
| State Minimum | Full Coverage | $1,211 | $1,000 |
| State Minimum | Full Coverage | $1,172 | $1,500 |
| 300/500/300 | Liability Only | $912 | $0 |
| 100/300/100 | Liability Only | $823 | $0 |
| State Minimum | Liability Only | $688 | $0 |
Read More: Liability vs. Full Coverage Car Insurance
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost by City
Car insurance rates in Washington can change based on crime, traffic, weather and repair costs. Bellevue's annual full coverage is $1,211, Everett's is more affordable at $1,161 and Spokane offers the most savings at $975. Explore the table below for a detailed comparison to the state average.
| Bellevue | $1,211 | -37% | $676 | -38% |
| Everett | $1,161 | -39% | $659 | -40% |
| Kent | $1,282 | -33% | $721 | -34% |
| Renton | $1,283 | -33% | $717 | -35% |
| Seattle | $1,271 | -33% | $707 | -35% |
| Spokane | $975 | -49% | $519 | -53% |
| Tacoma | $1,244 | -35% | $696 | -36% |
| Vancouver | $1,094 | -43% | $605 | -45% |
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost by Age
In Washington, your age can affect your car insurance costs. Young drivers, seen as riskier, often pay more. On average, 25-year-olds pay $432 more for full coverage and $211 more for state minimum than 40-year-olds. Compared to 65-year-olds, they pay $431 and $173 more, respectively, for the same policies.
| 25 | $1,780 | $899 |
| 40 | $1,347 | $688 |
| 65 | $1,348 | $726 |
While age can change car insurance prices in many places, California, Massachusetts and Hawaii don't consider age.
Car Insurance Costs in Washington for Young Drivers by Gender
In Washington, young drivers face higher car insurance costs due to increased accident rates. Drivers aged 18 to 25 pay about $1,616 annually when added to a family policy, which is 32% less than an individual policy at $2,132.
Gender also plays a role in determining insurance rates for young Washingtonians. On average, females aged 18 to 25 pay $2,037 per year, $191 less than their male counterparts. Below, you'll find the average car insurance costs for individual and family policies for young drivers in Washington, broken down by gender.
Car Insurance Costs in Washington for Young Females
An 18-year-old female in The Evergreen State pays about $1,892 for full coverage when added to a family policy. Choosing an individual policy can hike her rate by almost 45%, costing around $3,443.
| 18 | $3,443 | $1,892 | -45% |
| 19 | $2,676 | $1,878 | -30% |
| 20 | $2,336 | $1,655 | -29% |
| 21 | $1,804 | $1,309 | -27% |
| 22 | $1,703 | $1,639 | -4% |
| 23 | $1,581 | $1,516 | -4% |
| 24 | $1,493 | $1,432 | -4% |
| 25 | $1,257 | $1,228 | -2% |
Car Insurance Costs in Washington for Young Males
An 18-year-old male in Washington pays about $3,837 for full coverage on his own. By joining a family policy, he could spend around $2,076, saving nearly 46% annually.
| 18 | $3,837 | $2,076 | -46% |
| 19 | $2,967 | $2,016 | -32% |
| 20 | $2,618 | $1,799 | -31% |
| 21 | $1,974 | $1,387 | -30% |
| 22 | $1,830 | $1,713 | -6% |
| 23 | $1,693 | $1,580 | -7% |
| 24 | $1,581 | $1,473 | -7% |
| 25 | $1,320 | $1,259 | -5% |
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost by Driving Record
In Washington, a driving mistake can raise your car insurance to 8.8% above the yearly average. Below, we show how much more drivers with offenses like at-fault accidents, speeding tickets or DUIs pay than those without violations.
| At-Fault Accident | $1,929 | 1% | $998 | -9% |
| DUI | $2,075 | 9% | $1,024 | -7% |
| Ticket | $1,711 | -10% | $866 | -21% |
Read More: High-Risk Car Insurance in Washington
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost by Credit Score
Your credit-based insurance score is key when insurers set car insurance prices in Washington. On average, drivers with excellent credit pay about $962 yearly for full coverage, while those with poor credit may pay around $1,036.
| Excellent | $962 | -50% | $433 | -60% |
| Good | $980 | -49% | $442 | -60% |
| Fair | $996 | -48% | $450 | -59% |
| Below Fair | $1,013 | -47% | $459 | -58% |
| Poor | $1,036 | -46% | $471 | -57% |
CREDIT SCORES AND YOUR PREMIUM
A credit score between 670 and 739 signifies financial trustworthiness and may reduce insurance premiums for Washington drivers. However, insurers cannot use credit-based scores for pricing in Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maryland, California and Michigan. Meanwhile, in North Carolina, Oregon, Washington, Utah and Nevada, credit scores can only influence insurance rates under certain conditions.
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost by Company
Car insurance costs can differ from one company to another. In Washington, PEMCO has the cheapest average annual full coverage premium at $605. On the high end, Dairyland's premium is about 26% more than the state's average.
| PEMCO | $605 | $184 |
| Kemper | $827 | $726 |
| Progressive | $852 | $501 |
| State Farm | $921 | $416 |
| American Family | $995 | $640 |
| Nationwide | $1,117 | $580 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $1,146 | $465 |
| Farmers | $1,152 | $640 |
| Travelers | $1,163 | $570 |
| GEICO | $1,210 | $619 |
| Allstate | $1,272 | $803 |
| Chubb | $1,311 | $549 |
| National General | $1,997 | $990 |
| Dairyland | $4,290 | $1,943 |
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost by Vehicle Age
In Washington, newer cars have higher insurance premiums because they're worth more and cost more to fix or replace if stolen. Full coverage for a new model averages $1,256 annually, while a 10-year-old car averages $1,100.
| 10-Year-Old Vehicle | $1,100 | $595 |
| New Model Vehicle | $1,256 | $557 |
ACTUAL CASH VALUE
The actual cash value (ACV) is what your insurer believes your car was worth before any damage. In comprehensive or collision claims, the ACV helps determine the maximum repair or replacement payout minus deductibles. This ensures the claim aligns with the car's market value.
Read More: Used Car Insurance
Washington Car Insurance Rates Explained
In Washington, car insurance rates can vary from the national average. Whether these are more affordable or pricier depends on several factors, including your credit-based insurance score. We delve into what drives the costs of full coverage and state minimum plans.
Is Car Insurance Expensive in Washington?
Car insurance in Washington has an average full coverage monthly cost of $112. It's about 4% higher than the national average for full coverage policies.
Read More: Why Car Insurance is So Expensive
Car Insurance Costs in Washington vs. National Average
National Average Cost
Full Coverage Car Insurance
$108
Washington Average Cost
Full Coverage Car Insurance
$112WA Car Insurance Is Expensive:$4 more
This is 4% more expensive.
Why Are Car Insurance Rates Expensive in Washington?
Car insurance in Washington can be pricey because people live close together, things cost more and bad weather often leads to car accidents. This means insurance companies get more claims, raising rates. To save, consider comparing affordable plans with good coverage.
Read More: Car Insurance Rates by State
Estimating Your Car Insurance Costs in Washington
While average car insurance rates in Washington reflect broad factors, your cost will vary. Key influences include your driving record, car model and credit score.
Driving Record
A spotless driving record can lead to low insurance rates. Avoid traffic violations and accidents to show insurers you're a low-risk driver.
Age and Gender
Younger drivers and males typically face higher rates. Rates may decrease with age, and some insurers offer discounts for mature drivers.
Credit History
A higher credit score can result in more favorable insurance quotes. Pay bills on time and reduce debt to improve your credit standing.
Vehicle Type
Insurance costs can vary depending on the vehicle type. For more affordable rates, opt for a car with good safety ratings and low repair costs.
Location Within Washington
Living in areas with lower crime and accident rates can lead to cheaper insurance. Consider your location when looking for competitive rates.
Coverage Level
More coverage means higher premiums. To keep costs in check, choose the level of coverage that meets your needs without overinsuring.
Marital Status
Married drivers often receive low rates due to perceived stability. Inform your insurer of your marital status to potentially reduce your premium.
State Law
Washington law requires certain coverages. Familiarize yourself with these requirements to avoid overpaying for unnecessary add-ons.
Read More: Washington Car Insurance Calculator
Minimum Car Insurance in Washington
In Washington, state minimum car insurance averages $688 annually, about 16% higher than the national average of $595. Though not the cheapest, Washington's state minimum coverage is more affordable than full coverage.
Washington Car Insurance Requirements
In Washington, you must have minimum coverage auto insurance. This includes $25,000 for injuries per person, $50,000 for injuries per accident and $10,000 for property damage.
Liability Limits | Description |
|---|---|
$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person | Bodily injury liability per person to cover medical expenses if you cause an accident |
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident | Bodily injury liability per accident ensures coverage for multiple injured parties in a single incident |
$10,000 for property damage liability per accident | Property damage liability per accident to cover repairs or replacement of damaged property |
How to Lower Car Insurance Costs in Washington
Compare rates, raise deductibles and apply for discounts to get cheaper Evergreen State car coverage.
- 1
Compare Multiple Quotes
Researching multiple insurance providers can help you find the most affordable car insurance in Washington, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars annually.
- 2
Lower Your Risk Profile
A better credit score or clean driving record without at-fault accidents or moving violations can significantly lower insurance premiums because insurers view you as a lower risk.
- 3
Adjust Your Coverage
Reviewing coverage needs can help ensure you're paying only for the needed coverage. For example, drivers who can afford it can lower costs with increased deductibles, and low-mileage drivers can decrease costs with usage-based policies.
- 4
Ask for Discounts
Inquire about discounts for safe driving, good grades, anti-theft devices, completing a state-approved defensive driving course and bundling policies, as these can lead to drastically lower premiums.
- 5
Consider the Car You Drive
Driving a car that's less expensive to insure, such as one with good safety ratings, can lead to lower insurance costs in the Evergreen State.
Read More: How to Reduce Your Car Insurance Costs
Auto Insurance Rates in Washington: Bottom Line
In Washington, the average yearly cost for full coverage car insurance is $1,347, slightly above the national average. Your rate can change based on factors like your driving record and the type of car you drive. Compared to other states, Washington is a bit pricier for car insurance.
Washington Car Insurance Rates: FAQ
Discover what affects car insurance costs in the Evergreen State. Location and driving record play roles. Compare rates to save.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Washington?
Washington's state minimum car insurance requirements include bodily injury liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. Property damage liability coverage of $10,000 is also required.
What is the average cost of full coverage and minimum coverage auto insurance in Washington?
In Washington, the average annual cost for state minimum auto insurance is $688. For full coverage, the average is $1,347.
What is the average cost of car insurance for a 25-year-old in Washington?
The average cost of car insurance for a 25-year-old in Washington is $1,780 for full coverage and $899 for state minimum coverage.
What are the cheapest car insurance companies in Washington?
PEMCO offers the most affordable car insurance in Washington, with a full coverage annual premium of $605 and a state minimum of $184.
Washington Auto Insurance Cost: How We Determine Average Rates
We used a sample driver profile with the following attributes to determine average car insurance rates in Washington:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
We modified this driver profile by age, vehicle, credit score and driving record to determine averages for different driver profiles and needs.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles
Unless otherwise noted, average rates on this page are for a full coverage policy with comprehensive and collision coverage, a $1,000 deductible for each and the following liability limits (100/300/100):
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident
When minimum coverage is specified, we used the following minimum liability-only limits as mandated by Washington:
- $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 for property damage liability per accident
Learn more about MoneyGeek's car insurance methodology.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a 5-time Jeopardy champion!
He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.