Washington car insurance averages $1,305 yearly for full coverage and $598 for minimum coverage, based on a 40-year-old driver with strong credit and a spotless driving record. Washington ranks 20th for full coverage and 22nd for minimum coverage among all states, with premiums 10% and 13% below national standards respectively.
Average Cost of Car Insurance in Washington
Updated: October 22, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Washington car insurance costs range from $598 to $4,708 per year on average, depending on your chosen coverage, driving profile and location.
Car insurance costs in Washington are typical for the U.S., with the state placing 22nd for minimum coverage and 20th for full coverage affordability.
Find the cheapest car insurance in Washington by deciding on coverage beforehand, researching costs and companies, and comparing multiple quotes.
Average Car Insurance Cost In Washington
| Full Coverage | $109 | $1,305 |
| Minimum Coverage | $50 | $598 |
Upgrading from minimum to full coverage adds $707 annually, about $59 per month. Your individual rates will differ according to personal characteristics, driving background and policy decisions.
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost By Category
Young drivers top Washington's rate chart at $282 monthly for full coverage, reflecting inexperience in the state's challenging metropolitan traffic. Personal characteristics significantly influence Washington car insurance pricing.
Credit issues aren't far behind at $266 monthly, while adults pay moderate $108 monthly rates. Older vehicles provide modest relief at $99 monthly, though Washington's tech boom areas keep all categories elevated compared to rural states.
| Young Drivers | $126 | $282 |
| Adult Drivers | $50 | $108 |
| Senior Drivers | $74 | $148 |
| Drivers With An Accident | $72 | $159 |
| Drivers With A DUI | $72 | $160 |
| Drivers With A Speeding Ticket | $61 | $137 |
| Drivers With Bad Credit | $114 | $266 |
| Drivers With Low Income | $72 | $165 |
| Drivers With Newer Cars | $56 | $122 |
| Drivers With Old Cars | $46 | $99 |
Washington's urban growth and traffic density create higher base rates, with young driver inexperience generating the steepest premium penalties.
FIND THE BEST CHEAP PROVIDER FOR YOUR PROFILE
Check out our comprehensive roundup guides to identify the best cheap provider for your profile:
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost by Company
GEICO provides the most economical pricing in Washington at $96 monthly for full coverage, while California Casualty operates at higher rates with $114 monthly. Washington shows modest rate spreads between insurers, with full coverage costs varying from $96 to $114 monthly among established companies.
The relatively small $213 annual difference reflects Washington's competitive insurance environment with consistent pricing standards.
| Geico | $39 | $96 |
| State Farm | $38 | $111 |
| Pemco Insurance | $47 | $101 |
| California Causality | $40 | $114 |
| Farmers | $47 | $108 |
Average Washington Car Insurance Cost By City
Lopez Island's remote location offers $90 monthly rates while Kent reaches $149 monthly for full coverage - a $59 difference reflecting Washington's diverse geography. Seattle metro areas consistently command higher premiums.
Island communities benefit from limited traffic and lower crime, while suburban cities have increased accident risks. Compare rates for your city below.
Data filtered by:
Aberdeen
| Full Coverage | $99 | $1,190 |
| Minimum Coverage | $46 | $548 |
Is Washington Car Insurance Expensive?
Washington ranks in the middle range for car insurance costs in 2025, placing 20th for full coverage and 22nd for minimum coverage affordability among the 50 states and Washington, D.C.
These statewide averages only tell part of the story, and affordability rankings for your city differ from the rest of the United States.
Why Is Car Insurance More Affordable In Washington?
Why does Washington insurance cost moderately? Here are the main reasons:
High uninsured motorist rate
Washington state has a high rate of drivers operating without insurance, making it among the highest states for uninsured motorists. This high rate of uninsured drivers impacts insurance costs for those who do carry coverage, because insurance companies must account for the increased risk of accidents involving uninsured drivers.
Climate-related weather claims
Washington has increasing weather-related claims due to climate change effects. Winter weather can bring damage from wind, wind-driven rain, falling trees, and snow and ice. The state's diverse climate zones mean drivers in different regions have varying risks, from coastal storm damage to mountain snow and ice conditions that increase accident rates.
Advanced car technology repair costs
Washington's insurance industry blames higher costs for auto repairs as a main culprit driving up premiums. Modern cars are more expensive to repair due to sophisticated safety equipment and technology. Advanced driver assistance systems, sensors and computerized components make even minor accidents costly to repair, contributing to the state's insurance rate increases.
New premium transparency requirements
Washington implemented new premium change transparency rules starting June 1, 2024, requiring insurance companies to explain premium increases to policyholders. Starting in 2027, insurers must automatically provide detailed explanations for rate increases of 10% or more. This transparency helps drivers understand why their rates are rising but doesn't necessarily reduce the increases.
Population density and traffic patterns
Washington drivers have varying risks based on location and traffic density. Urban areas like Seattle and Tacoma have higher theft rates and traffic density, while rural areas may have lower crime but increased wildlife collision risks. High population density in the Puget Sound region creates more claims due to increased traffic congestion and accident rates.
Vehicle Theft Rates
While Washington previously ranked among the worst states for car theft, car thefts dropped by 32% from 2023 to 2024, leading the nation in theft reduction. Intensive law enforcement efforts and arrests of organized theft groups have led to improvements. The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area alone saw substantial theft numbers in previous years.
Geographic risk variation
Washington's diverse geography creates regional differences in insurance costs. Urban areas like Seattle and Tacoma have higher theft rates and traffic density, while rural areas may have lower crime but increased wildlife collision risks. The state's mountainous regions experience more severe winter weather, while coastal areas have storm damage risks, all contributing to varying insurance rates across the state.
Massive rate increases expected
Washington drivers are facing another increase in auto insurance rates in 2025, with rates projected to rise by 17.2%, following a more than 20% increase in 2024. This ties Washington with New Jersey for the largest auto insurance hikes in the nation. The increases are attributed to inflation impacting car repairs, with auto repairs now costing more than three years ago.
Regulatory environment impact
Washington's strong regulatory environment provides consumer protections but may contribute to higher costs. The state's insurance commissioner has implemented rules requiring insurers to explain rate increases and provide clearer coverage information. While these regulations benefit consumers, they also create additional administrative costs that insurers may pass through to policyholders in the form of higher premiums.
How To Lower Car Insurance Costs In Washington
- 1Decide on coverage needs beforehand
Deciding on your coverage needs beforehand is an important step that you need to take so that you're not oversold on too much coverage. Consider your financial situation, driving habits, vehicle details and your risk tolerance when making this decision.
- 2Research costs and discounts
To save money for your profile, know the average costs for your preferred coverage level. Research car insurance discounts you may qualify for and look into the best home and auto insurance bundles for the most balanced perspective.
- 3Look into company reputations and coverage options
Cost isn't everything. Consider add-on coverage options and customer experiences with different providers to help narrow down which companies you'd like to compare quotes from. Use resources like industry studies, review forums and public forums like Reddit.
- 4Compare quotes through multiple means
Compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best deal possible. Use different methods of getting quotes, such as comparison sites and independent agents, since pricing varies widely by method.
Cost of Car Insurance in Washington: Bottom Line
Washington car insurance costs fall in the middle range compared to other U.S. states, making it important to take advantage of savings strategies. Decide on your coverage needs beforehand, do thorough research and compare quotes from the right insurers.
Cost of Car Insurance in Washington: FAQ
Below are answers to frequently asked questions about Washington car insurance costs:
How much is Washington car insurance per month?
Washington car insurance costs $50 for minimum coverage and $109 for full coverage policies. Rates range from $46 to $282 monthly, depending on your unique driver profile and coverage choice.
What factors affect Washington car insurance costs?
Primary factors include driving history, age and location. Drivers with accidents, violations or those who are young have higher rates, while urban areas cost more than rural ones. Car type, coverage amounts, credit score and annual mileage also impact premiums, along with factors like gender and marital status in some states.
How expensive is Washington car insurance?
Auto insurance costs in Washington fall into the moderate range nationally, with the state placing 22nd for minimum coverage and 20th for full coverage affordability, putting it squarely in the middle tier of U.S. states.
How We Determined Washington Car Insurance Costs
We used the following profile and modifications of this profile to determine Washington auto insurance costs across all available zip codes and cities in the state:
- 40-years-old
- Clean driving record
- Good credit
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
Minimum coverage was defined as a state's minimum liability coverage and full coverage is a policy with 100/300/100 liability limits and a $1,000 deductible for comprehensive and collision coverage.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds 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 five-time Jeopardy champion!
He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.
sources
- KIRO 7. "Car Thefts Plummet: WA State Leads US With 32% Decrease." Accessed October 28, 2025.
- KHQ. "Auto Insurance Rates in Washington Set to Rise Again in 2025." Accessed October 28, 2025.
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. "Insurance Commissioner." Accessed October 28, 2025.
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. "New Premium Change Transparency Rule Starts June 1." Accessed October 28, 2025.
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. "Winter Weather and Your Homeowner Insurance Coverage." Accessed October 28, 2025.
- Washington State Standard. "Why Home and Auto Insurance Rates Are Up in Washington." Accessed October 28, 2025.