Updated: November 14, 2024
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Car insurance in Washington comes with an average annual cost of $1,347 for full coverage policies, while minimum coverage policies average around $688 annually.
Affordable plans are within reach, but what you pay depends on several factors, such as your age, the kind of coverage you choose, where you live, your driving record, and your credit history. Understanding these factors can help you find an affordable plan that fits your needs.
WashingtonCar InsuranceCostsWhy Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed Washington auto insurance rates using data and information from the Washington Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services.
These rates reflect the average cost of car insurance in Washington as of November 2024.
Washington's average full coverage car insurance cost is around $1,347 yearly. You can compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal that suits your needs and budget.
Here's what you might pay for car insurance in Washington. These averages show possible costs for minimum and full coverage plans each month and year.
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,347 | $112 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $823 | $69 |
| State Minimum Liability Only | $688 | $57 |
Car insurance in Washington is moderate compared to other states. The average annual premium for state minimum coverage is about $$628, which translates to a monthly cost of roughly $52. Washington's average rates are slightly higher at $688 yearly or $57 monthly for the same coverage. For full coverage, Washington's is lower at around $1,347 annually, compared to the national average of $1,358.
Factors influencing the cost of insurance in Washington include the state’s weather patterns, which can affect driving safety, the rate of car thefts and the risk of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, which can lead to more claims. Additionally, urbanization, traffic density and specific insurance laws and requirements can lead to more accidents and higher premiums.
Car insurance premiums can differ greatly, even within the same state. For example, in Washington, PEMCO offers the cheapest full coverage at an annual premium of $605, while Dairyland has the most expensive average premium at $4,290.
Understanding these differences and comparing car insurance quotes from various providers can lead you to the cheapest car insurance in Washington.
| PEMCO | $605 | $50 |
| Kemper | $827 | $69 |
| Progressive | $852 | $71 |
| State Farm | $921 | $77 |
| American Family | $995 | $83 |
| Nationwide | $1,117 | $93 |
| Auto-Owners Insurance Co | $1,146 | $96 |
| Farmers | $1,152 | $96 |
| Travelers | $1,163 | $97 |
| GEICO | $1,210 | $101 |
| Allstate | $1,272 | $106 |
| Chubb | $1,311 | $109 |
| National General | $1,997 | $166 |
| Dairyland | $4,290 | $357 |
The cost of car insurance in Washington is also impacted by the level of coverage selected. For instance, monthly minimum coverage averages at $57, while opting for full coverage with a $1,000 deductible can cost about $112 monthly. It's wiser to invest in a full coverage policy, even at a higher price, because it provides more comprehensive protection.
Adding comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy typically raises your premium; however, you can mitigate this increase by choosing higher deductibles. Remember, your deductible is the amount you pay out-of-pocket for each comprehensive and collision claim.
| State Minimum Liability Only | $688 | $57 |
| 100/300/100 Liability Only | $823 | $69 |
| 300/500/300 Liability Only | $912 | $76 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,172 | $98 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,211 | $101 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,307 | $109 |
| 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded. | $1,347 | $112 |
| State Minimum Liability w/ Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,379 | $115 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,500 Ded. | $1,396 | $116 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded | $1,436 | $120 |
| 100/300/1000,000 - 500 comp_coll | $1,515 | $126 |
| 300/500/300 Full Cov. w/$500 Ded. | $1,604 | $134 |
Washington's minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection are not mandated.
$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
This is the minimum amount required in Washington to cover expenses for injuries you cause to one person in an accident.
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident
Washington requires this amount to cover expenses for injuries to multiple people in a single accident.
$10,000 for property damage liability per accident
This coverage is the minimum in Washington to pay for damage you cause to another person's property in an accident.
Your location impacts your car insurance rates significantly. Seattle's full coverage at $1,271 contrasts dramatically with Spokane's much lower $975 rate. Other factors in Washington that influence your car insurance premiums include your driving record, car type and credit history. Traffic density and local theft rates also play a role.
Age influences the cost of car insurance in Washington. Drivers aged 22 to 29 face the highest rates, averaging $1,780 annually. Premiums generally decrease as they grow older, with those aged 30 to 59 paying about $1,347. After age 60, the average cost becomes $1,348. The curve of car insurance premiums shows younger drivers pay the most, and rates drop around age 30, stabilizing as drivers mature.
| 22-29 | $1,780 | $148 |
| 30-59 | $1,347 | $112 |
| 60 + | $1,348 | $112 |
Age and gender affect car insurance rates in Washington. For instance, the average annual premium for a 16-year-old male added to a family policy is $2,821. With this age group, premiums are generally the highest.
In Washington, individuals under 18 cannot legally purchase car insurance independently; they must have a parent or guardian co-sign the policy. Should a 16-year-old boy opt for an individual policy, the premium would increase to around $5,331.
The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance on a 2012 car model is $1,100, whereas a 2022 model is $1,256 for the same coverage. Newer cars typically have higher actual cash values, may cost more to repair or replace and have elevated risk of theft, leading to increased insurance premiums. Drivers with newer vehicle models should consider investing in comprehensive and collision coverage.
| 2012 Vehicle | $1,100 | $92 |
| 2022 Vehicle | $1,256 | $105 |
Insurance companies use your vehicle's actual cash value (ACV) to determine the payout amount for your comprehensive or collision claim. ACV considers depreciation, which affects the claim reimbursement you receive after an incident.
The average cost of car insurance in Washington varies by driving record.
The type and severity of a driving violation can significantly raise your car insurance premiums in Washington. These higher rates stick with you as long as the violation is on your record, though the specific duration varies by state. For instance, in Washington, a DUI can affect your insurance rates for up to five years, while other traffic violations may not impact as long.
The table shows the average cost for each type of driving record in Washington, sorted by coverage and age group.
| Clean | $1,347 | $112 |
| Ticket | $1,711 | $143 |
| At-fault Accident | $1,929 | $161 |
| DUI | $2,075 | $173 |
Washington residents with poor credit scores pay an average of $73 monthly for car insurance, while an excellent credit score might lower the rate to about $68. A good credit score, ranging from 670 to 739, can help secure more affordable car insurance premiums, as insurers view higher credit scores as an indicator of responsible financial behavior and lower risk of filing claims.
| Excellent | $812 | $68 |
| Good | $829 | $69 |
| Fair | $843 | $70 |
| Below Fair | $858 | $71 |
| Poor | $878 | $73 |
Explore the key elements influencing the average cost of car insurance in Washington.
By understanding these factors, you can explore car insurance rates and find a deal that suits you.
To secure affordable car insurance in Washington, you can compare prices across insurers, opt for a higher deductible and capitalize on all applicable insurance discounts.
Shop Around for Car Insurance Rates
Comparing rates from multiple insurers can help you find the cheapest car insurance in Washington. Each company weighs factors differently, potentially offering better rates.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
A clean driving record without accidents or violations can significantly reduce your rates, as insurers see you as a lower risk.
Increase Your Deductibles
Opting for higher deductibles can lower your premiums. Ensure you can afford the out-of-pocket expense in case of a claim.
Bundle Policies
Bundling car insurance with other policies like homeowners or renters insurance can unlock discounts and lead to more affordable rates.
Take Advantage of Discounts
Many insurers offer discounts for things like safe driving, anti-theft devices or being a good student. Ask providers about available discounts to lower your costs.
Consider the Vehicle You Drive
Driving a car that's less expensive to insure can lead to savings. Research which makes and models come with lower insurance costs in Washington.
Consider Usage-Based Insurance
Usage-based insurance programs can offer significant savings if you're a safe driver with low annual mileage, as they tailor rates to your actual driving habits.
Find out what impacts the average cost of your car insurance in Washington and how you can find affordable rates.
In Washington, the state minimum coverage for car insurance includes $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. These limits are designed to provide financial protection in case you're at fault in an accident.
The average yearly cost for full coverage car insurance in Washington is $1,347, while the state minimum coverage averages $688 annually. That translates to $112 per month for full coverage and $57 per month for minimum coverage.
The average cost of car insurance for a 22-year-old in Washington with a full coverage policy with a $1,000 deductible is $1,780 annually or $148 monthly. For a 100/300/100 liability-only policy, it's $1,083 annually or $90 monthly. Meanwhile, the state minimum coverage costs $899 annually or $75 monthly.
PEMCO and State Farm are the cheapest car insurance companies in Washington, offering annual minimum coverage at $184 and $416 respectively.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. 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 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.
