PEMCO offers the cheapest minimum coverage for low-income drivers in Washington across various driving records and credit histories.
Cheapest Low-Income Car Insurance in Washington
Updated: February 6, 2025
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Key Takeaways
Washington doesn't have a low-income car insurance program, but affordable plans are available to meet state minimum coverage requirements.
For most low-income drivers, the cheapest options include PEMCO, Auto-Owners, State Farm and Progressive.
Comparing providers and exploring discounts can help low-income drivers save the most on car insurance.
Cheapest Car Insurance Companies for Low-Income Drivers in Washington
| PEMCO | Young Drivers | $24 |
| PEMCO | Adults | $19 |
| PEMCO | Seniors | $21 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $24 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With a DUI | $33 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With an Accident | $27 |
| PEMCO | Bad Credit | $19 |
*All rates in this table, except for adults, are based on a modified profile of a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean record insuring a 2012 Toyota Camry. The age ranges are 22 to 29 for young drivers, 30 to 59 for adults and 60+ for seniors.
Compare Cheap Low-Income Car Insurance Providers
Use the table below to filter the options and find the most affordable provider for your driver profile.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:30-59
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Driving Record:Clean
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| PEMCO | $19 | $228 |
| Auto-Owners | $39 | $465 |
| Progressive | $42 | $501 |
| State Farm | $42 | $504 |
| Travelers | $47 | $570 |
Cheapest Car Insurance for Families With Low Income in Washington
CIG offers the cheapest auto insurance rates for low-income families with a teen in Washington. Married couples pay $72 monthly, while single parents pay $112. GEICO provides the best deal for couples without a teen at $24.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Family Type:Married Couple with Teen
| CIG | $867 | $72 |
| GEICO | $908 | $76 |
| Allstate | $968 | $81 |
| Travelers | $980 | $82 |
| State Farm | $1,050 | $87 |
| Nationwide | $1,256 | $105 |
| Farmers | $1,404 | $117 |
| Kemper | $1,705 | $142 |
| Progressive | $1,773 | $148 |
*Rates for couples and single parents with teens apply to a 16-year-old driver. Those for a married couple without children are based on a 40-year-old male with good credit and a clean driving record.
Tips to Save On Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers
Here are some insurance cost-saving tips for low-income drivers in Washington:
- 1
Choose minimum coverage
Opt for minimum coverage to meet legal requirements affordably. It offers basic protection but won't cover all expenses if you're at fault in an accident.
- 2
Compare quotes
Gather quotes from various providers to find the most affordable option. Use provider websites, independent brokers and online comparison tools to conduct a thorough evaluation.
- 3
Look for discounts
Insurance companies offer discounts for good students, safe drivers or military members. Completing an online defensive driving course may result in significant savings.
- 4
Increase your deductible
Opting for a higher deductible on collision or comprehensive coverage can lower premiums. Ensure you can afford it when filing a claim.
- 5
Consider pay-per-mile insurance
Pay-per-mile insurance is ideal for low-mileage drivers. It combines a low base rate with a per-mile fee, helping you save by paying only for the miles you drive.
- 7
Get a cheaper car to insure
A vehicle's make, model and year affect insurance costs. To save hundreds annually, opt for a cheaper car to insure, such as an older, reliable vehicle.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Washington
Washington drivers need to meet these minimum car insurance requirements:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability per accident
If you're leasing or financing your vehicle, you'll need a liability coverage split of 100/300/100, plus comprehensive and collision protection.
WHY MINIMUM COVERAGE MAY NOT BE RIGHT FOR YOU
Minimum car insurance covers only the other driver's expenses if you're at fault in an accident. You'll still be responsible for your car's damage and legal fees. If you drive often and can afford it, consider higher coverage.
Cheap Low-Income Car Insurance in Washington: Bottom Line
PEMCO offers the most affordable car insurance for low-income drivers in Washington, including high-risk ones. To find the best deal, explore and compare providers through different methods.
Low-Income Auto Insurance in Washington: FAQ
Finding affordable car insurance is tough for low-income drivers. Here are answers to common questions on saving money.
What is the cheapest car insurance for low-income drivers in Washington?
Minimum coverage is often the most affordable option for low-income drivers, even if it's not always feasible when leasing or financing a vehicle. PEMCO has the cheapest monthly minimum and full coverage rates in Washington at $19 and $55, respectively.
Does Washington have a state-supported low-income car insurance program?
Washington has no state-supported car insurance program that assists low-income drivers.
Does your income affect the cost of car insurance in Washington?
In Washington, car insurance premiums aren't based on income. Factors such as driving history and vehicle type have more impact.
How We Chose the Cheapest Car Insurance for Low-Income Drivers
Study Overview
MoneyGeek examined car insurance rates in Washington using data from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner and Quadrant Information Services.
Data Acquisition, Depth and Analysis
We analyzed 328,384 quotes from 14 companies across 370 ZIP codes to determine the average cost of car insurance for low-income drivers in Washington.
Sample Driver Profile
We used a sample driver profile with the following attributes to determine average car insurance rates for low-income drivers in Washington:
- 40-year-old male
- 2012 Toyota Camry LE
- Clean driving record
- 12,000 miles driven annually
To determine rates for specific driver profiles, we adjusted factors such as age, family status, driving history and credit standing.
Our study defines seniors as 60 or older, young drivers as 22 to 29 and adults as 30 to 59. Married couples with a child include 40-year-old male and female drivers with a 16-year-old teen. Single parents with children are 40-year-old male or female drivers with a 16-year-old teen.
Coverage Levels and Deductibles
Our data shows rates for minimum coverage, which meets Washington's legal requirements and offers affordable options for low-income drivers.
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!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.