Cheap Car Insurance Companies In Washington

The average semiannual cost of car insurance in the state of Washington is $829.36 An insured premiums are influenced by more variables than purely their place of residence. Car insurance underwriters calculate auto insurance rates after assessing a range of criteria such as the policyholder’s age, driving record, marital status, and credit rating. We examined typical car insurance costs in Washington across each of the predominant rating factors. We aim to provide consumers insight to identify a car insurance policy that meets their needs and budget.

*Data Methodology – Updated 3/1/2024

The Washington car insurance rates are based on a 35-year-old male with the most popular car (Honda Accord) living in WA. The Quote is for full coverage with comprehensive at $500 deductible and collision at $500 deductible.

Washington Minimum Liability Coverage

Washington State requires all drivers to carry minimum liability insurance coverage. This coverage helps protect you financially in the event of an accident for which you are at fault. The minimum liability coverage requirements in Washington are:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This covers injuries and medical expenses for other people involved in an accident you caused.
• Property Damage Liability: $10,000. This covers damage to other people’s property from an accident you cause.
• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): $10,000. This covers medical expenses for you and your passengers, regardless of fault.

It is important to note that these are the minimum coverage amounts required by law in Washington. Many insurance and financial experts recommend carrying higher liability limits, especially if you have assets you want to protect. For example, higher limits could be:

• Bodily Injury Liability: $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident.
• Property Damage Liability: $100,000.
• Personal Injury Protection: $50,000.

In addition to higher liability limits, you may want to consider adding uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage and comprehensive coverage to your policy for full protection.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Washington

Driving without insurance is illegal in the state of Washington. If you are caught driving uninsured, you face significant penalties including fines, license suspension, and possible jail time.

The minimum fine for a first offense of driving without insurance in Washington is $550. The fine increases for subsequent offenses, up to $1,000 for a fourth or subsequent violation within a five-year period.

In addition to fines, your driver’s license will likely be suspended. For a first offense, your license will be suspended for 60 days. The suspension period increases for subsequent offenses, up to one year for a fourth or subsequent violation within a five-year period.

You may also face up to 90 days in jail for driving without insurance, especially for repeat offenses. The judge has discretion to impose a jail sentence in addition to or instead of a fine or license suspension.

Driving without insurance is a misdemeanor crime in Washington. The offense will remain on your criminal record for at least 10 years. This can make it harder to rent an apartment, get a job, or qualify for loans.

Auto Insurance Rates in Washington

Auto insurance rates in Washington are based on a variety of factors. Washington is an open competition state, which means insurers have the freedom to determine their own rates based on various risk factors.

Some of the most common factors that can impact your auto insurance rates in Washington are:

• Your driving history. Your driving record, including any speeding tickets, accidents, and violations, will have a significant effect on your rates. A clean driving record typically results in lower premiums.
• Your credit score. Insurers often use your credit-based insurance score as a predictor of risk, so a higher credit score can qualify you for lower rates. However, credit scoring practices vary by company.
• Your age and gender. Younger and inexperienced drivers typically pay higher premiums due to a greater risk of claims. Men also tend to pay more than women for auto insurance.
•  The type of vehicle you drive. Sports cars and luxury vehicles are more expensive to repair or replace parts for, so you’ll generally pay higher premiums if you drive one of these types of cars.
• Where you live and park your car. Rates tend to be higher in urban areas with more traffic and higher claims frequency. Garaging your car in a safe location can work in your favor.
• Your insurance and claims history. Prior insurance coverage and any claims you’ve made on that policy may impact your new rates. Multiple gaps in insurance can also raise premiums.
• The coverage you choose. Carrying more comprehensive coverage options typically means paying higher premiums. However, higher liability limits are required in Washington.

Low Cost Car Insurance Programs and Discounts in Washington

Car insurance rates in Washington vary widely based on a number of factors including your driving record, the type of vehicle you drive, and where you live in the state. However, there are also various programs and discounts available that can help lower your car insurance premiums.

Some low cost car insurance programs in Washington include:

• Washington Low Income Auto Insurance Program: This program provides coverage to low-income drivers who have difficulty obtaining affordable insurance in the standard market. Eligibility is based on income and assets.
• WA Basic Coverage: This no-fault auto insurance plan offers basic coverage at lower premiums. It covers damage to other vehicles and property, medical bills for injured parties, and death benefits. However, it does not cover damage to your own vehicle.
• Group insurance plans: Some employers, associations, and organizations offer group insurance plans with lower rates for their members. Eligibility requirements and coverage levels vary by plan.In addition, most insurance companies offer a variety of discounts that can reduce your premiums, including:
• Multi-policy discounts: Bundling your auto and home insurance policies with the same company can save you 5% to 15%.
• Anti-theft devices: Having an alarm, immobilizer, or GPS tracking system can qualify you for discounts of 5% to 10%.
• Good student discounts: Students with a B average or higher can save between 5% and 25%.
• Multi-vehicle discounts: Insuring more than one vehicle with the same company typically results in savings of 5% to 20%.
• Defensive driving course completion: Taking a state-approved driving course can earn you premium reductions of 5% to 10%.
• Good driving record: Maintaining a clean driving record for several years typically qualifies you for the highest discounts.

Washington Car Insurance Statistics

Washington state drivers are required by law to carry auto insurance coverage. Washington has a complex system of car insurance requirements, with some of the highest premiums in the nation. Here are some key statistics about Washington car insurance:

• Bodily Injury Liability Limits: Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury.
• Property Damage Liability Limits: Drivers must also carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability coverage.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Washington is an “open” state, meaning insurance companies must offer uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage to all policyholders.
• Collision and Comprehensive Coverage: While not required, these coverages repair or replace a policyholder’s vehicle if it’s damaged in a collision or by events like theft, vandalism or weather.
• Premium Costs: Washington drivers pay some of the highest car insurance premiums in the U.S, averaging $1,413 per year according to the Insurance Information Institute. Seattle residents pay even higher rates, averaging $1,714 annually.
• Accident Rate: Washington has a higher-than-average accident rate of 3.3 accidents per 100 insured vehicles compared to the national rate of 2.7.
• Driving Conditions: Washington’s mountainous terrain, frequent rain and high traffic volumes in urban areas contribute to higher insurance costs.

The 10 Largest Washington Car Insurance Companies

Washington state drivers have many options when it comes to choosing a car insurance provider. The following are the 10 largest car insurance companies in the state of Washington based on the amount of car insurance premiums written according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

1. State Farm – State Farm is the largest car insurance company in Washington, with over $1 billion in car insurance premiums written. State Farm offers a wide range of insurance products including home, life and health insurance in addition to auto insurance.
2. GEICO – GEICO wrote over $700 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. GEICO is known for offering affordable rates and a simple claims process. The company also offers 24/7 customer service.
3. Allstate – Allstate wrote nearly $500 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. In addition to standard auto insurance, Allstate offers roadside assistance and rideshare insurance coverage.
4. Farmers Insurance – Farmers Insurance wrote over $400 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. The company is known for offering a variety of discounts and flexible payment options.
5. Liberty Mutual – Liberty Mutual wrote over $300 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. The company offers coverage for classic and antique cars as well as rideshare insurance.
6. Progressive – Progressive wrote over $300 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. The company is known for offering a wide range of discounts and usage-based insurance options.
7. USAA – USAA wrote over $200 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. The company primarily serves military members, veterans and their families.
8. American Family – American Family wrote over $200 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. The company has been operating for over 90 years and offers a wide range of insurance products.
9. PEMCO – PEMCO is a regional insurer that focuses on the Pacific Northwest. The company wrote over $100 million in car insurance premiums in Washington.
10. State Comp – State Comp wrote over $100 million in car insurance premiums in Washington. The company primarily serves high-risk drivers.