Cheapest Car Insurance In Washington (2024) (original) (raw)
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, Writer
04/17/2024 12:00 AM
Due to the increasing costs of car insurance, it is beneficial for drivers in Washington to explore different policy choices in order to obtain the least expensive coverage. Our reviews team has researched the best car insurance companies nationwide. We closely examined the reputation, customer satisfaction, coverage options, and average premiums of each provider.
In this review, we will provide tips on how to save money on insurance and show you where to find the most affordable car insurance in Washington that matches your driving profile.
Key Points
- USAA is the cheapest car insurance company in Washington overall, with an average rate of $28 per month for minimum coverage and $99 per month for full coverage.
- PEMCO and GEICO also offer affordable car insurance rates for many driver profiles.
- If you are under 25 or have traffic violations on your record, your car insurance rates will be higher than average.
- You can save on car insurance by opting for minimum coverage, looking for discounts, increasing your deductible, and bundling your auto insurance with other policies.
Cheap Car Insurance Washington
Different car insurance companies have varying criteria for evaluating driver profiles. This means that the provider offering the cheapest rates for one driver may not necessarily be the most affordable for you. As an illustration, we present a summary of the least expensive auto insurance providers and their pricing for various driver profiles in Washington.
| Cheapest Car Insurance Company | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum coverage | USAA | 28∣28 | 28∣334 |
| Full coverage | USAA | 99∣99 | 99∣1,190 |
| 16-year-olds | PEMCO | 77∣77 | 77∣928 |
| 45-year-olds | PEMCO | 23∣23 | 23∣274 |
| High-risk drivers | USAA | 44∣44 | 44∣531 |
| After a speeding ticket | USAA | 33∣33 | 33∣392 |
| After an accident | USAA | 39∣39 | 39∣464 |
| After a DUI | State Farm | 47∣47 | 47∣564 |
| Poor credit drivers | USAA | 28∣28 | 28∣334 |
*Unless stated otherwise, average costs are minimum-coverage rates for single male drivers between the ages of 25 and 35 with a clean driving history.
What Is The Cheapest Car Insurance Company In Washington?
In general, we discovered that for most types of drivers, USAA has the most affordable car insurance in Washington. The following sections will cover the average monthly costs of both minimum- and full-coverage car insurance from the cheapest companies in Washington.
These rates apply to drivers in Washington with varying ages, locations, and driving histories. The cheapest companies are organized by minimum coverage costs.
Cheapest Minimum Coverage In Washington: USAA
Drivers looking for the most affordable coverage that just meets Washington state minimum requirements may find it at USAA for about $28 per month or $334 per year on average.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 28∣28 | 28∣334 |
| PEMCO | 30∣30 | 30∣365 |
| GEICO | 36∣36 | 36∣428 |
| State Farm | 42∣42 | 42∣508 |
| Travelers | 42∣42 | 42∣510 |
| Farmers | 55∣55 | 55∣661 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 68∣68 | 68∣814 |
| American Family | 70∣70 | 70∣840 |
| Progressive | 70∣70 | 70∣843 |
| Allstate | 75∣75 | 75∣894 |
Cheapest Full Coverage In Washington: USAA
USAA is the number one choice if you want the best coverage at the most affordable price. The provider offers full-coverage insurance for an average of $99 per month.
Full-coverage insurance policies in Washington generally include liability insurance, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, collision coverage, and comprehensive insurance.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Average Monthly Cost | Average Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 99∣99 | 99∣1,190 |
| GEICO | 110∣110 | 110∣1,325 |
| PEMCO | 138∣138 | 138∣1,656 |
| Travelers | 142∣142 | 142∣1,705 |
| American Family | 161∣161 | 161∣1,929 |
| Farmers | 166∣166 | 166∣1,996 |
| State Farm | 167∣167 | 167∣2,009 |
| Progressive | 190∣190 | 190∣2,282 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 209∣209 | 209∣2,508 |
| Allstate | 210∣210 | 210∣2,515 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In Washington: Age
Below, you’ll find average insurance costs for Washington drivers ages 16 to 55 as well as the top five most affordable car insurance companies for each age group. Drivers who are between the ages of 30 and 55 often receive favorable rates for auto insurance. This is because they have more road experience and are less likely to be involved in accidents compared to younger drivers.
Average Car Insurance Rates By Age
| Age | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 16 | 219∣219 | 219∣606 |
| 25 | 55∣55 | 55∣172 |
| 35 | 48∣48 | 48∣147 |
| 45 | 46∣46 | 46∣140 |
| 55 | 45∣45 | 45∣135 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance: Young Drivers
As mentioned, teenage drivers and early 20s typically pay the most expensive car insurance rates. This is mostly because these drivers have less practice driving and are more likely to ignore traffic rules and get into car crashes.
In fact, the fatal crash rate per mile driven for teen drivers was nearly three times the rate for drivers 20 years old and older in 2021, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For 16-Year-Olds: PEMCO
If you’re a teen driver or the parent of one, PEMCO may be your best bet for finding the most affordable car insurance in Washington.
The company’s cheapest average rates for 16-year-old drivers are $77 per month or $928 per year, which is relatively affordable compared to other states. If you’re looking for full coverage, the average is $348 per month or $4,179 per year from PEMCO.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PEMCO | 77∣77 | 77∣348 |
| Travelers | 135∣135 | 135∣380 |
| State Farm | 158∣158 | 158∣534 |
| GEICO | 167∣167 | 167∣536 |
| USAA | 197∣197 | 197∣682 |
| Farmers | 222∣222 | 222∣567 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 231∣231 | 231∣546 |
| American Family | 275∣275 | 275∣545 |
| Progressive | 308∣308 | 308∣918 |
| Allstate | 420∣420 | 420∣1,008 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For 25-Year-Olds: USAA
Car insurance rates for young drivers in their 20s are much lower compared to what teenagers pay. However, the rates can still be expensive for this age group depending on the insurance company you select.
USAA provides the cheapest car insurance costs on average at $30 per month or $363 per year for minimum coverage. USAA costs $109 per month or $1,303 per year for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 30∣30 | 30∣109 |
| PEMCO | 36∣36 | 36∣161 |
| GEICO | 38∣38 | 38∣124 |
| Travelers | 43∣43 | 43∣146 |
| State Farm | 47∣47 | 47∣188 |
| Farmers | 59∣59 | 59∣175 |
| American Family | 70∣70 | 70∣163 |
| Progressive | 73∣73 | 73∣201 |
| Allstate | 75∣75 | 75∣218 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 79∣79 | 79∣234 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance: Adult Drivers
People who are in their 40s are usually charged the least amount of money for car insurance. You can compare average auto insurance premiums of drivers in their 30s, 40s, and 50s from the top five cheapest companies for each age group below.
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For 35-Year-Olds: PEMCO
Drivers in their mid-30s may insure their cars at the cheapest cost by getting a minimum coverage car insurance policy from PEMCO. The company offers average minimum-coverage costs of $24 per month or $294 per year. For full coverage, USAA’s rates average $90 monthly or $1,077 annually.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PEMCO | 24∣24 | 24∣115 |
| USAA | 25∣25 | 25∣90 |
| GEICO | 34∣34 | 34∣97 |
| State Farm | 38∣38 | 38∣147 |
| Travelers | 42∣42 | 42∣138 |
| Farmers | 51∣51 | 51∣158 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 57∣57 | 57∣184 |
| Progressive | 67∣67 | 67∣180 |
| American Family | 70∣70 | 70∣158 |
| Allstate | 74∣74 | 74∣201 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For 45-Year-Olds: PEMCO
Forty-five-year-old drivers may find the most affordable minimum coverage from PEMCO, with average rates of $23 per month or $274 per year. The cheapest full coverage comes from USAA at $86 per month or $1,026 per year.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PEMCO | 23∣23 | 23∣107 |
| USAA | 24∣24 | 24∣86 |
| GEICO | 34∣34 | 34∣96 |
| State Farm | 37∣37 | 37∣144 |
| Travelers | 38∣38 | 38∣126 |
| Farmers | 49∣49 | 49∣151 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 52∣52 | 52∣166 |
| Progressive | 66∣66 | 66∣174 |
| American Family | 67∣67 | 67∣151 |
| Allstate | 72∣72 | 72∣200 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For 55-Year-Olds: USAA
USAA usually offers the most affordable car insurance rates in Washington for drivers who are in their 50s. The insurer’s average premiums are $24 monthly or $292 annually for minimum coverage. The cheapest full coverage option is from USAA, costing $86 monthly or $1,026 annually
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 24∣24 | 24∣83 |
| PEMCO | 25∣25 | 25∣112 |
| GEICO | 33∣33 | 33∣101 |
| State Farm | 35∣35 | 35∣136 |
| Travelers | 36∣36 | 36∣114 |
| Farmers | 45∣45 | 45∣142 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 52∣52 | 52∣155 |
| Progressive | 64∣64 | 64∣162 |
| American Family | 66∣66 | 66∣149 |
| Allstate | 73∣73 | 73∣196 |
Cheapest Car Insurance In Washington: High-Risk Drivers
How you drive safely is a big factor in determining how much you will pay for car insurance, along with the type of coverage you have and your age. Auto insurers typically determine if you’re a high-risk driver by looking at how many infractions are on your driving record, including speeding citations, at-fault accidents, and DUI convictions.
Average Car Insurance Rates For High-Risk Drivers
Drivers who are considered high-risk have to pay car insurance rates that are above the average. This is because they have a history of multiple violations on their driving records. On average, Washington motorists who are deemed high-risk may find the most affordable rates from USAA for minimum coverage or USAA for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 44∣44 | 44∣153 |
| PEMCO | 45∣45 | 45∣190 |
| State Farm | 49∣49 | 49∣188 |
| Travelers | 55∣55 | 55∣188 |
| GEICO | 57∣57 | 57∣182 |
| Farmers | 73∣73 | 73∣214 |
| American Family | 89∣89 | 89∣203 |
| Progressive | 92∣92 | 92∣265 |
| Allstate | 94∣94 | 94∣269 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 114∣114 | 114∣324 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For Drivers With A Speeding Ticket: USAA
Drivers with a speeding citation on their record can generally find the most affordable coverage from USAA, with average rates of $33 per month or $392 per year for minimum coverage and $117 per month or $1,401 per year for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 33∣33 | 33∣117 |
| PEMCO | 39∣39 | 39∣171 |
| State Farm | 47∣47 | 47∣183 |
| Travelers | 51∣51 | 51∣178 |
| GEICO | 54∣54 | 54∣175 |
| Farmers | 66∣66 | 66∣201 |
| Allstate | 81∣81 | 81∣230 |
| Progressive | 86∣86 | 86∣243 |
| American Family | 89∣89 | 89∣200 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 99∣99 | 99∣279 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For Drivers With An At-Fault Accident: USAA
Getting into a car accident in Washington might make your car insurance rates go up. USAA tends to offer the most affordable rates on average at about $39 per month or $464 per year for minimum coverage and $136 per month or $136 per year for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 39∣39 | 39∣136 |
| PEMCO | 44∣44 | 44∣187 |
| State Farm | 52∣52 | 52∣198 |
| Travelers | 53∣53 | 53∣185 |
| GEICO | 60∣60 | 60∣184 |
| Farmers | 83∣83 | 83∣237 |
| American Family | 91∣91 | 91∣208 |
| Allstate | 104∣104 | 104∣301 |
| Progressive | 113∣113 | 113∣328 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 116∣116 | 116∣334 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For Drivers With A DUI: State Farm
If you’re a motorist with a DUI on record, you may find the cheapest minimum car insurance in Washington from State Farm for $47 per month or $564 per year on average. They also have rates of $183 monthly or $2,195 annually for full coverage.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Farm | 47∣47 | 47∣183 |
| PEMCO | 51∣51 | 51∣212 |
| GEICO | 55∣55 | 55∣188 |
| Travelers | 59∣59 | 59∣202 |
| USAA | 61∣61 | 61∣207 |
| Farmers | 69∣69 | 69∣206 |
| Progressive | 79∣79 | 79∣225 |
| American Family | 89∣89 | 89∣200 |
| Allstate | 97∣97 | 97∣276 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 128∣128 | 128∣359 |
Cheapest Washington Car Insurance For Drivers With Poor Credit: USAA
People who have low credit scores have to pay more for their car insurance. Those who don’t have the best credit history may want to check out USAA, which has an average minimum-coverage rate of $28 per month or $334 per year and an average full-coverage rate of $99 per month or $1,190 per year.
| Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | 28∣28 | 28∣99 |
| GEICO | 36∣36 | 36∣110 |
| PEMCO | 50∣50 | 50∣210 |
| Farmers | 55∣55 | 55∣166 |
| Travelers | 64∣64 | 64∣238 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | 68∣68 | 68∣209 |
| American Family | 70∣70 | 70∣161 |
| Progressive | 70∣70 | 70∣190 |
| State Farm | 93∣93 | 93∣353 |
| Allstate | 116∣116 | 116∣335 |
Average Cost Of Car Insurance In 10 Washington Cities
Another thing that determines how much you pay for car insurance in Washington is where you live. Auto insurance companies consider drivers riskier to cover in areas with:
- Larger groups of people
- There are now a greater number of cars driving on the roads.
- More car accidents happening at a greater frequency
- More instances of breaking traffic rules
- More incidents of car theft and auto vandalism
- Extreme weather patterns
Certain factors that increase risk are more common among people who own cars in big cities. This is why drivers in busy cities have to pay the highest average amount of money for car insurance with basic coverage. On the other hand, drivers in rural areas with less crime and fewer people are more likely to get insurance at lower rates.
| City | Minimum-Coverage Average Monthly Cost | Full-Coverage Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | 56.01∣56.01 | 56.01∣152.65 |
| Federal Way | 61.15∣61.15 | 61.15∣173.06 |
| Spokane | 45.56∣45.56 | 45.56∣134.96 |
| Renton | 59.79∣59.79 | 59.79∣167.35 |
| Bellingham | 42.28∣42.28 | 42.28∣120.19 |
| Yakima | 42.69∣42.69 | 42.69∣127.97 |
| Kent | 61.28∣61.28 | 61.28∣171.74 |
| Vancouver | 52.50∣52.50 | 52.50∣146.58 |
| Lakewood | 59.95∣59.95 | 59.95∣164.33 |
| Spokane Valley | 43.55∣43.55 | 43.55∣128.98 |
Top 5 Car Insurance Companies In Washington
We have looked at more than 40 insurance companies and considered their coverage, service, and reliability, in addition to cost. Our goal was to identify the top five insurers for people living in Washington. Based on our research, we found USAA to be the best provider for most drivers in Washington. Here are the ratings for our top picks.
| Overall Rating | Cost | Coverage | Reliability | Service | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 State Farm | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 5 | 4.5 |
| #2 Travelers | 4.6 | 4.4 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.2 |
| #3 GEICO | 4.5 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 4.3 |
| #4 Progressive | 4.5 | 4 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.1 |
| #5 USAA | 4.5 | 4.7 | 4.8 | 4.5 | 4.3 |
*The overall and category ratings above are based on nationwide factors.
How To Get The Cheapest Car Insurance In Washington
In Washington state, you have a few options to reduce the amount you pay for car insurance. These include:
- Opting for minimum coverage: If you only buy the minimum amount of car insurance required in your state, it will be the least expensive option.
- Seeking out discounts: Most insurance companies have multiple discounts that can help cut down on premium costs, from military and good student discounts to discounts for drivers that remain accident free for five years.
- Raising your deductible: A higher deductible will lower your premium costs, but you’ll have to pay more out of pocket if you file a claim.
- Bundling your auto insurance: You can often bundle your auto insurance with a homeowners insurance policy or other type of coverage to earn a discount.
- Comparing quotes: Getting price estimates from different companies can help you determine which provider offers the most favorable offer.
Many insurance companies offer usage-based insurance programs which are a great way to save money. These programs use telematics to monitor your driving habits–from your speed and braking to the time of day you drive. If you drive safely, you might receive a significant discount. However, certain programs might increase your rates if you engage in risky driving behaviors.
Some companies also offer diminishing deductibles and accident forgiveness. A diminishing deductible option decreases your deductible amount each time you renew your policy. Accident forgiveness ensures that your rates won’t increase after your first accident with the company.
What Does Washington Require For Car Insurance?
Drivers in Washington must meet minimum insurance requirements as outlined by state law, which include basic liability insurance and uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage:
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
Liability coverage only takes care of other parties’ injuries and property damages in an accident that you cause. UM/UIM covers your injuries and property damages, but only in the case that the at-fault driver has little to no auto insurance.
Getting comprehensive insurance will ensure that your car is covered if stolen, vandalized, or damaged by floods, fire, animals, or other natural disasters. Collision insurance covers your car repairs after an accident.
Our Take: Best Cheap Car Insurance In Washington
When it comes to both minimum and full coverage, USAA is the best and most affordable car insurance company for most drivers in Washington. While the above costs can give you an idea of what you’d pay for car insurance in Washington, seeking an individualized rate will help give you a more accurate picture of what you’ll pay.
Many companies offer quick and free tools on their websites to generate insurance quotes. Alternatively, you can directly call a company’s insurance agent or representative. Once you have collected quotes from at least three providers, compare them to find the best option for you.
Best Cheap Car Insurance In Washington: FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about car insurance in Washington:
How much is car insurance per month in Washington?
The average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance in Washington is $52 per month or $620 per year. For full coverage, the average is $159 per month or $1,912 per year.
Is Washington car insurance cheaper?
Washington auto insurance is typically cheaper than the national average. Nationwide, the average cost of minimum-coverage insurance is 670peryear,whiletheaverageinWashingtonis∗∗670 per year, while the average in Washington is 670peryear,whiletheaverageinWashingtonis∗∗620 per year. For full coverage, residents of Washington pay about $1,912 per year on average, which is less than the national average of $2,216 per year.
How We Rate Insurers
Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car insurance providers. While there are multiple qualities that make a car insurance company successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers:
- Cost: Cost can be difficult to compare between insurers because so many factors impact annual premiums. The cheapest insurer for one driver may not be the cheapest for another. To determine our cost score, we look at insurance rate estimates generated by Quadrant Information Services, discount opportunities, and consumer reports.
- Coverage: To determine our coverage score, we look at the number of coverage options available as well as coverage limits and deductible options. Our ratings also take into account additional services and benefits like roadside assistance.
- Reliability: It’s important that an auto insurer is able to meet its claims obligations. Companies with a strong financial strength rating from AM Best score best in this category. Established insurers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks.
- Service: We comb through customer reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to learn about customer experiences. Insurers with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also consider the claims process, giving higher ratings to car insurance providers that offer easy-to-use claims apps.
*Data accurate at time of publication.