Car Insurance in Washington

Here's what you need to know when driving in Washington

The average car insurance rate in the state of Washington is $1,224 per year — 20% less than the U.S. average. Car insurance rates are impacted by more than just your location. Auto insurance rates comprise many factors, including a driver's age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Washington car insurance rates for these rating factors in an effort to help you find an affordable policy.

Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Washington based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive quotes from top insurers.

The best car insurance companies in Washington

Based on data from J.D. Power's 2021 Auto Satisfaction Study and The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey, we have compiled a list of the best car insurance companies in Washington.

The cheapest car insurance companies in Washington

These companies offer the cheapest rates in the following scenarios.

Washington auto insurance laws

Car insurance is mandatory in almost every state, including Washington. If you choose the legal minimum coverage level in Washington, expect to pay an average of $519 annually. This expenditure is less expensive than the nationwide average by 66%.

State minimum coverage

In order to drive legally in the state of Washington, you must carry at least the minimum liability limits listed below:

• Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person
• Bodily Injury: $50,000 per accident
• Property Damage: $10,000 per accident

If you opt for better coverage, you can choose a policy with comprehensive and collision, which will protect against the costs of car accidents, theft, vandalism or weather incidents. But better coverage comes with a cost: in Washington, a comprehensive insurance policy with a $1,000 deductible costs $1,141, 120% more than liability-only car insurance. For a comprehensive policy with a $500 deductible, expect to pay 155% more than you would for basic coverage.

Washington car insurance premiums by rating factor

Your rates are determined by a number of individual factors, including your coverage level, driving history, location and more. Explore average premium costs by rating factor below to get a better sense of how much you should be paying for auto insurance in Washington.

Cheap auto insurance in Washington for minimum coverage

Forgoing full coverage for liability-only at the state minimum level will make your car insurance significantly lower. In Washington, the average cost for minimum coverage is $43 per month, or $519 yearly — a savings of $802 compared to full coverage.

Cheap auto insurance in Washington with bad credit

While most states use your credit history in the underwriting process, Washington temporarily banned the practice. However, the state has since gone back to allowing credit as a rating factor. 

Bad credit can have a sizeable impact on your car insurance premiums. Those with poor credit should compare rates from multiple different car insurance companies to get the best rates.

Cheap auto insurance for young drivers in Washington

Young drivers — aged between 16 and 25 — pay very high car insurance rates, with those aged 16 to 19 paying the most expensive premiums of all. Because of the risk presented by inexperienced drivers, teen drivers pay more than three times the national average for car insurance. In Washington, teen drivers pay especially high rates: $4,384 per year — $2,855 more than the nationwide average and over three times as much as a typical Washington driver.

Washington auto insurance rate by violation

In Washington, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.

See below average auto insurance rates in Washington after a few common citations.

Washington DUI laws

In Washington, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of 74%, or over $1,300. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident or reckless driving.

Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Washington

If you're convicted of a DUI violation in Washington, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Washington, PEMCO, advertises annual rates 56% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Washington is Progressive, while the priciest firm is GEICO, with prices 1% above average.

There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.

Washington SR-22 insurance

An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Washington to ensure that you remain insured.

Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Washington might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.

How to acquire an SR-22 in Washington 

For currently insured drivers

If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.

For uninsured drivers

When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.

For drivers without a vehicle

Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.

Rates by city

Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Anacortes, Washington, and the most expensive in Boulevard Park.

Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Washington's biggest cities.

Car insurance price trends in Washington

In Washington, average annual auto insurance costs increased by $15 in the past year. A typical Washington driver pays an average of $1,224 per year.

The recent pricing trend in Washington has been relatively steady over the last few years but still remains lower than the national average. The steepest decrease occurred from 2017 to 2018, while the highest surge took place from 2016 to 2017. At the same time, car insurance rates across the United States have stayed relatively steady in the past few years, moving from $1,521 in 2018 to $1,529 in 2021.

If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.

Washington car insurance FAQs

Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Washington auto insurance.