Average cost of car insurance in Washington in 2023

How much does car insurance cost in Washington?

The national annual average for full coverage is $1,771, and $545 per year for minimum coverage. By comparison, the yearly average in Washington state in 2022 is $1,313 per year for full coverage and $482 per year for minimum coverage. While minimum coverage is all that's legally required by the state, drivers may opt for full coverage for more robust coverage or because their vehicle has a loan or lease.

When determining auto insurance rates in Washington, insurers analyze a range of variables. Knowing which factors may affect your rates, you can see how your quotes compare to average car insurance costs in Washington. If your rates are higher than the average, you may be able to identify which variable might be negatively impacting your premiums. For instance, your rates may increase if you've gotten a speeding ticket in the last year. In that case, taking a defensive driving course may help to lower those rates again. This information can also help you decide if you are overpaying for car insurance coverage. Below are some of the standard variables used to determine auto insurance rates.

Washington car insurance rates by company

The following table shows just how different rates can be between car insurance providers. Well-known and industry-dominant companies (by market share) may be the cheapest providers in Washington, but sometimes smaller companies can offer more competitive local rates. To help you find the best provider, comparing quotes with multiple companies is worth considering.

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Washington car insurance rates by city

How much is car insurance in Washington? The following rates show the top cities in Washington based on population. You will notice that some ZIP codes pay more, while others see lower rates than the state average.

Washington car insurance rates by age

Washington car insurance rates, like with most states, are heavily influenced by age. Drivers will typically see the highest rates at 18 (when on their own policy), and then a consistent decline till rates flatten at around 30. Car insurance companies generally charge young drivers more because they have less experience behind the wheel and are more likely to get into an accident or commit traffic violations.

The first set of rates presented below is based on younger drivers being on their parents’ policy. It's common for minors to be unable to be the primary policyholder on an auto insurance policy if they are under 18. Many youths may stay on their parents’ insurance policy until they move out and are financially independent.

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their parents’ policy

Average cost of car insurance for drivers on their own policy

Washington car insurance rates by driving record

As with any other state, Washington’s auto insurance rates may be strongly impacted by driving history. If you get into an accident, receive a speeding ticket or are convicted of a DUI, you are more likely to pay higher car insurance premiums. The rates below show the average increase drivers may see after a single offense in each category. If you become a repeat offender, the increase will typically be much higher.

How to save on car insurance in Washington

Car insurance rates in Washington are affected positively in a few ways. It may be possible to lower your premium by implementing changes to your policy, such as:

1. Switching companies: Car insurance companies determine rates differently; some may offer cheaper rates than others. Comparing provider quotes is the most effective way to find the cheapest rates for your situation.
2. Comparing discounts: While rate shopping, review discounts offered by each company and determine which you may qualify for. It may be helpful to speak with an agent to determine your eligibility and savings amount.
3. Adjusting deductibles: You may save money by increasing your deductibles. The drawback is that if you are in an accident, you may be responsible for paying more out of pocket.
4. Changing vehicles: Different vehicles offer different car insurance rates. Considering the cost of insurance before choosing your next vehicle may help you save on car insurance premiums.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Washington

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2022 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2020 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 16-60 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowners and on their parent’s or their own policy. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.