Skip to Main Content
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Cheapest car insurance in Washington for 2023

According to Bankrate's analysis, USAA, Travelers and Oregon Mutual offer some of the cheapest car insurance in Washington state

Updated May 04, 2023
Bankrate logo The Bankrate promise

At Bankrate, we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. To help readers understand how insurance affects their finances, we have licensed insurance professionals on staff who have spent a combined 47 years in the auto, home and life insurance industries. While we adhere to strict , this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here’s an explanation of . Our content is backed by Coverage.com LLC, a licensed entity (NPN: 19966249). For more information, please see our 

The cheapest insurance companies in Washington

Washington drivers are required by law to carry at least a minimum amount of auto insurance for their vehicles, but many drivers will opt for higher limits or more coverage types when purchasing a policy to be better financially protected. When looking for cheap car insurance in Washington, it may benefit you to ask for quotes from a range of car insurance companies to see who will offer you the best rates for your unique driving profile.

Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Compare auto insurance rates

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.
Caret DownCaret Up
Please select age
Location-Icon
Lock Secure Your information is secure
SAVE WITH TRUSTED PROVIDERS
+ MORE
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Cheapest company for minimum coverage

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
USAA $27 $327

Cheapest company for full coverage

Company Average monthly full coverage rates Average annual full coverage premium
Travelers $80 $957

Cheapest company for adding a teen driver

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
PEMCO $61 $728

Cheapest company for getting a speeding ticket

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
Oregon Mutual $32 $380

Cheapest company for being in an at-fault accident

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
PEMCO $35 $422

Cheapest company after a high-risk incident

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
Progressive $41 $490

The cheapest car insurance companies in Washington by coverage level

In addition to liability coverage, drivers in the state of Washington are required to carry a minimum of $25,000/$50,000 in uninsured/underinsured bodily injury, $10,000 in uninsured/underinsured property damage and $10,000 basic injury protection. The average cost of car insurance in Washington is $515 per year for the state-required minimum coverage and $1,410 per year for full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance. When compared to the national average cost of car insurance, which is $622 for minimum and $2,014 for full coverage, drivers are paying less on average for car insurance policies in Washington.

USAA
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$27
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$327
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $188
PEMCO
Rating: 3.9 stars out of 5
3.9
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$28
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$335
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $180
Travelers
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$29
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$351
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $164
Oregon Mutual
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$32
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$380
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $135
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$34
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$407
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $108
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

*Based on policies with minimum coverage for 2023

Travelers
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
4.0
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$80
Average annual full coverage premium
$957
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $453
Oregon Mutual
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$81
Average annual full coverage premium
$974
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $436
USAA
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$82
Average annual full coverage premium
$987
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $423
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$87
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,048
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $362
Mutual of Enumclaw
Average monthly full coverage premium
$90
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,078
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $332
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

*Based on policies with full coverage for 2023

Cheapest cities in Washington for car insurance 

One factor that has an impact on your premium rate is your ZIP code. If you live in an area with a high crime rate, or in an urban area that sees more than the average number of accidents, your insurer may see you as a higher risk, and will accordingly increase your rate. Below are sample rates for minimum and full coverage for some of Washington's cities and towns.

City City average annual minimum coverage premium Cheapest car insurance company Company average annual minimum coverage premium
Kettle Falls $339 PEMCO $210
Republic $340 Grange $281
Colville $340 PEMCO $210
Evans $340 PEMCO $210
Northport $341 PEMCO $210
City City average annual full coverage premium Cheapest car insurance company Company average annual full coverage premium
Snoqualmie Pass $1,265 Travelers $913
Carson $1,266 USAA $941
Belfair $1,266 Oregon Mutual $836
East Olympia $1,266 Travelers $802
Naselle $1,267 Travelers $880

Factors that impact cheap rates in Washington

Insurance companies take your location or ZIP code into account as one of the factors when determining your car insurance costs. However, there are other factors that play a role in determining your car insurance rates as well. Some of these factors relate to your driving habits or age, credit and claims history, but there are others that you may have less control over. Here are four of the most common.

Insuring a teen driver

Teen drivers who do not yet have years of experience behind the wheel are statistically one of the most likely age groups to be involved in accidents and other incidents behind the wheel. Because of this, teen drivers pay, on average, a higher rate for car insurance, whether they have their own policy or are included on their parents' policies. As drivers age and get more experience behind the wheel, the average cost of car insurance tends to decline. By shopping around, however, you may be able to find a better deal on car insurance for a teen driver. 

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
PEMCO $728 $2,048
Dairyland $794 $3,130
Oregon Mutual $836 $1,825
Travelers $859 $2,163
USAA $906 $2,615

Getting a speeding ticket

Cheap auto insurance in Washington may be harder to find if you have a speeding ticket conviction on your driving record. The increase to the cost of your car insurance after a speeding ticket conviction varies from one car insurance company to the next, which is why comparing the options may help you find the most affordable policy. The table below offers examples of average rates for drivers with a speeding ticket conviction in Washington. Keep in mind, however, that the cost of your car insurance policy may be higher if you have multiple speeding ticket convictions on your record.

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
Oregon Mutual $380 $974
USAA $387 $1,170
PEMCO $388 $1,306
Travelers $449 $1,271
Geico $466 $1,241

Getting into an at-fault accident

If you are found to be at fault in a car accident, chances are good that your car insurance costs will increase at some point in the near future, as you’ll be considered a higher risk to insure. According to Bankrate’s analysis, the average cost increase following an accident is an estimated $750 per year on a full coverage car insurance policy. However, every car insurance company calculates rates differently, so it may be helpful to shop around if you have an at-fault car accident on your driving record.

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
PEMCO $422 $1,373
Oregon Mutual $431 $1,131
Travelers $471 $1,324
USAA $475 $1,412
Encompass $525 $1,561

Being deemed a high-risk driver

Few factors will typically impact your car insurance rates in Washington as much as being considered a high-risk driver who has been convicted of a DUI. Driving under the influence can have a wide range of penalties, including a significant uptick in the average cost of car insurance. Additionally, not all car insurance companies will insure drivers with a DUI on their record, and while there are average rates for high-risk insurance listed below, they are not a guarantee that these companies will insure you with a DUI conviction on your record.

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
Progressive $490 $1,313
Travelers $527 $1,455
PEMCO $564 $1,719
Oregon Mutual $599 $1,461
Chubb $692 $2,219

Minimum coverage requirements for Washington Drivers

The state of Washington requires drivers to carry at least minimum limits of liability coverage to drive legally. In Washington, you must have at least the following minimum coverage limits:

  • $25,000 bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury per accident
  • $10,000 property damage

Washington also requires the following coverage to be offered, but policyholders can reject them in writing if they wish:

  • $25,000/$50,000 underinsured motorist bodily injury
  • $10,000 underinsured motorist property damage
  • $10,000 basic injury protection

Drivers who opt for minimum coverage car insurance typically pay some of the lowest costs on average. However, most insurance professionals will recommend that you purchase coverage more than the minimum amount of coverage required by law if you are financially able to do so in order to be better protected financially. If you cause an accident and the damages exceed your policy’s coverage limits, you are responsible for paying the difference out of pocket.

If you have a loan or lease on your vehicle, or want a car insurance policy that will cover damage to your vehicle, full coverage car insurance is typically the answer. In fact, nearly all lenders and financial institutions will require you to have full coverage car insurance if you have a loan or lease on your car.

How to get the cheapest car insurance in Washington

If you are wondering how to save on car insurance in Washington, there are a number of ways you may be able to do so. Aside from choosing a cheap car insurance company, it may benefit you to consider the following to save on car insurance in Washington:

Get multiple quotes

When researching car insurance providers, it can be helpful to get quotes from a few companies and compare them. Every company uses its own methods to determine rates, so each company's quote is likely to be different, even for the same type and amount of coverage. Getting multiple quotes allows you to see which provider offers the lowest rate for the type and amount of coverage you need.

Look for discounts

It may also be helpful to seek out insurance companies that offer multiple discounts. In some cases you may be able to save money simply by signing up for automatic payments or enrolling in paperless billing statements. Almost every company offers at least a few discount opportunities to customers, and qualifying for one or more discounts is typically one of the easiest ways to save money on the cost of your car insurance.

Choose coverage strategically

It can be tempting to purchase add-on coverage options, like accident forgiveness and OEM (original equipment manufacturer) coverage, but those options do cost extra to include in your policy. If you are going to buy optional endorsements, it may help to choose the coverage types that are most important to you.

Pay in full

If you can afford to pay your annual premium in full, you may be able to save some money on your policy. You may also save if you choose paperless billing and elect to receive your policy documents electronically rather than through the mail.

If you are unsure what coverages, discounts or policy features that might be best for you, talking with a licensed agent may be helpful.

Car insurance discounts in Washington

One of the easiest ways to find cheap car insurance in Washington is through discounts. Discount opportunities are very common, and may save you anywhere from a few dollars to 25 or 30 percent on the cost of your car insurance policy. Here are some car insurance discounts in Washington that you may see listed on your insurer's website:

  • Young driver discounts: Drivers under the age of 25 may be able to save if they are full-time high school or college students who maintain GPAs above the threshold set by an insurance company. They may also save if they are on their parents' policy and attend a school more than 100 miles from home.
  • Safe driver discounts: Drivers who go without an at-fault accident or moving violation conviction on their records for a certain number of years (usually three to five) may earn a discount. Participating in your insurer's telematics program could also earn you a hefty discount on your premium if the data shows that you're a safe and careful driver.
  • Safety features: Many insurers offer a discount for having a car with certain safety features, and may also be able to save if you install an anti-theft system in the vehicle.
  • Military discounts: Discounts for veterans or active duty military members may also be available from certain car insurance companies.
  • Organizational discounts: Some insurers offer discounts to drivers who are part of certain organizations, companies, and/or alumni groups. 

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for 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 2021 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. 

Bankrate Scores 

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.

 

Savings

Compare rates and save on auto insurance today!

ZIP code
Close X
Written by
Mary Van Keuren
Insurance Contributor

Mary Van Keuren has written for insurance domains such as Bankrate, Coverage.com, and The Simple Dollar for the past five years, specializing in home and auto insurance. She has also written extensively for consumer websites including Reviews.com and Slumber Yard. Prior to that, she worked as a writer in academia for several decades.

Edited by Insurance Editor
Reviewed by Director of corporate communications, Insurance Information Institute