There are over 212,000 residents in Tacoma, Washington with an average commute time of around 30 minutes. With so much time in the car, this makes good auto insurance coverage in Tacoma a must. Drivers in the City of Destiny can expect to pay an average of $626 per year for minimum car insurance, while a full coverage policy averages $1,428 per year.
Bankrate reviewed numerous auto insurance carriers to see what advantages each offers the residents of Tacoma. Fortunately, there are multiple options for both affordable rates and a wide variety of coverage options and discounts.
Best car insurance companies in Tacoma
There are a number of car insurance companies in Tacoma, but a few stand out for their competitive rates and high customer satisfaction ratings. Bankrate reviewed this information, plus other attributes such as financial strength and discounts offered, to determine which car insurance companies in Tacoma offer the biggest advantages for their customers.
| Insurance company | J.D. Power score Northwest Region |
Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAA* | 883 / 1,000 | $379 | $950 |
| PEMCO | 827 / 1,000 | $440 | $1,157 |
| Geico | 834 / 1,000 | $487 | $1,065 |
| Progressive | 821 / 1,000 | $495 | $1,161 |
*USAA is not eligible for official ranking with J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions
USAA
At the top of the list is USAA, which has been servicing military service members, veterans and their families for nearly one hundred years. Whether you currently serve in Fort Lewis or are a past member of the military, you will find special coverage options such as gap insurance or accident forgiveness to complete your policy.
PEMCO
PEMCO is a regional provider servicing residents of Oregon and Washington and is one of the highest rated companies on the 2020 J.D. Power score for the Northwest Region. Customers of this provider have access to unique policy options, such as pet coverage if your pet is injured while riding in your car. If you drive for a rideshare program like Uber or Lyft, you will find the rideshare coverage beneficial too.
Geico
Over 75 years ago Geico was formed to provide auto insurance for federal employees. Fast forward to today and Geico is the second-largest auto insurance provider in the country, with plenty of coverage and discount options for almost all drivers. Geico also scores extremely high, with an 834 out of 1,000 on the J.D. Power score, indicating strong customer satisfaction among residents of the Northwest.
Progressive
Progressive is right behind Geico as the third-largest auto insurance provider in the U.S. and also shows up on the 2020 J.D. Power score, although not as high as other providers. Progressive offers a number of discounts for customers, ranging from multi-policy to a good student discount. Progressive also offers the optional Deductible Savings Bank, which deducts $50 off your comprehensive and collision deductible for every policy period you renew and do not have a claim.
Cheapest car insurance in Tacoma
The average rates in Tacoma are slightly lower than the U.S. average of $1,674 per year, and there are an array of carriers offering cheap car insurance in Tacoma to help fit almost any budget.
Bankrate reviewed several carriers in the Northwest region and found USAA offered the lowest rates for those who qualify for membership. Geico and Progressive are closely matched with rates, but Progressive stands out for the number of discounts offered. Travelers and State Farm are also strong contenders, with both offering highly-rated mobile apps for complete policy management, or you can work directly with the many agents for each of the carriers.
| Insurance company | Average annual premium for minimum coverage | Average annual premium for full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $379 | $950 |
| Geico | $487 | $1,065 |
| Progressive | $495 | $1,161 |
| Travelers | $526 | $987 |
| State Farm | $601 | $1,279 |
Tacoma insurance requirements
Like almost everywhere else, Washington state requires mandatory auto insurance coverage, including minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10.
- $25,000 of bodily injury or death per person
- $50,000 of bodily injury or death of two individuals per accident
- $10,000 of property damage per accident
Only purchasing the minimum amount of auto insurance could leave you in a financially vulnerable situation, especially in case of an at-fault accident. Experts recommend purchasing the most amount of coverage for your budget. For instance, it is recommended drivers in Washington strongly consider purchasing uninsured motorist coverage, since Washington ranks as the fifth highest state for most uninsured drivers.
Car insurance discounts in Tacoma
With car insurance premiums in Tacoma averaging around $626 per year for minimum coverage, you may find it helpful to review any and all discounts available for premiums. There are a wide variety of options available, including:
- Bundling: Purchasing from the same carrier where you also purchase your homeowners, renters or condo insurance is a smart way to receive potential additional savings on your policy.
- Military discount: Members of the military often receive added savings, with a large number of carriers — both national and local — offering this form of savings.
- Paid-in-full: If you are able to pay your premiums all at once, instead of in monthly installments, carriers might provide upfront savings when you choose this payment option.
- Safety equipment: If your vehicle is equipped with safety features, such as airbags or anti-lock brakes, or if you wear your seatbelt on a regular basis, then you can be rewarded with discounts on premiums.
Discounts are an easy way to save, but there are other tactics to receive the cheapest car insurance in Tacoma. If you raise your deductible for your comprehensive and collision coverage, then your premiums are less since you might have to pay more out of pocket. You also benefit from shopping around and comparing rates among multiple carriers, since rates and options vary so widely from one carrier to another.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best car insurance company?
Choosing the best car insurance means researching which one offers you the options you need and fits within your budget. It is critical to choose one not only for rates, but one that values strong customer service and financial stability. Bankrate has reviewed a large number of carriers and found USAA, Amica and Geico are all impressive options.
How much does car insurance in Tacoma cost?
The average cost of car insurance in Tacoma is $626 per year for minimum coverage, and $1,428 per year for a full coverage policy. However, your exact rates are determined by a variety of factors, including your zip code, age, vehicle, driving history and credit score — which means your rates may be higher or lower depending on your personal circumstances.
Methodology
Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2021 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. 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 coverages that meet each state’s requirements. Our sample drivers own a 2019 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.
These are sample rates and should be used for comparative purposes only. Your quotes may be different.
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