Best Cheap Car Insurance in Washington for 2022

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Washington?

Washington drivers enjoy some of the lowest auto insurance rates in the nation. On average, drivers in the Evergreen State pay $1,101 per year for car insurance, which is 17% less than the nationwide average of $1,321. 

Overall, USAA has the lowest rates in Washington, according to our study. However, its insurance products are limited to military members, veterans and their families. Next to USAA, Progressive has the lowest average rates in Washington. It also has the lowest rates for many of the subcategories we analyzed. That includes senior drivers and drivers with a clean record.

Though Progressive often leads the pack, some drivers may find lower rates elsewhere. Our study indicates that drivers with poor credit are likely to find the lowest rates with Geico. Teen drivers and drivers with a speeding ticket or accident on their record are likely to find the cheapest rates with State Farm.    

Keep in mind our study provides a high-level overview of auto insurance premiums in Washington, but the rates below may not be indicative of your rates. Auto insurance companies rely on several variables, including your age, credit history, and driving record, to determine rates. Your rates also depend on the amount and type of coverage you choose, your vehicle, and where you live. As such, the best way to find out how much you’ll pay for auto insurance is to compare multiple car insurance quotes. Doing so can also help you find the cheapest car for your needs. 

Cheapest Car Insurance for You in Washington

Washington Rates for Teen Drivers

State Farm has the lowest rates for female teen drivers, while American Family has the lowest rates for male teen drivers. Farmers Insurance has the highest rates for female teen drivers, and Progressive has the highest rates for male teen drivers. 

Washington Rates for Young Adults

Young adults who aren’t eligible for USAA membership may want to consider Progressive for their auto insurance needs.  This insurer's rates are 20% to 24% lower than the state average and significantly lower than Farmers Insurance, which has the highest rates. 

Washington Rates for Seniors

Senior drivers in Washington may find the cheapest auto insurance rates with Progressive or USAA, both of which offer annual premiums that are about 30% lower than the state average. According to our data, Allstate’s rates are the highest for senior drivers. 

Washington Rates for Drivers With Poor Credit

Our study indicated that Geico has the lowest rates for Washington drivers with poor credit, though individuals with a military affiliation may find lower rates with USAA. Farmers Insurance rates are $526 more than the state average and the highest among the companies we reviewed. 

Washington Rates for Good Drivers

Military members with a clean record may find the best rates with USAA, but other good drivers may find the cheapest rates with Progressive, with average annual premiums that are 26% less than the state average and 47% lower than Farmers Insurance premiums, which are the highest in our study for these drivers.  

Washington Rates After a Speeding Ticket

Next to USAA, State Farm has the lowest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket. Farmers Insurance continues to have some of the highest rates in our study, with premiums that exceed the state average by nearly 34%. 

Washington Rates After an Accident

State Farm’s rates are 22% less than the state average and the cheapest in our study for drivers with a collision on their record, next to USAA. Drivers won’t find competitive rates with Progressive, which has the highest rates compared to other insurance companies we reviewed. 

Washington Rates After a DUI

Washington drivers looking for coverage after a DUI may find the cheapest rates with Progressive. Its rates are 35% less than the state average and 88% less than Nationwide, which has the most expensive premiums in our study. 

How Much Is High Coverage Car Insurance in Washington?

Progressives' high or full coverage rates are 22% less than the state average and, next to USAA, they are the cheapest in our study. Farmers Insurance rates are the most expensive and are 40% more than the state average. 

How Much Is Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Washington?

Drivers who aren’t eligible for USAA membership are likely to find the cheapest minimum coverage rates with Progressive, with rates that are 27% less than the state average. Farmers Insurance has the most expensive rates for minimum coverage in Washington, exceeding the state average by 38%. 

Washington Car Insurance FAQs

Is Car Insurance Required in Washington?

Yes, drivers must purchase the minimum amount of car insurance required by Washington state. 

Which Cars Are Required To Be Insured in Washington?

Drivers must insure any motor vehicle or motorcycle they plan to operate in the state. Motor scooters, mopeds, state or publicly-owned vehicles, horseless carriage vehicles that are 40 years old, or Washington Utilities and Transport Common contract carriers are exempt from the state's mandatory liability insurance laws.

When Should I Get Car Insurance in Washington?

Drivers must insure their vehicle before registering with the state. New residents need to register their vehicle within 30 days of moving to Washington. 

How Much Car Insurance Do I Need in Washington?

Washington drivers must purchase liability insurance that meets the state’s minimum requirements. 

How Much Is Car Insurance in My City in Washington?

Car insurance companies use several factors to determine auto insurance rates, and one of them is your ZIP code. Drivers in the most populated cities in Washington can expect average rates between $1,037 and $1,390, with drivers in a few cities enjoying rates that are below the state average of $1,101.

Residents in Spokane Valley enjoy rates that are 6% lower than the state average, and those in Spokane have rates that are very close to the average. Drivers in other parts of Washington, like Seattle, Tacoma, Renton, Kent and Federal Way have average rates that exceed the state average, sometimes by as much as 26%.

What Happens if My Car Is Not Properly Insured in Washington?

Drivers who operate their vehicle without the proper insurance can face fines of $550 or more. If an uninsured driver causes an accident and fails to pay for damages or injuries, their license may be suspended for up to 3 years. 

Is Washington a No-Fault State?

No, Washington is an “at-fault” state. Drivers at fault for an accident are financially responsible for damages, including bodily injury, death, and property damage. 

Do I Need Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Washington?

No, Washington drivers are not required to carry uninsured motorist or underinsured motorist coverage. However, uninsured motorist coverage offers financial protection to drivers who are in an accident with an uninsured or underinsured motorist. 

Is Liability Insurance Required in Washington?

Yes, all Washington drivers must carry the minimum amount of liability insurance required by law. A policy must include:

Does Washington Accept Digital Insurance Cards?

Yes, Washington drivers can show proof of insurance using their mobile phone or portable electronic device. 

How We Created This Washington Car Insurance Review

At U.S. News, we’re all about helping people make life’s important decisions. Our college rankings, launched in 1983, set the standard in educational rankings. Our rankings in other fields, like healthcare, government, and the automotive sphere, help people and thought leaders make choices that make lives better. Now we’re continuing to empower you with the information you need to make the right choices for your life with our Cheapest Car Insurance Rankings.

Our Study Rates

To get comparative insurance rates for this study, U.S. News also worked with Quadrant Information Services to analyze a report of insurance rates in all 50 states from most of the largest national car insurance companies, though not every company operates in every state. Quadrant obtained publicly available rate data that car insurers file with state regulators. Our study rates are based on profiles for both male and female drivers aged 17, 25, and 60. Vehicles used include the 2015 Honda Civic, 2015 Toyota RAV4, and 2015 Ford F-150, with annual mileage ranging from 6,000 and 12,000. Three car insurance coverage levels were used, as were credit tiers of good, fair, and poor. Clean driving records and records with one accident, one speeding violation, and one DUI were also used in the calculations of certain driver archetypes.

To get the study rates shown here, we computed the mean rate for male and female drivers aged 25, 35, and 60 who drive 12,000 miles per year and have medium coverage, good credit, and a clean driving record. The rates shown here are for comparative purposes only and should not be considered “average” rates available by individual insurers. Because car insurance rates are based on individual factors, your car insurance rates will differ from the rates shown here.