Key Takeaways
- State Farm is our pick for the best cheap car insurance option in Washington.
- Mutual of Enumclaw and GEICO also offer very competitive rates in the state.
- For those who qualify, USAA offers cheap rates for individuals with bad credit, tickets or at-fault accidents.
- Washington has one of the highest rates of accidents involving a distracted driver.
In this article, we’ll cover:
The best cheap car insurance companies in Washington
State Farm, Mutual of Enumclaw and GEICO offer the best car insurance rates in Washington, according to QuoteWizard research. USAA also offers some of the cheapest car insurance rates to drivers in the Evergreen State, if you qualify for coverage. All four companies offer car insurance rates that are well below the state averages of $94 a month for minimum coverage and $149 a month for full coverage.
- Cheapest Overall: USAA
- Cheapest with an accident: USAA
- Cheapest with a DUI: State Farm
- Cheapest with poor credit: USAA
Cheapest full-coverage auto insurance rates in Washington State: USAA
USAA also has the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Washington at $48 a month. For those who don’t qualify for USAA, State Farm is the cheapest option at $113 a month, per our study.
| Insurance Company | Average monthly rate | |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $91 | |
| State Farm | $113 | |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $117 | |
| GEICO | $132 | |
| American Family | $161 | |
| Allstate | $176 | |
| Progressive | $185 | |
| Farmers | $215 | |
| Washington state average | $149 | |
| Rates are for full-coverage car insurance for a 35-year-old male with a clean driving record | ||
Full-coverage car insurance is a type of auto insurance that provides broad protection for your vehicle. It typically includes liability, collision and comprehensive coverages.
- Liability coverage is the most basic type of auto insurance. It covers damages that you cause to other people or property in an accident.
- Collision coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle if you are involved in an accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Comprehensive coverage pays for repairs to your vehicle if it is damaged by something other than an accident, such as fire, theft or vandalism.
While full-coverage car insurance is not a legal requirement in any states, most lenders require it if you finance or lease a vehicle. This is because lenders want to protect their investment in your vehicle until you have paid off your loan or lease.
There are several reasons why you should consider getting full-coverage car insurance. First, it provides comprehensive protection for your vehicle. This means you will be covered for damages to your vehicle, regardless of how they happen. Second, full-coverage car insurance can help you avoid out-of-pocket expenses in the event of an accident. If you do not have full-coverage car insurance and you are involved in an at-fault accident, you may need to pay for the repairs to your vehicle out of your own pocket. This could prove costly, especially if you have a newer or more expensive vehicle.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to get full-coverage car insurance is a personal one. You will need to weigh the pros and cons and decide what is best for you and your financial situation.
Cheapest minimum-coverage auto insurance rates in Washington: USAA
USAA has the cheapest auto insurance in Washington for drivers who want state-minimum coverage with an average monthly rate of $48. State farm is a close second with an average rate of $67 per month.
| Insurance company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $48 |
| State Farm | $67 |
| GEICO | $78 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $79 |
| Allstate | $110 |
| American Family | $114 |
| Progressive | $117 |
| Farmers | $138 |
| Washington state average | $94 |
| Rates are for minimum-coverage car insurance for a 35-year-old male with a good driving record. |
Cheapest car insurance in Washington State for drivers with bad credit:USAA
USAA has the cheapest auto insurance rates for individuals with a poor credit in the Evergreen State at $90 a month, followed by State Farm at $113 a month.
| Insurance Company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $90 |
| State Farm | $113 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $117 |
| GEICO | $132 |
| American Family | $161 |
| Progressive | $185 |
| Farmers | $215 |
| Allstate | $281 |
| Washington state average | $162 |
| Rates are for full-coverage car insurance for a 35-year-old male with poor credit and a good driving record. |
On Aug. 29, 2022, Thurston County Superior Court issued a final order that would overturn the Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s ban on using credit scores to set insurance rates.
Cheapest car insurance for drivers in Washington State with a prior incident
Securing affordable car insurance in Washington State, especially after experiencing a prior incident like a traffic violation or accident, can seem challenging. However, several insurers in the state specialize in offering competitive insurance rates to drivers with a less-than-perfect driving record. While the premiums may be slightly higher due to the increased perceived risk, companies such as State Farm, GEICO and Mutual of Enumclaw are known for their forgiving policies towards drivers with a prior incident.
Some insurers offer discounts for drivers who take proactive steps, too, such as defensive driving courses or installing safety equipment in their cars. It's also essential to shop around, comparing rates from different providers, to ensure that you're receiving the best possible deal given your circumstances.
Remember, an incident on your record is not a life sentence – with time, safe driving practices and the right coverage, you can still secure affordable car insurance in Washington State.
Cheapest for drivers with a speeding ticket: USAA
USAA is the cheapest car insurance company for Washington State drivers with a speeding ticket on their record, providing an average rate of $106 a month. State Farm and GEICO also offer a competitive rate for those who do not qualify for USAA, based on our study.
| Insurance Company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $106 |
| State Farm | $125 |
| GEICO | $132 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $143 |
| Allstate | $193 |
| American Family | $198 |
| Progressive | $248 |
| Farmers | $280 |
| Washington state average | $178 |
| Rates are for full-coverage car insurance for a 35-year-old male with one speeding ticket on his driving record. |
Cheapest for drivers with an at fault accident: USAA
USAA and State Farm once again provide the cheapest options for drivers with an at-fault accident.
Washington State drivers with an at-fault accident on their records pay 49% higher rates for car insurance than they would with a clean record.
| Insurance company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $126 |
| State Farm | $136 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $160 |
| GEICO | $191 |
| American Family | $250 |
| Allstate | $255 |
| Farmers | $303 |
| Progressive | $317 |
| Washington state average | $217 |
| Rates are for full-coverage car insurance for a 35-year-old male with one at-fault accident on his driving record. |
Cheapest auto insurance for driver with a DUI: State Farm
In Washington State, having a DUI on your record means higher car insurance premiums. More precisely, drivers with a DUI pay an average of 54% more for a full-coverage car insurance policy compared to those with a clean record.
If you're seeking affordable car insurance despite having a DUI on your record, consider getting a quote from State Farm. With an average monthly rate of $125 for drivers with a DUI, State Farm offers the most competitive pricing among all the insurance providers we examined.
| Insurance Company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| State Farm | $125 |
| USAA | $188 |
| American Family | $198 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $206 |
| Progressive | $219 |
| Allstate | $232 |
| GEICO | $316 |
| Farmers | $355 |
| Washington state average | $230 |
| Rates are for full-coverage car insurance for a 35-year-old male with one DUI on his driving record. |
Cheapest auto insurance for senior drivers in Washington State: USAA
Drivers tend to pay less for car insurance as they get older. This is because insurers consider older drivers less of a risk than younger drivers. They are more likely to have a clean driving record and to be financially stable.
In Washington State, USAA is the cheapest car insurance company for seniors. The average rate for full-coverage car insurance for a 65-year-old driver with USAA is $91 per month. The second-cheapest option for auto insurance is State Farm at $103 a month.
| Insurance Company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $91 |
| State Farm | $103 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $111 |
| GEICO | $114 |
| American Family | $166 |
| Allstate | $188 |
| Progressive | $189 |
| Farmers | $211 |
| Washington state average | $147 |
| Rates are for full-coverage car insurance for a 65-year-old male with a clean driving record. |
Cheapest car insurance for teen drivers in Washington State: USAA or Mutual of Enumclaw
When looking at the cheapest cost of auto insurance for a teen or young driver, USAA provides the lowest cost for minimum coverage at $177 per month. For full coverage, Mutual of Enumclaw has the cheapest rate at $329 a month.
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| USAA | $177 | $352 |
| State Farm | $181 | $331 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $220 | $329 |
| GEICO | $231 | $396 |
| American Family | $232 | $354 |
| Progressive | $343 | $621 |
| Allstate | $351 | $662 |
| Farmers | $440 | $601 |
| Washington state average | $272 | $456 |
| Rates are for an 18-year-old male with a clean driving record. |
Cheapest auto insurance for married drivers in Washington State: USAA
Married drivers in Washington State tend to pay less for car insurance than single drivers. This is because married drivers are considered to be less of a risk than single drivers. They are more likely to have a clean driving record and to be financially stable.
According to our recent study, USAA provides the cheapest auto insurance for married drivers at $80 per month. This is $11 per month cheaper than what they charge for a single driver, which is $91 per month.
| Company | Average monthly rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $80 |
| State Farm | $113 |
| Mutual of Enumclaw | $114 |
| GEICO | $126 |
| American Family | $161 |
| Progressive | $163 |
| Allstate | $176 |
| Farmers | $221 |
| Washington state average | $144 |
| Rates are for full-coverage car insurance for a married 35-year-old male with a good driving record. |
Car insurance laws in Washington state
Researching and buying car insurance can be a daunting task. This is especially true when it comes to understanding your state’s specific laws. For those living in Washington State, it is important to familiarize yourself with the state’s unique insurance laws and requirements to stay in compliance with the law and to ensure sufficient protection. From required coverage amounts to SR-22 insurance, Washington offers a unique blend of regulations that shape how car insurance operates within its borders.
What are the car insurance requirements in Washington state?
Washington state requires all drivers to have one of the following:
- Car insurance with at least 25/50/10 liability limits
- A certificate of deposit to pay for liability insurance with the Department of Licensing
- A liability bond of at least $60,000
- Self-insurance
If you buy car insurance to meet this requirement, your policy must have liability limits of at least:
- $25,000 for injuries or death to another person
- $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
- $10,000 for damage to another person's property
SR-22 insurance in Washington
You may need to file an SR-22 in Washington if you have:
- Driven or owned a vehicle involved in an accident
- Been convicted of or forfeited bail for certain offenses
- Failed to pay judgments
An SR-22 form proves to the state that you can pay for damages you might cause while driving. Most people get car insurance to show proof of financial responsibility, but you also can get a:
- Certificate of deposit issued by the Washington State Department of Licensing for at least $60,000
- Liability bond from a surety or bonding company authorized to do business in Washington for at least $60,000
In most cases, you’ll need to file an SR-22 form with the state for three years from the date you're eligible to reinstate your license.
Washington State driver report
In a recent study QuoteWizard looked at the best and worst driving cities in the state of Washington as well as road conditions and incident rates based on age. We found that compared to the rest of the nation Washington lies in the 26th spot for best drivers and the 12th spot for worst road conditions in the nation.
Best and worst drivers in Washington State
As part of our study we looked at the worst states for distracted driving and Washington ranks as the 5th worst state in the nation. From 2017 to 2021: 2,679 fatal crashes took place in Washington with 20% of those involving a distracted driver. Here is a list of the 10 best and 10 worst driving cities in Washington.
Best Drivers by City
- Kenmore
- Longview
- Oak Harbor
- Spokane Valley
- Tumwater
- Bellevue
- Bothell
- Maple Valley
- Lacey
- Edmonds
Worst Drivers by City
- Walla Walla
- Burien
- Lake Stevens
- Pasco
- Shoreline
- Spokane
- Pullman
- Moses Lake
- Des Moines
- Camas
Rating Washington State’s road infrastructure and how it impacts drivers
Washington State has some of the worst road conditions in the nation, which costs drivers hundreds of dollars each year. Our team of analysts looked at road and bridge conditions nationwide and found that Washington State has a much higher percentage of roads and bridges in poor condition.
- 28% of roads are in “non-acceptable” condition.
- 6% of bridges are in poor condition.
- Poor road and bridge conditions cost drivers an average of $659 a year.
- Ranks as the 12th worst state.
Best and worst drivers by age group
As in most states, Washington State drivers under the age of 20 have more dangerous driving incidents than any other age group. Those between the ages of 60 and 69 see the lowest number of incidents overall, and are nearly five times less likely to cause an infraction than those under 20. Motorists over the age of 80 surprisingly, have the lowest incident rates in the state.
Washington State car insurance FAQs
A recent study by QuoteWizard found that State Farm is the best cheap auto insurance option in Washington State for both minimum and full coverage insurance. State Farm's average rates for minimum coverage in Washington State are $576 per year. This is 48% lower than the statewide average of $1,129 per year. State Farm's average rates for full coverage in Washington State are $1,356 per year, which is 24% lower than the statewide average of $1,789 per year.
The average cost of auto insurance in Washington State is $1,129 per year for minimum coverage and $1,789 per year for full coverage, according to QuoteWizard’s 2023 study. This is slightly higher than the national average of $969 per year for minimum coverage and 8% lower than the national average for full coverage, which is $1,956 per year.
Washington state requires all drivers to have one of the following:
- Car insurance with at least 25/50/10 liability limits
- A certificate of deposit to pay for liability insurance with the Department of Licensing
- A liability bond of at least $60,000
- Self-insurance
State Farm is QuoteWizard’s pick for the best cheap insurance option in Washington State. Whether you have a clean record or a prior incident, our study shows that State Farm provides the cheapest rates in the state.
Washington drivers pay more for minimum car insurance than the national average and less for full coverage than the national average.
A recent study by QuoteWizard found that the average cost of car insurance in Washington State for minimum coverage is 16% higher than the national average. The study found that the average cost of minimum-coverage car insurance in Washington State is $1,129 per year, while the national average is $969 per year.
In the same study we reported that the average for full coverage in Washington is $1,789 and is 8% lower than the national average of $1,956.
Methodology
The rates shown in this article are based on an analysis of more than 300,000 auto insurance quotes obtained from Quadrant Information Services for sample drivers from across Washington State.
Unless otherwise noted, our sample driver is a single 35-year-old. All sample drivers own a 2012 Honda Accord LX that they drive for an average of 13,500 miles per year.
Minimum-coverage rates reflect the cost of policies meeting the minimum liability limits required by the state
Full coverage policies include the following coverages, limits and deductibles:
- Bodily injury liability: 100,000 limit per person/$300,000 limit per accident
- Property damage liability: $100,000 limit
- Collision: $500 deductible
- Comprehensive: $500 deductible
- Driver report: QuoteWizard analyzed over 100,000 car insurance quotes to determine Washington's best- and worst-driving cities. Drivers were evaluated based on the number of accidents, citations, speeding tickets and DUIs in each city. QuoteWizard evaluated Federal Highway Administration data on road and bridge quality to determine the number of roads and bridges in “poor” or “unacceptable” condition.
Auto insurance by city
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