When it comes to car insurance rates, several factors can affect how much you pay, such as coverage levels, driving history and credit score. In Washington, rates for full coverage auto insurance can range from $534 per year with PEMCO to $3,209 per year with Dairyland. Age can also make a difference, with drivers in their 20s typically paying around $1,373 per year and those 60 and older only paying around $1,046.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington (2023)
Car insurance in Washington costs an average of $1,049 per year, but the average cost of car insurance varies depending on the amount of coverage you want and your driving record. Full coverage rates range from $1,049 for a clean driving record to $1,666 for drivers with a DUI. Those with accidents and speeding tickets pay around $1,550 and $1,358 annually, respectively.
Why Are Car Insurance Rates Moderate in Washington?
Car insurance in Washington costs an average of $1,049 per year, which is slightly lower than the national average of $1,054 per year. This could be due to several factors like high traffic density, high urban population density and high car theft rates. If Washington car insurance is expensive for you, it could also be due to factors like age or driving history, which can increase the perceived risk for insurance companies and result in higher rates.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington by Company
The average cost of car insurance in Washington of $1,049 per year can be misleading since costs can vary significantly by company. PEMCO is currently the cheapest liability-only insurance option at $262 per year ($534 for full coverage). Dairyland is the most expensive option at $1,481 per year for minimum coverage ($3,209 for full coverage).
Even the most affordable full coverage insurance policies usually cost much more than minimum liability coverage. Find the cheapest auto insurance in Washington for your profile by comparing rates.
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Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
When it comes to car insurance rates, your coverage levels aren't the only determining factor. Other factors, such as age and driving history, also come into play. To get an estimate of what you might pay for car insurance, try using MoneyGeek's Washington car insurance calculator.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington by Coverage Level
In Washington, car insurance rates can vary greatly from an average of $565 per year for minimum coverage to roughly $1,247 per year for full coverage with high liability limits. It's worth noting that costs will go up as you increase your liability limits.
If you opt for comprehensive and collision insurance (also known as full coverage insurance), expect to see an increase of hundreds of dollars per year. You can lower the cost of full coverage by increasing your deductible, which means you'll pay more out of pocket in the event of a claim, but your monthly premiums will be lower.

If you're looking for the cheapest car insurance policy possible, then consider a minimum coverage auto insurance policy in Washington. These policies have no comprehensive and collision coverage and the lowest possible liability limits. However, insurers also offer increased liability limits. Most insurers also offer a maximum liability option of 300/500/300. For example, 100/300/100 refers to the following coverage levels:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per person
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability insurance per accident
- $100,000 in property damage liability insurance per accident
If you want the benefit of added protection, you may be better off with a full coverage auto insurance policy. A policy is considered to be full coverage when it includes comprehensive and collision insurance, which covers the cost of damages to you and your vehicle, in addition to liability insurance for third-party expenses.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington by Age
Age is an important factor in how much car insurance costs in Washington, especially for young or new drivers. Here are the average rates based on different age groups:
- 22-29: $1,373 per year
- 30-59: $1,049 per year
- 60 and older: $1,046 per year
Typically, drivers in their 20s pay more due to perceived risk, while rates rarely change between the ages of 30 and 60. It's worth noting that adult drivers over 30 who are new to driving may pay car insurance rates for new drivers similar to those of younger drivers.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington for Teens
Car insurance for teens in Washington is significantly more expensive than for adults due to the higher risk associated with inexperienced drivers. For instance, a 16-year-old male on a family plan can expect to pay around $2,821 per year, while an individual plan costs around $5,331.
Rates vary significantly by age, with a 19-year-old male paying $2,095 per year on a family plan and a 22-year-old male paying $1,780. Rates for teen girls tend to be slightly lower, with a 16-year-old girl paying roughly $2,552 per year on a family policy. Rates vary by insurer, so shopping around can help find cheap car insurance for teens in Washington.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington for New Cars vs. Older Cars
If you're planning to insure a new car in Washington, it's typically more expensive than insuring an older vehicle, with a 14% average increase from $1,100 to $1,256 per year. This is because newer cars usually have a higher actual cash value (ACV), which means insurers must pay more in case of an accident.
Additionally, repairs for newer cars tend to be pricier, and there's a greater risk of theft. On the other hand, older cars have lower ACVs, which leads to lower rates. Drivers of new cars with high ACVs should consider full coverage insurance that also covers the cost of damage to their car.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington by Driving Record
Your driving record can greatly affect your insurance rates in Washington. These are the average rates for drivers with various violations:
- Clean record: $1,049 per year
- Speeding ticket: $1,358 per year
- At-fault accident: $1,550 per year
- DUI: $1,666 per year
The more severe the violation, the higher your rates will likely be. However, different insurers may penalize drivers differently, so shopping around is wise. Look for insurers that offer cheaper auto insurance rates for Washington drivers with poor records to save money.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington by Credit Score
Your credit score can significantly impact how much you pay for car insurance in Washington. The average annual rates for minimum coverage for various credit score ranges in Washington are as follows:
- Excellent: $812 per year
- Good: $829 per year
- Fair: $843 per year
- Below fair: $858 per year
- Poor: $878 per year
Different insurance companies may have varying penalties for lower credit scores. If you have a low credit score, it's recommended that you shop around for Washington auto insurers with cheap rates for poor credit.
Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington by City
Your location can have a substantial impact on the cost of your car insurance. In Washington, our research shows that certain cities have higher average insurance costs than others. Renton tops the list with the highest annual cost for full coverage auto insurance at $1,283, while Spokane has the lowest rates at $975. The reason for Renton's higher rates may be due in part to its relatively high population density.
Compare Insurance Rates
Ensure you are getting the best rate for your insurance. Compare quotes from the top insurance companies.
FAQ About Car Insurance Costs in Washington
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the average car insurance costs in Washington. Keep in mind that your insurance rates may vary depending on individual factors as well as population density and crime rates.
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