How Much Is Car Insurance in Washington? (July 2024)

Car insurance in Washington comes with an average annual cost of $1,299 for full coverage policies, while minimum coverage policies average around $673 annually. Affordable plans are within reach, but what you pay depends on several factors.

Your age, the level of where you live, your driving record, and your credit history all play a part in determining your car insurance premium. Understanding these factors can help you find the best rates for your situation.

Washington's average full coverage car insurance cost is approximately $1,299 annually. You can compare car insurance quotes to find the best deal that suits your needs and budget.

Here's what you might pay for car insurance in Washington. These averages show possible costs for minimum and full coverage plans each month and year.

Car insurance in Washington leans towards the expensive side; the average annual premium for state minimum coverage is about $673, which translates to a monthly cost of roughly $56. When compared to the national average cost of car insurance, Washington's rates are higher for state minimum coverage.

Factors influencing the cost of insurance in Washington include the state's mandatory coverage requirements, the higher cost of living, and the risk of natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes, which can lead to more claims. Additionally, urban areas with heavy traffic can lead to more accidents and higher premiums for drivers.

Car insurance premiums can differ greatly, even within the same state. For example, in Washington, PEMCO offers the cheapest full coverage at an annual premium of $793, while Dairyland has the most expensive average premium at $4,290.

Understanding these differences can lead you to the cheapest car insurance in Washington. Comparing car insurance quotes from various providers is essential to find the most affordable rates that suit your needs.

The cost of car insurance in Washington is influenced by various factors, including the level of coverage you select. For instance, the monthly cost for minimum coverage is approximately $56, while the monthly expense for full coverage, referred to as 100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded., is around $108. Despite the higher price, it is often recommended to opt for full coverage insurance because it provides more extensive financial protection in the event of accidents.

Adding comprehensive and collision coverage to your policy undoubtedly increases your premium; however, electing for higher deductibles can help in offsetting this increase. The deductible is the amount you pay for each comprehensive and collision claim before your insurance begins to cover the remaining costs.

Washington's minimum car insurance requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection are not mandated.

Your location impacts your car insurance rates significantly. Seattle's full coverage at $1,271 contrasts dramatically with Spokane's much lower $975 rate. Other factors in Washington influencing your car insurance premiums include your driving record, the type of car you drive and your credit history. Traffic density and local theft rates also play a role.

Age influences the cost of car insurance in Washington. Younger drivers often pay higher premiums, with costs decreasing as drivers mature, before slightly increasing again for those 60 and older.

Rates typically decline from ages 22 to 29 to 30 to 59, showing the most affordable averages at $1,299 annually for the latter age group. As maturity implies lower risk, insurers often charge less. However, premiums for drivers 60+ are comparable to those in their thirties and forties, averaging $1,302 annually.

Age and gender do indeed affect car insurance rates in Washington. For instance, the average annual premium for a 16-year-old male added to a family policy stands at approximately $2,821. With this age group, premiums are generally the highest.

In Washington, individuals under the age of 18 cannot legally purchase car insurance independently; they must have a parent or guardian co-sign the policy. Should a 16-year-old male opt for an individual policy, the premium would increase to around $5,331.

The average annual cost for full coverage car insurance on a 2012 car model is $1,100, whereas a 2022 model is $1,256 for the same coverage. Newer cars typically have higher actual cash values and may cost more to repair or replace, along with an elevated risk of theft, leading to increased insurance premiums. Drivers with newer vehicle models should consider investing in comprehensive and collision coverage.

The average cost of car insurance in Washington varies by driving record.

• With a ticket: $1,640 per year; $137 per month
• With an at-fault accident: $1,852 per year; $154 per month
• With a DUI: $1,981 per year; $165 per month

The type and severity of a driving violation can significantly raise your car insurance premiums in Washington. These higher rates stick with you as long as the violation is on your record, though the specific duration varies by state. For instance, in Washington, a DUI can affect your insurance rates for up to five years, while other traffic violations may not impact as long.

The table shows the average cost for each type of driving record in Washington, sorted by coverage and age group.

Washington residents pay an average of $73 monthly for car insurance with a poor credit score, while an excellent credit score might lower the rate to about $68. Your credit score significantly influences car insurance rates in the state. A good credit score, ranging from 670 to 739, can help secure more affordable car insurance premiums, as insurers view higher credit scores as an indicator of responsible financial behavior and a lower risk of filing claims.

Explore the key elements influencing the average cost of car insurance in Washington.

• Location within Washington: Premiums can fluctuate based on your residency; urban areas with more traffic often result in higher rates than rural locations.
• Driving History: A clean record can lead to more affordable plans, while accidents or violations might increase your costs significantly.
• Age and Experience: Younger, less experienced drivers often face higher rates, while older drivers enjoy more competitive pricing.
• Vehicle Make and Model: Insuring a luxury car or a model prone to theft can be costlier, impacting the overall affordability of your policy.
• Credit Score: In Washington, a higher credit score can translate to reduced insurance rates, emphasizing the importance of financial health.
• Coverage Type: Opting for comprehensive insurance or collision insurance will affect your premium, unlike choosing state minimum coverage.
• Annual Mileage: Driving fewer miles can lead to lower insurance costs, as there is less risk of accidents and claims.
• Gender and Marital Status: Statistically, married drivers and female drivers might enjoy lower rates due to perceived risk factors.
• Discounts: Taking advantage of discounts for things like multi-car policies, safety features and defensive driving courses can lead to more affordable coverage.

By understanding these factors, you can explore car insurance rates and find a deal that suits you.

To secure affordable car insurance in Washington, you can compare prices across insurers, opt for a higher deductible and capitalize on all applicable insurance discounts.

Find out what impacts the average cost of your car insurance in Washington and how you can find affordable rates.