widget-location-pin
MoneyGeek Logo IconBestAuto InsuranceWashington
2023

The Best Car Insurance in Washington

MoneyGeek also listed the most affordable car insurance companies in Washington if you prioritize affordability over service quality.

Best Full Coverage Car Insurance Companies in Washington: Overall

Based on MoneyGeek’s analysis, the best car insurance companies in Washington are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($821 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100 ($956 per year)

Our internal scoring system factored in customer satisfaction, financial strength and cost to determine rankings.

We also compiled the cheapest full coverage car insurance in Washington for those who value savings.

THE TOP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN WASHINGTON

1
GEICOBest Overall
Score:82

4.5/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

GEICO ranks first for financial stability and affordability. While it ranks second for customer service, it’s in fifth place for claims processing. GEICO has mechanical breakdown insurance as an add-on coverage.

Average Annual Cost: $821

More About GEICO

You can include mechanical breakdown insurance in your GEICO auto policy for an additional amount. It's typically more affordable than a dealer's standard extended warranty. It also provides better coverage as it includes all parts and systems, even those excluded from most dealer warranties. However, this unique coverage is optional and only applies to cars that are less than 15 months old and with less than 15,000 miles.

GEICO also offers accident forgiveness, which ensures your insurance rates won’t go up following your first at-fault accident. This coverage is not included in your standard auto insurance policy, meaning you need to purchase it as an add-on or earn it if you’re over 21 and have remained accident-free for more than five years.

2
State Farm
Score:81

4.2/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

4/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

State Farm ranks first for claims processing, second for customer satisfaction, third for affordability and fourth for financial stability. You can choose to add rideshare insurance to your policy.

Average Annual Cost: $956

More About State Farm

State Farm’s only rare coverage is rideshare insurance. While you’re working for a ridesharing company like Lyft or Uber, this unique add-on coverage will ensure that several coverages in your policy, such as emergency roadside assistance, along with medical and rental car reimbursement, remain in force. Your personal policy deductible will also apply to this coverage.

State Farm’s other coverage options include rental car and/or travel reimbursement, which pays for rental car and travel expenses up to $500. You can also get 24/7 roadside assistance, including towing and other services for a disabled vehicle.

3
Progressive
Score:80

4.3/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

3.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

Progressive charges an average of $920 for car insurance in Washington. In MoneyGeek’s analysis, Progressive ranks first for claims processing, second for financial stability and affordability and sixth for customer satisfaction. Progressive offers custom parts coverage as an add-on option to your policy.

More About Progressive

Progressive’s custom parts and equipment (CPE) coverage repairs or replaces aftermarket accessories added to your car. These may include navigation systems, an upgraded stereo system or custom wheels. The company also offers rideshare insurance that protects you while you’re waiting to receive a ride request.

4
Allstate
Score:79

3.7/5

Affordability

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

An Allstate policy costs an average of $1,143 in Washington. Compared to other car insurance companies in Washington, Allstate ranks first for claims processing. It comes in second for financial stability and customer satisfaction. Allstate offers portable electronics and media coverage.

More About Allstate

Portable electronics and media coverage protects you against costs from the loss of items used with an auto sound system. These include tapes, CDs or other similar items. Custom parts coverage is also available, which covers a loss to custom equipment, including bars, special carpeting, height-extending roofs, custom decals and more.

5
American Family
Score:74

3.1/5

Affordability

3.5/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

4/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

American Family’s average auto insurance rate in this state is $1,371. Among several auto insurance companies in Washington, American Family ranks first in customer satisfaction, fifth in claims processing and fourth in financial stability. An add-on coverage you can purchase is original equipment manufacturer (EOM) coverage.

More About American Family

Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) coverage ensures that repair centers do not use aftermarket parts if your car needs repairs. It guarantees that any part used comes directly from your car’s manufacturer. The company also offers rideshare insurance to protect Uber and Lyft drivers.

mglogo icon
HOW WE DETERMINED THE BEST INSURANCE IN WASHINTON

MoneyGeek gathered quotes to determine which companies offer the best full coverage car insurance in Washington to complete this analysis. When you apply for a quote, your rate may differ due to your details. MoneyGeek used data from J.D. Power and the NAIC to determine rankings for user satisfaction and claims processing, respectively. Our methodology page provides more information about policies, driver profiles and assumptions.

MoneyGeek's Washington Car Insurance Resources:

Best Car Insurance in Washington for Customer Service

You get the best customer service experience from the following auto insurance companies in Washington:

  • The Hartford: MoneyGeek score of 95 out of 100
  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100

Note that this category only considers ratings on customer experience and claims satisfaction. Some high-ranking companies, such as Allstate, have more expensive premiums. It means you may need to pay more to receive stellar service.

THE TOP TWO CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN WASHINGTON FOR SERVICE QUALITY

1
The HartfordBest for Customer Service
Score:95

5/5

Claims

4.5/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

The Hartford ranks first for customer satisfaction and claims, making it the top car insurance company in Washington if we don't consider rates.

More About The Hartford

Policyholders can add full glass coverage to their Hartford policies. Typically, comprehensive car insurance can help pay for the cost of repairing or replacing your windshield due to a covered claim after meeting your deductible. In contrast, Hartford’s unique add-on coverage financially protects you against costs from headlight, window and mirror repairs without applying your deductible.

Other optional coverages available with Hartford are gap insurance and accident forgiveness. Gap insurance can help pay the difference between your vehicle’s actual cash value and the amount you still owe on your lease or loan if it’s stolen or totaled. Meanwhile, accident forgiveness excuses your first at-fault accident as long as all drivers on your auto policy have a clean driving record and remain accident-free for five straight years.

2
Allstate
Score:81

4/5

Claims

4/5

User Satisfaction

4.5/5

Financial Stability

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

The second-best car insurance company in Washington for customer service is Allstate. It ranks third for customer satisfaction and second for claims processing. The trade-off when purchasing car insurance from Allstate is cost. With an annual rate of $1,143, you are paying a bit more for better service.

More About Allstate

With Allstate’s unique sound system coverage, you are covered for damages to a sound system that’s permanently installed in your vehicle. This includes antennas and other components. However, you can only purchase this coverage if you’re carrying a comprehensive car insurance policy.

Allstate also offers portable electronics and media coverage. This rare add-on provides coverage for any tapes, compact discs or similar items used with a sound system in your vehicle. Note, however, that coverage applies to property owned by the policyholder or a resident relative that is in or upon the insured vehicle at the time of loss. Similarly, you need comprehensive car insurance to choose this coverage.

Another optional coverage you can purchase from Allstate is Ride for Hire, which provides coverage when your rideshare app is on and you're available for hire.

Best Car Insurance in Washington for Minimum Coverage

The top companies offering the cheapest car insurance for drivers with a strict budget in Washington are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($451 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 82 out of 100 ($501 per year)

A policy that meets Washington’s state minimum car insurance requirements is your best option if you’re watching your expenses. Our analysis balanced the premium price for a state minimum policy with quality service.

We also analyzed the cheapest minimum coverage car insurance in Washington if you’re focused on savings.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO

GEICO

pros

Offers a minimum coverage policy for $451 per year on average

Makes several discounts available for safe driving, having an anti-theft system and seat belt use

User satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5

cons

Doesn’t offer discounts for paying your premium in full or going paperless

Claims rating of 3.5 out of 5

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

With GEICO, you have various opportunities to save on car insurance premiums. You can get lower rates by bundling your car insurance with a home, renters, condo or mobile home insurance policy. You can also choose to insure more than one car with GEICO to qualify for a discount.

Additionally, you can find discounts with GEICO that aren’t often available from other car insurance providers. These include discounts for having airbags as well as installing anti-theft systems, anti-lock brakes and daytime running lights.

You are eligible for a discount if you’re a member of a partner alumni organization, professional organization, fraternity or sorority. Take note that GEICO also offers discounts to active or retired federal employees and affinity-based discounts to teachers.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Washington for Young Drivers and Students

MoneyGeek’s analysis found that the best car insurance companies in Washington for young drivers and students are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100
  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 67 out of 100

We considered rates for those in their late teens or early 20s for this category, as well as those attending college, especially since companies typically charge student drivers higher premiums because they are riskier to insure.

Our team also analyzed the cheapest car insurance in Washington for young drivers and students who are focused on savings.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO

GEICO

pros

Affordable rates for adding a young driver to a policy, averaging $2,241

Driver education and good student discounts are available

User satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5

cons

Does not offer a distant student discount

3.5 out of 5 rating for claims processing

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Filing a claim is often a stressful situation. This is why it’s crucial to have an insurance provider that can make the process as smooth as possible. In addition to offering reasonably priced insurance for adding young drivers and students to an auto policy, GEICO also prioritizes a positive customer service experience.

Even though GEICO already has some of the most affordable rates in Washington, you can lower your premium further through several saving opportunities. These include good student discounts (for full-time students who maintain good academic records) and driver’s education discounts (for those who completed a driver’s ed course). By taking advantage of these discounts, you can avoid exorbitant car insurance rates and pay less for coverage with GEICO.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Washington for Seniors

MoneyGeek rated the best car insurance companies in Washington for seniors based on their affordability and customer service. Our top picks for this category are:

  • GEICO: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($765 per year)
  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 83 out of 100 ($947 per year)

Our scores balance cost and customer satisfaction ratings equally. If you want to save on premiums, we also compiled the cheapest Washington car insurance for seniors.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: GEICO

GEICO

pros

Provides the lowest average rates for seniors at roughly $765 per year.

Offers roadside assistance, rental car reimbursement and accident forgiveness.

Has discounts for senior drivers and defensive driving.

MoneyGeek claims and customer satisfaction ratings of 4 out of 5.

cons

No discounts for going paperless or paying in full.

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Although senior drivers usually pay more expensive premiums, you can get relatively reasonable rates with GEICO. This company offers a combination of affordable rates and excellent customer service.

GEICO policyholders can purchase accident forgiveness, which makes sure your rate won’t increase after your first at-fault accident. You can also add roadside assistance to your GEICO policy. This optional coverage covers the cost of changing flat tires, towing, jump-starting your battery, winching your vehicle and delivering fuel. In addition, it pays for lockout services in the event you’re locked out of your car.

Furthermore, GEICO provides discount opportunities to lower the cost of car insurance. These include discounts for seniors and defensive driving.

Read MoneyGeek's GEICO Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Washington for Bad Driving Records

The best car insurance companies in Washington for drivers with a poor record are:

  • State Farm: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($1,130 per year)
  • Allstate: MoneyGeek score of 84 out of 100 ($1,562 per year)

MoneyGeek’s analysis for this category considered premiums after an at-fault collision and customer service ratings.

Those who are focused on savings can browse our guide on the cheapest car insurance in Washington for those with a DUI or bad record.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: State Farm

State Farm

pros

The average cost for drivers with bad records is $1,130 per year

Offers add-on coverages for roadside assistance and rental car reimbursement

Has a claims rating of 4 out of 5

Has a customer satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5

cons

Coverage for accident forgiveness, new car replacement and better car replacement are not available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

State Farm is the top auto insurance company in Washington for drivers with an at-fault accident on their record. Its ratings for claims processing and customer service are both 4 out of 5. You can purchase a policy from State Farm for approximately $1,130 per year.

You can also choose to include these additional coverages in your policy:

  • Roadside Assistance: This coverage pays for an hour’s worth of mechanical labor where your car broke down and towing to move it to a different location for repairs. It also pays for the delivery of gas, oil, a battery or tires, but you’ll have to cover the cost of the items yourself.
  • Rental Reimbursement: State Farm covers rental expenses up to your policy limits, as well as meals, lodging and transportation costs of up to $500. If you cause an accident using your rental car, it repays you $500 of your deductible.
Read MoneyGeek's State Farm Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Washington for a Military Background

With a MoneyGeek score of 100 out of 100, USAA is the best car insurance company in Washington for veterans and military members. It scored a 5 out of 5 in all categories, making its overall scores higher than all other car insurance providers in the state. A full coverage policy costs $638 per year on average. If you’re looking for a policy meeting Washington’s minimum car insurance requirements, USAA offers one for an average of $324. A driver with an at-fault accident can get car insurance for around $902.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: USAA

USAA

pros

A full coverage car insurance policy costs $638 per year on average

Offers rideshare insurance and a loyalty discount

Scored 5 out of 5 for claims processing

Scored 5 out of 5 for customer service

cons

USAA’s policies are only available to present and former military members and their families

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

USAA has one of the best reputations in the country. In Washington, the company is known for its affordable car insurance rates and high-quality customer service.

It also offers a wide array of add-on coverages and discount programs to its auto policies. Some of these are:

  • Accident Forgiveness: If you remain accident-free for five years, USAA won’t increase your premium after your first at-fault accident.
  • Rideshare Insurance: Insurance from rideshare companies sometimes does not cover the periods you’re waiting for a rider match. USAA’s rideshare insurance coverage fills that gap and ensures protection at all times.
  • Vehicle Storage Discount: You can save up to 60% for storing an insured car.
  • Mileage Discount: This discount lowers your rates based on how much you drive each year.
Read MoneyGeek's USAA Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Washington for Those With New Cars

Allstate is the best car insurance company for drivers with a new car in Washington, offering new car replacement add-on coverage, with a MoneyGeek score of 79 out of 100. The average annual cost of an Allstate policy is $1,143.

Purchasing new car replacement coverage means Allstate replaces your vehicle with a new model if it's less than two years old after a total loss. Because cars depreciate once they leave the lot, this optional coverage makes sure you don’t get a low value for your vehicle after an accident or another event that totals it.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Allstate

Allstate

pros

Offers new car replacement as an add-on coverage

Has a claims rating of 4 out of 5

Has a user satisfaction rating of 4 out of 5

cons

Somewhat expensive average policy at $1,143 per year

Better car replacement coverage is not available

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Allstate is an ideal choice for drivers of new vehicles because it offers new car replacement coverage. This means that instead of giving you a check for the depreciated value of your car, the company will replace your vehicle with a new one of the same make and model if it’s totaled within two years.

Keep in mind that a vehicle’s value tends to decrease as soon as it leaves the dealership’s lot, so having Allstate’s add-on coverage can help you get a new car of the same model and brand if you’re unfortunate enough to get into an accident within the first two years.

Read MoneyGeek's Allstate Auto Insurance Review

Best Car Insurance in Washington for Low-Mileage Drivers

Washington drivers who don’t frequently drive, resulting in low mileage per year, can find the best car insurance from Metromile’s pay-per-mile insurance. It computes your premium based on the distance you travel and other factors instead of general statistics and may prove to be a cost-effective option.

MoneyGeek’s Pick: Metromile

Metromile Auto

pros

Provides an affordable car insurance option for car owners who don’t drive often

cons

It may turn out to be a more expensive option for drivers with high mileage compared to a standard policy

COMPANY HIGHLIGHTS

Metromile offers an affordable way to get auto insurance in Washington for car owners who don’t drive frequently. It’s one of the few companies that focus on pay-per-mile insurance as its main product. Though it currently isn’t available nationwide, you can acquire pay-per-mile insurance through Metromile in Washington.

With Metromile’s pay-per-mile insurance, your rate is based on mileage. This process makes it different from traditional insurance companies, which use a variety of factors to determine the cost of car insurance. If you don’t drive very often and have low mileage, this option may turn out to be a cheaper way to get coverage.

Read MoneyGeek's Metromile Auto Auto Insurance Review

How to Find the Best Car Insurance in Washington For You

There are several factors to consider when looking for the best car insurance in Washington. Besides cost, you also need to look at a company’s user experience and financial strength. MoneyGeek’s analysis provides you with this information, but you can also go through the steps on your own.

1

Research customer service reputations in Washington

MoneyGeek gathered customer service-related data about auto insurance companies in Washington. You can get these details by looking up a company’s user satisfaction scores from J.D. Power and complaint ratios from the NAIC. Another source you can use is Washington’s Office of the Insurance Commissioner website.

2

Compare quotes for yourself

Remember that car insurance premiums vary between states. It means that average rates in MoneyGeek’s analysis are specific to sample profiles of drivers in Washington. Comparing quotes from at least three car insurance companies in Washington allows you to see if a provider can offer you rates that are lower than the state averages.

3

Make sure the company has coverages you want in Washington

Most car insurance companies show the complete list of coverages and discounts on their websites. Check if those you want in your policy are available in Washington, as not all features are available in all states. It’s best to confirm with the car insurance company that they carry the coverages and discounts you want in your state.

4

Double-check financial stability ratings

More than customer experience, you must also look into a car insurance company’s financial strength. Large insurance companies tend to be more financially stable, which allows them to process and pay claims on time. In comparison, regional insurance companies in Washington may offer more affordable premiums but have lower financial stability scores.

FAQs About the Best Car Insurance in Washington

Drivers looking for the best car insurance companies in Washington must consider their personal needs and preferences. Knowing the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about auto insurance may help you with your search.

About Mark Fitzpatrick


Mark Fitzpatrick headshot

Mark Fitzpatrick is a senior content director at MoneyGeek with over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, conducting original research and creating content that can be personalized for every buyer. He has been quoted on insurance topics in several publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Mark earned a master’s degree in Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his economics and insurance knowledge to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.


sources