Cheapest and Best Car Insurance in Seattle, WA (August 2024)

The most affordable or highest-quality insurers in Seattle, Washington, are based on your coverage and driving profile. PEMCO is the least expensive for minimum coverage, and Nationwide for full coverage. For families with teens, Kemper offers the best prices. The best in customer service is Chubb, but PEMCO tops overall rankings as the best value between cost and service.

MoneyGeek found that PEMCO is the cheapest car insurance option in Seattle.

• PEMCO: $422 per year
• Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $435 per year

On the pricier side, Dairyland's minimum coverage policy in Seattle is $2,813 annually. The stark difference of $2,391 illustrates the importance of comparing car insurance rates to get the best deal possible.

In Washington cities, state law sets the minimum mandatory car insurance coverage. Here's a snapshot of the required protections:

• $25,000 for bodily injury per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 for property damage liability per accident

You're covered in an accident where the bodily injury liability racked up to $25,000 for one person. But if two people are injured and costs soar to $60,000, your policy will only pay $50,000. You'll have to shoulder the remaining $10,000. Remember that laws are just the starting line for coverage, as it's not a one-size-fits-all.

MoneyGeek found that Nationwide offers Seattle's cheapest full coverage car insurance. Here are the two most affordable providers:

• Nationwide: $884 per year
• Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $893 per year

Dairyland also has the most expensive full coverage policy in Seattle at $5,853 annually — a stark difference of $4,969 from Nationwide. Remember to compare rates when shopping for cheapest full coverage car insurance since it is pricier than minimum coverage due to the comprehensive protection they offer.

A full coverage policy includes coverage for damage to your own vehicle in the form of comprehensive and collision coverages. It usually also includes increased liability limits.

• Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another car or a stationary object like a tree or light pole. It also covers rollover accidents and pothole damage.
• Comprehensive Insurance: This coverage insures your vehicle against various types of damage not caused by collisions, including theft, vandalism, fires, natural disasters and being struck by an animal like a deer.

Securing a full coverage policy is necessary if you have a new car, are on a lease or have a car loan. However, if your vehicle is quite old, full coverage may be unnecessary because premiums rise significantly. Assess how much car insurance you need by considering the trade-off between full coverage expenses and the risk of being inadequately insured.

MoneyGeek found that State Farm is the most affordable full coverage option in Seattle for drivers with a poor driving record. Here’s the breakdown for each infraction:

• Speeding Ticket: State Farm ($1,097 per year)
• At-Fault Accident: Auto-Owners Insurance Co ($1,169 per year)
• DUI: State Farm ($1,097 per year)

The insurer with the highest rates is Dairyland for all three offenses. The type of driving incident may impact insurance premiums, making it essential for drivers with offenses to shop around for the best insurance deals.

Due to the increased risk, insurance rates tend to get more expensive with the severity of a driving offense. For instance, drivers with a speeding ticket face an annual premium of $1,961, while those with a DUI could see higher rates of $2,337. Therefore, individuals with violations must diligently compare rates to secure affordable coverage options.

MoneyGeek found that Kemper is the cheapest car insurance for teens in Seattle for full coverage. Here are the two most affordable companies:

• Kemper: $1,975 per year for female teens and $2,042 per year for male teens
• Allstate: $2,139 per year for female teens and $2,249 per year for male teens

These quotes reflect coverage premiums for two parents and a teenage driver. Progressive has the most expensive policy, with an annual rate of $4,151 for female teens. Insurers consider teen drivers high-risk, significantly influencing family auto insurance premiums.

In many cities, teen drivers pay significantly more for an individual policy compared to being added to a family plan. On average, a teen's annual individual premium is $5,563, while a family policy is lower at $2,933. The rate disparity stems from the higher risk insurers associate with inexperienced drivers, who are more likely to be involved in accidents. The high risk also makes obtaining an individual policy difficult for teens, reinforcing the financial benefit of joint family insurance.

MoneyGeek found that USAA offers the cheapest car insurance for military backgrounds in Seattle.

• USAA: $743 per year
• Nationwide: $884 per year

USAA is competitively priced and renowned for its tailored services for active duty military members, ensuring that their unique needs are taken into account.

Savvy drivers recognize the importance of comparing car insurance rates for savings, yet doing so takes time. Fortunately, MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator streamlines this process, delivering rapid estimates based on drivers' essential details — age, driving history, credit score and desired coverage.

The right auto insurance largely rests on your priorities. MoneyGeek acknowledges these differences and uses distinct scoring systems for each category to determine Seattle’s top auto insurance providers.

• Best overall: PEMCO (MoneyGeek score 90 out of 100)
• Best for service: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 86 out of 100)
• Best cheap: Chubb (MoneyGeek score 91 out of 100)

PEMCO stands out as Seattle's top choice for its overall balance of service quality and affordability. Chubb, leading in both best for service and best cheap, appeals to those who prioritize customer experiences without compromising service.

MoneyGeek found that PEMCO offers the overall best option for car insurance in Seattle, providing peace of mind for drivers seeking top-rated coverage. Here are the top providers based on the MoneyGeek score:

• PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($934 per year)
• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,464 per year)

PEMCO is recognized for its overall customer satisfaction and affordability, making it a preferable choice for Seattle drivers. Note that these scores are reflective of a full coverage policy.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the top option for car insurance in Seattle for customer service. This conclusion is premised on customer satisfaction, claims handling and comprehensive coverage.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($1,464 per year)
• PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($934 per year)

The combination of a top-tier claims process and financial foundation sets Chubb apart as the best for a good customer experience.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the most affordable car insurance option in Seattle, blending low prices with high-quality service.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($611 per year)
• PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($422 per year)

Chubb's high MoneyGeek score reflects its dedication to efficient claims handling and customer satisfaction, specifically for minimum coverage policies.

In Seattle, the average car insurance cost is estimated at $1,551, higher compared to the average cost in Washington of $1,429. The state average is lower than the national average of $1,781.

Many factors influence car insurance premiums, with location being a significant part. Rate variations may be due to the location's risk levels, traffic density and the likelihood of accidents or thefts. Kent has the most expensive car insurance premium in Washington at $1,553, while Spokane has the lowest at $1,203, highlighting the variability even within a state. Rural or non-city areas with lower traffic density usually have low rates.