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

Finding the ideal auto insurance depends on your preferences and coverage needs. In Vancouver, Washington, Kemper offers the most affordable full coverage and the lowest rates for families with teens. Chubb gets the top spot for customer service, but PEMCO claims the best overall for its optimal mix of price and service quality.

MoneyGeek found that these companies offer the cheapest car insurance for minimum coverage in Vancouver:

• PEMCO: $381 per year
• State Farm: $406 per year

Dairyland has the most expensive policy at $2,142 annually. The price gap between the cheapest and most expensive is $1,761, a significant difference that highlights the importance of comparing rates to save costs.

Washington's state law prescribes the following minimum car insurance coverage:

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

A minimum coverage policy will cover up to $25,000 for each injured person, maxing out at $50,000 for all injuries in one accident. But if actual damages exceed these figures, any extra comes directly out of your wallet.

MoneyGeek found that Kemper is the cheapest option in Vancouver for drivers seeking the cheapest full coverage car insurance, followed by Nationwide.

• Kemper: $823 per year
• Nationwide: $828 per year

National General has the most expensive policy at $2,020 annually. The contrast in rates — nearly $1,200 — shows the need to compare rates. Full coverage costs more than minimum coverage because it offers expansive protection, including collision and comprehensive insurance, safeguarding against a wide array of potential risks.

Expanding liability coverage, a full coverage policy integrates collision and comprehensive insurance:

• Collision Insurance: This provides coverage for your vehicle in the event of a collision, whether with another vehicle 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.

If you have a new vehicle, opt for full coverage for more robust financial protection. If you're leasing or have a car loan, you are typically required to carry full coverage insurance.

Owners of older vehicles may find the extra premium for full coverage less justifiable due to the car's decreased value. Striking the right balance is key when deciding how much car insurance you need; higher coverage leads to increased premiums, but with lower coverage, you run the risk of being inadequately insured.

Full coverage premiums vary based on the specific driving offense. Here are the companies with the lowest premiums for drivers with violations in Vancouver:

• Speeding Ticket: State Farm ($1,006 per year)
• At-Fault Accident: Kemper ($1,071 per year)
• DUI: State Farm ($1,006 per year)

Dairyland has the highest rates for the three incidents listed. The annual premium for the cheapest company after a speeding ticket is $1,006, while the premium for the cheapest after a DUI also stands at $1,006. Although the difference is not significant here, the nature of the driving offense can have an impact on rates.

Insurance premiums in Vancouver and other cities often escalate with the severity of a driver's offense, reflecting the increased risk insurers must account for. For instance, drivers with a DUI may face an average annual rate of $2,034, significantly higher than those who have received a speeding ticket, who might expect an average rate of $1,688. Given these variations in rates, it is crucial for motorists with offenses to diligently compare insurance offers to secure potential savings on their premiums.

MoneyGeek found that Kemper offers the most affordable full coverage car insurance for teen drivers in Vancouver.

• Kemper: $1,611 per year for female teens and $1,674 per year for male teens
• Allstate: $1,894 per year for female teens and $1,991 per year for male teens

These rates apply to a family with two parents and a teenager. Progressive's policy for female teens is the most expensive at $3,987 per year, a striking $2,376 difference from Kemper, the cheapest option. This disparity emphasizes the importance of shopping around for car insurance, especially when adding a higher-risk driver, such as a teenager, to the policy.

In Vancouver, young drivers face steep premiums for car insurance. On average, an individual teen policy costs around $5,145 annually, while adding a teen to a family plan averages about $2,708. The disparity in rates stems from the higher risk insurers associate with inexperienced teen drivers, warranting higher premiums to offset potential claims.

MoneyGeek found that USAA offers the most affordable car insurance for those with military backgrounds in Vancouver.

• USAA: $660 per year
• Kemper: $823 per year

USAA is not only one of the most economical choices but is renowned for its focus on serving the unique needs of the military community.

In Vancouver, the key to unlocking savings on car insurance is through rate comparison — a meticulous process that can extend upwards of 15 minutes per insurer.

MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator streamlines this task. Simply input your age, driving history, credit score, desired coverage and other pertinent details to receive an immediate estimate, saving you both time and money.

Selecting the most suitable auto insurance for you hinged upon individual preferences for aspects like service quality, cost, and coverage. Below are the top car insurance providers in Vancouver:

• 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)

Chubb stands as the finest option for exceptional service and affordability. PEMCO balances service quality with affordability, making it the most recommended provider in Vancouver.

MoneyGeek found that PEMCO offers the best option for car insurance in Vancouver, providing top-notch coverage and service.

• PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($831 per year)
• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 89 out of 100 ($1,268 per year)

PEMCO distinguishes itself primarily due to its high customer satisfaction and affordability, making it an excellent choice for a full coverage policy in Vancouver.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb provides the best customer service in Vancouver.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 86 out of 100 ($1,268 per year)
• PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 85 out of 100 ($830 per year)

Chubb stands out due to its superior claims-handling processes and financial stability. Customers have indicated high levels of general satisfaction with Chubb, which has played a significant role in its top MoneyGeek score.

MoneyGeek found that Chubb is the best option for affordable car insurance in Vancouver.

• Chubb: MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100 ($524 per year)
• PEMCO: MoneyGeek score of 90 out of 100 ($381 per year)

Chubb stands out with the highest MoneyGeek score, reflecting its superior overall performance, particularly in claims satisfaction and financial stability. The affordability of a Chubb policy for minimum coverage contributes significantly to its top-ranking position.

In Vancouver, WA, the average car insurance premium is $1,335, lower than the state average of $1,429 and the national premium of $1,781. Washington's state average is $353 less expensive than the national figure, indicating a significant regional difference in rates.

While location is a critical factor in determining car insurance costs, other influences such as a driver's history, vehicle type and coverage levels also play defining roles. Even within Washington, premiums vary: Spokane enjoys the state's most affordable rates at $975. Renton's premiums are the highest at $1,283. This difference shows how densely populated urban areas often face higher insurance costs.