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Generally, high-risk drivers pay pricier auto insurance rates. The best way to find an affordable policy is to shop around and compare the cost between different companies.

State Farm is MoneyGeek’s top pick for high-risk drivers in Washington. It is also the most affordable provider, costing roughly $1,040 per year. The next cheapest option for high-risk drivers is GEICO, costing $1,319 per year. Keep in mind that your rate depends on your needs and driver profile.

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2023

Best Companies for High-Risk Drivers in 2023

Teen drivers or students often lack experience on the road, so auto insurance providers consider them high-risk. Additionally, individuals with a DUI, tickets or at-fault accidents are also seen as high-risk drivers. Your driving history heavily impacts your car insurance quotes in Washington.

Insurance companies charge high-risk drivers pricier rates to balance out the potential costs when a high-risk policyholder files a claim. In Washington, high-risk drivers should expect to pay roughly 30% more for auto insurance than a clean-record driver.

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WHAT EXACTLY IS A HIGH-RISK DRIVER?

There are various driving profiles that are considered high-risk. One example is driving with a suspended or revoked license. Even if you have a clean driving record, there are still some instances when you are considered risky, such as being a young, inexperienced driver.

The following are high-risk driver profiles:

  • Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
  • Drivers with a DUI conviction
  • Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
  • Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
  • Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
  • Drivers with lapses in insurance coverage

Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington for High-Risk Drivers

According to MoneyGeek’s analysis, State Farm provides the cheapest auto insurance quotes for high-risk drivers in Washington. On average, a policy for a high-risk driver profile costs $1,040 per year.

Check out MoneyGeek’s comprehensive State Farm review to understand its perks and downsides. That can help you decide whether it's a good fit for your needs.

Company
Annual Premium

State Farm

$1,040

GEICO

$1,319

Allstate

$1,428

Progressive

$1,566

Travelers

$1,736

American Family

$2,139

Farmers

$2,355

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SR-22 INSURANCE

Drivers usually have to get SR-22 insurance after committing a serious traffic offense like a DUI. Your insurance provider files the SR-22 form in Washington on your behalf to confirm that your car insurance policy adheres to the state’s minimum requirements.

In Washington, those caught driving with a suspended license, driving without insurance coverage, engaging in reckless driving, or after a DUI must file an SR-22.

Best Car Insurance in Washington for High-Risk Drivers

MoneyGeek chose State Farm as the best auto insurance company for high-risk drivers in Washington; the insurer garnered a MoneyGeek score of 91 out of 100. We created a State Farm auto insurance review so you can learn more about its average rates, coverage types and customer satisfaction scores.

GEICO is our next-best pick in Washington; it earned a MoneyGeek score of 81 out of 100. However, its average rate is noticeably more expensive.


1
State FarmBest for High-Risk Drivers
Score:96

5/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

If you’re a high-risk driver in Washington, State Farm auto insurance costs around $1,040 per year. Compared to drivers with a clean record, high-risk drivers pay around 11% more.

More About State Farm

State Farm consistently offers cheap rates for high-risk drivers, especially those with a DUI. It also has add-on rideshare insurance and multiple available discounts. However, State Farm doesn’t offer unique add-on coverages like OEM or deductible modification.

2
State Farm
Score:96

5/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

4.5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

If you’re a high-risk driver in Washington, State Farm auto insurance costs around $1,040 per year. Compared to drivers with a clean record, high-risk drivers pay around 11% more.

More About State Farm

State Farm consistently offers cheap rates for high-risk drivers, especially those with a DUI. It also has add-on rideshare insurance and multiple available discounts. However, State Farm doesn’t offer unique add-on coverages like OEM or deductible modification.

3
GEICO
Score:51

0.8/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

In Washington, GEICO provides car insurance for high-risk drivers at around $1,319 per year. The premium is roughly 38% more expensive for high-risk drivers versus those with clean records.

More About GEICO

With GEICO, you can get roadside assistance and mechanical breakdown insurance as add-on coverages. Policyholders might be able to get a discount when they have airbags and/or anti-lock brakes. GEICO also offers reasonable rates for different driver profiles, such as a low rate for high-risk teen drivers.

4
GEICO
Score:51

0.8/5

Affordability Rating

5/5

Satisfaction Rating

5/5

Claims Rating

5/5

Financial Stability Rating

Geek Quick Take
Geek Quick Take

In Washington, GEICO provides car insurance for high-risk drivers at around $1,319 per year. The premium is roughly 38% more expensive for high-risk drivers versus those with clean records.

More About GEICO

With GEICO, you can get roadside assistance and mechanical breakdown insurance as add-on coverages. Policyholders might be able to get a discount when they have airbags and/or anti-lock brakes. GEICO also offers reasonable rates for different driver profiles, such as a low rate for high-risk teen drivers.

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

Even if you’re on a budget, you should reconsider sacrificing good customer service for a low cost. MoneyGeek encourages you to shop around for different low-income auto insurance in Washington to find a suitable policy.

Please note that Washington doesn’t offer a government-backed car insurance program for low-income drivers.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington for Drivers With a DUI

MoneyGeek discovered that State Farm offers the most affordable rate in Washington for drivers with a DUI. Its average cost is $1,011 per year. You can uncover State Farm’s pros and cons, discounts, customer satisfaction and more in MoneyGeek’s review.

Eligible military members with a DUI in Washington may also be able to get a low rate for high-risk car insurance with USAA.

Company
Annual Premium

State Farm

$1,011

Progressive

$1,172

Allstate

$1,496

Travelers

$1,889

GEICO

$1,954

American Family

$2,555

Farmers

$2,570

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LOOK-BACK PERIODS

If you have a DUI on your record, chances are it has a look-back period. A look-back period is the time frame wherein your DUI reflects on your driving record, affecting car insurance rates, and it varies by state. Look-back periods are meant to accommodate long criminal sentencing and to deter repeat offenders. Washington’s look-back period is seven years.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington for Teenage Drivers

For students or teen drivers in Washington, GEICO offers the most affordable quote at $2,848 per year. Your premium is affected by personal factors like your age.

Learn more about GEICO to inform your decision-making. MoneyGeek dives into GEICO’s advantages and disadvantages and other pertinent features in our review.

Company
Annual Premium

GEICO

$2,848

State Farm

$3,779

Allstate

$5,198

Progressive

$7,916

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MONEYGEEK EXPERT TIP

While auto insurance is usually expensive for teens and students, MoneyGeek suggests that you purchase full coverage. If you choose minimum coverage, you won’t get the comprehensive coverage that offers peace of mind should an accident occur. Select the best and most affordable car insurance policy for teen drivers based on your specific needs.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost for High-Risk Drivers in Washington?

Car insurance companies compute your quote by assessing your driving profile and history. To account for possible loss, insurance providers charge high-risk drivers a more expensive rate.

In Washington, drivers with a clean record pay roughly $1,139 per year, while high-risk drivers pay around $1,655 per year. That is around a 30% increase.

Annual Car Insurance Cost in WA for Low-Risk vs. High-Risk Drivers

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Annual Premium

Low-Risk Driver

$1,139
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Annual Premium

High-Risk Driver

$1,655
In Washington, high-risk drivers pay:$516 more

This is 45% more expensive.

Estimate your premium in Washington with MoneyGeek’s auto insurance calculator. Simply input your driving record, car type, coverage requirements and age to get a personalized ballpark figure. Plus, our calculator will reveal which factor has a big influence on your quotes in Washington.

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Can You Still Get Car Insurance in Washington if Insurers Refuse to Insure You?

Unfortunately, auto insurance providers can deny you a policy if you’re deemed as too high risk. That is because insurance is a voluntary market. An alternative is an Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO) residual market plan.

Since 1972, AIPSO has protected high-risk drivers. It is a non-profit corporation that services policyholders nationwide.

Washington Automobile Insurance Plan

In Washington, the Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans (WAAIP) provides the Washington Automobile Insurance Plan. The WAAIP is a center that connects high-risk drivers with insurance companies that are willing to insure them. Applicants are eligible if they are currently looking for coverage but are unable to obtain a policy in the voluntary market.

  • building icon

    Office Hours

    Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

  • subscribe icon

    Email

    waaip@aipso.com

  • smartphone icon

    Phone

    800-227-4659

  • other icon

    Fax

    800-827-6260

  • business icon

    Mailing Address

    Western Association of Automobile Insurance Plans, P.O. Box 6530, Providence, RI 02940-6530

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Frequently Asked Questions

Shopping around for car insurance can be overwhelming for some, especially for those who are considered high-risk. To help you throughout the process, MoneyGeek outlined answers about high-risk car insurance in Washington.

Methodology

MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible. Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.

To calculate rates for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek averaged the premiums insurance companies charge for three of the most common driving violations: speeding, at-fault accident and DUI.

To determine the best car insurance company for high-risk drivers, MoneyGeek scored companies based on affordability, customer satisfaction and complaints — obtained from J.D. Power surveys and NAIC complaint scores — and financial strength ratings as calculated by AM Best. Affordability received the greatest weighting in our calculations.

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.


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