Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington

Washington drivers pay $442 annually for the state minimum from State Farm or $1,168 yearly for full coverage via American Family.

Find low-cost Washington car insurance for you below.

Written by Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: February 22, 2026

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Our Take: Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington

Full coverage: American Family, $97

Liability only: State Farm, $37

Teens: American Family, $184

Young adults: American Family, $84

Seniors: State Farm, $71

DUI: State Farm, $40

SR-22: GEICO, $84

Non-owner: GEICO, $66

Bad credit: National General, $56

Why You Can Trust MoneyGeek

We analyzed car insurance rates from major insurers across all Washington ZIP codes for various driver profiles, including clean records, violations and age groups. Rates show averages for a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean record unless otherwise noted. Your actual rate may differ based on your circumstances, location, driving history and coverage options. Read more about MoneyGeek's methodology.

Cheapest Full Coverage Car Insurance in Washington

American Family offers Washington's cheapest full coverage at $1,168 per year, or $97 a month. PEMCO follows at $1,272 annually, which is $104 more than American Family. Travelers charges $1,283 per year, State Farm is at $1,297 and Farmers is close behind at $1,307.

American Family's rate is 14% lower than Washington's average full coverage cost, saving drivers about $189 a year. The $139 gap between American Family and Farmers is roughly equal to six weeks of American Family's monthly premium.


American Family	$97	$1,168	14%
Pemco Insurance	$106	$1,272	6%
Travelers	$107	$1,283	5%
State Farm	$108	$1,297	5%
Farmers	$109	$1,307	4%

Cheapest Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Washington

State Farm offers the most affordable liability-only coverage in Washington, at $442 annually, or $37 monthly, to meet the state's 25/50/10 requirements. California Casualty charges $515 yearly, $73 more than State Farm. Travelers and Farmers both cluster around $595 annually, while GEICO tops out at $597.

The $155 annual gap between State Farm and GEICO is equivalent to about four months of State Farm coverage, making carrier selection a big decision for budget-conscious Washington drivers who meet the minimum legal requirements.


State Farm	$37	$442	32%
California Causality	$43	$515	20%
Travelers	$49	$591	8%
Farmers	$50	$595	8%
Geico	$50	$597	8%

Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington by City

GEICO charges Seattle drivers $51 monthly for minimum coverage, while that same carrier offers Bellingham residents identical protection for just $34 monthly. Kennewick and Pasco both hit the low end at $30 monthly through State Farm.

Minimum coverage costs $51 per month in Seattle through GEICO, $74 in Kent through Travelers and $75 in Tacoma through American Family. Higher accident rates and vehicle theft push metro prices up across all three cities.


Auburn	State Farm	$45	$134	13%
Bellevue	Geico	$52	$113	18%
Bellingham	Geico	$34	$83	19%
Everett	Geico	$51	$112	19%
Federal Way	State Farm	$46	$137	14%
Kennewick	State Farm	$30	$90	17%
Kent	Travelers	$74	$138	10%
Marysville	Geico	$44	$108	14%
Olympia	Geico	$40	$98	16%
Pasco	State Farm	$30	$90	16%
Redmond	Geico	$46	$112	13%
Renton	Geico	$61	$135	10%
Sammamish	Geico	$45	$109	16%
Seattle	Geico	$51	$122	16%
Shoreline	State Farm	$43	$127	14%
Spokane	State Farm	$39	$109	13%
Spokane Valley	Farmers	$41	$94	13%
Tacoma	American Family	$75	$117	11%
Vancouver	State Farm	$45	$119	13%
Yakima	State Farm	$32	$96	15%

Full coverage geography follows the same pattern. American Family charges $117 per month in Tacoma, and GEICO charges $83 in Bellingham. That $34 monthly difference adds up to $408 per year. Washington drivers can also check the best home and auto insurance bundles for additional savings.

Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington for Teens and Young Adults

For SR-22 minimum coverage, GEICO is the cheapest in Washington at $84 per month, 18% below the state average. American Family charges $112, which is $28 more. Travelers, PEMCO and Progressive all land between $102 and $105.

Full coverage SR-22 is tighter at the top. GEICO charges $166 per month and American Family $169, a $3 difference. Travelers comes in at $184, PEMCO at $187 and Progressive at $188.


16	State Farm	$255	$509	48%
17	American Family	$230	$372	43%
18	American Family	$184	$299	46%
19	American Family	$152	$246	35%
20	American Family	$130	$209	37%
25	American Family	$84	$130	20%

Washington lets teens under 18 buy auto insurance without a parent or guardian. Rates are high at first and drop with each year of clean driving. Young adults should also look at the cheapest car insurance options for college students.

Cheapest Car Insurance for Seniors in Washington

PEMCO has the lowest minimum coverage prices for seniors: $53 per month for minimum coverage and $54 for full coverage at age 65. State Farm is cheapest at 70 with $71 per month for minimum coverage. At 80, GEICO takes over at $91 per month.

That $1 gap between PEMCO's minimum and full coverage at 65 reflects how the insurer prices experienced drivers with clean records.


65	PEMCO	$53	$54	54%
70	State Farm	$71	$142	17%
80	GEICO	$91	$165	25%

Cheapest DUI Insurance in Washington

State Farm charges the cheapest minimum coverage after a DUI in Washington at $40 monthly, sitting 35% below the state average. Farmers charges $60 monthly, $20 more than State Farm. American Family, Progressive, Farmers and National General all cluster in the $60 to $71 monthly range for minimum coverage.

Both American Family and State Farm tie for cheapest full coverage at $115 monthly after a DUI. Progressive follows at $122 monthly, while Farmers reaches $131 and National General tops out at $139 for comprehensive protection.


State Farm	$40	$115	35%
American Family	$71	$115	22%
Progressive	$66	$122	21%
Farmers	$60	$131	20%
National General	$61	$139	16%

State Farm's rates sit 35% below Washington's average for DUI insurance on minimum coverage, making it the primary target for high-risk drivers rebuilding their insurance profile. Compare cheapest car insurance after a DUI nationwide

Cheapest SR-22 Insurance in Washington

GEICO offers the cheapest SR-22 insurance in Washington at $84 monthly for minimum limits, sitting 18% below the state average. American Family charges $112 monthly for minimum SR-22 coverage, $28 more than GEICO. Travelers, PEMCO and Progressive all cluster around $102 to $105 monthly for minimum coverage.

GEICO leads full coverage SR-22 policies at $166 monthly, beating American Family's $169 by just $3 monthly. Travelers reaches $184, PEMCO sits at $187 and Progressive tops out at $188 for full coverage SR-22.


GEICO	$84	$166	18%
American Family	$112	$169	8%
Travelers	$105	$184	5%
PEMCO	$102	$187	5%
Progressive	$102	$188	5%

SR-22 certificates verify continuous insurance coverage for drivers with serious violations. The certificate itself costs $15 to $50, with your insurer filing it directly with Washington's DOL on your behalf. Learn more about cheapest SR-22 insurance options available nationwide.

Cheapest Non-Owner Car Insurance in Washington

GEICO offers the cheapest non-owner car insurance in Washington at $66 monthly for minimum limits, sitting 29% below the state average. State Farm follows at $75 monthly, $9 more than GEICO. Travelers reaches $88 monthly, the highest among carriers offering this specialized coverage.


GEICO	$66	29%
State Farm	$75	17%
Travelers	$88	5%

Non-owner policies cost less than standard auto insurance because they only provide liability coverage for damage you cause to others, not protection for any specific vehicle you might drive.

This coverage helps with license reinstatement after suspension, SR-22 filing requirements or frequent car rentals. Compare cheapest non-owner car insurance rates from multiple carriers.

Cheapest Car Insurance After an Accident in Washington

State Farm provides the cheapest minimum coverage after an accident at $43 monthly, sitting 31% below Washington's state average. Farmers and Travelers both charge around $68 to $69 monthly for minimum coverage, while GEICO reaches $65 monthly. American Family tops minimum coverage pricing at $87 monthly.

State Farm also leads full coverage options at $123 monthly after an accident, beating American Family's $141 by $18 monthly. Farmers charges $149, Travelers reaches $150 and GEICO tops out at $155 for comprehensive protection.


State Farm	$43	$123	31%
Farmers	$69	$149	9%
Travelers	$68	$150	9%
Geico	$65	$155	8%
American Family	$87	$141	5%

Expect premiums to jump 20% to 40% following an at-fault accident, with elevated rates lasting three to five years. Your specific rate increase depends on accident severity, your prior driving record and your insurer's rating methodology.

Cheapest Car Insurance With a Speeding Ticket

State Farm offers the cheapest minimum coverage with a speeding ticket at $40 monthly ($480 annually), sitting 25% below Washington's state average. Farmers charges $53 monthly, $13 more than State Farm. GEICO reaches $59 monthly, Progressive sits at $70 and American Family peaks at $71 for minimum coverage with a violation.

American Family and State Farm tie for the cheapest full coverage at $115 monthly with a speeding ticket. Farmers follows at $122 monthly, while Progressive reaches $129 and GEICO tops out at $144 for comprehensive protection.


State Farm	$40	$115	25%
Farmers	$53	$122	15%
Geico	$59	$144	1%
Progressive	$70	$129	3%
American Family	$71	$115	10%

A single speeding ticket raises rates by 10% to 30%, depending on how much you exceeded the limit and whether it occurred in a school or construction zone. Most insurers remove the surcharge after three years with a clean record.

Cheapest Bad Credit Car Insurance in Washington

Drivers with bad credit or low income will find the cheapest minimum coverage in Washington with National General at $56 monthly or $677 annually, sitting 39% below the state average. GEICO follows at $67 monthly, while California Casualty reaches $75, PEMCO hits $79 and Travelers tops out at $85 for minimum coverage.

National General also leads full coverage options at $132 monthly, coming in $31 below PEMCO's $163. GEICO charges $181, Travelers reaches $189 and California Casualty peaks at $211 for comprehensive protection with poor credit.


National General	$56	$132	39%
Geico	$67	$181	20%
California Causality	$75	$211	8%
Pemco Insurance	$79	$163	22%
Travelers	$85	$189	12%

How to Get the Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington

Your auto insurance premiums in Washington depend on where you live, your driving history, age and credit score. State minimum coverage starts at $37 per month with State Farm, while full coverage averages $97 with American Family.

Many drivers save hundreds of dollars each year by comparing insurers and taking advantage of available discounts.

1
Shop Regional Carriers
Compare quotes from at least four insurers, mixing national carriers like State Farm and GEICO with regional specialists such as PEMCO and American Family. Comparing the cheapest car insurance companies with local brands often leads to $200 or more in annual savings in Washington.

Use MoneyGeek's car insurance calculator to get custom estimates without sharing contact information.

Looking beyond rates? Our guide to the best car insurance companies in Washington ranks providers by MoneyGeek score, customer satisfaction and coverage quality.
2
Maximize Available Discounts
Bundling your home and auto insurance with one carrier lowers costs by 5% to 25% and insuring multiple vehicles adds another 10% to 25% in savings.

Seniors benefit from defensive driving certifications, students with a B average or higher qualify for good student discounts of 10% to 15% and low-mileage drivers who travel under 7,500 miles a year often see reductions of 15% to 30%. Review all available car insurance discounts to maximize your savings.
3
Update Your Deductibles and Coverage
Increase your deductible from $500 to $1,000 and your premium drops 10% to 15%, saving roughly $150 to $200 per year. The tradeoff is a higher out-of-pocket cost after a claim, so only make this move if your finances can absorb it.

Before trimming coverage, review the types of car insurance available and decide how much coverage your vehicle, finances and driving habits actually require.
4
Meet Washington’s Insurance Requirements
Washington requires 25/50/10 minimum coverage: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage.

Those state minimum requirements look sufficient until a serious crash. Average repairs run $4,500 and total losses regularly exceed $20,000, both above what minimum limits pay.
5
Revisit Your Coverage After Life Changes
Marriage, a move between Washington cities or adding a vehicle to your policy can all open up new discounts. The city-to-city rate differences in Washington are steep: relocating from Seattle to Spokane could cut your premium by about $150 per month. Any major life change is worth a re-shop.
6
Consider Washington AIPSO
Can't get coverage through a standard carrier? Washington's Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office covers high-risk drivers who have been turned away elsewhere.

Rates are higher than the open market, but the program lets every driver get the legally required coverage they need while rebuilding their profile.
7
Review Your Policy Annually
Set a reminder six weeks before your renewal date and compare rates. Insurers reprice regularly and loyalty rarely pays off. Competitors actively discount to win new customers. Thirty minutes of rate shopping once a year can uncover hundreds of dollars in savings.

Cheap Car Insurance in Washington: FAQ

We gathered answers to questions many Washington drivers ask when looking for affordable car insurance.

How much does car insurance cost in Washington?

Washington car insurance usually ranges from $80 to $150 per month for minimum coverage and $120 to $250 per month for full coverage, depending on your location and driving profile.

Seattle drivers often pay higher rates because of heavier traffic and more frequent accidents, while rural areas tend to have lower premiums. Compare quotes to find detailed Washington car insurance costs based on your city and driver profile.

Should you buy the cheapest car insurance in Washington?

Buying the cheapest car insurance in Washington isn’t always the best choice. Low-priced policies with limited coverage often leave you paying thousands out of pocket after a major accident. It’s better to compare rates and choose an affordable option that still provides enough financial protection.

Is state minimum coverage enough in Washington?

Washington requires all drivers to carry auto insurance to drive legally. The state follows an at-fault system, which means the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the damages.

It also requires liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage, along with personal injury protection and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage. Meeting the minimum requirements keeps you legal, but choosing higher coverage limits offers better financial protection in the event of a costly accident.

Is Washington a no-fault state?

Washington is not a no-fault state. Washington follows a traditional fault-based insurance system where the driver who causes an accident is responsible for paying damages. Injured parties can file lawsuits against at-fault drivers to recover compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages and pain and suffering.

Does Washington allow gender-based insurance pricing?

Washington allows insurers to use gender when setting car insurance rates, meaning young men often pay higher premiums than young women with similar driving records. However, some Washington insurers voluntarily choose not to use gender as a rating factor.

Note: Insurance regulations vary by state and may change. Check current Washington insurance rules or speak with a licensed agent for the most up-to-date information.

Most Affordable Car Insurance in Washington: Related Articles

How We Found the Most Affordable Car Insurance in Washington

Our Research Approach

Finding affordable auto insurance in Washington is tricky at times, so we reviewed real rate data from every residential ZIP code to guide your search.

Data Sources and Scope

We collected auto insurance data from the Washington Department of Insurance and Quadrant Information Services, reviewing quotes from 12 major insurers. Our research included more than 200 million rate comparisons across every residential ZIP code in the state to show real pricing patterns instead of advertised rates or small samples.

This statewide review matters because insurance prices in Washington vary a lot by location. A driver in Seattle deals with different risks and pricing than someone in rural Eastern Washington and our approach reflects those real differences.

Sample Driver Profile

We based our rate comparisons on a 40-year-old male driver with a clean record, good credit and no past insurance claims. This profile represents a standard-risk driver that insurers usually view as low-risk.

Using one driver profile helps show clear differences between insurers because any changes in price come from the company, not the driver. Your own rate will differ based on your age, driving history, credit score and other factors, but this baseline highlights which companies are most competitive in Washington.

Coverage Levels We Compared

We analyzed two coverage scenarios that match how most Washington drivers shop for insurance:

Minimum Coverage:

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

These figures show Washington's state-required liability limits, which are the legal minimum you need to drive.

Full Coverage:

$100,000/$300,000/$100,000 liability limits
Comprehensive coverage with $1,000 deductible
Collision coverage with $1,000 deductible

Full coverage adds comprehensive and collision protection on top of higher liability limits. Comprehensive and collision cover your vehicle; the higher liability limits cover your finances if you cause an accident.

Why These Choices Matter

We used these coverage amounts because they match the two most common choices Washington drivers make: meeting the state’s minimum requirements or choosing a plan with more protection.

The minimum coverage review helps budget-minded drivers find the cheapest legal option, while the full coverage comparison is for those who want broader financial protection.

The $1,000 deductible in our full coverage review is also the most common choice among Washington drivers. It keeps premiums manageable and still within reach if you need to file a claim.

See our detailed methodology here for more information.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

Read Full Bio »

sources

Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Auto insurance." Accessed February 28, 2026.
Insurance Information Institute. "Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists." Accessed February 28, 2026.
National Insurance Crime Bureau. "Vehicle Thefts Surge Nationwide in 2023 ." Accessed February 28, 2026.
National Centers for Environmental Information . "Climate at a Glance ." Accessed February 28, 2026.