Car Insurance in Washington
- Capital Insurance Group offers the cheapest liability and full coverage in WA
- Compare the cheapest car insurance quotes in WA from Progressive, Allstate, Liberty Mutual and Nationwide (+other top companies)
Car insurance quotes in Washington
Washington drivers pay an average of $1,077 for a six-month car insurance policy. That's only 1% in premium difference versus the national average.[1]Â Farmers and Capital Insurance Group offer the lowest rates for drivers in Washington state.Â
Even though Washington's average premiums are about average in price, 40% of drivers in the area searched for quotes because they were paying too much for their policies.[2] Car insurance rates are heavily based on the driver's personal factors, like age and driving history. The Zebra's experts analyzed average Washington car insurance rates for these rating factors to help you find an affordable policy.
Read on to learn how much auto insurance costs in Washington based on these variables, or submit your ZIP code above to receive quotes from top insurers.
- Farmers offered the cheapest liability insurance coverage in Washington at $51/mo. Capital Insurance Group also costs $51 per month for liability.Â
- See the other cheapest liability coverage insurance companies in Washington ↓
- Capital Insurance Group (CIG) offered the cheapest full insurance coverage in Washington at $111/mo.
- See the other cheapest full coverage insurance companies and best discounts in Washington ↓
- As a highly-rated regional carrier, PEMCOÂ scored an 666 on J.D. Power's 2024 auto study. For those eligible, USAA is also top rated by J.D. Power for Customer Service.
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in Washington ↓
- The Zebra used 3rd party reviews from J.D. Power and AM Best as well as thousands of customer ratings in Washington to name Farmers as the best overall company for WA drivers.
- Read about the rest of the top and best companies in Washington ↓
Cheapest liability insurance in Washington
Liability insurance, often called state minimum coverage, refers to the least amount of coverage required to meet state legal requirements. As a result, it’s the cheapest car insurance available. However, it offers the lowest amount of protection.
Washington drivers pay an average of $432 for liability-only car insurance. 37% of our customers in this state opt for minimum coverage.[1, 2] Farmers and Capital Insurance Group offer the best liability rates for Washington drivers. See the table below for more average costs from top insurance companies.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers | $304 | $51 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $305 | $51 |
| Progressive | $326 | $54 |
| PEMCO | $350 | $58 |
| State Farm | $389 | $65 |
| GEICO | $397 | $66 |
| Allstate | $625 | $104 |
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool data methodology
The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool for home and auto insurance rates utilizes the latest ZIP code-level rate filings from across the U.S., sourced from Quadrant Information Services and S&P Global. These filings, typically updated annually or biennially by insurers, are verified through Quadrant’s QA process and then integrated into The Zebra’s estimator.
The displayed rates are based on a dynamic home and auto profile designed to reflect the content of the page. This profile is tailored to match specific factors such as age, location, and coverage level, which are adjusted based on the page content to show how these variables can impact premiums.
For a comprehensive understanding, see our detailed methodology.
In Washington, drivers must carry liability limits of 25/50/10, which provides $25,000 in bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. However, these limits often fall short when it comes to covering the full cost of an accident. We recommend most drivers increase their limits to 50/100/50 if possible, and for even greater protection, consider adding comprehensive and collision coverage.
Renata Balasco — insurance writer and senior content specialist at The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Liability coverage | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Farmers | $304 | $875 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $305 | $665 |
| Progressive | $326 | $843 |
| PEMCO | $350 | $1,007 |
| State Farm | $389 | $1,023 |
| GEICO | $397 | $1,131 |
| Allstate | $625 | $1,435 |
Source: The Zebra
Find the best coverage and price in Washington with The Zebra.
Cheap full coverage in Washington
Full coverage car insurance in Washington costs about $1,077, just 1% in premium difference versus the rest of the country. While these policies are more expensive, 63% of our Washington customers searched for full coverage quotes.Â
When we say "full coverage" we’re referring to a policy that includes both comprehensive and collision. It's costlier but provides the best protection for your vehicle and your wallet in case of an accident. Capital Insurance Group is offering cheap quotes for full coverage insurance in Washington.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Insurance Group | $665 | $111 |
| Progressive | $843 | $141 |
| Farmers | $875 | $146 |
| PEMCO | $1,007 | $168 |
| State Farm | $1,023 | $171 |
| GEICO | $1,131 | $189 |
| Allstate | $1,435 | $239 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra Tip: Search out these car insurance discounts
- Payment options: Paid-in-full, advance purchase, automatic payments
- Driver discounts:Â Good driver, good student, homeowner, bundling, military
- Vehicle discounts:Â Anti-theft devices, telematics, new vehicle
What are the best car insurance companies in Washington?
We named Farmers the best car insurance company in Washington based on consumer reviews, third-party ratings (J.D. Power, Trustpilot, and AM Best), and details such as discount information and coverage options.[3] See more pros and cons of Farmers below, as well as quotes from other solid choices in Washington.Â
Washington state is full of great insurance companies, but Farmers stood out to us as the best choice for drivers. Its combination of affordable pricing, customer service scores, and long list of discounts and coverages made it our top pick for Washingtonians.
-
Affordable premiums for most drivers
-
Many discount opportunities and coverage options
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Positive scores from J.D. Power
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Placed highly in The Zebra Customer Satisfaction Survey
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One of the more expensive options for teen drivers
Best car insurance companies in Washington— honorable mentions
Naming just one company as the best in Washington was a challenge— both Farmers and Capital Insurance Group offer low average rates as well as robust coverage options. Washington honorable mentions are companies that scored well in customer satisfaction and boast affordable premiums.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Insurance Group | $665 | $111 |
| Progressive | $843 | $141 |
| PEMCO | $1,007 | $168 |
Source: The Zebra
How did we pick what company has the "Best Value" in Washington?
The author's recommendation for "best value" is based on:
- The Zebra's 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey
- J.D. Power's 2024 Regional Customer Satisfaction Study
- Each company's average cost of car insurance in Washington
- Available coverage options
- The author's 5+ years of insurance industry experience
Our reviews are based on The Zebra's unbiased and impartial editorial standards. Our ratings of insurance companies are never commissioned-based nor is our content impacted by any partnerships.
For more information, see our editorial standards page.
Cheap auto insurance for teens and young drivers in Washington
Drivers aged 16 to 25 typically face high car insurance rates, with 16 to 19-year-olds seeing the steepest premiums. Because inexperienced drivers pose a higher risk, teen drivers pay more than triple the national average for car insurance. In Washington, teens experience particularly high costs, averaging $5,904 per year—only $625 less than the national average for teens and over three times what the average Washington driver pays. Our data states that the best insurance company for teen drivers is Capital Insurance Group.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,462 | $244 |
| GEICO | $2,952 | $492 |
| PEMCO | $2,982 | $497 |
| Progressive | $3,273 | $545 |
| State Farm | $3,349 | $558 |
| Farmers | $3,961 | $660 |
| Allstate | $4,115 | $686 |
Source: The Zebra
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Insurance Group | $1,930 | $322 |
| GEICO | $3,495 | $582 |
| PEMCO | $3,760 | $627 |
| Progressive | $4,383 | $731 |
| State Farm | $4,441 | $740 |
| Farmers | $5,068 | $845 |
| Allstate | $5,238 | $873 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra Tip: 3 ways young drivers can save on car insurance
- Enroll in an accredited defensive driving course to lower your accident risk and earn discounts
- Opt for a more affordable vehicle with strong safety ratings and low repair costs instead of a high-performance car.
- Remain on your parent’s insurance policy to save money and take advantage of their positive insurance record.
Find your best value insurance match with The Zebra.
Car insurance price trends in Washington
Car insurance premiums in Washington fluctuated significantly between 2015 and 2024,with some big ups and downs. Premiums rose dramatically in 2022 ($595 increase) and 2024 ($477 increase) following more stable years, but saw major declines in 2018 (-$540) and 2023 (-$437). These swings happened for a few reasons: new rules, like banning credit scores from being used to set rates, inflation and higher repair costs, and the impact of the pandemic, which meant fewer drivers and claims in 2020-2021. Additionally, industry-wide factors such as claims patterns, reinsurance costs, and vehicle technology trends also played a role in the variability of premiums over the years.
| Year | Avg. Annual Premium — Washington | Yearly Change — Washington |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | $1,859 | $477 |
| 2023 | $1,382 | -$437 |
| 2022 | $1,819 | $595 |
| 2021 | $1,224 | $15 |
| 2020 | $1,209 | -$151 |
| 2019 | $1,360 | $104 |
| 2018 | $1,256 | -$540 |
| 2017 | $1,796 | $234 |
| 2016 | $1,562 | -$323 |
| 2015 | $1,885 | $216 |
Washington state banned the use of credit scores in insurance during the COVID-19 pandemic, as lawmakers feared that financial hardships would lower credit scores, driving up insurance rates if the practice continued.[6]
Washington's ban is temporary, set to be in effect for three years beyond the declaration that the state of emergency has ended. This is an effort to give Washingtonians time to recover their credit scores. The ban impacts auto, home and renters insurance.
Washington auto insurance quotes after an at-fault accident
Your driving record significantly impacts your insurance costs. Insurance providers assess any past accidents where you were at fault to determine your risk level as a customer. If you've had an at-fault accident in Washington in recent years, your premiums could rise by up to $752 annually.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Insurance Group | $885 | $147 |
| Farmers | $1,238 | $206 |
| State Farm | $1,310 | $218 |
| PEMCO | $1,401 | $233 |
| Progressive | $1,510 | $252 |
| GEICO | $1,608 | $268 |
| Allstate | $1,946 | $324 |
Source: The Zebra
Zebra Tip: Don't forget about claims satisfaction
While we all hope to never use our insurance, having a smooth experience when needed is essential. In our 2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey, we measured the satisfaction of those who filed claims. Amica and USAA stood out, making each a strong contender for residents of Washington.[5]
In Washington, a bad driving record will cause your rates to skyrocket. If you receive a ticket or citation, your auto insurance premiums will probably rise. How much depends on the violation, your insurer's pricing standards, and differing local insurance regulations and risks. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
See below average auto insurance rates in Washington after a few common citations.
Source: The Zebra
The Zebra's guide to Washington car insurance laws for high-risk drivers
Violations like reckless driving or a DUI will require you to make changes to your insurance policy.
Learn more about car insurance requirements in the state of Washington with our helpful guide. Or, see our brief explanations of how DUIs and SR-22s affect your insurance below.
Washington DUI laws
In Washington, a DUI offense can increase your annual car insurance premium by an average of 74%, or over $1,348. Finding affordable auto insurance in the wake of a DUI violation isn’t simple. In fact, a DUI often brings about a bigger premium increase than any single road violation — more than an at-fault accident or reckless driving.
Low-cost car insurance after a DUI in Washington
If you're convicted of a DUI violation in Washington, it’s key to mull over each of your insurance choices carefully. Auto insurance premiums following a DUI can vary substantially by insurer. For example, the least expensive car insurance company with a DUI in Washington, Progressive, advertises annual rates 33% less than the statewide average insurance rate with a DUI. The second-cheapest insurer for auto insurance after a DUI in Washington is Farmers, while the priciest firm is Cal Casualty, with prices 29% above average.
Updating data...
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium | Avg. Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $1,048 | $175 |
| Farmers | $1,076 | $179 |
| State Farm | $1,517 | $253 |
| Grange | $1,835 | $306 |
| Allstate | $1,864 | $311 |
| GEICO | $1,936 | $323 |
| Cal Casualty | $2,049 | $342 |
Source: The Zebra
There is no car insurer in particular that offers cheap DUI auto insurance. The recommended way to save in the wake of a DUI citation is to shop around.
Washington SR-22 insurance
An SR-22 is a routine legal requirement triggered by a violation such as a DUI conviction, a ticket for driving without insurance, an at-fault collision, driving with a suspended license or accumulating too many points on your license. It is not a type of insurance policy, but a form issued by your insurance company with the state of Washington to ensure that you remain insured.
Finding cheap auto insurance with an SR-22 in Washington might require some research, but it could pay off in the end.
Â
How to acquire an SR-22 in WashingtonÂ
For currently insured drivers
If you already have auto insurance, getting an SR-22 certificate is straightforward. Contact your car insurance company and ask the company to file an SR-22 request for you. If your insurer isn’t willing to file a request, you'll need to look for a new insurer.
Â
For uninsured drivers
When filing for a new policy, you might be saddled with an up-front fee to have your prospective insurer file an SR-22 request for you and to cover your high-risk driving profile. Needing an SR-22 might disqualify you from purchasing insurance from some companies, while others would be happy to sell you a policy.
Â
For drivers without a vehicle
Not owning a vehicle makes it more difficult to obtain an SR-22, as you will need to furnish proof of insurance to receive the certificate. In this scenario, purchase a non-owners car insurance policy before filing an SR-22 request. Non-owners auto insurance is typically less expensive than traditional coverage since it doesn't protect against material damage to your vehicle.
Find an affordable policy in Washington in minutes!
Car insurance in popular Washington cities
Car insurance companies calculate your rate based on many factors, the location of the vehicle being an important one. The cheapest car insurance is found in Anacortes, Washington, and the most expensive in Boulevard Park.
Have a look at the table below to see average car insurance costs in some of Washington's biggest cities.
If your rates are rising faster than the average in your state, compare quotes and find a better deal. The Zebra's car insurance comparison engine furnishes quotes based on your specific profile — enter your ZIP below to get started.
Washington car insurance FAQs
Below you'll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions regarding Washington auto insurance.
Save money on your next car insurance policy!
Data Methodology. The Zebra’s Dynamic Insurance Rating Tool
Anonymized User Surveys. The Zebra
2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. J.D. Power
2024 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The Zebra
2023 U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study. J.D. Power
Consumer Insurance Refined Search Results. NAIC
What states do not allow credit scoring in car insurance?Credit Repair
RECENT QUESTIONS ABOUT CAR INSURANCE IN WA
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About The Zebra
The Zebra is not an insurance company. We publish data-backed, expert-reviewed resources to help consumers make more informed insurance decisions.
- The Zebra’s insurance content is written and reviewed for accuracy by licensed insurance agents.
- The Zebra’s insurance editorial content is not subject to review or alteration by insurance companies or partners.
- The Zebra’s editorial team operates independently of the company’s partnerships and commercialization interests, publishing unbiased information for consumer benefit.
- The auto insurance rates published on The Zebra’s pages are based on a comprehensive analysis of car insurance pricing data, evaluating more than 83 million insurance rates from across the United States.