Seattle, WA Car Insurance
How much does car insurance cost in Seattle?
Car insurance in Seattle costs an average of $1,078 for a six-month policy or $180 per month on average. In 2023 our data shows PEMCO is the cheapest car insurance company in Seattle with rates at $593 for a six-month policy.
Seattle drivers pay more than the average for car insurance in Washington ($904 every six months) and more than the national average of $880. According to our customers in Seattle, 31% of them said they're paying too much for car insurance. If you agree or just need help with your car insurance, read on to learn more about what a fair rate looks like in Seattle based on common factors like credit score, coverage level, and more.
| Car Insurance in Seattle vs Washington | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| Seattle Average | $1,078 |
| Washington Average | $904 |
The cheapest car insurance companies in Seattle
Regional insurer PEMCO is the cheapest at $99 per month or $593 for a six-month policy.
In second place is USAA, which costs $111 per month, or $668 for a six-month policy.
Rounding out the list is Nationwide as the third-cheapest insurance company. On average, a Nationwide policy in Seattle costs $824 per six-month policy ($137 per month).
The Zebra's key takeaways about car insurance in Seattle:
- The average cost of a car insurance policy in Seattle is $1,078 per six-month policy — $180 per month.
- The cheapest company in Seattle is PEMCO ($99/month).
- Seattle ranks as the 23rd most expensive city for car insurance in Washington.
- 31% of Zebra customers in Seattle stated they used our product because they were paying too much for car insurance.
Are you paying too much for auto insurance?
Seattle car insurance rates by company
As per our 2023 data, PEMCO stands out as the most cost-effective company for full coverage car insurance in Seattle, charging $99 per month or $593 for a six-month policy. USAA ranks second, with policies starting at $115 per month or $668 for a six-month period. If you wish to explore highly rated car insurance companies, consult The Zebra's Customer Satisfaction Survey.
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Cheapest car insurance companies in Seattle, WA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| PEMCO | $593 |
| USAA | $668 |
| Nationwide | $824 |
| Progressive | $847 |
| State Farm | $938 |
| GEICO | $989 |
| Allstate | $1,398 |
Dynamic auto insurance data methodology
Methodology: The auto insurance rates displayed above and throughout this page are dynamic, meaning the data will refresh when the most recent information is made available. Rates are based on a sample driver profile — a 30-year-old single male driver with a Honda Accord and full coverage. This profile was adjusted based on common pricing factors used by major car insurance companies, like age, coverage level, driving record and others.
Shop around for the best rates
To find the most affordable insurance company for you, you need to compare. Our comparison service will do the work. Enter your ZIP code to get rates from State Farm, GEICO, Nationwide, and other top companies in Seattle, and find the best and cheapest car insurance.
Average car insurance in Seattle by rating factor
Car insurance companies use different rating factors to determine a fair rate for a driver based on their circumstances and to assess the level of risk involved. These factors, including age, credit score, claims history, and others, are generally shared by most companies. Nevertheless, some insurance providers assign varying degrees of importance to specific factors compared to others.
In light of this information, you should recognize that the most suitable auto insurance company for you can evolve over time as you age or witness modifications in your profile. Regularly seeking new quotes can help you ascertain whether you are still obtaining the most advantageous rates.
Q: I didn't have an accident — Why is my insurance going up?
A: The year-end earnings (premiums' revenue against the losses for compensating insured individuals' claims) assume a significant role as a rating factor in determining the car insurance prices in Seattle. Despite a clean driving record, it remains plausible that you may face increased premium payments due to the mounting cost of doing business in Seattle.
Auto insurance premiums by age in Seattle
Car insurance premiums are heavily influenced by age, making it a top rating factor. Teen drivers, who present the highest potential for accidents within any age group, often find themselves burdened with the highest premium costs. In Seattle, the drop in rates between teenage drivers and individuals in their 20s reaches a whopping $4,136 per year, representing the most significant variance observed across any two age brackets.
Although this may seem unjust, insurance companies are compelled to implement such practices in the interest of risk management. The imposition of higher premiums on teen drivers allows companies to mitigate the escalated expenditure associated with claims settlements.
Cheapest car insurance companies for teen drivers in Seattle, WA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| PEMCO | $1,781 |
| USAA | $2,554 |
| GEICO | $2,604 |
| Nationwide | $2,695 |
| State Farm | $3,282 |
| Progressive | $3,517 |
| Allstate | $4,209 |
| Age Bracket | Cheapest Companies | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|---|
| 20s | PEMCO | $840 |
| 30s | PEMCO | $590 |
| 40s | PEMCO | $591 |
| 50s | PEMCO | $565 |
| 60s | PEMCO | $595 |
| 70s | PEMCO | $737 |
Zebra Tip:Â The cheapest companies for Seattle drivers between 20-40 are PEMCO, USAA and Nationwide
According to our data, drivers between the ages of 20-40 constitute the majority of Seattle drivers. On average, this particular demographic pays $1,242 every six months. By selecting these companies, these groups have the potential to save 35%.
Auto insurance premiums for minimum coverage in Seattle
Insurance rates are heavily influenced by the extent of coverage you decide to include in your policy. The more extensive your chosen coverage, the pricier your policy becomes. There are quite a few Seattle drivers who carry the bare minimum coverage required by the state. While this fulfills legal requirements, having only the minimum limits exposes you to the potential risks of being inadequately insured.
Collision and comprehensive coverage, while recommended, can increase your rates. This combination, commonly referred to as "full coverage," offers a broader scope of protection for your vehicle. These coverages typically require a deductible, which also has an effect on your rates depending on the amount you choose.
Roadside assistance or uninsured motorist coverage stands out as supplements worth considering. These coverages prove invaluable during unforeseen circumstances or when involved in an accident with an uninsured driver. Although they contribute to an increased premium, we highly recommend their inclusion due to the significant safeguard they offer for your vehicle and your own security.
Q: Can I lower my car insurance coverage?
A: Possibly — if your vehicle is paid off.
If you are not currently leasing or financing your vehicle (which typically have coverage requirements to maintain), it is worth evaluating whether it is suitable to eliminate comprehensive or collision coverage. We recommend acquiring the actual cash value of your vehicle from Kelley Blue Book or another reputable source. The general rule of thumb is that if your vehicle's value is below $4,000, collision coverage may not be essential. However, it is important to bear in mind that discarding these coverages implies that you will be responsible for any repair costs out of your own pocket.
Cheapest car insurance companies for minimum coverage in Seattle, WA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| PEMCO | $229 |
| USAA | $267 |
| Progressive | $400 |
| GEICO | $423 |
| Nationwide | $450 |
| State Farm | $462 |
| Allstate | $585 |
31% of our customers in Seattle opt for basic coverage, but this may not be the best option for everyone. While we understand state minimum or basic coverage is a budget-friendly solution, it does leave you at risk for damages that exceed your liability limits. Washington's 25/50/10 liability limits provide coverage for damage you cause up to $25,000 per person in bodily injury, $50,000 per accident in bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage. While this may be sufficient for some car accidents, it might not be for bodily injury claims and certainly not for multi-vehicle accidents.
Learn more about insurance laws in Washington.
Seattle car insurance rates by credit score
Despite the discontinuation of credit scores as a rating factor in certain states, Washington still factors in this numerical value when assessing policies. The credit score has long served as an indicator of drivers' inclination to file claims—individuals with lower credit scores are more prone to engaging in risky driving practices, experiencing lapses in coverage, and lodging claims. Hence, insurance companies perceive a lower credit score as an amplified level of risk for providing coverage.
Seattle drivers with poor credit (300-579) see only a 3% increase in premiums relative to drivers with excellent credit (800-850). This is extremely low compared to many locations, but the small amount can still add up over time. The data available to us suggests that 40% of drivers in Seattle maintain a credit score in the basic tier. In 2023, PEMCO emerges as the most economical choice for Seattle drivers within this credit range.Â
Cheapest car insurance companies for bad credit in Seattle, WA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| PEMCO | $593 |
| USAA | $668 |
| Nationwide | $824 |
| State Farm | $938 |
| GEICO | $989 |
| Progressive | $991 |
| Allstate | $1,398 |
Zebra Tip: If you recently improved your credit score, shop around for car insurance!
Washington state-specific data shows that drivers with a classification of "Fair" credit pay $14 less for car insurance per month compared to drivers categorized as having "Poor" credit. If you have recently fulfilled the financial obligations of a loan or undertaken other actions to enhance your credit profile, we advise you to verify with your preferred credit monitoring software whether your recent endeavors may lead to potential savings on your car insurance!
Auto insurance rates with an at-fault accident
Of all the types of insurance claims, at-fault accidents and collisions stand out as the most common occurrences. In 2023, an at-fault accident caused the average car insurance rates in Seattle to escalate by about $67 per month. PEMCO takes the lead as the most economical insurance company in Seattle after an at-fault accident.
Irrespective of the specific location, maintaining a pristine driving record is the key to ensuring affordable auto insurance rates. Violations such as speeding citations, charges of reckless driving, DUIs, and at-fault accidents all contribute to the escalation of rates. It is important to note that many of these infractions can remain on your record for a period of three to five years, with an extended duration in the case of a DUI or DWI.
Cheapest car insurance companies after an at-fault accident in Seattle, WA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| PEMCO | $750 |
| USAA | $923 |
| State Farm | $1,222 |
| Nationwide | $1,262 |
| GEICO | $1,402 |
| Progressive | $1,499 |
| Allstate | $1,895 |
Seattle car insurance rates by violation
Below you can see how different violations and claims will increase your rate in Seattle.
Car insurance rate increases after violations and citations in Seattle, WA
Why is car insurance in Seattle so expensive?
When compared to the average rate in the state of Washington and the national average, car insurance in Seattle tends to be relatively expensive. This can be attributed to several factors: Seattle's standing as a major city in Washington, metropolitan areas commonly harboring a higher concentration of residents and drivers, thereby increasing the likelihood of accidents. Furthermore, the cost of living in Seattle exceeds that of other towns in Washington, prompting car insurance companies to set higher rates to offset their expenses. Alongside personal rating factors, location-specific elements contribute to the elevated cost of car insurance in Seattle, regardless of one's driving profile.
Where you live in Seattle, specifically, also affects how much you pay for car insurance. Besides your driving history and credit score, where you live is one of the biggest contributing factors to your insurance premiums.Â
The reason? Crime, theft and uninsured motorists vary by ZIP code, and most cities have quite a few ZIP codes. Some areas of the city are more prone to crime, which makes them riskier for insurance companies, so if you live in a high-crime area, you will likely pay more for auto insurance than someone who lives in a safer neighborhood.
Expensive Seattle ZIP codes: 98118, 98108, 98144, 98106, 98178
Cheap Seattle ZIP codes:Â 98199, 98119, 98107, 98117, 98103
The damage caused by earthquakes and other similar weather-related damage can wreak havoc on the insurance industry and even put companies out of business. Luckily, Seattle has a fairly mild climate, but it can still experience devastating storms, hail, wind and more. Because of this risk, it’s can be expensive for auto insurance companies to do business in certain areas. As such, they will raise their rates to anticipate further weather-related losses.
Damage to your vehicle caused by flooding is covered under your comprehensive coverage. If you have a new or nice vehicle, we definitely recommend considering comprehensive coverage as part of your Seattle car insurance policy.
Seattle's population has continued to grow exponentially the past couple of years, with an estimation of around 750,000 in 2022.[1] With more cars on the road, more accidents are inevitable. The costs of accident-related claims are typically passed along to other drivers in the area through higher premiums — even for safe or occasional drivers.
According to our research, about 34% of drivers in Seattle aren'tcurrently insured — one of the highest percentages in the state. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver in Seattle, you may be left paying for the damage yourself.
Zebra Tip: Comprehensive coverage and uninsured property damage coverage are good to have in Washington
Consider comprehensive coverage if you have concerns about weather-related events, such as flooding, causing damage to your vehicle. This type of coverage provides protection specifically for damages caused by weather-related incidents.
To address high uninsured driver rates, consider uninsured motorist coverage (UMPD) in cities or ZIP codes. It assists when your vehicle is damaged by an underinsured or uninsured driver. UMPD has a lower deductible and is cheaper than collision. A UMPD claim leads to a rate increase that is hundreds of dollars cheaper than a collision claim.
Bundling insurance policies in Seattle
While car insurance rates are experiencing a national upward trajectory, there are still avenues for savings through various discounts. Among the most prevalent discounts offered by insurance companies is the multi-policy or bundling discount. By consolidating your home or renters insurance with your auto insurance under a single provider in Seattle, you can avail yourself of a significant discount. Some companies even provide savings of up to 10% on combined premiums.
See our guide to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the advantages of bundling home and car insurance. If you currently possess separate policies for your home and car, it would be judicious to explore the potential savings achievable by bundling them together.
Cheapest car insurance companies for bundling home and auto insurance in Seattle, WA
| Company | Avg. 6 Mo. Premium |
|---|---|
| PEMCO | $484 |
| USAA | $632 |
| Nationwide | $732 |
| State Farm | $761 |
| Progressive | $766 |
| GEICO | $947 |
| Allstate | $1,224 |
While there may be factors beyond your control, drivers can actively take steps to make themselves more attractive to insurers. Our top recommendation is to engage in extensive research and gather auto insurance quotes from a wide range of companies in Seattle. By doing so, you can secure the most competitively priced rate that doesn't compromise coverage or service. This is especially crucial if any personal circumstances have recently changed, such as a relocation, a birthday milestone, or an enhancement in your credit standing. Despite your best efforts, it's important to recognize that certain companies may simply be more expensive than others. In such cases, don't hesitate to contemplate a switch if it proves to be financially advantageous.
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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 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.