Car Insurance Comparison: Oregon vs. Washington

Comparing auto insurance in Oregon and Washington

If you're relocating from Oregon to Washington, you are probably assessing the major concerns and expenses: tracking down a reliable long-distance moving service, finding a house or apartment in your new locale, and arranging your move across state lines.

With all of this going on, it can be easy to forget the details. Auto insurance is often just an afterthought, but it's crucial. To find a great deal and stay on the right side of the law, you’ll need to update your insurance policy — or find a new one — when you move across state lines.

Read our guide to car insurance in Oregon and Washington and ensure your move is pain-free. We'll cover the following:

 

1. Insurance rate comparison
2. Insurance rates by coverage level
3. Affordable companies by state
4. Rates by city
5. Additional resources

 

Oregon vs. Washington car insurance — average rates

You should expect to pay less for auto insurance in your new home. The usual annual car insurance rate in Washington is $8 less expensive than the average rate in Oregon. The precise cost will depend on your coverage choice, insurance history, and your choice of car insurance company.

 

AUTO INSURANCE PREMIUMS IN OREGON AND WASHINGTON

Location	Average Annual Cost
Oregon	$1,267
Washington	$1,259

 

Average car insurance costs by coverage level

How much you spend on an auto policy depends on your chosen coverage level and how much protection you want from your insurer.

If you decide to go with your state's minimum liability auto insurance coverage, you'll have medical payment, bodily injury, and property damage liability coverages, in addition to uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection in some states.

 

CAR INSURANCE PREMIUMS FOR BASIC LIABILITY COVERAGE IN OREGON vs. WASHINGTON

State	Time Period	Rate
Oregon	Annual	$639
Washington	Annual	$607
Oregon	6-Month	$320
Washington	6-Month	$303
Oregon	Monthly	$53
Washington	Monthly	$51

 

Choosing to carry full-coverage auto insurance will cost more, but you’ll get the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive and collision coverages, plus extras such as rental reimbursement and roadside assistance. The chief benefit of full coverage is that it protects you and your vehicle more comprehensively than does basic coverage. If you want to go the extra mile to protect your investment in your vehicle, consider bumping up your policy to full coverage.

 

CAR INSURANCE RATES — FULL COVERAGE IN OREGON vs. WASHINGTON

State	Duration	Cost
Oregon	Annual	$1,277
Washington	Annual	$1,183
Oregon	6-Month	$638
Washington	6-Month	$591
Oregon	Monthly	$106
Washington	Monthly	$99

 

Cheap auto insurance companies in Oregon and Washington

One of the top contributing factors to auto insurance costs is the auto insurance company you choose. Insurers price premiums in a number of ways, leading to substantial variations in pricing. Location also plays a role: some car insurance companies only sell policies in certain states, while major insurers' rates change by state.

When swapping states, you should look to find the best cheap insurance company offering policies in your new location. Start researching below by viewing the five most affordable auto insurance companies in Oregon and Washington.

 

CHEAP CAR INSURANCE COMPANIES IN OREGON

Company	Average Annual Rate
Grange	$701
Oregon Mutual	$836
Country	$839
Travelers	$933
USAA	$960

 

See other cheap auto insurance companies in Oregon.

 

CHEAP AUTO INSURANCE COMPANIES IN WASHINGTON

Insurance Company	Average Annual Rate
Capital	$769
Grange	$830
Nationwide	$971
PEMCO	$984
Travelers	$1,018

 

View other inexpensive auto insurance companies in Washington.

 

Car insurance rates by city in Oregon and Washington

While car insurance is regulated at the state level, insurers assign rates by ZIP code to account for local factors such as population density and number of insurance claims. The location to which you move will play a major role in deciding your premiums.

See below auto insurance rates in major cities in Washington and Oregon.

 

AUTO INSURANCE COSTS BY CITY IN OREGON

City	Average Annual Rate
Portland	$1,514
Eugene	$1,146
Salem	$1,333
Gresham	$1,590
Hillsboro	$1,366

 

See our longer list of car insurance rates in Oregon cities.

 

CAR INSURANCE RATES BY CITY IN WASHINGTON

City	Average Annual Premium
Seattle	$1,377
Spokane	$1,082
Tacoma	$1,413
Vancouver	$1,169
Bellevue	$1,231

 

Looking for rates in another city? View car insurance rates in other Washington cities.

 

More information on relocating from Oregon to Washington

When moving from Oregon to Washington, you will encounter unfamiliar driving laws, potentially different SR-22 rules, and more. Ensure your move is seamless with our data on your new state:

• Car insurance laws in Washington
• Washington insurance FAQs
• Auto insurance with a DUI or DWI in Washington