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:
- Insurance rate comparison
- Insurance rates by coverage level
- Affordable companies by state
- Rates by city
- 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 a longer list of car insurance rates in Oregon cities here.
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 here.
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:
