Who are the Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Washington State?
Washington state car insurance averages $175 per month for full coverage in 2026, based on InsuranceQuotes.com’s analysis of market rate data. PEMCO Insurance, a Seattle-based regional carrier, consistently offers the most competitive rates for Washington drivers. Washington is one of three states that prohibit insurers from using credit scores to price auto policies — along with California and Hawaii — making driving record the primary pricing factor.
- In Washington State the cheapest car insurance companies on average are PEMCO Insurance, State Farm and Progressive. State minimum liability car insurance starts at $29 a month or $353 a year with PEMCO Insurance. The cheapest full coverage car insurance starts at $133 a month or $1,599 a year.
Here are the average policy rates from the cheapest local and national insurance providers in Washington from our cost database of used-car drivers who are single, middle aged and have a clean driving record:
| Insurance Company: | State Minimum Liability: | SM Monthly: | Full Coverage: | FC Monthly: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEMCO Ins. | $353 | $29 | $1,599 | $133 |
| State Farm | $496 | $41 | $1,734 | $144 |
| Progressive | $640 | $53 | $2,160 | $180 |
| Allstate | $728 | $61 | $2,177 | $181 |
How Much Does Washington State Auto Insurance Cost on Average?
- State minimum liability on average in Washington costs $50 a month or $595 a year. Full coverage auto policies costs around $161 a month or $1,935 a year in WA.
InsuranceQuotes cost rates are pulled from our real-time auto insurance database from recent quotes in Washington – Rates are based on a used car driver who is single, middle aged & has a clean driving record. Read on to learn about the cheapest local rates filtered by insurance providers, new cars, vehicle types and age.
State Minimum Liability Auto Insurance Requirements for Washington
Like most states, Washington has cracked down on drivers who choose to register a vehicle but never insure it. The state requires you to have insurance if you want to register a vehicle.
The state code RCW 46.29.090 requires you to have at least 25/50/10 insurance in Washington, with the following minimum limits:
- $25,000 per person in liability
- $50,000 per accident in liability
- $10,000 per accident in damage liability
Washington charges a very steep fine for not having insurance. You are required to report your insurance when you get it. Your insurance agency will also report any new policy, or policy changes, to the DMV.
Average Auto Insurance Costs for Popular WA Cities
| Washington City: | State Minimum: | SM Monthly: | Full Coverage: | FC Monthly: |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | $648 | $54 | $2,060 | $172 |
| Kent | $703 | $59 | $2,294 | $191 |
| Seattle | $692 | $58 | $2,271 | $189 |
| Spokane | $510 | $42 | $1,775 | $148 |
| Tacoma | $721 | $60 | $2,379 | $198 |
| Vancouver | $595 | $50 | $1,935 | $161 |
Washington Cities List:
Auto Insurance Rates for Washington by County
Your auto insurance rate can vary in price depending on where you live and what county. You can expect to pay high rates in Seattle where natural disasters, vandalism, and theft are higher. Those in rural areas may, in turn, receive lower rates because of lower risk. Many insurance agencies in the state also offer discounts if your drive to and from work is short.
| Auto Insurance Costs by County: | Sedan: | SUV: | Coupe: | Truck: | Hybrid: |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adams | $791.00 | $565.00 | $783.00 | $664.00 | $731.00 |
| Asotin | $823.00 | $590.00 | $783.00 | $699.00 | $756.00 |
| Benton | $766.00 | $551.00 | $841.00 | $649.00 | $706.00 |
| Chelan | $789.00 | $566.00 | $808.00 | $670.00 | $726.00 |
| Clallam | $815.00 | $591.00 | $868.00 | $698.00 | $749.00 |
| Clark | $855.00 | $621.00 | $938.00 | $738.00 | $784.00 |
| Columbia | $823.00 | $590.00 | $783.00 | $699.00 | $756.00 |
| Cowlitz | $854.00 | $619.00 | $923.00 | $736.00 | $782.00 |
| Douglas | $771.00 | $552.00 | $808.00 | $650.00 | $711.00 |
| Ferry | $851.00 | $605.00 | $900.00 | $705.00 | $790.00 |
Finding Auto Insurance Resources in Washington
If you’re looking for auto insurance, make sure you are shopping in the right places. Washington State requires all insurance companies to have a license. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner keeps a searchable list of insurance agents that have a license.
The Washington Automobile Insurance Plan is available for anyone who cannot get coverage elsewhere. The WAIP offers insurance to everyone in this category, but its rates and fees are often higher.
The Washington State Legislature is the best place to look for codes and regulations. You can find the entire Revised Code of Washington (RCW) on the site. Complaints can also be filed utilizing the RCW site.
The Washington State Department of Licensing is a great place to look for information about a driver’s license. The department has insurance information should you need it. You can also register your vehicle here.
Tips on Uninsured Motorist Insurance in Washington
A study by the Insurance Research Council says that nearly 20 percent of the drivers on the road are uninsured. If you want to be protected fully, you need uninsured motorist insurance (UM).
While Washington makes your insurance agency offer you UM coverage under Code RCW 48.22.030, you can choose to refuse it. UM insurance protects you from an accident with someone who is not insured. If you are hurt in a hit and run accident, your standard policy does not cover repairs or medical bills, but a UM policy does.
Moving to Washington: Important Information
Washington gives you 30 days to get your local driver’s license after you move. The state also allows you to pre-apply online so that you can save time when you do drive to the office. You will need your Social Security Number, out of state driver’s license, and one other proof of identity. Washington requires you to pass an in-office eye test and you will also have to pay a fee before getting your license. If your out-of-state license is expired, you will also have to pass a knowledge test and a driving test. You can check code RCW 46.20.021 for more regulations concerning new residents.
Understanding Driving Laws in Washington
According to Washington law, it is illegal to use a cell phone or mobile device while driving, except in an emergency. While texting or talking on the phone is illegal, such an offense does not go on your driving record. You are free to use your cell phone with a hands-free device.
Driving under the influence (DUI) is a serious issue in Washington, as it is in every state. If caught, the state suspends your license. Washington also places any DUI arrests on your permanent record. A DUI results from a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent or higher for adults 21 and older. You can also expect your insurance premiums to go up drastically should you get a DUI.
Washington Auto Insurance: FAQs
Do you need Washington-based insurance?
Even if you already have insurance from another state, you need insurance that covers you in Washington. You may just have to change your address if your insurance agency is licensed in the state.
How do you choose a deductible?
Most people are confused about their deductibles. Select your deductible based on how likely you think it is that you will be involved in an accident. If you think it is likely, it may make more sense to choose a lower deductible. You can also look at your budget and decide how much you can afford to pay out of pocket if something happens. It is also a good idea to compare how much lower your premiums are with a higher deductible.
How much is car insurance in Washington state?
Washington state car insurance averages approximately $175 per month for full coverage in 2026, based on InsuranceQuotes.com’s market rate analysis — above the national average due to Seattle’s high traffic density, elevated vehicle repair costs, and significant rate increases in recent years. Washington is one of three states that bans the use of credit scores in auto insurance pricing (along with California and Hawaii), which means your credit history cannot affect your premium regardless of insurer.
Does Washington state ban credit scoring for car insurance?
Yes — Washington state prohibits auto insurers from using credit-based insurance scores to price policies. This is a significant consumer protection that affects every Washington driver. Unlike 47 other states where poor credit can raise your premiums by 50% or more, Washington drivers with poor credit pay the same rate as excellent-credit drivers when all other factors are equal. California and Hawaii are the only other states with similar bans. This also means telematics programs (app-based safe driving discounts) and driving record are even more important factors in Washington.
Is car insurance more expensive in Seattle than rural Washington?
Yes significantly — Seattle and King County drivers pay considerably more than rural Washington drivers. Seattle’s high traffic density, expensive vehicle repairs, frequent fender-benders in urban traffic, and higher medical costs all contribute. Drivers in Eastern Washington (Spokane, Tri-Cities, Yakima) and rural communities typically pay 20 to 35 percent less than Seattle metro drivers for comparable coverage. Within Seattle, ZIP code matters enormously — rates in dense urban neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or First Hill are higher than suburban Redmond or Kirkland.
What is the cheapest car insurance in Washington state?
PEMCO Insurance, a Seattle-based regional carrier, consistently offers competitive rates for Washington drivers and is highly rated for customer service and claims handling. GEICO and State Farm are competitive for most Washington profiles. Farmers, despite being a national brand, has a particularly strong Pacific Northwest presence. USAA is the top choice for military members and veterans. Washington’s credit scoring ban means rate shopping is especially important — without credit score as a differentiator, other rating factors vary more between carriers.
What are Washington state’s minimum car insurance requirements?
Washington requires minimum auto insurance of 25/50/10: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage liability. Washington is an at-fault state. Uninsured motorist coverage is not required but is strongly recommended — Washington’s uninsured driver rate is estimated at 16 to 18 percent. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is required to be offered but can be rejected in writing. Given Washington’s high medical costs, keeping PIP coverage is generally advisable.
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Michael Giusti is a senior insurance analyst, business journalist, and university professor with over 20 years of experience. He serves as department chair at Loyola University New Orleans and contributes to Insurance Thought Leadership, U.S. News, and other leading financial outlets.
