Best and Cheapest Car Insurance in Washington (Top 10 Companies for Savings in 2024)
USAA, Progressive, and State Farm all have the best and cheapest car insurance in Washington.
The other best and cheapest car insurance companies are listed below. They provide great value, outstanding support, and numerous discounts to help you lower your insurance costs.
| Company | Rank | Monthly Rates | A.M. Best | Best For | Jump to Pros/Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
#1 | $20 | A++ | Military Members | USAA |
 |
#2 | $26 | A+ | Online Management | Progressive |
 |
#3 | $30 | B | Local Agents | State Farm |
 |
#4 | $31 | A+ | Vanishing Deductible | Nationwide |
 |
#5 | $32 | A++ | Lowest Rates | Geico |
 |
#6 | $35 | A++ | Comprehensive Coverage | Travelers |
 |
#7 | $40 | A | Loyalty Rewards | American Family |
 |
#8 | $42 | A | Policy Options | Liberty Mutual |
 |
#9 | $44 | A | Various Discounts | Farmers |
 |
#10 | $50 | A+ | Add-on Coverages | Allstate |
Cheap Washington car insurance rates are just a click away. Enter your ZIP code into our free quote tool above to find the best policy for you.
What You Should Know
- USAA offers the lowest car insurance rates in Washington for veterans and military personnel
- State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance rates for seniors in Washington
- Seattle is the most expensive area for car insurance in Washington
On this page:
- Cheapest Teen Car Insurance Rates in Washington
- Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Married Couples in Washington
- Cheapest Senior Car Insurance Rates in Washington
- Cheapest Areas in Washington for Car Insurance
- Most Expensive Areas in Washington for Car Insurance
- Minimum Car Insurance Coverage and Liability Limits in Washington
- Other Types of Coverage You Need in Washington
- How Car Insurance Rates Are Calculated in Washington
- How To Save Money on Your Car Insurance in Washington
- How Clearsurance Rates and Ranks the Best Car Insurance Companies in Washington
- What You Need To Know About Car Insurance
#1 – USAA: Top Pick Overall
Pros
- Unbeatable Low Rates: USAA offers the cheapest car insurance in Washington, with an average monthly premium of just $20.
- Military Equipment Coverage: USAA extends its coverage offer for military equipment in your car. For more information, check out our USAA insurance review.
- Accident Forgiveness Benefit: USAA offers accident forgiveness to Washington military drivers.
Cons
- Limited Eligibility: USAA is only eligible for military members in Washington, veterans, or relatives.
- Limited DUI Savings: Your USAA car insurance rates in Washington may increase more after a DUI.
#2 – Progressive: Best for Online Management
Pros
- Name Your Price Tool: Progressive's Name Your Price tool helps Washington customers find coverage that fits their budget. Discover more in ourreview of Progressive.
- Pet Injury Protection: Progressive offers Washington customers pet injury coverage in case of an accident.
- Snapshot Reward Safety: Progressive's Snapshot program lowers rates for Washington drivers with safe driving habits.
Cons
- Post-Accident Rate Spikes: Progressive premiums can increase dramatically for Washington drivers after an accident or violation.
- Snapshot Rate Increase: Progressive's Snapshot program can increase premiums if it detects unsafe driving habits.
#3 –State Farm: Best for Local Agents
Pros
- Safe Drive Discounts: State Farm Drive Safe & Save program offers Washington drivers up to 30% discounts for safe driving habits. Learn more about these savings in our State Farm auto insurance review.
- Rideshare Coverage Available: Washington customers can get rideshare coverage from State Farm, adding 15 to 20% to their current State Farm premium.
- Affordable High-Risk Coverage: Customers can benefit from State Farm's auto insurance for high-risk drivers.
Cons
- Low Financial Rating: AM Best downgrades State Farm to "B" (fair) from "A" (excellent), meaning they may have trouble paying claims to Washington customers.
- Glitchy Mobile App: Some Washington customers report that State Farm's mobile app can be glitchy, making it difficult to manage policies and claims on the go.
#4 – Nationwide: Best for Vanishing Deductible
Pros
- Total Loss Waiver: Nationwide's total loss waiver means Washington drivers won't pay a deductible if their car is totaled.
- Annual Coverage Review: Nationwide members get a free insurance review, ensuring you have the right coverage at the best price.
- Vanishing deductible Feature: Customers in Washington with safe drive habits get $100 off their deductible, up to $500
Cons
- Complex Claims Process: Some Washington customers report that Nationwide's claims process can be more complicated.
- Limited Presence: Nationwide has fewer local agents in Washington. See if your area is covered in our Nationwide auto insurance review.
#5 – Geico: Best for Lowest Rates
Pros
- Eagle Discount: Geico offers federal employees GS-7 and above in Washington an Eagle Discount, saving them up to 15% or more.
- Adjustable Deductibles: Geico allows Washington customers to modify their deductibles, providing flexibility to balance monthly premiums against out-of-pocket expenses in case of a claim.
- Mechanical Breakdown Coverage: Geico provides mechanical breakdown coverage in Washington, which can be cheaper than extended warranties for newer cars. Compare Geico vs. Progressive.
Cons
- Fewer Local Agents: With few local agents, customers can find it hard to access physical assistance from Geico.
- No Gap Insurance: Geico doesn't offer gap coverage in Washington, potentially leaving new car owners with extra costs if their vehicle is totaled.
#6 – Travelers: Best for Comprehensive Coverage
Pros
- Decreasing Deductible Benefit: Washington customers receive a decreasing deductible, which can drop by $50 to $500 each year you're claim-free. Learn more in our review of Travelers.
- Gap Insurance: Washington drivers with auto loans whose cars are declared total losses can get gap insurance.
- Student Discount: Customers with student drivers who maintain required grades can get a 15% student discount.
Cons
- Complex Coverage Options: Customers may find Travelers' coverage policy hard to understand.
- Slow Claim Process: Washington customers report that Travelers' claim processes can be slower.
#7 – American Family: Best for Loyalty Rewards
Pros
- Deductible Decrease: American Family customers in Washington get a unique diminishing deductible, where your deductible decreases by $100 each year you're claim-free
- Teen Safe Driver Program: Customers with teen drivers can take advantage of the American Teen Safe Driver Program, which offers various discounts.
- Car Replacement: American Family offers Washington drivers a newer car of the same model or up to 110% of the car's original price if their vehicle is totaled.
Cons
- Limited Digital Tools: American Family's online platform offers fewer self-service options than competitors.
- Limited Coverage Options: Washington drivers seeking specialized add-ons may find American Family's coverage selections limited. See the available coverage options in our American Family car insurance review.
#8 – Liberty Mutual: Best for Policy Options
Pros
- Teachers' Auto Insurance: Teachers in Washington receive a unique teachers' auto insurance from Liberty Mutual, which includes a $0 deductible for car vandalism or collision in school. If you are a teacher, check out our review of Liberty Mutual insurance for more information.
- Track Program: Washington customers who practice safe driving habits on the road receive discounts through the RightTrack program.
- Car Replacement: Customers can get new car replacement coverage in Washington if their new car is stolen or totaled in the first year.
Cons
- Sharp Premium Increase: Some Liberty Mutual customers say their premiums increase more sharply than other insurers after a claim.
- Low Service Ratings: J.D. Power studies show that Liberty Mutual services in Washington aren't up to standard.
#9 – Farmers: Best for Various Discounts
Pros
- Safe Driving Discount: Washington drivers with safe driving habits receive discounts from Farmers' unique Signal program.
- Customizable Coverage Options: Farmers offer customizable coverage options so customers can tailor their policies to their specific needs. Find out more about Farmers in our Farmers car insurance review.
- Multi-Policy Discount: Farmers offer Washington drivers a generous discount, which leads to significant savings.
Cons
- Time-Consuming Process: Some customers report that their claims process can be more time-consuming.
- Credit Sensitive Rates: Farmers' rates can be higher for drivers with less-than-perfect credit scores.
#10 – Allstate: Best for Add-on Coverages
Pros
- Program Rewards: Washington drivers receive significant discounts for safe driving through the Allstate Drivewise program.
- New Car Discount: Drivers with a new car receive a discount if the vehicle is a current model year or one year prior and you're the first owner.
- Low Mileage Program: Washington drivers get a discount from the Allstate Milewise program based on the number of miles they drive. Learn more about how you can benefit from this program in our Allstate review.
Cons
- Expensive Teen Rates: Allstate car insurance can be costly for customers with teens aged 16, often over four times higher than the national average.
- Costly Minor Violations: Customers who fail to stop at a stop sign can experience a rate of up to 58% or more.
Best and Cheapest Car Insurance Rates in Washington
Washington state offers a variety of car insurance options to suit different needs and budgets. When searching for the best and cheapest car insurance rates, it's important to compare the offerings from different companies to ensure you're getting the most value for your money.
Here's a look at the top 10 car insurance companies in Washington, along with their minimum coverage and full coverage rates:
| Insurance Company | Minimum Coverage | Full Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $50 | $114 |
| American Family | $40 | $91 |
| Farmers | $44 | $102 |
| Geico | $32 | $75 |
| Liberty Mutual | $42 | $92 |
| Nationwide | $30 | $70 |
| Progressive | $26 | $60 |
| State Farm | $30 | $69 |
| Travelers | $35 | $81 |
| USAA | $20 | $46 |
By reviewing these rates, you can find the best combination of coverage and affordability for your specific needs in Washington.
Cheapest Teen Car Insurance Rates in Washington
Car insurance for teen drivers can be expensive because of the lack of driving experience. Younger drivers pay three times the national average because of the risk presented as inexperienced drivers.
Read more: New driver car insurance: What to consider when buying your first car insurance policy
For teens in Washington state, the lowest rates can be found from State Farm. In the table below, you can find average Washington teen car insurance rates for male and female drivers.
The cheapest company on average for female teens and single adults is Geico! ▶️ https://t.co/EALmZwo22x
— Clearsurance (@clearsurance) March 18, 2022
@GEICO #Teens #Adults #Money #Insurance 🚙 pic.twitter.com/c5ibFoGxN6
The average premiums are listed for the five largest car insurance companies in Washington.
| Insurance Company | Age: 18 Female | Age: 18 Male |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $234 | $208 |
| American Family | $205 | $281 |
| Farmers | $146 | $157 |
| Geico | $96 | $131 |
| Liberty Mutual | $219 | $242 |
| Nationwide | $108 | $134 |
| Progressive | $245 | $278 |
| State Farm | $90 | $114 |
| Travelers | $214 | $299 |
| USAA | $92 | $109 |
These rates are based on profiles for 18-year-old male and female drivers in Washington. The car used was a 2015 Honda Civic EX. We used the minimum car insurance state limits. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in Washington will differ. Insurance rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Cheapest Car Insurance Rates for Married Couples in Washington
Drivers with a clean driving record can consider these companies because they offer the lowest average rates. Check out our ranking of the best car insurance for married couples to learn more.
Out of the five largest companies in Washington, USAA offers the cheapest car insurance rates for married couples in Washington on average.
| Insurance Company | Rates |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $57 |
| American Family | $54 |
| Farmers | $63 |
| Geico | $48 |
| Liberty Mutual | $46 |
| Nationwide | $42 |
| Progressive | $37 |
| State Farm | $41 |
| Travelers | $41 |
| USAA | $29 |
These rates are based on a 35-year-old married couple with two drivers and two vehicles on a policy. The cars used were two 2015 Toyota Highlander LEs. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The drivers had 1 driving incident within the past 3 years and they both have a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in Washington will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Cheapest Senior Car Insurance Rates in Washington
State Farm provides the cheapest car insurance rates for male and female senior drivers in Washington on average when compared with the other largest auto insurers in the state. For more information, explore our ways to save on senior driver car insurance guide.
| Insurance Company | Age: 65 Female | Age: 65 Male |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | $49 | $49 |
| American Family | $39 | $39 |
| Farmers | $42 | $44 |
| Geico | $32 | $32 |
| Liberty Mutual | $36 | $39 |
| Nationwide | $29 | $30 |
| Progressive | $28 | $26 |
| State Farm | $30 | $30 |
| Travelers | $34 | $35 |
| USAA | $20 | $20 |
These rates are based on profiles for 65-year-old male and female drivers. The car used for each was a 2015 Toyota Camry LE. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The drivers had zero incidents within the past three years and a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in Washington will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Cheapest Areas in Washington for Car Insurance
Since different areas of Washington state have higher risks of crime rate or car accidents, car insurance rates vary by location. The cheapest area in Washington for car insurance on average is Port Townsend. For a deeper understanding of how location affects car insurance rates, check out our guide "Why did my car and homeowners insurance rates increase?"
The table below displays the top 10 areas in Washington with the cheapest rates for a single adult.
| City | Rates |
|---|---|
| Port Townsend | $77 |
| Sequim | $77 |
| Oak Harbor | $78 |
| Anacortes | $78 |
| Clallam Bay | $78 |
| Port Angeles | $78 |
| Friday Harbor | $79 |
| Port Hadlock | $79 |
| Eastsound | $79 |
| Forks | $79 |
These rates are based on a 35-year-old single adult with one driver and one vehicle on a policy. The car used was a 2015 Toyota Highlander LE. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The driver had 1 driving incident within the past 3 years and had a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in Washington will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Most Expensive Areas in Washington for Car Insurance
On average, the most expensive area for car insurance in Washington is Seattle. This is likely due to higher traffic congestion, higher repair costs associated with urban areas and increased risk of accidents.
Read more: 5 Steps to take after a car accident
Other factors like crime rates and the overall cost of living also contribute to higher premiums in these regions. The table below displays the top 10 most expensive areas in Washington for car insurance based on average rates for a single adult.
| City | Rates |
|---|---|
| Seattle | $115 |
| Federal Way | $115 |
| Spanaway | $115 |
| Tacoma | $115 |
| Kent | $114 |
| Auburn | $114 |
| Pacific | $113 |
| Seahurst | $113 |
| Milton | $113 |
| Renton | $113 |
These rates are based on a 35-year-old single adult with one driver and one vehicle on a policy. The car used was a 2015 Toyota Highlander LE. Full coverage was used with 100/300/50 limits and a $500 collision and comprehensive deductible. The driver had 1 driving incident within the past 3 years and had a good credit score. The rates displayed should only be used for comparative purposes as individual rates in Washington will differ. Rate data is provided by Quadrant Information Services.
Minimum Car Insurance Coverage and Liability Limits in Washington
Washington’s car insurance requirements are straightforward: drivers are required to buy liability insurance. This will help protect you from any damage you cause, or any injuries to another driver or their passengers in an at-fault accident.
That’s why Washington drivers would be wise to consider some optional coverages available in the state. The two most common coverages are collision insurance and comprehensive insurance, which will help protect your vehicle in accidents, and from the things like fire, hail and theft.
Additionally, auto insurance companies in Washington are required to offer you personal injury protection (PIP), which will pay for things like your medical expenses and lost income resulting from an accident, regardless of fault. If you don’t want PIP coverage, you must reject it in writing.
The minimum liability limits in Washington, which are outlined below, are enough to make sure that you are a legal driver. These limits are low, however, and you should strongly consider purchasing higher limits to ensure you have enough protection in the event of a costly accident.
Washington state minimum car insurance requirements:
Liability coverage:
- Bodily injury — $25,000 per person
- Bodily injury — $50,000 per accident
- Property damage — $10,000 per accident
Bodily injury liability coverage provides coverage for medical bills from injuries sustained by the other vehicle’s driver and passengers if you are held responsible for an accident. This coverage also kicks in to defend you in the event of any legal claims.
Property damage liability coverage provides coverage in the event you damage someone else’s property in a car accident, most commonly the other vehicle, but also things like a home or fence.
Other Types of Coverage You Need in Washington
Once you've purchased the minimum coverage required by law, it is up to you to determine how much auto insurance coverage you need. Many people choose to purchase collision coverage, which pays for the policyholder's damages after at-fault accidents. Collision usually goes hand in hand with comprehensive coverage, which pays for damages from events other than collisions, like a falling tree limb, natural disasters, or vandalism.
Personal injury protection and medical payments coverage are two options that pay for medical costs related to an accident.
Rental car reimbursement coverage pays you back for the cost of your rental car while your own vehicle is in the shop.
GAP insurance, also called loan/lease payoff coverage, pays for the remainder of your loan if your car is totaled while you're still paying it off.
Accident forgiveness is a type of optional coverage that allows you to be involved in one auto accident without your auto insurer raising your rates.
Learn more: What is accident forgiveness and who offers it?
How Car Insurance Rates Are Calculated in Washington
When searching and comparing insurance quotes from the best auto insurance companies in Washington, it can be frustrating trying to understand how your insurance rates are calculated. While there is no exact formula that each car insurance company uses when providing you a quote, there are many factors that do contribute to the price you pay for your insurance. Among the factors that car insurers consider are:
- Your driving record
- Your annual mileage
- Location
- Age
- Marital status
- Gender
- Your car’s make, model and year
- Your credit history
- Amount of auto insurance coverage (required coverage and optional add-ons, such as collision and comprehensive)
One of the biggest misunderstandings when it comes to auto insurance rates is that the history of drivers in your area also contributes to how much you pay. For instance, even if you have a clean driving record, if there were a lot of accidents near you recently, your rates might still go up. Why is that the case?
Insurance companies disperse risk across all policyholders so that when it comes time to pay a claim, they have enough money to pay out. But imagine a scenario where they only raised rates for drivers with an accident. For drivers who had an expensive claim, the drivers simply wouldn't be able to afford the raised rates that are based off how much their insurer had to pay after an accident. So instead, insurance providers slightly increase rates across the board to offset the costs, though of course the at-fault driver may see a larger increase.
How To Save Money on Your Car Insurance in Washington
At the end of the day, we’d all like to have cheap car insurance from one of the best Washington car insurance companies. While you never want to sacrifice quality to save a couple of dollars, there are some different ways you can lower your car insurance premium.
Even though insurance premiums are 20% cheaper than the national average, you can still save money.
Here are six ways you can save money on your auto coverage:
- Bundle your car insurance with homeowners/renters insurance
- Consider raising your deductibles
- Pay your auto insurance policy in full
- Try usage-based car insurance
- Monitor price changes to your policy
- Shop for better rates by comparing auto insurance quotes
- Ask about auto insurance discounts
Common discounts include the safe driver discount, defensive driving course discount, and good student discount.
Below is a table detailing the discounts available from the top 10 best and cheapest car insurance companies in Washington:
How Clearsurance Rates and Ranks the Best Car Insurance Companies in Washington
Consistent with its mission towards greater transparency, Clearsurance does not keep its rating and ranking formulas in a black box. Our algorithm analyzes a range of inputs from our independent community of insurance customers, including:
- Price
- Customer Service
- Claim service
- Likelihood to renew
The algorithm also takes into account the percentage of what customers say the company does well vs. the percentage of what customers say the company could do better.
Read more: Insurance Claims Rating for Top 10 Largest Car Insurance Companies
The Clearsurance customer ratings and rankings are derived entirely from customer reviews and ratings.
What You Need To Know About Car Insurance
Whether you’re buying your insurance direct or going through an insurance agent, understanding the different car insurance coverage options is a must. Do you know what is covered by comprehensive coverage? Are you familiar with uninsured motorist coverage? Do you know how a deductible works?
We want to make sure you’re equipped with a proper knowledge of car insurance, so check out our car insurance guide. Looking for more educational information about car insurance? Check out our car insurance blog for more information and topics related to car insurance.
Find cheap car insurance quotes by entering your zip code below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who offers the cheapest teen car insurance rates in Washington?
Car insurance for teen drivers can be expensive because of the lack of driving experience. For teens in Washington state, the cheapest car insurance rates can be found from PEMCO.
Who offers the cheapest car insurance rates for a married couple in Washington?
Out of the five largest companies in Washington, PEMCO offers the cheapest car insurance rates for married couples in Washington on average.
Who offers the cheapest senior car insurance rates in Washington?
State Farm provides the most affordable rate for male and female senior drivers in Washington on average when compared with the other largest auto insurers in the state.
What is the best and cheapest insurance for car?
USAA, Nationwide, Travelers, Erie, Geico, and Progressive are the best and cheapest options nationwide.
What is the average cost of car insurance in WA?
In Washington, basic coverage costs around $53 a month, and the full package costs about $100 monthly.
What type of car insurance is cheapest?
Liability-only car insurance is typically the cheapest. It covers damages to others but not your own vehicle.
Which car insurer is best?
USAA is the best car insurer, known for its excellent customer service and competitive rates, but it's available only to military members and their families.
How much is car insurance in WA?
The average cost of car insurance in Washington state is around $54–$128 monthly, though rates can vary based on factors like coverage levels, driving record, and vehicle type.
Who is cheaper, Geico or Progressive?
Geico is generally cheaper than Progressive, but rates can vary depending on individual circumstances and coverage needs.
Why is WA auto insurance so expensive?
In 2023, the Insurance Commissioner's office reported that inflation, pricier repairs, and more accidents contribute to high WA car insurance costs.
What is considered full coverage car insurance in Washington state?
Full coverage car insurance in Washington typically includes more than the state's minimum liability coverage. This usually means adding collision and comprehensive coverage to the required liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
Are insurance rates going up in Washington state?
Yes, car insurance rates are rising in Washington state due to factors like increased severity of car accidents and higher repair costs.
Which insurance group is the cheapest?
Insurance group 1 is generally the cheapest, reflecting lower premiums for vehicles in this category.
What is the most basic car insurance?
Many people ask "What is the lowest form of car insurance?" Well, the most basic car insurance includes liability protection, which is required by most states. It may also include uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
Is Allstate cheaper than Geico?
No, Geico is generally cheaper than Allstate, offering lower average premiums for car insurance.
Which insurance company is usually the cheapest?
USAA is usually the cheapest car insurance company, followed by Geico and Travelers among other top low-cost providers.
Who is the most trusted insurance company in Washington?
The most trusted insurance companies often include USAA, State Farm, and Amica, known for their customer service and reliability.
Is there a way to lower car insurance?
Yes, you can lower car insurance rates by qualifying for discounts, increasing your deductible, reducing coverage, comparing rates, considering usage-based insurance, taking a defensive driving course, or choosing a car that's cheaper to insure.
What are the three types of car insurance?
The three key types of car insurance are liability insurance, which covers damages to others; collision coverage, which pays for repairs to your car after an accident; and comprehensive insurance, which covers non-collision-related damage to your vehicle.
Is car insurance mandatory in Washington state?
If you're asking yourself, "Do I need car insurance in WA?" the answer is yes. It is illegal to drive a car in Washington without liability insurance or another form of financial responsibility for damages.