Compare Cheap Auto Insurance in Washington

USAA has the lowest rates for full coverage car insurance in Washington — its average annual rate of $1,465 is 40 percent lower than the state average. However, the company is exclusively available to veterans and military members. Non-military Washington drivers can also find cheap rates with Mutual of Enumclaw ($1,644 annually), which boasts great third-party ratings for customer satisfaction.

For drivers looking for minimum liability insurance, USAA offers the cheapest average premiums at $399 annually, followed by GEICO at $650 annually for those who are not military-affiliated.

Mutual of Enumclaw provides the cheapest policies for households with teen drivers at an average cost of $4,484 per year, lower than the statewide average of $7,184 and the national average of $6,054. State Farm and GEICO also offer below-average rates for households looking for teen car insurance policies.

USAA is the most affordable for individuals with a speeding ticket on their record, charging an average of $1,557 yearly — 45 percent below the statewide average. For those not affiliated with the military, State Farm has the lowest premiums at $2,334 yearly. American Family and Travelers also have premiums that fall below than the state average, so Washington drivers looking for affordable rates can choose from multiple providers.

USAA is cheapest for military drivers with an at-fault accident in Washington with an average yearly premium of $1,792 — 46 percent lower than the state average. For those who don’t qualify for USAA, Mutual of Enumclaw  is an affordable option with an average yearly premium of $2,220 — still 33 percent lower than the statewide average.

USAA offers the lowest average rates for military members with a DUI in Washington at $2,397 annually. Non-military drivers can get the cheapest premiums with American Family, at $2,472 annually. Both providers have similar yearly rates, but USAA has higher customer satisfaction ratings than American Family. Progressive and Travelers also provide rates that fall beneath the statewide average.

In addition to cheaper rates, USAA has some of the highest national and regional customer satisfaction scores compared to other providers. State Farm is also a strong choice if you don’t qualify for a USAA policy. American Family also received high marks, and are definitely worth considering.

1. Bundle insurance: Lower your rates significantly by pairing your car insurance with a homeowners’ or renters’ policy. Many providers offer bundling discounts, and you can get up to 25 percent off your premium, depending on which company you choose.
2. Practice safe driving habits: Most insurance companies offer lower rates to drivers who have no accidents or violations on their record for the past three years, because they view these drivers as less risky. If you do have a mark on your record but generally drive safely, consider a telematics program, which tracks your driving and offers a discount depending on your habits.
3. Look for low-mileage discounts: For drivers who clock fewer miles per year, usage-based or pay-per-mile coverage can provide major premium cuts. You can also look for low-mileage discounts if a provider doesn’t offer pay-per-mile coverage. This is often a good option for stay-at-home parents, remote workers, and retirees.
4. Increase your deductible: In addition to auto insurance discounts, raising your deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage can make your premiums more affordable. It does mean that you pay more out of pocket before your provider covers costs in the event of an accident.

In Washington, the cost of auto insurance policies in major cities is higher than the statewide average. Drivers in Tacoma ($2,688 annually) and Seattle ($2,622 annually) pay the most, 6 percent to 8 percent above the state average. Meanwhile, Spokane and Vancouver have lower rates at $2,141and $2,282 annually, below the statewide average of $2,433.

Drivers in Washington must have a car insurance policy that meets the state’s minimum liability limits to get on the road. The state government requires bodily injury and property damage liability — these pay for the other party’s medical expenses and property damage if you’re in an at-fault accident.

In Washington, you’ll need these liability limits:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident⁶

Although this constitutes basic coverage, you’ll need higher limits to ensure you’ll be fully protected in an accident. If you’re at fault in an accident and the damages surpass your policy’s limits, you’ll have to pay for the rest out of pocket. If you can afford it, we recommend limits of 100/300/100 and full coverage (including comprehensive and collision).