How does your city measure up to the national average?
National average time spent commuting 26.9 Min
National average car thefts per 1,000 2.3 Year
National average car insurance cost $1,311 Year
| City | Commute time (min) | Auto theft rate / 1,000 | Annual insurance cost |
| Auburn | 33 | 7.44 | $1,479 |
| Bellevue | 24.2 | 2.26 | $1,025 |
| Bellingham | 18.5 | 1.25 | $1,004 |
| Everett | 28.9 | 7.34 | $1,552 |
| Kent | 32.6 | 6.47 | $1,509 |
| Kirkland | 28.3 | 1.98 | $1,010 |
| Renton | 32.6 | 7.86 | $1,558 |
| Seattle | 27.9 | 4.77 | $1,289 |
| Spokane | 21 | 5.8 | $1,372 |
| Tacoma | 30.1 | 7.44 | $1,575 |
| Vancouver | 25.4 | 4.37 | $1,319 |
Washington State Car Insurance FAQ - Quick Answers
On average, Washington drivers pay $1,110 a year for their car insurance. This is less expensive than the national average premium of $1,311 annually. However, this can vary a lot, and you can obtain exact costs for your coverage through a an independent insurance agent for free.
Car insurance covers a multitude of losses depending on what coverages you select. Some of the most used limits in Washington are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability: Pays for medical expenses of others.
- Property damage liability: Pays for property damage of others.
- Medical payments: Pays for your medical expenses.
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist: Pays for an accident involving an uninsured/underinsured motorist.
- Comprehensive: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
- Collision: Pays for a collision with another vehicle, animal, or property.
Washington car insurance is mandatory at the state minimum limits listed below:
- $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability
- Uninsured motorist liability
There are several carriers that you could obtain car insurance through. In Washington, Progressive, Safeco, Nationwide, and Travelers insurance companies are among the best in the state. These companies are top rated because of their excellent claims service and customer care.
In Washington, and other states, carriers look at numerous risk factors when rating your car insurance policy. This includes:
- Your age
- Your address
- Your annual mileage
- Your vehicle's value
- Your coverage selection
- Your claims history
- Your driving record
No. In Washington, you are not required to provide evidence of car insurance when registering your vehicle. However, you will need to prove that you have coverage if you're pulled over or involved in an accident.
Auto insurance follows the car in Washington. What this means is that if you are lent a vehicle, then you're also borrowing their insurance policy in the event of an accident or loss.
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Bodily Injury Requirements in Washington
Bodily injury liability insurance pays for medical bills of the other driver when you're found at fault for a car accident. In most states, this coverage is mandatory at the preset limits or higher.
In Washington, bodily injury liability coverage needs to be at $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident or more. You may choose to opt for increased limits in order to be fully protected.
Property Damage Requirements in Washington
Another coverage that is necessary is property damage liability. This helps pay for damage you have caused to another party due to an auto accident.
The state of Washington requires all drivers to carry a minimum of $10,000 in property damage liability. If you're looking for better protection due to rising car prices, consult with your trusted adviser for options.
Personal Injury Protection Coverage Requirements in Washington
Some states require what is called personal injury protection, or PIP, under your auto policy. This protection pays for your personal medical bills when you get injured due to an at-fault car accident.
In Washington, PIP is not mandated. However, medical payments coverage is a comparable alternative that you can add to your policy. Without medical payments insurance, you will not have coverage for your injuries.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage in Washington
Uninsured motorist coverage helps pay for damage or injuries that you sustain when involved in an accident with an at-fault uninsured driver. Some states make this coverage mandatory in order to use the roadways.
In Washington, uninsured motorist coverage is not required, but it's useful to consider if you want to be fully protected. 17.4% of all Washington drivers don't have auto insurance, which can increase the risk.
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Optional Car Coverage in Washington
Collision insurance and comprehensive insurance are commonly chosen limits, which help pay for damage to your autos when an accident occurs. These coverages, among others, are optional and cost an additional fee.
In Washington, you'll have numerous options to choose from when purchasing car insurance. If you want anything more than the state minimum limits of liability under your auto policy, you'll need to add it when you purchase your coverage.
Car Insurance Discounts to Consider in Washington
In Washington, you'll have car insurance discounts that could be applied depending by your carrier. One of the most used and easy discounts to obtain is the multiple policy discount. This can cut costs by 30% or more across all policies.
Other simple ways to save are being part of an association like a teachers union, and having the same carrier for more than one year to qualify for the loyalty discount.
How to File a Car Insurance Claim in Washington
When you're involved in an auto accident, what to do next can be overwhelming to remember. Check out these four easy steps for filing a car insurance claim in Washington.
First, find a safe place and get necessary medical attention. Second, report the accident to your independent insurance agent and obtain your claims number. Third, secure a rental vehicle if coverage allows and if it's needed. Last, schedule a call with your adjuster to go over the loss and talk about payment.