Car Insurance in Sammamish, WA

Accidents happen every day. That is why car insurance is beneficial for drivers in Sammamish. A good auto policy can shield you from unmanageable expenses whether you are in a multi-car collision on I-90, rear-ended at a stoplight on 228^th Avenue, or get into a fender-bender in a parking lot.

Local independent agents are available to answer your insurance-related questions and help you find the coverage you want at the most competitive price. Contact an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing customized car insurance quotes from some of the area’s best insurers.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Sammamish, WA?

The average cost of car insurance in Washington is lower than the national average rate. This is good news for drivers in Sammamish who are looking for an affordable policy.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Washington average annual car insurance cost: $1,110

Car insurance costs can vary significantly from one driver to the next. This is because insurance companies calculate rates according to several factors such as:

• Your vehicle’s year, make, model, and value
• Your age, gender, occupation, driving record, and credit score
• Information about other licensed drivers in your household
• The amount of liability insurance you want to include in your policy
• The coverage options you want to include in your policy
• The size of your deductible

Comparing customized quotes from multiple insurance carriers lets you choose the policy that offers the coverage you want at the most competitive price. Independent insurance agents make comparison shopping easy.

Are There Ways to Earn Car Insurance Discounts in Sammamish, WA?

If you buy your car insurance from the same insurance provider as some of your other policies, like your home insurance or renters insurance, this is called bundling. You can usually earn significant discounts on all your bundled policies.

Some other potential discounts you may encounter when shopping for coverage include:

• Multi-car discounts
• Safe driver discounts
• Military discounts
• Teacher discounts
• Good student discounts
• Discounts for having a vehicle with certain safety features and anti-theft devices

A local independent insurance agent can ensure that you receive any offers or car insurance discounts for which you qualify.

Is Car Insurance Required in Sammamish, WA?

As a vehicle owner in Sammamish, you are required by Washington State law to do one of the following:

• Carry a car insurance policy that meets or exceeds Washington’s minimum coverage requirements.
• Post a liability bond of at least $60,000 from a Washington State authorized surety bond company.
• Apply for a certificate of deposit for at least $60,000 to cover liabilities if you cause a collision.
• Self-insure. (This option is available only to residents who own at least 26 vehicles.)

Not surprisingly, most vehicle owners in Sammamish go with the first option and purchase a car insurance policy.

What Are the Minimum Coverage Requirements for Car Insurance in Sammamish, WA?

In Washington State, all car insurance policies must include liability coverage.

Car liability insurance covers any injuries and property damage you may cause to other people if you are at fault for a collision. Your policy must meet or exceed the following liability coverage minimums:

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

A minimum coverage policy may not be enough to fully cover your costs if you cause an accident. That is why many drivers in Sammamish purchase more liability coverage at levels much higher than the state requires.

If you have a lot to lose and want even more coverage than your car insurance can provide, you might want to consider also purchasing umbrella insurance. This is an affordable way to significantly boost all of your personal liability coverage.

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What Else Does Car Insurance Cover in Sammamish, WA?

In addition to the required liability insurance mentioned above, your insurance company is likely to offer several coverage options, including things like:

• Physical damage coverage: This is often required by lenders if you are financing your car and by dealerships if you are leasing it. It is designed to pay for loss or damage to your vehicle. It includes:
  • Collision insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
  • Comprehensive insurance: This covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or destroyed by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance: These can cover the associated costs if you are involved in a collision caused by an uninsured, underinsured, or hit-and-run driver.
• Medical payments insurance: This can help cover the cost of medical treatments if you or your passengers are injured in a collision, regardless of fault. It can supplement the coverage offered by your health insurance by covering expenses like deductibles, copays, and ambulance services.
• Towing and roadside assistance: This can cover the cost of assistance if your vehicle breaks down, such as if you have an overheated engine, blow a gasket, or get a flat tire.
• Gap insurance: This can pay off your car loan or buy out your lease if your vehicle is totaled in a covered event and you still owe more for it than it is worth.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: This can cover the cost of renting a car while you are having yours repaired following a covered event.

It is a good idea to review the details of all offered coverage options as well as their costs. That way, you can best decide which options are a good fit for you and the members of your household.

What Is the Penalty for Driving without Car Insurance in Sammamish, WA?

If you are caught driving without insurance in Washington, and you have neither posted a liability bond nor a security deposit with the state instead of having insurance, you can be charged with a traffic infraction and fined $450.

This infraction can add points to your license, resulting in a suspension of your driving privileges and higher car insurance rates.

Additionally, if you cause a collision while you lack insurance, you will be financially responsible for other people’s property damage and injuries. This can be very expensive and may result in court orders and garnished wages.

Despite these consequences, the uninsured driving rate in Washington State is well above the national average.

• Percentage of US drivers who are uninsured: 13.0%
• Percentage of Washington drivers who are uninsured: 17.4%

If you have opted to include uninsured motorist insurance in your auto policy, you can rest assured that if you are injured in a collision caused by an uninsured driver, you will have the coverage you need to cover your medical treatments without the need to go through lengthy legal channels to collect it.

How High Is the Auto Theft Rate in Sammamish, WA?

The auto theft rate in Washington is higher than the national average. However, in Sammamish, the rate is much lower. This is not to say the risk does not exist. Residents of this city report around 25 vehicle thefts a year.

• National auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 2.29
• Washington auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 3.12
• Sammamish auto theft rate per 1,000 people: 0.40

There is very little chance you will be the victim of auto theft in Sammamish. However, you should be aware that you can only be reimbursed for a stolen car if your auto insurance policy includes comprehensive coverage, also known as “other than collision insurance.”

If you are leasing or financing your vehicle, chances are good you have comprehensive coverage already. If not, be sure to ask how much it would cost to add it to your car insurance policy to determine if it is of value to you.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Sammamish, WA?

Qualities that make an insurance company stand out above the rest include responsive customer service, reliable coverage, and affordable rates.

Independent insurance agents in Sammamish have teamed up with some of the best car insurance companies in Washington. This lets you be sure that any policies your agent recommends are offered by companies you can count on if you need to file a claim.

How Can an Independent Agent in Sammamish, WA Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance Policy?

Independent agents in Sammamish make it easy to find the best and most affordable car insurance policy. These agents are available to explain your various coverage options, answer your coverage-related questions, and help you compare rates from a selection of competing providers.

It doesn’t cost anything to work with one of these experienced insurance professionals. Find an independent insurance agent near you to start comparing a selection of customized car insurance quotes.