Cheap Washington car insurance
Navigating Washington state insurance requirements doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're a new driver or just looking for better coverage, understanding the essentials of auto insurance in the Evergreen State is key.
How much is car insurance in Washington?
According to Bankrate, Washington drivers pay an average of $558 per year* for minimum coverage and an average of $1,845 per year* for “full coverage” car insurance.
Your car insurance costs in Washington depend on various factors specific to you, including your:
Driving record
Age
Type of vehicle you drive
ZIP code
The minimum down payment we offer in Washington is 16.66%, though it varies by risk. Our policies are available in six-month terms.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Washington?
Washington law requires all drivers to carry bodily injury liability insurance and property damage liability insurance. Car insurance providers are also required to offer personal injury protection (PIP), underinsured motorist bodily injury, and underinsured motorist property damage coverage in Washington, but you can reject them in writing.
Bodily injury liability insurance in Washington
Bodily injury liability coverage can help protect you financially if you're found at fault in a covered crash that injures another person. In Washington you’re required to carry at least:
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Property damage liability insurance in Washington
Property damage liability coverage can help cover the cost of repairs to someone else's property in an accident you cause while operating your vehicle. This typically applies to other vehicles but can also cover structures or objects you might hit. Washington drivers must carry a minimum of:
$10,000 per accident
Underinsured motorist bodily injury and property damage
Like your liability insurance, there are two types of underinsured motorist coverage (UIM): bodily injury and property damage. Both can help cover costs with an at-fault driver whose limits aren’t high enough to pay the full damages.
Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage can help pay for your injury-related expenses—including income loss and funeral expenses—above the at-fault motorist’s limits in a covered incident.
Underinsured motorist property damage coverage can help pay for certain repairs to your vehicle or property above and beyond the at-fault driver’s coverage limits.
Personal injury protection
Personal injury protection (PIP) can help pay for your medical expenses following a covered accident. In certain cases, it can also help cover lost wages, replacement services, and funeral expenses.
Also note, you can carry either PIP or medical payments coverage on your policy in Washington, but not both.
Optional car insurance coverages in Washington
Along with the required coverages above, you can choose to carry several optional coverages for additional protection. We offer the following coverages to Washington drivers:
Medical payments
Accidental death
Lienholder deductible
Car loan protection
Special equipment
Rental reimbursement
Roadside assistance
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SR22 insurance in Washington
If you've been convicted of certain serious driving violations in Washington, you may need to file an SR22 form. Common reasons for needing an SR22 include:
DUI or DWI conviction
License suspension or revocation
If you need an SR22, we can help make the process easy and stress-free. We file SR22s electronically every day with no additional fees.
Get a free car insurance quote today.
Car insurance discounts in Washington
Who doesn’t like saving money on their car insurance? We offer the following discounts in Washington:
Multi-car
Homeowners
Paid in full
Defensive driver course
Prior insurance/Transfer
Who has the cheapest car insurance in Washington?
Finding the cheapest car insurance in Washington isn’t the same for every driver. While it's tempting to simply choose the lowest price, remember that the best policies balance cost with service, coverage options, and reliability.
To find the most affordable car insurance policy:
Compare quotes from multiple insurers
Ask about all available discounts
Consider adjusting your coverage levels or deductibles
Need more than Washington car insurance?
Carrying car insurance is crucial, but it’s not your only responsibility as a Washington driver. Here are resources to help you stay informed:
Driver requirements and laws
Following the rules of the road is imperative for keeping yourself and others safe on Washington’s roads. Here are some tips for driving legally in the state:
Avoid letting your car insurance policy lapse
Keep proof of insurance handy when you're on the road
Stick to Washington's traffic rules and posted speed limits
Never get behind the wheel if you're impaired
Buckle up! Make sure everyone in your car uses seatbelts, and young children are in proper car seats
Driver resources
If you’re looking for more specifics about driving in the state of Washington, these agencies are a great place to start:
Washington State Department of Transportation
The WSDOT provides valuable information on current road conditions, construction updates, and travel alerts.
Washington State Department of Licensing
Visit the Washington State DOL website to manage your driver's license, vehicle registration, and address changes. They offer many online services to help you keep your driving credentials up to date.
Washington State Patrol
The Washington State Patrol offers resources on traffic safety programs, crash reports, and law enforcement information. Their website is a great source for understanding traffic laws and safety initiatives in Washington.
Auto coverage for Washington drivers
If your car insurance isn’t quite up to speed, reach out to us at Dairyland today. We can help you find affordable coverage that includes the protections you need and meets all Washington state standards.
Dairyland® brand property and casualty coverages are underwritten by a member of the Sentry Insurance Group, Stevens Point, WI. For a complete listing of companies, visit the Underwriting Company page.
*Data accuracy is subject to this article’s publication date.
