Seattle drivers pay an average of $2,182 per year for full coverage car insurance, well over the Washington state average of $1,730. That’s because Seattle is the eighteenth-largest city in the U.S., and more people means more cars and more chances for accidents and claims.
That makes it all the more important for Seattle drivers to find affordable coverage — and the easiest way to save money on car insurance is by comparing quotes. Policygenius makes it easy to see options from top insurance companies so you can choose the coverage that’s best for you and your wallet.
Cheapest car insurance companies in Seattle, WA
Your age, location, and driving record all impact your rates, but car insurance companies all use slightly different methods for calculating costs. That’s why rates can vary so much from company to company — and why it’s so important to comparison shop.
Company | Average cost | JD Power Rating |
---|---|---|
PEMCO Insurance | $96/month | -- |
USAA | $97/month | 890 |
State Farm | $114/month | 882 |
GEICO | $123/month | 874 |
Nationwide | $145/month | 868 |
Cheapest car insurance rates by ZIP code in Seattle, WA
Your ZIP code is one of the most significant factors that insurance companies use to calculate your car insurance rates. Insurers will look at the number of accidents, stolen vehicles, and acts of vandalism in your specific neighborhood.
ZIP code | Average cost |
---|---|
98101 | $2,067 |
98107 | $2,072 |
98121 | $2,080 |
98119 | $2,085 |
98102 | $2,097 |
98117 | $2,106 |
98112 | $2,114 |
98109 | $2,114 |
98199 | $2,119 |
98103 | $2,132 |
Choosing the right car insurance company in Seattle, WA
While car insurance is required, it’s important to make sure you’re not just settling on the first option. You’ll want to compare cost, coverage options, even customer service and claims satisfaction ratings to make sure you’re choosing the right company.
Policygenius can help you see quotes from top car insurance providers, so you can feel confident you’re choosing the right coverage (and getting the best deal).
Car insurance rates for drivers with driving violations in Seattle, WA
Your driving history is one of the biggest factors that insurance companies use to set your insurance rates. If you’ve been caught speeding or running red lights, your rates will be higher as a result, sometimes much higher.
Violation | PEMCO Insurance | USAA | State Farm | GEICO | Nationwide |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
At-fault accident | $1,450 | $1,689 | $1,664 | $2,417 | $3,204 |
Suspended license | $1,572 | $2,412 | $1,528 | $2,685 | $4,084 |
Open container | $1,572 | $1,807 | $1,528 | $2,394 | $2,782 |
Expired registration | $1,340 | $1,438 | $1,528 | $1,980 | $2,782 |
Driving without lights | $1,340 | $1,220 | $1,528 | $1,980 | $4,084 |
Running a red light | $1,340 | $1,438 | $1,528 | $1,980 | $2,782 |
Following too closely | $1,572 | $1,438 | $1,528 | $1,980 | $2,782 |
Hit and run | $1,680 | $2,659 | $1,528 | $2,394 | $4,084 |
Not-at-fault accident | $1,149 | $1,220 | $1,391 | $1,335 | $1,805 |
Passing a school bus | $1,572 | $1,807 | $1,528 | $1,980 | $2,782 |
Reckless driving | $1,572 | $1,608 | $1,528 | $2,394 | $4,084 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a DUI in Seattle, WA
Company | Rates for drivers with DUIs |
---|---|
State Farm | $1,528 |
PEMCO Insurance | $1,680 |
GEICO | $2,394 |
USAA | $2,561 |
Nationwide | $4,084 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with a speeding ticket in Seattle, WA
Company | Rates for drivers with speeding tickets |
---|---|
PEMCO Insurance | $1,340 |
USAA | $1,438 |
State Farm | $1,528 |
GEICO | $2,394 |
Nationwide | $2,782 |
Cheapest car insurance for drivers with bad credit in Seattle, WA
Until 2021, Washington allowed companies to use your credit score to establish insurance rates. However, effective June 20, 2021, the state issued an emergency rule to ban the use of credit scores to set rates for home, auto, and renters insurance policies. If you haven’t renewed or reshopped for insurance since the new guidelines, your insurance rates may not yet reflect this change.
Buying car insurance in Seattle, WA
Washington state law mandates drivers must carry one of the following types of auto insurance or financial responsibility:
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage Per Person: $25,000
Bodily Injury Liability Coverage Per Accident: $50,000
Property Damage Liability Coverage: $10,000
Apply for a certificate of deposit to guarantee financial responsibility for an accident with the state’s Department of Licensing.
Have a liability bond of at least $60,000.
Washington is an at-fault state when it comes to car accidents. That means that the insurance company of the at-fault driver covers the other party’s repair bills and medical costs after an accident. The state also follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means if more than one driver is responsible for an accident, their claims will be reduced accordingly.
How to get cheap car insurance in Seattle, WA
Car insurance is expensive in Seattle, but almost every insurance company offers discounts that can help you save on coverage. Here are some of the most common:
Bundling discount: For combining multiple policies, like home and auto insurance, with the same company.
Military discount: A discount for active-duty service members and their families
Safe driver discount: For drivers who are accident free
Good student discount: For full time students who maintain above a certain GPA in school
Other discounts are available and vary by company. Ask your provider which ones apply to you.