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Everything You Need to Know About Auto Insurance in Washington

The first recorded inhabitants lived on this Pacific Northwest land about 10,000 years ago when a land bridge connected North America and Asia during the last Ice Age. Other original inhabitants include Native American tribes, such as the Yakima, Nez Percé, and Salish tribes, who continue to live in the area. Later, the Americans and British shared ownership of this area until 1846, when the Oregon Territory was established, giving Canada to the British and the land that became Washington, the 42nd state, in 1889 to the Americans.

Today, close to eight million people live in the state, its various topographies — beaches, mountains, deserts, and more — fulfilling the tastes and needs of all kinds of people. The state is the leading grower of a variety of crops, including apples, blueberries, onions, and sweet cherries. Fishing, crabbing, and shrimping are also a large part of the state’s heritage. Places like Mt. Rainier National Park and around Mt. Baker in the North Cascades make for beautiful hikes. Other popular activities include waterskiing on Lake Washington and snow skiing at Crystal Mountain. The state holds an abundance of wondrous spots to explore — and getting around is easy thanks to the I-5 and I-90 highways.

When you are on the highway with all those other drivers in the state’s often-rainy environment, paying close attention is a must — and having the best auto insurance in Washington will help give you peace of mind wherever you drive. InsureOne’s expert agents are ready to help you find top-rated policy options.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Washington?

Washington drivers pay an average yearly rate of $1,410 for full coverage car insurance and $598 for minimum liability coverage. Compare this to the national average of $2,014 for a full coverage policy and $622 for minimum coverage, and it means you pay about $604 less for full coverage and about $24 less for liability per year for a Washington car policy.

The state has four seasons, but is known for its rainy weather, which can happen any time of year. The state is also prone to fog and snow in certain areas, especially around Stevens and Snoqualmie passes. Other parts of the state see high summer temperatures, which may lead to irritated and impatient drivers. All these are contributing factors to accident risk and contribute to premium rates.

What Does It Mean If Washington Is an At-Fault or No-Fault State?

What is the difference between an at-fault vs. a no-fault state? In at-fault states, the driver determined to be responsible for the crash is liable for the accident costs. These are usually covered by your policy. When costs exceed policy limits, however, the driver may wind up paying out of pocket for the remainder.

In a no-fault state, each driver pays for their own medical costs, while property damage costs usually fall onto the shoulders of the person deemed responsible for the crash. Auto insurance in Washington falls into the at-fault category, which means if you cause a five-car pileup on I-5 going through downtown Seattle, you will be on the hook for the damage costs. That is why it is essential to have the best car insurance in Washington — it will cover all those costs (up to your policy limits) you did not see coming.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Washington

You might be wondering, how much does car insurance cost in Washington? The answer is different for everyone because it is based on your personal information, including your zip code.

The chart below provides an idea of how much you might pay if you live in or near one of the noted cities.

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Seattle	$123	$49
Bellevue	$118	$47
Renton	$130	$51
Kirkland	$115	$46
Everett	$119	$47
Edmonds	$121	$49
Spokane	$110	$40
Yakima	$100	$36
Walla Walla	$97	$35
Arlington	$107	$42

We arrive at our average auto insurance costs by using a male driver, aged 30, with a clean driving record. Liability insurance coverage is the state‑required minimum. Full coverage is a 100K/300K/100K policy. Your costs will be different and based on your individual factors.

Auto Insurance Discounts in Washington

Looking for the best-priced car insurance in Washington? Most insurers provide discounts, so you can get a lower car insurance premium if you fit certain guidelines.

Ask your agent about these discounts to see if you are eligible. Here are some examples:

• No tickets
• Claim free
• Loyalty discount
• Military
• Good student (usually a B grade or higher)

Washington Car Insurance Laws

What are the car insurance laws in Washington? The state’s auto insurance laws mandate that you cover any damage you cause in an accident through insurance coverage. The law also states you must carry proof of this coverage with you when you drive and show it to a police officer upon request — failure to show proof is a traffic infraction, and providing false coverage is a misdemeanor.

Washington state is in the process of creating an online verification system for liability insurance or other financial responsibility that will take effect beginning January 1, 2026. The Department of Licensing will use this system to verify coverage before approving vehicle registrations.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Washington?

The minimum car insurance requirements in Washington come in the form of proving you are financially responsible for covering any damage you may cause while driving. Most people fulfill this by purchasing liability auto coverage as follows:

• Bodily injury or death of one person in one accident: $25,000
• Bodily injury or death of any two people in any one accident: $50,000
• Injury to or destruction of property of others in any one accident: $10,000

The state requires insurers to offer you at least $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) — which covers your injuries if you are involved in an accident — but which you may decline. Without PIP or medical payments, your own injuries will be excluded from coverage.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Washington?

If a law enforcement officer catches you driving without the minimum liability insurance in Washington, you face fines of $550 or more. Depending on the circumstances — such as if you are involved in an accident — you may also lose your license or be required to purchase SR-22 insurance in Washington to prove you have liability coverage.

If your insurance company cancels your policy for nonpayment, it will notify the state that you no longer have coverage. Upon this notification, the state will suspend your driver’s license, which must then be returned to one of the licensing offices. You may not drive a motor vehicle until your license is reinstated.

What Factors Does Washington Law Allow in Determining Your Premiums?

Just like other states, insurers in Washington look at your various personal factors to determine your premiums. Some information they consider:

• Your age
• Your driving record
• Your claims history
• Your zip code
• Your car’s age, make, and model

What Happens If I Damage Property?

If you damage someone’s property in a car accident — whether you run a red light and crash into someone’s car or you hydroplane on a flooded highway and careen into someone’s fence, mailbox, or garage — Washington state laws require you to pay for the damage you cause. Your liability property damage insurance will cover the first $10,000, and you will need to pay for the rest out of your pocket. This is why some people opt to buy more than the minimum coverage for that extra layer of protection.

Also, note that Washington DMV insurance requirements state that if you are involved in an accident without investigation from a law enforcement officer, each driver in the crash must submit a collision report within four days.

How Many Crashes Occur in Washington?

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports 733 fatal crashes in Washington in 2023, and the Washington State Department of Transportation reports 536 fatal accidents in 2025.

The chart below shows a breakdown of fatal accident totals in some Washington cities in 2023:

City	Annual Average Number of Fatal Car Crashes
Seattle	33
Bellevue	1
Renton	11
Kirkland	1
Everett	11
Edmonds	0
Spokane	19
Yakima	5
Walla Walla	1
Arlington	1

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists in Washington

Just over 19% of local drivers were uninsured or underinsured in 2023 — that ranks Washington 10th of the 50 states with the most uninsured/underinsured drivers. That means about 19 in 100 drivers are putting you at risk. These numbers show the importance of having a policy. Full coverage car insurance in Washington is a small investment that could save you a bundle in the long run.

Auto Insurance Info by City