Find Car Insurance in Bellevue, Washington

What You Should Know About Car Insurance in Bellevue, WA

Before this land became known as Bellevue, Coast Salish tribes lived here for thousands of years in villages where the Eastside rivers meet Lake Washington. European settlers moved to mine the area after the 1867 discovery of coal. Logging later cleared the forests, transforming them into farmland, and soon after, a new bridge made travel across the lake easy, attracting new residents.

There are two theories about how the once-wooded area earned its name, which means “Beautiful View” in French: either as a reference to the view from the post office window or to the former home of some of the settlers, Bellevue, Indiana. Bellevue, Washington, incorporated as a city in 1953, is located in King County.

There are so many reasons residents have chosen Bellevue: The local economy thrives in part due to employers such as Microsoft, Puget Sound Energy, the Pokémon Company International, and Boeing. The city’s leading shopping destinations, including Bellevue Square, along with a large number of dining establishments, live performance venues, and 2,800 acres of parks, enhance the area’s desirability. Bellevue’s reputation as a safe, walkable city enhances residents’ lives.

Whether you are commuting to work across town, taking the bridge to Downtown Seattle, or driving to Mt. Rainier for the day, be sure you have the best car insurance in Washington. Expert agents are ready to find you customized, high-quality coverage to protect you and your assets when you need it most — they provide you with top-tier service by shopping around to see you personalized plans for your unique situation.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Bellevue, Washington?

Washington drivers pay an average of $1,410 for full coverage car insurance and $515 for liability. These costs are slightly lower than the national averages of $2.014 for complete coverage and $622 for minimum coverage. If you are comparing costs with your friend who lives in Ellensburg and find they pay less than you do, remember that your zip code helps determine what you pay.

What Does Full Coverage vs. Minimum Liability Mean?

Full coverage auto insurance includes three types of coverage — liability, collision, and comprehensive.

There are two types of liability coverage in Washington: Bodily injury covers injuries you cause to another person when you cause an auto accident. It even covers accidents you cause while driving a car your friend let you borrow. Property damage liability helps pay for property damage you cause in an accident that is your fault, but it excludes coverage for your own car.

Collision insurance covers damage to your own car in an accident, including hitting an object other than another car — it may also cover damage from potholes. Comprehensive insurance covers losses from non-collision events, such as shattered windshields from falling branches, fire, vandalism, and animal-related incidents. You may need to pay a deductible when filing a claim under your collision or comprehensive coverage.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Washington

The chart below shows the small difference drivers pay on average compared to drivers in some other Washington cities:

City	Full Coverage Insurance	Liability Insurance Coverage
Bellevue	$118	$47
Seattle	$123	$49
Tacoma	$131	$50
Marysville	$113	$46
Kirkland	$115	$46

How Bundling Your Car and Homeowners Insurance Can Save You Money in Bellevue

Bundling is a term in the insurance industry for packaged policies — in other words, buying more than one type of insurance from one insurer. Auto coverage and homeowners’ insurance are two commonly bundled types of coverage.

Here are some benefits of bundling:

• One bill to pay
• Streamlined paperwork
• Savings of up to 25% off all your bundled policies
• Working with one trusted agent saves you shopping time

So if you are in the market for additional types of coverage, such as classic car insurance, ATV, snowmobile, boat, or business insurance, along with your auto policy, ask your agent how much you can save by bundling. Your agent is happy to serve as a one-stop shop for all your insurance needs.

What Types of Car Insurance Discounts Are Available in Bellevue?

You might be happy to hear that there are other straightforward ways to save on your policy. Ask your agent which discounts are available to see if any apply to you.

Here are some examples:

• Military
• Good driver
• Low mileage
• Paperless billing
• Car safety features

Notable Car Insurance Laws in Bellevue

Washington state requires Bellevue residents — and all Washingtonian drivers — to have proof of financial responsibility. Most drivers do so by purchasing car insurance. Here are some alternatives:

• You may apply for a certificate of deposit by depositing $60,000 in a bank or a collateral account through Washington state and filing the appropriate paperwork.
• You may have a liability bond of $60,000 (minimum) by a state-approved surety bond company.
• If you have 26 or more vehicles, you may self-insure.

If your vehicle is registered in another state, it must have that state’s required insurance to drive in Washington. Whatever form of financial responsibility you have, you must show proof of that coverage upon request by a law enforcement officer.

What Are the Mandatory Car Insurance Requirements in Bellevue?

As a Bellevue resident who drives, here are the state-mandated liability limits you must have:

• Bodily injury or death of one person in one accident: $25,000
• Bodily injury or death of two people in one accident: $50,000
• Property damage or destruction in one accident: $10,000

Many drivers bump up their coverage to avoid paying out of pocket for any damage beyond these limits that may occur in a significant accident. Your concierge agent can let you know which coverage options you have and how they may help you save money.

What Is the Penalty for Driving Without Insurance in Bellevue?

If you think going without auto insurance can save you money, think again. If a police officer catches you driving uninsured, you may face a fine of up to $550 and community service. Failure to pay the fine may result in a suspended driver’s license.

Even worse, if you are uninsured and involved in an accident, the collision damage costs will come out of your pocket. In certain situations, you may also face a three-year driver’s license suspension and fees to reinstate it.

Instead of risking all these penalties and fees, applying those funds toward liability insurance before hitting the road can save you all the trouble.

What Factors Go into My Car Insurance Cost in Bellevue?

Underwriters use driving and non-driving factors when figuring out your premium. The following breakdown helps show why your rate may be different from another friend of yours who also lives in Bellevue:

Driving factors:

• Driving record
• Claims history
• Your mileage
• Where you keep your car

Non-driving factors:

• Your age
• Education
• Gender
• Employment status
• Occupation

Typical Driving Conditions in Bellevue

Many Bellevue residents commute across Lake Washington to Seattle every day. Traffic is heavy during rush hour on the I-90, increasing travel time and your risk of an accident. But even within Bellevue, traffic conditions may be heavy, especially in the downtown area. Rain is common in the Pacific Northwest, leading to reduced visibility and dangerous driving conditions. Standing water may cause hydroplaning and spinouts.

How Many Car Accidents Happen in Bellevue Per Year?

There were 733 fatal accidents in Washington state in 2023, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Here is a breakdown of where some of those accidents happened:

City	Annual Average Number of Fatal Car Crashes
Bellevue	1
Seattle	33
Tacoma	36
Marysville	4
Kirkland	1

How Many Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Are in Bellevue?

The Insurance Information Institute reported that 19.1% of drivers in Washington were uninsured in 2023. That statistic places Washington 10th among the 50 states for the highest percentage of uninsured drivers.

If you are in an accident with an uninsured or hit-and-run driver, you can file an uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage claim. You may also be able to file a claim for phantom vehicle accidents — this is when a swerving vehicle causes you to crash to avoid hitting that vehicle. However, your insurer may require you to file a police report within 72 hours of having a phantom vehicle accident.

The best auto insurance is crucial in times like these. Your agent can help by locating the top coverage options at competitive rates that fit your specific situation.