Auto Insurance In Seattle: What's The Cost?

The cost of auto insurance in Seattle, Washington, varies depending on factors such as age, driving history, credit score, and location within the city. On average, Seattle drivers pay $1,959 per year for full-coverage car insurance, with rates ranging from $1,159 to $2,566 annually across different companies. The cheapest full-coverage insurance is offered by USAA, Mutual of Enumclaw, and Progressive, while the most expensive is MetLife. Minimum-coverage insurance is also available, with State Farm offering the lowest rate of $69 per month.

Average cost of auto insurance in Seattle

The cost of auto insurance in Seattle, Washington, varies depending on factors such as age, gender, driving record, credit score, and location. Here is an overview of the average cost of auto insurance in Seattle and how these factors can influence the rates.

Average Annual and Monthly Rates

According to various sources, the average annual cost of auto insurance in Seattle ranges from $1,438 to $1,959. When broken down into monthly costs, the average ranges from $120 to $163 per month. These figures are generally higher than the state average for Washington but lower than the national average.

Age and Gender

Age plays a significant role in determining auto insurance rates, with younger drivers typically paying more for coverage. In Seattle, drivers in their 50s tend to enjoy lower premiums, while teenagers pay the highest rates. On average, 50-year-olds may pay around $1,467 annually, while teenagers can expect to pay approximately $7,460 per year.

Gender also influences rates, with female drivers paying slightly more than male drivers in Seattle. The average annual rate for male drivers is $1,665, while female drivers pay around $1,709.

Driving Record and Credit Score

Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial for keeping insurance premiums low. Reckless driving, speeding tickets, accidents, and DUIs can all lead to significant rate increases. For example, a reckless driving charge can increase rates by $717 per year, while a speeding ticket may result in a $371 annual increase. Drivers with a DUI on their record may pay around $2,291 per year for insurance in Seattle.

Improving credit scores can also help lower insurance rates. In Seattle, drivers with "very poor" credit scores may pay up to 60% more than those with "exceptional" credit scores.

Choice of Insurance Company

The choice of insurance company can significantly impact the cost of auto insurance in Seattle. According to recent quotes, PEMCO offers the cheapest minimum coverage, while Chubb provides a good balance between affordability and quality service. State Farm is often the most affordable option for various driver profiles, including those with accidents, DUIs, young drivers, seniors, and married couples. GEICO also offers competitive rates, especially for drivers with a speeding ticket on their record.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Seattle

The cost of car insurance in Seattle, Washington, varies depending on several factors, including age, driving history, credit score, and location within the city. Here is a list of some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Seattle, based on average rates and policy offerings:

Mutual of Enumclaw

Mutual of Enumclaw offers the cheapest full-coverage car insurance in Seattle, with an average annual rate of $1,471, or $123 per month. Their rates are particularly competitive for young drivers and those with an accident history.

Progressive

Progressive is the cheapest company for minimum liability-only coverage, with rates as low as $58 per month. They are also a good option for high-risk drivers, offering affordable rates for those with a poor driving record.

GEICO

GEICO is the second-cheapest option for full-coverage insurance, with an average annual rate of $1,607, or $134 per month. They also offer competitive rates for young drivers and have received high ratings for customer service in the northwestern region.

State Farm

State Farm is a close runner-up for full-coverage insurance, with an average annual rate of $1,653, or $143 per month. They have a strong network of local agents and a wide range of auto coverage options and add-ons.

USAA

USAA offers the cheapest rates overall, but their policies are only available to military members, veterans, and their families. For those who are eligible, their average annual rate for full-coverage insurance is $1,159, or $97 per month.

PEMCO

PEMCO is another affordable option, with an average annual rate of $1,036, or $86 per month, according to one source. They are a local Seattle-based provider with highly competitive rates and quality coverage.

It's important to note that insurance rates are highly individualized, and factors such as age, driving record, and location can significantly impact the cost. Therefore, it's always a good idea to compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate for your specific needs.

Average cost of auto insurance by age in Seattle

The average cost of auto insurance in Seattle, Washington, is $1,665 per year, or $1,633 per year according to another source. This is more expensive than the average in Washington ($1,368) and the national average ($1,548).

The cost of auto insurance in Seattle varies depending on age, gender, marital status, driving record, and credit score. Here is a breakdown of the average annual auto insurance costs in Seattle by age:

• Teenagers (16- to 19-year-olds): $6,195 or $7,460
• Young adults (20- to 24-year-olds): $3,020 or $2,250
• Adults (25- to 55-year-olds): $1,658
• Seniors (60- to 75-year-olds): $1,662 or $1,530

The cheapest auto insurance in Seattle for 2024 is offered by State Farm, with an average monthly premium of $103. USAA also offers affordable rates, but their policies are only available to military members, veterans, and their families.

To get cheaper auto insurance in Seattle, it is recommended to maintain a clean driving record, research discounts, opt for a safe vehicle, and compare quotes from different insurance companies.

Average cost of auto insurance by gender in Seattle

The average cost of auto insurance in Seattle, Washington, is $1,665 per year, according to The Zebra. However, this figure can vary depending on various factors, including gender, age, driving record, and marital status.

In Seattle, the average cost of auto insurance for male drivers is $1,665 per year, while female drivers pay slightly more, at $1,709 per year. This difference in rates is due to the fact that women are generally considered safer drivers than men and have a lower rate of severe accidents.

Other Factors Affecting Auto Insurance Rates in Seattle

Age is a significant factor influencing auto insurance rates in Seattle. Teenagers pay the highest insurance rates, with an average annual premium of $7,460. On the other hand, drivers in their 50s enjoy the lowest rates, paying around $1,467 per year. Marital status can also impact rates, with married drivers paying less than single drivers. Additionally, widowed drivers in Seattle pay more than those who are single, which is unusual compared to many other locations.

Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial for keeping insurance rates low. Reckless driving, speeding, and DUI violations can result in significant rate increases. For example, a reckless driving charge can increase rates by $717 per year, while a speeding ticket adds $371 to the annual premium.

Credit scores also play a significant role in determining auto insurance rates in Seattle. Improving one's credit score from the "Very Poor" to the "Fair" tier can lead to savings of up to $1,316 per year on auto insurance premiums.

Furthermore, the neighbourhood one lives in can impact insurance rates, with certain ZIP codes in Seattle having higher or lower insurance costs due to varying crime rates, accident rates, and population densities.

Average cost of auto insurance after an accident in Seattle

The average cost of car insurance in Seattle, Washington, is $1,665 per year, which is more expensive than the average in Washington ($1,368) and the national average ($1,548). However, the cost of car insurance in Seattle can vary depending on several factors, including age, gender, marital status, credit score, driving history, and the insurance company.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Seattle by Age

In Seattle, drivers in their 50s enjoy the lowest auto insurance rates, paying around $1,467 per year. Teenage drivers pay the highest rates, with an average annual premium of $7,460, which is nearly six times higher than the rate for drivers in their 50s.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Seattle by Gender and Marital Status

In Seattle, female drivers pay slightly more than male drivers, with an average annual premium of $1,709 for women and $1,665 for men. Marital status also affects rates, with widowed drivers paying more than single drivers. Married drivers pay an average of $1,587 per year, while single drivers pay $1,587, and widowed drivers pay $1,639.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Seattle After an Accident or Violation

Maintaining a clean driving record is crucial for minimizing insurance rates. Reckless driving, speeding, and at-fault accidents can lead to significant rate increases. An at-fault accident with less than $1,000 in damages can increase rates by $2,278 per year, while an accident with more than $2,000 in damages can result in a $2,472 increase. A reckless driving charge can increase rates by $717 per year, and a speeding ticket can add $371 to the annual premium. A DUI or DWI violation will result in a $751 rate hike.

Average Cost of Car Insurance in Seattle by Credit Score

Credit score has a significant impact on car insurance rates in Seattle. Improving a credit score from the "Very Poor" tier (300-579) to the "Exceptional" tier (800-850) can lead to a 60% decrease in rates. Moving from the "Very Poor" to the "Fair" credit tier can save Seattle drivers $1,316 per year on their car insurance premiums.

Cheapest and Most Expensive Zip Codes in Seattle for Car Insurance

The cost of car insurance in Seattle also varies by neighborhood. The most expensive ZIP codes for car insurance in Seattle include 98126, 98106, 98144, 98108, and 98118, with average monthly premiums ranging from $86 to $90. On the other hand, the cheapest ZIP codes for car insurance include 98110, 98117, 98107, 98199, and 98155, with average monthly premiums ranging from $77 to $79.

Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Seattle

When it comes to finding affordable car insurance in Seattle, it's worth considering multiple companies and comparing rates. USAA, GEICO, PEMCO, Progressive, and State Farm are known for offering competitive rates. The specific rates will depend on individual factors, but shopping around can help drivers find the best deal for their needs.

Frequently asked questions