Full Coverage Auto Insurance: Washington's Definition And Requirements

In Washington, full-coverage auto insurance is considered a comprehensive policy that includes collision and liability insurance. The average cost of full-coverage car insurance in Washington is $1,317 per year, or $110 per month. The state's minimum coverage requirements include $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. While not mandatory, uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection are often recommended.

Full coverage insurance explained

Full-coverage auto insurance provides more protection than a minimum-coverage liability policy. It includes comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to the state's minimum insurance requirements. Comprehensive coverage pays for damage to your vehicle caused by events out of your control, such as natural disasters, theft, and fires. Collision coverage, on the other hand, pays for damage to your vehicle caused by colliding with another object, such as another car or a pole.

In Washington, the state's minimum insurance requirements include bodily injury liability and property damage liability. Bodily injury liability covers injuries that you, the designated driver, or policyholder cause to someone else. It also covers you and your family members listed in your policy when driving someone else's car with their permission. The minimum amount of coverage required in Washington is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability. Property damage liability coverage, on the other hand, helps pay for damages you cause to another vehicle or property in an accident. The minimum amount of coverage required in Washington is $10,000.

While fulfilling the minimum insurance requirement is usually the cheapest option, it may not provide sufficient protection. For example, if your car is damaged in a crash, the minimum coverage will not be enough to cover the repairs. That's where full coverage comes in. Full coverage offers more protection and is recommended if your car is less than 10 years old or valued at more than $3,000.

In addition to comprehensive and collision coverage, full coverage in Washington may also include other types of optional coverage, such as uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection (PIP). Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage reimburses you if you are hit by an uninsured driver or a hit-and-run driver. PIP, on the other hand, pays for treating injuries to the driver and other people in the car after an accident.

When shopping for full-coverage auto insurance in Washington, it's important to compare rates from multiple insurers. The cost of full coverage can vary significantly depending on factors such as your age, driving record, and location. For example, the average cost of full coverage for a 35-year-old driver in Washington is around $1,317 per year, while the average cost for a young driver is significantly higher, at around $4,593 per year.

To find the cheapest full-coverage auto insurance in Washington, consider getting quotes from companies like Farmers, USAA (for military members and their families), and Travelers. These companies consistently offer competitive rates and have a strong reputation for customer service.

Washington's minimum insurance requirements

Washington state law requires all auto and motorcycle drivers to carry auto liability insurance and proof of auto insurance. The minimum insurance requirements in Washington are as follows:

• Bodily injury liability insurance: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
• Property damage liability coverage: $10,000 per accident.

Bodily injury liability insurance covers injuries that you, the designated driver, or policyholder cause to someone else. It also covers you and the family members listed in your policy when driving someone else's car or motorcycle (with their permission). Property damage liability coverage helps pay for damages you cause to another vehicle or property in an accident.

While not mandated by law, uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well as personal injury protection (PIP), are two types of coverage that your insurer must offer you. Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage reimburses you if you, a family member, or your designated driver is hit by an uninsured driver, a hit-and-run driver, or an unidentified vehicle that forces you to have an accident. Personal injury protection (PIP) pays for treating injuries to the driver and other people in the car after an accident, among other things.

How to save money on car insurance in Washington

There are several ways to save money on car insurance in Washington. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Shop around for coverage: Compare rates from different insurance providers to find the best deal. Getting quotes from multiple companies can help you find the lowest rate possible.
• Increase your deductible: Aim for a deductible of at least $1,000 to get the best savings on your car insurance policy. A higher deductible will also help prevent you from filing smaller or unnecessary claims.
• Maintain a good driving record: Drive safely and avoid speeding, distractions, and aggressive driving. A clean driving record can help you qualify for lower insurance rates.
• Consider a pay-per-mile policy: If you drive less than 10,000 miles annually, you may benefit from a pay-per-mile policy, where your premiums are based on how many miles you drive.
• Bundle your insurance policies: Consider bundling your auto insurance with other types of insurance, such as homeowners or renters insurance. Many companies offer discounts for having multiple policies with them.
• Improve your credit score: In most states, insurance companies consider your credit score when determining your insurance rate. Improving your credit score can help lower your insurance premiums.
• Take advantage of discounts: Ask your insurance company about any discounts you may be eligible for, such as good student discounts, safe driving discounts, or discounts for having safety features in your vehicle.
• Avoid unnecessary claims: Before filing a claim, consider whether the cost of repairs is worth the potential increase in your insurance rate. Only file claims for catastrophic circumstances.
• Choose a higher level of coverage: While it may seem counterintuitive, choosing a higher level of coverage, such as collision or comprehensive insurance, can actually lower your premium in some cases.
• Consider usage-based insurance: Some insurance companies offer discounts if you allow them to monitor your driving habits through a smartphone app or a device installed in your car. This type of insurance can provide significant savings, but it does require giving up some privacy.

By following these tips and comparing rates from multiple insurance providers, you can find ways to save money on your car insurance in Washington.

Average cost of car insurance in Washington

The average cost of car insurance in Washington depends on several factors, including age, location, driving record, and credit score. The national average annual cost of full coverage car insurance is $2,348, while minimum coverage costs an average of $639. Washington drivers pay lower average rates, with full coverage costing $1,686 per year and minimum coverage costing $498 per year.

Average Cost by Age

Younger drivers tend to pay higher rates, with 16-year-olds added to a family policy paying an average of $2,821 per year. Drivers in their 20s may have to shop around for the best rates, as prices can be high for younger drivers. Rates generally decrease as drivers get older, with drivers in their 30s paying around $1,317 per year, drivers in their 40s paying more than older age groups, and drivers in their 50s and 60s paying less than other age groups.

Average Cost by Location

Location within Washington also impacts insurance rates, with urban areas typically resulting in higher rates than rural locations. For example, Seattle's full coverage insurance is $1,271, while Spokane's rate is much lower at $975.

Average Cost by Driving Record

The cost of car insurance in Washington also varies by driving record. A clean driving record can lead to more affordable plans, while accidents or violations may increase costs. For instance, a driver with a speeding ticket can expect to pay around $1,671 per year, while a driver with an at-fault accident may pay around $1,888 per year. A DUI can significantly raise rates, with the average cost of insurance after a DUI being $2,024 per year.

Average Cost by Credit Score

In Washington, a higher credit score can lead to reduced insurance rates. Residents with a poor credit score pay an average of $73 per month, while an excellent credit score can lower the rate to about $68 per month.

Saving Money on Car Insurance in Washington

To secure affordable car insurance in Washington, individuals can compare rates from multiple insurers, maintain a clean driving record, opt for a higher deductible, and take advantage of applicable discounts. Bundling car insurance with other policies, such as homeowners or renters insurance, can also help lower rates.

Cheapest car insurance companies in Washington

Washington state law requires all drivers to have auto liability insurance and proof of auto insurance. The minimum insurance requirements in Washington are $25,000 in bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, along with $10,000 in property damage protection.

Full coverage in Washington costs an average of $1,593 per year, or $133 per month. The cheapest full coverage in Washington is offered by CIG, with an average rate of $874 per year, according to NerdWallet's August 2024 analysis.

For military members only, USAA offers full coverage for an average of $1,112 per year, or $93 per month. Farmers is the cheapest option for most drivers, with an average rate of $1,881 per year, or $157 per month.

State Farm is the cheapest company in Washington state for minimum coverage car insurance. A State Farm policy costs an average of $33 per month, which is 38% cheaper than the overall state average.

The cheapest rates for young drivers in Washington are offered by Pemco, with an average rate of $75 per month for minimum coverage insurance.

Frequently asked questions