Car Insurance in Washington
Washington requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/10 in liability coverage. As an at-fault state, the driver responsible for a crash pays for the other party’s injuries and damage.
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Washington at a glance
Data as of 2023Average cost
$1,153/yr
≈ $96/mo
vs U.S. average
-10%
below the national avg of $1,282/yr
Required minimums
25/50/10
BI / BI per accident / PD ($K)
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
Washington requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/10 in liability coverage. As an at-fault state, the driver responsible for a crash pays for the other party’s injuries and damage.
Washington’s property damage minimum ($10,000) is on the lower side, so many drivers carry higher limits. Comparing quotes is the best way to find affordable coverage.
Washington minimum car insurance requirements
Washington requires $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability. Because the property damage minimum is low, higher limits are worth considering — and lenders require collision and comprehensive on financed vehicles.
How much does car insurance cost in Washington?
The average driver in Washington pays $1,153 per year for auto insurance — that's 10% below the U.S. national average of $1,282/yr. Lower-than-average rates often reflect lower traffic density, fewer claims per insured vehicle, or less stringent coverage requirements.
Washington vs the national average
10% below the national average of $1,282/yr.
Source: NAIC (2023). Annual average expenditure per insured vehicle.
How Washington premiums have changed since 2019
Auto insurance costs in Washington have risen 8% over the past five years. The 2022–2023 jump mirrors a national trend: rising repair costs (vehicle complexity and parts inflation), more frequent severe accidents, and higher litigation costs pushed premiums up faster than overall inflation.
5-year trend: Washington vs national average
Washington is up 8% from $1,068 in 2019 to $1,152 in 2023.
Source: NAIC Auto Insurance Database Report (2022/2023), Table 4 — Average Expenditure.
Types of car insurance coverage
A Washington policy is built from a few core coverages. Liability is required; the rest are optional but often worth it.
| Coverage | What it covers | Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Liability | Injuries and property damage you cause to others | Required (state minimum) |
| Collision | Repairs to your own car after a crash | Optional* |
| Comprehensive | Theft, fire, weather, vandalism, animal strikes | Optional* |
| Uninsured motorist | Your costs if the at-fault driver has no insurance | Varies by state |
*Collision and comprehensive are usually required by your lender if you lease or finance your vehicle.
Driving without car insurance in Washington
Driving uninsured in Washington can be costly. Penalties typically include fines, suspension of your license and registration, and reinstatement fees. If you cause an accident while uninsured, you can also be held personally responsible for the other party's injuries and damage. You may also be required to file an SR-22 certificate to reinstate your license.
How to find cheaper car insurance in Washington
Rates for the same driver can vary widely between insurers in Washington, so comparing several quotes is the most effective way to save. A few other ways to lower your premium:
- Raise your deductible if you can cover it in a claim
- Ask about every discount you qualify for
- Keep a clean driving record and good credit (where the state allows it as a rating factor)
- Reconsider collision and comprehensive on an older vehicle
For more, see our guides on how to lower your premium and what affects your rate.
Coverage requirements last verified May 28, 2026. Always confirm current minimums with your state’s Department of Insurance.
Washington car insurance FAQs
Common questions about auto insurance in Washington
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