When looking for car insurance in Washington, it’s essential to find a policy that balances coverage, customer service, and affordability.
Washington state has unique requirements and legal regulations that influence insurance rates, making it crucial for drivers to choose the right provider.
This article explores the top 17 best car insurance companies in Washington to help you make an informed decision.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Car Insurance
Before diving into the list of companies, let’s cover the most important factors to consider when selecting car insurance in Washington:
- Cost: Prices vary based on your location, driving record, and type of coverage. Get quotes from several providers to compare.
- Coverage Options: Ensure your policy covers the essentials like liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
- Customer Service: A company with excellent customer service can save you time and hassle when filing a claim.
- Discounts: Look for discounts based on safe driving, bundling policies, or being a good student.
- Reputation and Financial Strength: The best insurance companies are financially stable and have strong reputations for paying out claims fairly and promptly.
Here Is The Full Details About Top 17 Best Car Insurance Companies In Washington
Here is a breakdown of the best car insurance companies in Washington, based on customer reviews, cost, and coverage options.
1. State Farm
State Farm is a widely trusted name across the U.S., and Washington is no exception. They offer competitive rates, a wide range of coverage options, and exceptional customer service. State Farm also provides various discounts, including those for safe driving and multi-policy bundling.
2. GEICO
GEICO is known for its affordable rates, making it a popular choice for Washington drivers seeking budget-friendly coverage. Their online tools and mobile app make managing your policy easy, and they offer discounts for military members, federal employees, and safe drivers.
3. Progressive
Progressive shines when it comes to offering flexible and customizable policies. They’re well known for their usage-based programs like “Snapshot,” which adjusts rates based on your actual driving habits. Progressive also offers competitive pricing and multiple discount opportunities.
4. Allstate
Allstate offers robust coverage options, including accident forgiveness and new car replacement policies. Their Drivewise program rewards drivers with discounts based on safe driving. They have solid customer service ratings and various local agents throughout Washington.
5. American Family Insurance
American Family Insurance is an excellent option for those looking for a personalized approach. Their agents are known for their one-on-one service, helping clients build customized policies. They also offer multiple discounts, including loyalty rewards and multi-policy discounts.
6. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers extensive coverage options tailored to your needs. Their rates are slightly higher than average, but they make up for it with flexible policy options, including better car replacement and accident forgiveness. Liberty Mutual’s online tools and mobile app simplify claims management.
7. Farmers Insurance
Farmers Insurance is a popular choice among Washington drivers due to their highly customizable plans and customer service. Their optional coverage includes rideshare insurance for Uber and Lyft drivers, along with standard policies like liability, collision, and comprehensive.
8. USAA
USAA is highly rated for its affordable rates and top-notch customer service, but it’s only available to military members and their families. If you qualify, USAA is one of the best choices for coverage in Washington. Their policies include competitive rates, excellent claims handling, and various discounts.
9. Nationwide
Nationwide offers a solid mix of affordability and comprehensive coverage options. They provide unique benefits like accident forgiveness, vanishing deductibles, and total loss deductible waivers, making them a great choice for Washington drivers seeking extra protection.
10. The Hartford
The Hartford primarily serves older drivers and is affiliated with AARP. They offer great customer service, affordable rates, and extensive discounts for senior drivers. The Hartford’s RecoverCare program is an excellent add-on for those needing post-accident assistance, such as transportation or house cleaning services.
11. Travelers
Travelers Insurance offers extensive coverage options at competitive prices. Their IntelliDrive program helps lower premiums for safe drivers by tracking driving habits through an app. Travelers is a good option for tech-savvy drivers who want flexible policy management.
12. Esurance
As a subsidiary of Allstate, Esurance provides affordable, tech-forward solutions for Washington drivers. The company’s easy-to-use online platform makes it simple to manage policies, and they offer various discounts for safe drivers and policy bundling.
13. MetLife Auto & Home
MetLife Auto & Home provides solid coverage options for Washington drivers with a focus on excellent customer service. They offer unique benefits such as identity theft protection and new car replacement, making them a great option for drivers who want added peace of mind.
14. Pemco
Pemco is a regional insurer based in the Pacific Northwest, making them especially familiar with Washington’s specific needs. Pemco has competitive rates and focuses on customer satisfaction. They offer unique discounts for educators and other local professionals.
15. Safeco
Safeco, a subsidiary of Liberty Mutual, provides affordable and customizable insurance policies in Washington. They’re known for offering flexible coverage options and good customer service. Safeco also has numerous discount opportunities, such as safe driver and multi-policy discounts.
16. Dairyland
Dairyland is a solid option for high-risk drivers in Washington. They specialize in offering coverage to those who might have trouble finding insurance elsewhere due to accidents or violations. Though their rates are higher than average, they provide flexible payment plans.
17. Bristol West
Bristol West is another insurer that focuses on high-risk drivers. They provide basic and full-coverage policies with reasonable pricing for drivers with a poor driving history. Bristol West is a great choice for drivers seeking coverage after a DUI or multiple traffic violations.
Washington Car Insurance Requirements
Washington state law requires drivers to carry liability insurance that includes at least:
- $25,000 for bodily injury per person,
- $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and
- $10,000 for property damage.
Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage is not required, but it’s highly recommended to protect you in case of an accident with an uninsured driver.
How to Lower Your Car Insurance Rates?
Even in a state like Washington where insurance rates can be high, there are several strategies to lower your premium:
- Increase Your Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premium, but ensure you can afford the deductible in case of an accident.
- Bundle Insurance: Many companies offer discounts if you bundle your auto policy with homeowners or renters insurance.
- Safe Driving Discounts: Enroll in safe driving programs, such as Progressive’s Snapshot or Allstate’s Drivewise, to get rewards for good driving behavior.
- Ask for Discounts: Always inquire about additional discounts like multi-car, good student, or military discounts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Top 17 Best Car Insurance Companies In Washington
1. What is the cheapest car insurance in Washington?
GEICO and Progressive typically offer some of the lowest rates in Washington, especially for drivers with a clean record.
2. How much does car insurance cost on average in Washington?
The average cost of car insurance in Washington is around $1,200 per year, but your rate will depend on factors like your driving record, vehicle type, and coverage needs.
3. Does Washington require full coverage insurance?
No, Washington only requires liability insurance, but full coverage (which includes collision and comprehensive) is recommended for drivers who want more protection.
4. Can I get car insurance if I have a poor driving record?
Yes, companies like Dairyland and Bristol West specialize in offering car insurance to high-risk drivers with poor driving records or DUIs.
5. What are some common car insurance discounts in Washington?
Common discounts include safe driver, multi-policy, good student, and military discounts. Be sure to ask your insurer about any special discounts they offer.
Conclusion
Choosing the right car insurance company in Washington can save you money and provide peace of mind. Whether you are looking for affordability, top-notch customer service, or specific coverage options, the companies listed above are all excellent choices. Be sure to compare quotes and consider your individual needs before selecting a policy.
