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Seattle Car Insurance
How much does car insurance cost in Seattle, WA? Check out the average rates that drivers pay below.
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What Is the Average Cost of Car Insurance in Seattle?
Seattle, Washington is a picturesque city known for its stunning waterfront views, rugged mountain trails, and five-star tourist attractions. The Pacific West city, located on Puget Sound, is home to the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Flight.
Residents of Seattle can use the King County Metro Transit and Sound Transit to travel through the city, but they will need a vehicle to explore all the exciting outdoor settings and cultural destinations within Seattle.
Are you a Seattle resident that needs insurance coverage for your vehicle? SmartFinancial can help you find affordable insurers that fit your needs and budget. In this article, you'll learn about the auto insurance requirements for Seattle.
Seattle Auto Insurance Requirements
What Is the Minimum Amount of Liability Coverage Requirement in Seattle? Washington State law says drivers must show they have financial responsibility in effect concerning their motor vehicles. Seattle requires 25/50/25 liability insurance coverage for all drivers. The minimum liability insurance requirements for private passenger vehicles in Seattle are:
- Bodily Injury Liability Coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Property Damage Liability Coverage: $10,000
- Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident
- Underinsured Motorist Damage Coverage: $10,000 per accident
- Basic Personal Injury Protection: $10,000 per accident
Other acceptable forms of coverage include applying a certificate of deposit to pay for your liability insurance with the Department of Licensing. You can also purchase a liability bond of at least $60,000 filed by a surety bond company that's allowed to do business in the state. Businesses can self-insure if they have 26 or more vehicles. You must contact the Department of Licensing (www.dol.wa.gov) to find out if your company qualifies.
Seattle's minimum insurance requirements may not provide enough coverage if at-fault in a car wreck. Buy more insurance, especially if you have a lot of assets. SmartFinancial can help you find affordable car insurance to ensure you have enough protection if the worst happens. Fill out the form on this page to get started.
Monthly Average Rates by Country, State, and City
Car insurance rates vary from driver to driver and are based on many factors that include driving history, claims history and where you live. Each city in Washington has different rates, and below, you can compare average rates with the national average. According to our data, drivers who live in Seattle typically pay around $107.74 per month compared to the national average of $146.47 per month. The best way to get a low rate is by comparison shopping. SmartFinancial can do that for you at no cost while pairing you with a reputable insurance company so you have no surprises if you have an accident.
| Area | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| National | $146.47 |
| Washington | $95.49 |
| Seattle, Washington | $107.74 |
Seattle, WA Best Car Insurance Companies
Certain insurers will offer you better rates than others based on a myriad of factors, so you may get a better deal from one insurer over another for various reasons, and that’s why it’s important to compare. According to our data, Direct General generally has the most affordable car insurance in Seattle coming in around $46.02 per month. Other companies to consider if you live in Seattle is Infinity Special with an average cost of $51.98 per month and USAA which typically runs around $87.87 per month. Check out the full list below. SmartFinancial rates the following insurers as the best insurance companies for drivers in Seattle.
| Rank | Company | Average Monthly Rate | Comparison State Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Direct General | $46.02 | -51.80% |
| 2 | Infinity Special | $51.98 | -45.56% |
| 3 | USAA | $87.87 | -7.97% |
| 4 | PEMCO | $101.84 | 6.66% |
| 5 | State Farm | $106.61 | 11.65% |
| 6 | Capital Insurance Group | $107.23 | 12.30% |
| 7 | Esurance | $119.33 | 24.97% |
| 8 | Kemper Personal Insurance | $120.00 | 25.67% |
| 9 | Mercury Insurance Company | $130.15 | 36.30% |
| 10 | Allied | $138.95 | 45.52% |
How Much is Car Insurance in Seattle, WA?
Rates can vary from city to city. The residents of Bellevue typically pay $103.78 per month while people who live in Bellingham will pay $75.52 per month on average. See what people pay for car insurance in other cities in Washington.
| Washington Cities | Monthly Average Rate |
|---|---|
| Bellevue | $103.78 |
| Bellingham | $75.52 |
| Bremerton | $84.53 |
| Everett | $100.58 |
| Federal Way | $115.53 |
| Kent | $109.07 |
| Lakewood | $106.74 |
| Olympia | $89.10 |
| Puyallup | $105.24 |
| Renton | $103.57 |
| Seattle | $107.73 |
| Spokane | $86.05 |
| Tacoma | $111.30 |
| Vancouver | $96.16 |
| Yakima | $84.66 |
Cheap Car Insurance in Seattle by Zip Codes
Every zip code rates differently with every insurer. Your zip code determines the crime rate in your area as well as other risks. Below, you can see how average rates range across the state of Washington. If you live in an area that is rated high in crime, you can make sure to garage your car in a safe place. That ought to save you some money. Covered and gated structures are best. Make sure to tell your insurance agent about the precautions you’re taking.
| Seattle, WA ZIP Code | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 98001 | $131.08 |
| 98003 | $62.22 |
| 98005 | $101.34 |
| 98031 | $73.48 |
| 98040 | $98.59 |
| 98101 | $124.53 |
| 98102 | $95.08 |
| 98103 | $103.20 |
| 98104 | $94.28 |
| 98105 | $118.16 |
| 98106 | $107.60 |
| 98107 | $94.30 |
| 98108 | $111.04 |
| 98109 | $108.77 |
| 98110 | $65.42 |
| 98111 | $109.98 |
| 98112 | $94.38 |
| 98115 | $101.10 |
| 98116 | $102.54 |
| 98117 | $100.24 |
| 98118 | $121.42 |
| 98119 | $107.94 |
| 98121 | $106.31 |
| 98122 | $113.87 |
| 98125 | $110.04 |
| 98126 | $106.21 |
| 98127 | $47.42 |
| 98133 | $104.87 |
| 98134 | $83.52 |
| 98136 | $93.05 |
| 98144 | $107.74 |
| 98146 | $101.51 |
| 98148 | $113.46 |
| 98154 | $284.71 |
| 98155 | $104.41 |
| 98158 | $71.06 |
| 98161 | $139.17 |
| 98164 | $141.19 |
| 98166 | $103.13 |
| 98168 | $107.95 |
| 98174 | $111.14 |
| 98177 | $111.77 |
| 98178 | $117.65 |
| 98188 | $99.88 |
| 98195 | $285.03 |
| 98198 | $104.95 |
| 98199 | $98.71 |
| 98367 | $75.69 |
| 98404 | $100.62 |
Car Insurance Rates by Driver's Age Group in Seattle
Generally speaking, you pay more in car insurance the younger you are and the older you are. Teens and young adults often pay around $251.39 per month in Seattle. Compare that to drivers in their 30’s who typically pay around $95.91 per month drivers in their 40s at $88.69 per month. It’s always a good idea to check for discounts that apply at any age. Some discounts include away-at-school discount, safe driver discount, mature driver discount, good student discount as well as multi-policy and bundling discounts.
| Age Group | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 16-19 | $251.39 |
| 20s | $139.91 |
| 30s | $95.91 |
| 40s | $88.69 |
| 50s | $82.20 |
| 60s | $81.85 |
| 70+ | $106.70 |
Cheapest Insurance for Teenage Drivers in Seattle
If you are teen in Seattle you are probably looking for a good deal on car insurance. Since teenage drivers typically pay the highest rates of any other age group, it’s important to compare multiple companies. According to our research, Infinity Special typically charges around $51.98 per month. This is likely the most affordable option in Seattle. You might also want to consider Dairyland Auto and Esurance who also offer good affordable policies for teen drivers.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Infinity Special | $51.98 |
| Dairyland Auto | $75.86 |
| Esurance | $119.33 |
| Mercury Insurance Company | $130.15 |
| Mercury | $147.83 |
Cheapest Insurance for 20 Year-olds in Seattle
20 year-olds in Seattle might want to consider USAA who, on average, offers car insurance rates around $107.57 per month. PEMCO , Capital Insurance Group , State Farm and New York Central Mutual Fire are also in the top 5 cheapest rates available.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $107.57 |
| PEMCO | $137.02 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $138.20 |
| State Farm | $145.80 |
| New York Central Mutual Fire | $148.50 |
Cheapest Insurance for 30 Year-olds in Seattle
If you are in your 30s in Seattle our research has found that Direct General typically has the most affordable coverage coming in around $46.02 per month, followed by USAA at $75.28 and PEMCO at $87.17.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Direct General | $46.02 |
| USAA | $75.28 |
| PEMCO | $87.17 |
| State Farm | $96.05 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $97.15 |
Cheapest Insurance for 40 Year-olds in Seattle
On average, USAA offers car insurance for 40 year-olds in Seattle for around $70.39 per month. If you are looking for affordable coverage, you may also want to consider PEMCO or State Farm. The full list of top companies is below.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $70.39 |
| PEMCO | $83.55 |
| State Farm | $92.13 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $93.66 |
| Kemper Auto Premium | $95.50 |
Cheapest Insurance for 50 Year-olds in Seattle
Oftentimes 50 year-olds enjoy some of the lowest rates of any other age group. In Seattle we found that USAA generally offers the most affordable coverage at $67.28 per month.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $67.28 |
| PEMCO | $78.99 |
| State Farm | $84.16 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $86.99 |
| Kemper Auto Premium | $89.50 |
Cheapest Insurance for 60 Year-olds in Seattle
If you live in Seattle and you’re in your 60s, our data indicates that USAA usually has the best rates at $70.98 per month. The top 5 list of car insurance companies is below.
| Company | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| USAA | $70.98 |
| State Farm | $80.29 |
| PEMCO | $82.26 |
| Capital Insurance Group | $85.86 |
| Chubb | $98.67 |
Driver's Coverage Auto Insurance Rates in Seattle, WA
Typically, drivers who currently have car insurance coverage will receive a cheaper monthly quote than drivers who do not. Since car insurance is a requirement in all 50 states, companies may question why you don't currently have coverage. Because of this, they may see you as a higher risk driver. In Seattle, the average monthly rate for a driver who is currently insured is $100.91 while drivers who are not currently covered will pay around $115.00.
| Coverage | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| Not Currently Insured | $115.00 |
| Currently Insured | $100.91 |
Compare Recent Car Insurance Quotes in Seattle
Your vehicle plays a big part in how you rate for car insurance. The more your car is worth, the higher your car insurance rate. To lower your monthly premiums, you can set a higher deductible, but you’ll need to pay that deductible if you have an accident. Generally speaking, the newer a car is, the more it’s worth, and you may pay more in premiums, but the latest safety features will earn you a discount. The overall safety ratings of a car are also considered when determining your rate. In Seattle a driver of a 2015 Hyundai Elantra can expect to pay around $98.42 per month while someone that owns a 2023 Tesla Model Y may pay around $121.06 per month. Check out the list of recent quotes in Seattle below.
| Vehicle | Average Monthly Rate |
|---|---|
| 2015 Hyundai Elantra | $98.42 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y | $121.06 |
| 2024 Honda Cr-V | $102.67 |
| 2022 Kia Forte | $108.33 |
| 2017 Honda Civic | $72.98 |
| 2018 Honda Accord | $102.96 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | $176.13 |
| 2023 Tesla Model 3 | $102.17 |
| 2013 Ford Fiesta | $72.57 |
FAQ's for Drivers in Seattle, WA
What Is the Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limit in Seattle?
Driving Under the Influence means you had alcohol or other substances in your system while operating your vehicle. According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, it is a criminal offense for a person to drive an automobile with the following blood alcohol concentration (BAC):
- .08 BAC or higher for adults (21 years and older)
- .04 BAC or higher for commercial vehicle drivers
- .02 BAC or higher for minors (under 21 years old)
Unfortunately, no one is perfect. If you get a DUI on your record, it can significantly increase your auto insurance rates. SmartFinancial can even help you find lower insurance rates if you're considered high risk or are a new driver. You can fill out the form on our page and comparison shop for insurers that meet your needs.
Can I Register My Car Without Insurance in Seattle?
No, you can't. The State of Washington requires all drivers to carry liability coverage and proof of insurance. Since 2019, this law now includes motorcycle drivers. The law does not apply to motor scooters, mopeds, and specially licensed carriage vehicles. Nor does it apply to state-owned or publicly-owned vehicles.
Check Out Other Rates in Seattle, WA Nearby Cities:
Commute Time in Seattle, WA
27.5 MilesCommute Time in United States
26.4 Miles
Number of Nearest Insurance Agents in Seattle, WA
108 Methodology
The statistics listed on this page are from our own in house reporting. We track and record quotes that carriers have provided based on various criteria. The rates and averages shown on this page should only be used as an estimate.
Fran Majidi manages content on SmartFinancial's website. She's had nearly a decade's worth of experience writing about insurance-related topics. Prior, she was an arts and entertainment editor in New York City. She has a B.A. from Barnard College and an M.F.A. in writing from The New School. She writes books under her given name, Afarin Majidi.
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