The best car insurance companies in Washington for 2024 are PEMCO, Geico, Travelers and State Farm. This list is determined by analyzing the companies’ annual car insurance premiums, financial stability and customer satisfaction ratings.
Use our guide to determine which insurance company is best for your needs and budget. Learn how to navigate your insurance options in Washington with confidence and ease.
Our takePEMCO stands out as the best overall car insurance company in Washington. With a strong financial rating (B++ from AM Best) and competitive rates, it offers an excellent balance of affordability and comprehensive coverage.
PEMCO’s average annual car insurance cost is $1,326. Additionally, It received a J.D. Power score of 831/1,000 and an overall rating of 3.39 out of 5, the highest among the companies surveyed.
It is worth noting that Geico has the lowest average car insurance premiums in our survey, at $1,171 a year.
Check out our experts’ recommendations for the best car insurance coverage
What are the best car insurance companies in Washington?
Washington drivers have various top-rated car insurance companies to choose from. Whether you seek the best overall experience, the most affordable rates or exceptional customer service, there’s an insurer that fits your needs.
Here’s a breakdown of the best auto insurance companies in Washington by category.
| Category | Company |
|---|---|
| Best overall | PEMCO |
| Most affordable | Geico |
| Highest customer satisfaction | PEMCO |
| Best for teen | Travelers |
| Best for young adults | Travelers |
| Best for adults | Geico |
| Best for seniors | Geico |
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Compare the best auto insurance companies in Washington
Comparing car insurance companies is important in finding the best policy that suits your specific requirements. Insurance rates can vary significantly from one company to another based on how they assess risk.
By comparing quotes, you can find affordable rates and potentially save money on your premiums. To make it easier, we’ve analyzed the best car insurance companies in Washington. The table below shows the best auto insurance providers for Washington drivers.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEMCO | $1,326 | B++ | 831 | 0.24 | 3.39 |
| Geico | $1,171 | A++ | 797 | 0.91 | 3.37 |
| Travelers | $1,503 | A++ | 810 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| State Farm | $1,794 | A++ | 821 | 0.70 | 3.14 |
| Nationwide | $1,658 | A+ | 810 | 0.64 | 3.01 |
| Allstate | $1,766 | A+ | 783 | 0.65 | 2.96 |
| Farmers | $1,714 | A | 796 | 0.80 | 2.84 |
| American Family | $1,750 | A | 820 | 1.10 | 2.56 |
| Progressive | $2,554 | A+ | 807 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
Best car insurance companies by age group in Washington
Choosing the right car insurance company can be like picking the perfect pair of shoes—it must fit your unique needs and lifestyle. What works for a teenage driver might not be the best option for a senior driver. As drivers age, their driving habits and risk profiles change, impacting their car insurance rates and coverage.
Teen drivers are considered high-risk and require extensive coverage options and discounts, such as good student discounts. On the other hand, senior drivers prioritize coverage that includes medical payments and higher liability limits, discounts for low mileage and long-term loyalty and prefer personalized customer service and easy claims process.
Drivers can get the best coverage by choosing an insurance company that fits their age group, specific risks, budget and lifestyle. This helps them stay well-protected at every stage of their driving life.
Select your age group and coverage level below to see the list of best car insurance companies and their annual average rates.
| Company | Annual rates | Customer satisfaction rating |
|---|---|---|
- Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
- Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
- State minimum: State minimum coverage
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age group
Best for teen drivers in Washington
Teen drivers typically face higher insurance premiums due to their higher risk and lack of driving experience. It’s important to find insurance companies that offer competitive insurance rates and provide benefits for teen drivers, such as good student discounts, driver training discounts and accident forgiveness.
Travelers stands out for its affordable rates for teen drivers. It offers car insurance at $4,100 per year.
When determining the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, several key factors were considered to ensure a comprehensive evaluation. The overall score for each company is derived from a weighted analysis of four main factors:
- The average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%)
- J.D. Power score (30%)
- AM Best rating (25%)
- NAIC rating (20%)
Each factor is assigned a specific percentage weight based on how they performed in each category.
Here are some top choices for teens aged 16-19 based on our analysis:
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $4,100 | A++ | 810 | 0.49 | 3.5 |
| State Farm | $4,794 | A++ | 821 | 0.7 | 3.35 |
| Geico | $5,008 | A++ | 797 | 0.91 | 3.17 |
| Farmers | $4,670 | A | 796 | 0.8 | 3.03 |
| Nationwide | $6,019 | A+ | 810 | 0.64 | 2.94 |
| Allstate | $6,580 | A+ | 783 | 0.65 | 2.86 |
| PEMCO | $3,514 | B++ | 831 | 0.24 | 2.78 |
| American Family | $4,701 | A | 820 | 1.1 | 2.77 |
| Progressive | $8,874 | A+ | 807 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
Best for young adults in Washington
Finding the right insurance is important for young drivers, who typically face higher insurance premiums due to their perceived risk.
Companies like Travelers and Geico offer affordable rates for those aged 20-24 in Washington.
To determine the best car insurance companies for young adults in 2024, we analyzed four key factors: average annual full coverage cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%) and NAIC rating (20%). Each factor was given a specific percentage weight to calculate the overall performance.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelers | $2,309 | A++ | 810 | 0.49 | 3.43 |
| Geico | $2,150 | A++ | 797 | 0.91 | 3.31 |
| State Farm | $2,936 | A++ | 821 | 0.70 | 3.17 |
| Farmers | $2,160 | A | 796 | 0.80 | 3.10 |
| Allstate | $2,603 | A+ | 783 | 0.65 | 3.09 |
| Nationwide | $2,690 | A+ | 810 | 0.64 | 3.05 |
| American Family | $2,316 | A | 820 | 1.10 | 2.79 |
| PEMCO | $1,984 | B++ | 831 | 0.24 | 2.73 |
| Progressive | $4,299 | A+ | 807 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
Best for adult drivers in Washington
When choosing car insurance, different age groups often have varying needs and priorities. For adults and experienced drivers aged 25 to 60, factors such as coverage options, customer service and premium costs play significant roles in selecting the right insurer.
For adult drivers, Geico is the best choice for car insurance in Washington. It provides full coverage at an average yearly cost of $1,213 and has an overall rating of 3.35, the highest among the companies analyzed.
We have considered four different factors to curate a list of the best car insurance companies for adult drivers. These factors consist of average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%) and NAIC rating (20%).
Experienced drivers are generally considered low-risk compared to younger drivers. This age group typically benefits from lower insurance premiums due to their experience and lower accident rates.
Below is a list of the best insurance companies in Washington for adults aged 25-60 and annual premiums.
| Company | Annual cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $1,213 | A++ | 797 | 0.91 | 3.35 |
| Travelers | $1,520 | A++ | 810 | 0.49 | 3.34 |
| State Farm | $1,806 | A++ | 821 | 0.70 | 3.13 |
| Nationwide | $1,642 | A+ | 810 | 0.64 | 3.02 |
| Allstate | $1,748 | A+ | 783 | 0.65 | 2.97 |
| Farmers | $1,628 | A | 796 | 0.80 | 2.90 |
| PEMCO | $1,451 | B++ | 831 | 0.24 | 2.57 |
| American Family | $1,755 | A | 820 | 1.10 | 2.56 |
| Progressive | $2,547 | A+ | 807 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
Best for senior drivers in Washington
Geico provides the cheapest car insurance premiums among the companies analyzed at an average cost of $1,142 a year. It is an affordable option for senior drivers.
As drivers enter their senior years, insurance companies may raise premiums based on the risk associated with changes that can affect driving, such as slower reflexes and vision impairment. Besides, senior drivers might face difficulty finding a policy that offers adequate coverage at reasonable rates, given that insurers often view older drivers as high-risk due to their increased likelihood of being involved in accidents.
Finding the best car insurance companies for senior drivers necessitates a thorough evaluation of several factors. Each insurer’s overall score is determined through a weighted analysis of four different parameters: the average annual cost of full-coverage car insurance (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). The weight assigned to each factor reflects its significance in assessing an insurance provider’s financial stability, affordability, customer satisfaction and complaint index.
Here are the best auto insurance companies in Washington for senior drivers aged 65 to 75.
| Company | Monthly cost | AM Best | J.D. Power | NAIC | Overall score out of 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $95 | A++ | 797 | 0.91 | 3.36 |
| Travelers | $126 | A++ | 810 | 0.49 | 3.35 |
| State Farm | $145 | A++ | 821 | 0.70 | 3.19 |
| Nationwide | $126 | A+ | 810 | 0.64 | 3.10 |
| Allstate | $155 | A+ | 783 | 0.65 | 2.94 |
| Farmers | $151 | A | 796 | 0.80 | 2.81 |
| Progressive | $227 | A+ | 807 | 0.65 | 2.48 |
| PEMCO | $138 | B++ | 831 | 0.24 | 2.46 |
| American Family | $168 | A | 820 | 1.10 | 2.45 |
Learn more about how to shop for car insurance for seniors
Best overall car insurance company in state
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The right insurance company for you is significantly influenced by your driver profile. Here’s how to choose the right insurer based on your specific needs:
For budget-conscious drivers in Washington
You should look for insurers that offer various car insurance discounts, such as safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts or discounts for automatic payments, which can significantly lower your premiums. Many insurers also offer flexible payment options, such as monthly, quarterly or semi-annual plans, to help reduce the financial burden.
Here is a list of the best insurance companies and their annual premiums for various coverage levels.
| Company | State-minimum | Liability-only | Full coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $296 | $473 | $1,171 |
| PEMCO | $158 | $351 | $1,326 |
| Travelers | $398 | $713 | $1,503 |
| Nationwide | $496 | $792 | $1,658 |
| Farmers | $450 | $868 | $1,714 |
| American Family | $709 | $1,109 | $1,750 |
| Allstate | $639 | $927 | $1,766 |
| State Farm | $410 | $741 | $1,794 |
| Progressive | $595 | $947 | $2,554 |
| USAA | $226 | $387 | $853 |
Notes:
- Full coverage car insurance limit is 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance limit is 50/100/50.
- State minimum car insurance is 25/50/10.
For high-risk drivers in Washington
High-risk drivers, such as those with multiple traffic violations or DUIs, should seek insurers specializing in high-risk policies. Work on improving your driving record. Attend defensive driving courses or consider driving a safer, less risky vehicle. These changes can help lower your rates over time.
High-risk status isn’t forever. Work toward earning a clean driving record, improving your risk profile and comparing insurance quotes to find better rates.
| Company | 6-month cost | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Geico | $984 | $1,968 |
| State Farm | $1,007 | $2,014 |
| Travelers | $1,084 | $2,167 |
| Allstate | $1,107 | $2,214 |
| American Family | $1,171 | $2,341 |
| Farmers | $1,254 | $2,508 |
| Nationwide | $1,462 | $2,923 |
| Progressive | $1,935 | $3,869 |
| USAA | $599 | $1,198 |
By thoroughly researching and understanding their specific driver profiles, high-risk drivers can find an insurance company that meets their needs and offers the best value.
In conversation with experts
CarInsurance.com editors interviewed James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University. See his responses below.
How important is customer service when deciding the right car insurance company?
Customer service is critical – it should be one of the top factors consumers consider. All else equal, meaning similar premiums, coverage, riders, etc., customer service is often the deciding factor. If a customer gets to speak to a cheerful human without 10 minutes of robot phone trees, especially when stressed out after a wreck or theft, it makes life a lot better.
What are the key factors that consumers should consider when selecting a car insurance company in their state?
Customers should do research pertaining to coverage, premiums, reputation, how many stars on reviews, etc. Make sure to compare apples to apples – that you’re getting the same coverage amounts, for example. Shop around – competition helps the consumer.
How often should policyholders review and adjust their car insurance policies?
Every six months is a good rule of thumb because most people pay in semi-annual installments. If you keep your company on its toes, they are more likely to stay competitive and offer special pricing, deals, incentives, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average cost of car insurance in Washington?
The average annual cost of car insurance in Washington is $1,608. This rate can vary depending on factors such as the driver’s age, driving history and coverage limits
How much car insurance coverage do I need in Washington?
When assessing your car insurance needs in Washington, consider the state’s legal requirements. Typically, the minimum coverage required in Washington consists of $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability.
If you have valuable assets to safeguard, it’s wise to go beyond Washington’s minimum requirements and opt for higher liability limits. Experts suggest getting full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 deductible for collision/comprehensive.
Here’s what it means:
- $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person pays for injuries you cause to others in an accident.
- $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident will cover injuries per accident, covering costs if multiple people are injured.
- $100,000 in property damage liability per accident covers damage you cause to another driver’s property in an at-fault accident.
Opting for higher limits is advisable as they provide increased protection against financial losses. When choosing coverage limits, also take into account your driving habits, the value of your vehicle and your finances.
Which company has the best car insurance rates in Washington?
CarInsurance.com’s analysis shows that Geico offers the lowest car insurance rates for Washington drivers, with an average premium of $98 per month or $1,171 per year.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Fatality Facts 2022 Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Risk Factors for Teen Drivers.” Accessed September 2024.
- National Safety Council. “Age of Driver.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com collected insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services for Washington drivers. The rate data is for drivers of different age groups:
- Teens: Age 16-19
- Young adults: Age 20-24
- Adults: 25- 60
- Seniors: 60-75
The different coverage levels include:
- Annual full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- A six-month car insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100-500 coll/comp deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/10.
Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied:
- 1 at-fault property damage accident over $2K
- 1 at-fault property damage accident under $2K
- At-fault bodily injury accident
- Poor credit
- DUI/DWI first offense
- Speeding 30+ over limit
- Speeding ticket 1-10 mph over limit
- Speeding ticket 11-29 mph over limit
The editors created a rating system to determine the best insurance companies in each sector. For auto insurers, we took the following and gave each a weight.
- Average annual cost: 25%
- J.D. Power score: 30%
- AM Best rating: 25%
Each insurer was awarded an overall rating of 0.5 to 5. No insurer in our overall rating received less than 1 rating and 5 was the most any insurer could receive.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 51,088,003 insurance quotes from 167 national & regional insurance companies across 29,152 cities and 34,588 ZIP codes.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
Ask the Insurance Expert
John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Washington