Washington drivers pay around $1,913 a year for full coverage — about 29% under the national average. The state follows an at-fault model with a 25/50/10 liability minimum, and insurers may currently weigh credit history. Here's the coverage you must carry, what Washingtonians pay, and how to find a cheaper rate.
Washington uses an at-fault (tort) framework with a 25/50/10 liability minimum; PIP and uninsured-motorist coverage must be offered but can be waived in writing. Full coverage averages roughly $1,913 a year, about 29% under the national average, with Seattle-area traffic and theft as the main upward pressures. Washington tried to ban credit-based pricing in 2021, but the courts overturned that rule, so insurers may currently weigh credit history.
The coverages below are the minimum a driver must legally carry in Washington. Source: Bankrate minimum-coverage requirements and state insurance department filings.
| Coverage | Minimum limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25k / $50k | Per injured person / per crash |
| Property damage liability | $10k | Mandatory |
| Personal injury protection | Offered | Must be offered; may be waived in writing |
| Uninsured motorist | Offered | Must be offered; may be waived in writing |
Independent market estimates based on Bankrate's 2026 rate data and NAIC filings, shown against the U.S. average. Actual rates vary by ZIP, carrier, and individual profile.
| Coverage level | Est. annual premium | vs. U.S. avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $1,913/yr | 29% below U.S. | Comprehensive and collision included |
| Minimum coverage | $589/yr | 30% below U.S. | Liability only at 25/50/10 |
Estimates apply national rate-increase multipliers to Washington's full-coverage average. Approximate (“~”) figures multiply the state average by a national factor and will vary by carrier.
| Driver profile | Est. annual premium | vs. state avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, 30–45 | ~$1,913/yr | Baseline | Statewide full-coverage average |
| One at-fault accident | ~$2,736/yr | +43% | 1,913 × 1.43 per Bankrate |
| Speeding ticket | ~$2,372/yr | +24% | 1,913 × 1.24 per Bankrate |
| DUI on record | ~$3,596/yr | +88% | 1,913 × 1.88 per Bankrate |
| Young driver (18–24) | ~$3,826/yr | ≈2× | About double per Bankrate |
| Poor credit score | ~$3,252/yr | +70% | 1,913 × 1.70 per Bankrate |
ⓘ Source: Bankrate 2026 rate data and NAIC filings. Figures are independent estimates, not quotes. Verify pricing with a licensed agent or carrier.
Washington's below-average pricing gets help from a competitive market, though the low $10,000 property-damage floor is easily exceeded and PIP/UM are easy to waive. Seattle-area drivers pay more thanks to density and theft. Because credit is currently a permitted factor and rates move widely by ZIP code, comparison shopping is the most effective way to lock in Washington's lower baseline.
Washington is a below-average-cost state with a low legal minimum and waivable PIP/UM. Weighing carriers, keeping PIP/UM rather than waiving it, and holding onto good credit are the best ways to secure a competitive Washington rate.
Disclaimer: RateWire is an independent lead generation and comparison service. Rate figures for Washington are independent market estimates compiled from publicly available Bankrate, NAIC, and state regulatory data — not quotes. Coverage requirements summarized here are for general information only and may change; always confirm current minimums with the Washington insurance department. By submitting your ZIP code, you may be connected with licensed insurance agents or carriers who will provide actual quotes based on your individual profile. Always verify coverage terms and pricing directly with a licensed agent before purchasing.