Cheap car insurance in Washington state for good drivers
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Affordable Washington State car insurance that puts you first
Root rewards Washington drivers with lower rates, makes managing insurance simple, and gives you flexibility to choose auto insurance coverage that fits your needs.
Better auto insurance rates
Drivers who switch can save up to $1,300 a year on car insurance with Root. Get your personalized Washington auto insurance quote. It’s easy to see if you could save.
Customizable coverage options
Choose the coverage options and limits that work for you, your car, and your budget. Available coverages vary by state, and you can adjust your policy as your needs change.
Manage your policy in the app
Access your Washington auto insurance policy, view your insurance cards, and file a claim in as little as 3 minutes right from Root’s convenient mobile app.
Driving in the Evergreen State
From Seattle's busy highways to the mountain passes of the Cascades, Washington drivers encounter everything from heavy traffic to rain, snow, and changing road conditions. Whether you're commuting through Tacoma, exploring Spokane, or traveling across the state, having the right car insurance matters.
Around the Puget Sound: I-5 connects Seattle, Tacoma, and Everett, while I-405 provides a major route through Bellevue and the Eastside.
Across the Cascade Mountains: I-90 over Snoqualmie Pass and US-2 over Stevens Pass bring steep grades, winter snow, and changing weather conditions.
Plan for changing conditions: The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) provides real-time traffic updates, mountain pass conditions, and road closure information.
From Seattle to Spokane and beyond: Explore Washington State car insurance from Root.
Washington's minimum auto insurance requirements
To legally operate a vehicle in Washington, you must carry Liability insurance for both bodily injury and property damage or meet the state's alternative financial responsibility requirements. Insurers in Washington are also required to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which you can accept or reject in writing.
The minimum coverage amounts for liability car insurance required for drivers in Washington are [1]:
Bodily Injury Liability
$25,000 per person
$50,000 per accident
Property Damage Liability
$10,000 per accident
Personal injury protection in Washington
Insurers must offer you a minimum level of PIP coverage. If you don’t want it, you have to reject it in writing. Minimum PIP includes:
Medical and hospital expenses: $10,000
Loss of income: $200 per week, up to $10,000
Loss of services: $200 per week, up to $5,000
If you want more protection, insurers must also make additional PIP available at your request. Additional PIP includes:
Medical and hospital expenses: $35,000
Funeral expenses: $2,000
Loss of income: $700 per week, up to $35,000
Loss of services: $14,600 total
Insurers may also offer PIP limits higher than these additional amounts. Learn more about Washington’s PIP requirements under RCW 48.22.095.
Types of Washington State auto insurance we offer
Explore our Washington car insurance coverage options available below. You can update your policy anytime in the Root app.
Liability coverage
Liability coverage pays for another person’s injuries or property damage when you’re responsible for an accident.
Collision coverage
Get your car repaired or replaced after a collision with another vehicle or object regardless of who was at fault. Add optional rental coverage.
Comprehensive coverage
Protect your car from damage beyond collisions, including theft, vandalism, severe weather, fire, and falling objects.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage
PIP covers eligible medical expenses and/or lost wages for you and your family members after an accident, regardless of fault.
Underinsured motorist coverage
Stay protected if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have insurance or enough coverage to pay for eligible bodily injuries or property damages.
Roadside assistance coverage
Roadside assistance gets you back on the road when you're stranded, with services like towing, jump-starts, and tire changes.
What is the average cost of car insurance in Washington State?
The average Washington driver pays $2,867 per year for full coverage car insurance [2].
Root customers looking to purchase Washington car insurance could save up to $1,300 a year.
Get a quote in under 5 minutes.
Washington state auto insurance FAQs
What is the minimum car insurance required in Washington?
To legally operate a vehicle in Washington, you must carry liability insurance or meet the state's alternative financial responsibility requirements.
To avoid serious expenses in the event of a major accident, you should consider coverage that protects:
You and your passengers (Personal Injury Protection)
Your vehicle (collision and comprehensive coverage)
However, Liability insurance is the only auto insurance coverage you are legally required to select when purchasing a standard auto insurance policy in Washington.
Does car insurance follow the car or driver in Washington?
In Washington, car insurance generally follows the vehicle, not the driver. If someone borrows your car with permission and causes an accident, your auto insurance typically provides primary coverage. However, coverage depends on your policy terms, the driver, and the circumstances of the accident.
Do you need insurance to register a car in Washington?
No, Washington generally does not require proof of insurance to register a vehicle. However, you must carry the state's minimum Liability insurance or meet another approved financial responsibility requirement before driving on public roads. You must also provide proof of coverage or financial responsibility when requested by law enforcement.
Is it legal to drive without insurance in Washington?
No, Washington drivers must carry Liability insurance or meet the state's alternative financial responsibility requirements. If you're found driving without insurance or another qualifying form of financial responsibility, you could face a fine of $550 or more.
If you cause an accident without insurance and fail to pay for the resulting damages or injuries, your driver's license could also be suspended.
How do I lower my car insurance rate in Washington?
The easiest ways to save on your Washington car insurance premium are to drive safely, compare car insurance quotes, and review your coverage and deductible to find opportunities to save. With Root, you can get a personalized car insurance quote in minutes and explore coverage options that fit your needs and budget in the Evergreen State.
Is Washington a no-fault car insurance state?
No, Washington is an at-fault state for car accidents. The driver responsible for causing an accident is generally responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage.
Washington also follows a pure comparative fault system, meaning multiple drivers can share responsibility for an accident.
Is auto collision insurance required in Washington?
Washington law does not require drivers to carry Collision coverage. The state only requires minimum Liability insurance or another approved form of financial responsibility.
However, if you finance or lease your vehicle, your lender may require Collision and Comprehensive coverage. Consider adding collision protection to help pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who caused it.
Is Underinsured Motorist coverage required in Washington?
No, Washington drivers are not required to carry underinsured motorist coverage. However, insurance companies must include this coverage in their policies unless the policyholder rejects it in writing.
UIM coverage helps pay for eligible bodily injuries and property damages when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient coverage. You can review your coverage options in the Root app.
Does Root offer full coverage car insurance in Washington?
"Full coverage" in the auto insurance industry usually refers to combining Liability (Bodily Injury and Property Damage), Collision, and Comprehensive coverage. Root offers all of these coverages.
Who needs SR-22 insurance in Washington?
High-risk Washington drivers may be required by the Washington State Department of Licensing to provide an SR-22 after certain violations, including DUI convictions or driving without insurance.
An SR-22 is not insurance. It's a certificate filed by your insurance company to prove you carry the required Liability coverage. Drivers who fail to maintain their required SR-22 filing could face license suspension.
How does Washington verify car insurance?
Washington requires drivers to provide proof of insurance or another approved form of financial responsibility when requested by law enforcement.
Drivers can show a physical insurance card or electronic proof of coverage on their phones. With Root, you can access your insurance card anytime in our app.
What happens if I'm partly at fault for an accident in Washington?
Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule. This means you can recover damages even if you're partly responsible for an accident, but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you're found 30% responsible for an accident resulting in $10,000 in damages, you could recover $7,000. Unlike states with modified comparative fault laws, Washington does not prevent you from recovering damages simply because you're more than 50% at fault.
How long do you have to file a car accident claim in Washington?
Washington generally gives you three years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit for personal injuries or vehicle damage.
However, insurance companies have their own claim reporting requirements, so it's best to report an accident and start your claim as soon as possible.
Helpful resources for Washington State drivers
Washington State Department of Licensing
The Washington State Department of Licensing handles driver's licenses, driving records, and other licensing services.
Washington State Department of Transportation
The Washington State Department of Transportation maintains the state’s highways, bridges, and ferries, and provides real-time traffic alerts, mountain pass reports, and road condition updates for drivers.
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
The Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner regulates insurance companies and provides resources to help drivers understand coverage requirements, insurance claims, and consumer rights.
Start saving on car insurance
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References
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Washington auto insurance requirements and consumer resources.
Experian. Annual average rates were compiled in 2026.