đź“Š Washington at a Glance
Average Annual
$2,175
27th (below avg)
State Minimum
25/50/10
+ PIP offered
Credit Scores
ALLOWED
ban overturned
Theft Crisis
KIA/HYUNDAI
rates spiking
🎢 The Credit Score Rollercoaster
Washington has had a wild ride with credit-based insurance scoring:
Commissioner Mike Kreidler banned credit scoring, arguing discrimination
Courts overturned the ban—credit scoring reinstated
Senate Bill 5589 mandates comprehensive study of rating factor impacts
Current status: Credit scoring is legal in Washington. The SB 5589 study may lead to future restrictions, but for now, your credit score affects your premium.
🚨 The Kia/Hyundai Theft Epidemic
Seattle-Tacoma is experiencing a theft crisis affecting certain Kia and Hyundai models that lack engine immobilizers:
Affected Vehicles:
- • Hyundai models 2015-2021 (some)
- • Kia models 2011-2021 (some)
- • Vehicles without push-button start
- • "Kia Boyz" social media trend
Insurance Impact:
- • Comprehensive rates spiking for affected models
- • Some insurers refusing to cover these vehicles
- • Seattle area hardest hit
- • Check if your Kia/Hyundai has free software fix
What to do: If you own an affected Kia/Hyundai, contact the dealer for a free anti-theft software update and ask your insurer about steering wheel locks or other deterrents.
đź’Š Washington's PIP "Opt-Out" System
Washington requires insurers to offer Personal Injury Protection (PIP) to all drivers. But here's the catch:
How It Works:
- • Insurers must offer PIP coverage
- • You must sign a written waiver to reject it
- • If you don't actively opt-out, you have PIP
- • PIP covers medical expenses regardless of fault
Result: Washington has high PIP adoption rates because of the opt-out system. This contributes to slightly higher average premiums but better medical coverage for most drivers.
Washington Minimum Requirements
Warning: $10,000 property damage is very low. A minor accident with a Tesla or BMW exceeds this easily. Consider at least $50,000.
Average Cost by Washington City
| City | Annual Avg. | vs State Avg. |
|---|---|---|
| Tacoma | $2,716 | +25% |
| Seattle | $2,581 | +19% |
| Olympia | $2,100 | -3% |
| Vancouver | $1,850 | -15% |
| Spokane | $1,449 | -33% |
Spokane drivers pay nearly half what Tacoma drivers pay—east vs west divide is massive.
Best Car Insurance Companies in Washington
GEICO
Often cheapest for Seattle drivers. Strong digital experience. Good for straightforward policies.
State Farm
Strong agent network. Good for bundling. Reliable claims handling in the Pacific Northwest.
PEMCO
Pacific Northwest regional insurer. Local expertise. Competitive for good drivers in WA and OR.
Progressive
Snapshot telematics helpful for Seattle traffic. Good for comparison shopping.
Washington-Specific Tips
đź’ł Work on Your Credit
Credit scoring is legal again. A good credit score can save you 30-40% on premiums.
đźš— Check Your Kia/Hyundai
If you own an affected model, get the free software update and tell your insurer. May prevent rate hikes.
🏔️ Consider East Side
Spokane rates are 33% cheaper than Seattle. The east-west divide in WA is dramatic.
đź“ť Review PIP Decision
If you signed a PIP waiver, consider whether you have adequate health insurance. PIP can be valuable.
The Bottom Line
Washington is below-average cost overall, but Seattle-Tacoma is expensive due to traffic and the theft epidemic. Credit scoring is back after the 2021 ban was overturned—maintain good credit for better rates. If you own a Kia or Hyundai, get the free anti-theft update ASAP. And don't forget about PEMCO—the local insurer often beats nationals on price and service.