Finance & accounting · Ranked by price to features
9 Best Car Insurance in Washington of 2026
By the Rankozo research desk · Updated November 10, 2026 · Next review December 25, 2026
PEMCO is the best car insurance in Washington in 2026 for most drivers because it sells only in Washington and Oregon, forgives a first accident for each driver after five safe years and stacks Washington-only discounts with up to 20% for safe driving; Progressive suits drivers who want a published price, with a Washington average of $91.22 a month for liability only in 2025, and AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford suits drivers over 50. The lowest published price on this list is Lemonade Car, as low as $30 a month on pay-per-mile pricing for low-mileage drivers.
- Tools ranked
- 9
- With free plan
- 0
- Cheapest paid plan
- Lemonade Car, $30
- per month
By the numbers
- $81,905US households (consumer units) spent an average of $81,905 in 2025, up 4.3 percent from 2024.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- $27,790US households spent an average of $27,790 on housing in 2025, 33.9 percent of total spending.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 3.7%US consumer prices rose 3.7 percent in the 12 months to September 2026, before seasonal adjustment.U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
- 63%63 percent of US adults said in 2025 that they would cover a $400 emergency expense with cash or its equivalent, unchanged from 2024.Federal Reserve Board
- 47%Only 47 percent of Americans said they had enough savings or access to funds to cover a $1,000 emergency expense in Bankrate's 2026 survey.Bankrate
- 3.8%The US personal saving rate, personal saving as a share of disposable income, was 3.8 percent in September 2026, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis
Comparison table
| Tool | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PEMCO Insurance | 01 | 8.9 | 9.3 | Check price | No |
| Progressive | 02 | 8.8 | 8.6 | Customper month, Washington average liability-only policy | No |
| AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford | 03 | 8.6 | 8.6 | $87per month | No |
| Lemonade Car | 04 | 8.5 | 8.6 | $30per month | No |
| State Farm | 05 | 8.4 | 8.2 | Check price | No |
| Liberty Mutual | 06 | 8.2 | 7.9 | Check price | No |
| Allstate | 07 | 8.1 | 7.8 | Check price | No |
| Travelers | 08 | 7.9 | 7.9 | Check price | No |
| The General | 09 | 7.5 | 7.6 | Check price | No |
Click a column to sort. Prices are the cheapest paid plan quoted from each vendor's US pricing page; "Check price" means the US price check is pending.
How this ranking works
One method for every tool. We compared documented features and published prices; we did not run hands-on tests. Value carries the most weight.
Full methodThis list is for Washington drivers comparing insurers on local rates, claims service and coverage options. We compared documented features, discounts, claims access and published prices on each insurer's own pages in November 2026. Rankozo weights value at 40%, features at 35% and ease of use at 25%. Washington is an at-fault state with minimum liability limits of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage, and insurers must offer PIP and uninsured motorist coverage unless you reject them in writing. Most insurers do not publish a price, so only Progressive's Washington average, The Hartford's national floor and Lemonade's starting price are quoted. PEMCO's site blocked our automated checks, so its facts come from archived copies of its own pages. GEICO and USAA pages did not load for us and are left out.
The verdict
PEMCO is the first quote to get in Washington: it writes policies only for Washington and Oregon, has served the Northwest for more than 75 years, and offers accident forgiveness per driver plus discounts for educators, low mileage, leased cars and paperless billing. Progressive is the best second quote because it publishes a Washington average of $91.22 a month for liability only. AARP members over 50 should add The Hartford, low-mileage drivers should try Lemonade's pay-per-mile pricing, and State Farm is the agent pick for families with teen drivers. Liberty Mutual, Allstate and Travelers round out the national options, and The General covers drivers who need an SR-22.
- 01Top value

PEMCO Insurance
8.9/10Seattle-based mutual insurer that writes car insurance only for Washington and Oregon residents and has served the Pacific Northwest for more than 75 years.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 9.3
- Features (35%)
- 8.8
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forWashington drivers who want a Northwest insurer with local agents, accident forgiveness for every driver on the policy and a long list of state-specific discounts.
PEMCO is the Washington specialist on this list. The Seattle mutual sells car insurance only to Washington and Oregon residents, says it has served the Pacific Northwest for more than 75 years and claims more customer service awards than any other insurer in the Northwest. Its discount list is the longest we found for Washington drivers: an educator discount that includes school staff and retirees, a low mileage discount under 8,000 miles a year, a new vehicle discount, an advance quote discount, and Washington-only discounts for leased cars, paperless billing and auto plus boat or umbrella bundles. Accident forgiveness applies to each driver on the policy after five safe years, not once per policy, and minor ticket forgiveness follows the same five-year rule. The PEMCODOMETER app can add up to 20% after 91 days of monitoring. The downside is transparency: PEMCO publishes no rates, and its site blocked our checker, so confirm every discount on a live quote.
- ✓Sold only in Washington and Oregon, so coverage and discounts are written for Northwest drivers
- ✓Educator discount covers anyone who works for a school, college or university, and stays after retirement
- ✓Advance quote discount for getting a quote at least one day before coverage starts
- ✕No published price, so you need a quote by phone, online or through an agent
- ✕Not available if you move outside Washington or Oregon
- ✕PEMCO's website did not load for our automated checks, so we read archived copies of its pages
- Where sold:
- Washington and Oregon
- Headquarters:
- Seattle, WA
- Safe driving discount:
- Up to 20% with PEMCODOMETER
- Low mileage discount:
- Under 8,000 miles a year
Bottom line: PEMCO is the first quote to get in Washington because it is built for the state and stacks more local discounts than the national brands. Get a second quote from Progressive to benchmark the price.
- 02

Progressive
8.8/10National auto insurer sold online, by phone and through independent agents, with a Washington page that publishes its own average local rate.
Price
Customper month, Washington average liability-only policy
Progressive's Washington average was $91.22 a month in 2025 for a six-month liability-only policy with one vehicle and one driver
“the average cost of a six-month liability-only policy in Washington was $91.22 per month in 2025” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 9.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forWashington drivers who want a published local price benchmark, online quotes and discounts for paying in full or going paperless.
Progressive is the easiest way to set a price benchmark in Washington. Its Washington page says that, based on its internal data, a six-month liability-only policy averaged $91.22 a month in 2025 for one vehicle and one driver, and it lists the factors that move that number, from ZIP code and driving history to deductibles and payment method. The page also sets out the state minimums of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury and $10,000 for property damage, and explains that insurers must offer PIP and uninsured motorist coverage, which you can reject in writing. Discounts named for Washington are Snapshot, paid in full and paperless, and Progressive says drivers nationwide who switch save over $950 on average. You can buy online, by phone or through a local independent agent, which helps if you also want quotes from other carriers. The published average covers liability only, so expect a higher price for full coverage.
- ✓The only insurer here that publishes a Washington-specific average rate
- ✓Three ways to buy, including local independent agents
- ✓Washington page explains the state's PIP and uninsured motorist rules in plain terms
- ✕The $91.22 average excludes collision and comprehensive, which a financed car needs
- ✕Snapshot data can work against drivers with hard braking or late-night trips
- ✕Discounts listed for Washington are fewer than PEMCO's
- Washington average:
- $91.22 a month, 2025 liability-only policy
- Ways to buy:
- Online, phone or independent agent
- Switch savings:
- Over $950 on average, national
- Washington discounts listed:
- Snapshot, paid in full, paperless
Bottom line: Progressive is the best second quote in Washington and the best pick for drivers who want a published price before they call anyone. Its Washington average gives you a fair yardstick for every other quote on this list.
- 03

AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford
8.6/10Car insurance for AARP members sold by The Hartford, with a Washington page and benefits such as new car replacement and accident forgiveness.
Price
$87per month
As little as $87 a month nationally; The Hartford does not publish a Washington floor
“Pay as little as $87*** a month for AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford.” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.7
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.4
Best forWashington drivers 50 and older with clean records who want stacked member discounts and a shrinking deductible.
The Hartford's AARP program is the strongest pick for older Washington drivers with clean records. Its Washington page lists new car replacement, accident forgiveness, a Disappearing Deductible and 24/7 claim service as member benefits, and it walks through the state's $25,000, $50,000 and $10,000 liability minimums. The main AARP page puts the floor at as little as $87 a month and lists discounts that stack well: up to 10% for AARP membership, 8% for starting a quote online, 5% for an approved defensive driving course such as the AARP Driver Safety Course, and up to 10% for five years of clean driving. The Hartford says it has protected AARP members since 1984. The Washington page also cites an Insurance Research Council estimate that 17.4% of Washington drivers have no insurance, which makes uninsured motorist coverage worth keeping. The limits are clear: the $87 figure is national, and the program suits members over 50 better than young drivers.
- ✓Lowest published monthly floor among the full-service insurers here
- ✓Discounts stack for members who quote online and take a driver safety course
- ✓Washington page cites an Insurance Research Council figure that 17.4% of Washington drivers are uninsured, a useful reason to keep UM coverage
- ✕Built for AARP members, so younger drivers get less from it
- ✕The $87 floor is national, not a Washington price
- ✕Some benefits depend on state and eligibility
- Published floor:
- As little as $87 a month
- AARP member discount:
- Up to 10%
- Online quote discount:
- 8%
- Insuring AARP members since:
- 1984
Bottom line: AARP members in Washington should quote The Hartford before renewing anywhere else. Its stacked discounts and published floor make it the value pick for drivers over 50.
- 04

Lemonade Car
8.5/10App-based car insurer that sells pay-per-mile car insurance in Washington, with a monthly base price plus a per-mile rate.
Price
$30per month
As low as $30 a month depending on your driving profile; Washington policies are pay per mile, so your bill rises with miles driven
“As low as $30/mo, based on your driving profile” Quoted from the pricing page, November 10, 2026.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.6
- Features (35%)
- 8.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 9.0
Best forLow-mileage Washington drivers, remote workers and EV owners who want to manage a policy and claims in an app.
Lemonade Car is the low-mileage pick for Washington. In Washington it sells pay-per-mile car insurance: each month you pay a fixed base price plus your miles multiplied by a per-mile price, so a car that stays home during the week costs less. Its main car page says prices start as low as $30 a month depending on your driving profile, and its Washington page estimates that the average Lemonade policy in the state runs roughly $2,340 to $2,400 a year, so most drivers will pay well above the floor. Pricing also reflects how you drive, using speed, braking and cornering data from the app, and Washington drivers can earn a three year safe driving discount. EV owners get a discount, emergency charging and cover for wall chargers. Roadside help with tows, jump starts and winching is included. The trade-off is that everything runs through the app, there are no agents, and long daily commutes erase the per-mile advantage.
- ✓Lowest published starting price on this list
- ✓Quotes, policy changes and claims all handled in the app
- ✓Crash detection that sends help after an accident
- ✕Pricing depends on app data, and Lemonade says not using the app can affect your price in some states
- ✕High-mileage commuters lose the benefit of per-mile pricing
- ✕No local agents
- Published floor:
- As low as $30 a month
- Washington product:
- Pay per mile
- Lemonade's Washington estimate:
- About $2,340 to $2,400 a year
- Roadside help:
- Tows, jump starts, tire changes and winching
Bottom line: Lemonade is the best fit for Washington drivers who work from home or drive under the average. Daily I-5 commuters will usually do better with PEMCO or Progressive.
- 05

State Farm
8.4/10Mutual auto insurer insuring cars since 1922, sold through a national network of over 19,000 auto agents.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 8.2
- Features (35%)
- 8.6
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.6
Best forWashington families and drivers under 25 who want a local agent and safe-driving discounts.
State Farm is the agent pick for Washington families. It has over 19,000 auto insurance agents nationwide and has insured cars since 1922, and it says it earned USA Today's America's Best Customer Service 2026 for its claims handling. The two main ways to save are Drive Safe & Save, which can cut your premium by up to 30% based on how you drive, and Steer Clear, which gives drivers under 25 with no at-fault accidents or moving violations in the past 3 years as much as 20% off. State Farm says customers who switch save an average of $740 and up to $900 by bundling auto and renters. It covers teen drivers, electric and hybrid cars and rental cars, but it does not sell gap insurance, so a financed car may need that from the lender. There is no published price, so you will need an agent or online quote, and discount amounts vary by state.
- ✓Local agent help in person
- ✓Two programs that reward safe and young drivers
- ✓Drivers who switch save an average of $740, according to State Farm
- ✕No published price
- ✕Does not sell gap insurance
- ✕Drive Safe & Save relies on the app and driving data
- Agents:
- Over 19,000 auto agents
- Driving discount:
- Up to 30% with Drive Safe & Save
- Young driver program:
- Steer Clear, up to 20%
- Insuring cars since:
- 1922
Bottom line: State Farm is the best choice for Washington households that want one agent for a teen driver, a home and a car. Ask the agent to confirm Washington discount amounts before you sign.
- 06

Liberty Mutual
8.2/10National insurer sold online, by phone and through local agents, with Better Car Replacement, a Deductible Fund and RightTrack safe driving savings.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.9
- Features (35%)
- 8.5
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.2
Best forWashington drivers with newer cars who want optional replacement and deductible add-ons.
Liberty Mutual is the add-on specialist on this list. Its car page lists Better Car Replacement, which pays for a model one year newer if your car is totaled, an Accident Forgiveness add-on after five accident-free years, and the Liberty Mutual Deductible Fund, which builds money you can put toward a deductible after a fender-bender. RightTrack rewards safe driving, and violation-free and multi-car discounts help families with clean records and several vehicles. Liberty Mutual is rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best, says its app scores 4.8 out of 5 stars, and claims drivers who switch could save over $700, or over $950 when bundling auto and home. Washington appears in its state selector, so the coverage list applies here. The downside is cost visibility: there is no published price, and the most useful protections are paid extras rather than standard features, so price them line by line against PEMCO and State Farm.
- ✓Rated A (Excellent) for financial strength by A.M. Best
- ✓Mobile app rated 4.8 out of 5 stars, according to Liberty Mutual
- ✓Drivers who switch could save over $700, and bundling auto and home could save over $950
- ✕No published price
- ✕The best features are paid add-ons
- ✕Personal policy does not cover rideshare use
- Financial strength:
- A (Excellent) from A.M. Best
- App rating:
- 4.8 out of 5
- Switch savings:
- Over $700
- Bundle savings:
- Over $950 with home
Bottom line: Liberty Mutual suits Washington drivers with a new or nearly new car who want replacement and deductible protection. Price each add-on before assuming it is a good deal.
- 07

Allstate
8.1/10National insurer sold online, by phone 24/7 and through local agents, with Drivewise safe driving savings and 24/7 claims support.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.8
- Features (35%)
- 8.3
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.3
Best forWashington drivers who want an agent plus a choice of quoting online or by phone at any hour.
Allstate is a solid all-round option for Washington drivers who want both an agent and round-the-clock access. You can quote online, through a local agent or by phone with licensed representatives available 24/7, and claims support also runs around the clock. The standard coverage list includes liability, collision, comprehensive and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, and specialty policies cover rideshare drivers, electric cars, teen drivers and classic cars. Discounts include bundling, good student and away-at-school savings for students more than 100 miles from home, vehicle safety features such as anti-theft devices and anti-lock brakes, and paying in full. Drivewise sets a rate based on your safe driving. Allstate says customers who switched saved $900, and lists switch savings of $928 to $940 for customers of three named rivals. Those are national figures, and Allstate publishes no Washington price, so it ranks below insurers with clearer pricing.
- ✓Quotes online, through local agents or by phone with licensed reps available 24/7
- ✓24/7 claims support
- ✓Customers who switched saved $900, according to Allstate
- ✕No published price
- ✕Switch savings are national averages, not Washington figures
- ✕Drivewise rewards depend on sharing driving data
- Switch savings:
- $900, Allstate figure
- Phone quotes:
- 24/7 at 866-340-2084
- Claims:
- 24/7 support
- Telematics:
- Drivewise
Bottom line: Allstate is worth a quote for Washington drivers who want agent service with 24/7 phone access. Its national savings claims do not replace a local quote comparison.
- 08

Travelers
7.9/10National insurer sold mainly through independent agents, with a safe driver discount and 24/7 claim reporting.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.9
- Features (35%)
- 8.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 7.8
Best forWashington drivers who already work with an independent agent and want a large carrier with a safe driver discount.
Travelers suits Washington drivers who buy through an independent agent. Its car page points shoppers to a local independent agent or a Travelers representative and lists 24/7 claim reporting, digital claim tracking in a MyTravelers account and payment by electronic transfer or check once the deductible is applied. The main discount is the Safe Driver Discount for households with no accident, violation or major comprehensive claim in three to five years, and there are multi-policy and good student discounts too. Bundling car insurance with a Travelers home, condo, renters or boat policy is the most common way to save. Travelers publishes no price and offers fewer discounts and telematics options than PEMCO, State Farm or Progressive on its main page, which is why it sits lower on value here. It is still a sensible carrier for an agent to include when comparing Washington quotes for a household with a clean record.
- ✓Strong fit for independent agent shoppers comparing several carriers
- ✓Bundles with home, condo, renters and boat policies
- ✓Claim payments sent electronically or by check
- ✕No published price
- ✕Fewer driver-facing digital tools than Progressive or Lemonade
- ✕Online quotes are not offered in some states, so an agent may be needed
- Ways to buy:
- Online, phone or independent agent
- Claims:
- 24/7 reporting, tracked in MyTravelers
- Safe driver discount:
- Clean record for three to five years
- Quote phone:
- 1.866.218.0397
Bottom line: Travelers is a reliable choice through an independent agent for clean-record households that bundle home and auto. Drivers who want app-based savings will find more elsewhere on this list.
- 09

The General
7.5/10Sentry Insurance Group company that has insured drivers since 1963 and focuses on drivers other insurers will not cover.
- Free plan
- No
- Value (40%)
- 7.6
- Features (35%)
- 7.0
- Ease of use (25%)
- 8.0
Best forWashington drivers with a DUI, a lapse in coverage or poor credit who need an SR-22 filing.
The General is the specialist for Washington drivers who need an SR-22. Its Washington page explains that drivers convicted of serious violations such as DUI, or who failed to pay judgments, must have their insurer file an SR-22 with the Department of Licensing, usually for at least three years, and it notes that driving uninsured in Washington carries penalties of $550 or more. The company says it covers high-risk drivers other insurers will not, including people who have gone six months or more without insurance, and that it offers low down payments and flexible payment options. It insures more than 1 million drivers, has been in business since 1963 and carries an A+ financial strength rating from AM Best through the Sentry Insurance Group. Its discount list is short, covering multiple vehicles, safety features and recent prior coverage, and it publishes no price. Treat it as a bridge back to a mainstream insurer once your record is clean.
- ✓Accepts drivers with less-than-perfect credit and driving records
- ✓A+ financial strength rating from AM Best as a member of the Sentry Insurance Group
- ✓Quotes in about two minutes, according to The General
- ✕No published price
- ✕Few discounts compared with mainstream insurers
- ✕Drivers with clean records will usually find better value elsewhere
- In business since:
- 1963
- Financial strength:
- A+ from AM Best
- Drivers insured:
- More than 1 million
- Where sold:
- 46 states and Washington, D.C.
Bottom line: The General is the right first call for Washington drivers who need an SR-22 after a suspension. Move to PEMCO or Progressive once your record allows it.
What to check before you pay
Decide on PIP and uninsured motorist coverage
Washington insurers must offer personal injury protection and uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage, but you can reject either in writing. The Hartford cites an Insurance Research Council estimate that 17.4% of Washington drivers have no insurance, so dropping UM coverage to save money carries real risk.
Quote above the state minimum
The legal minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury plus $10,000 for property damage. Those limits rarely cover a serious crash, and a financed or leased car also needs collision and comprehensive. Quote every insurer at the same limits and deductibles so the prices compare fairly.
Match the insurer to how much you drive
Low-mileage drivers can save with Lemonade's pay-per-mile pricing or PEMCO's discount for driving under 8,000 miles a year. Daily commuters gain more from safe-driving programs such as PEMCODOMETER, Drive Safe & Save, Snapshot or Drivewise.
Check the discounts you already qualify for
School and college employees qualify for PEMCO's educator discount, AARP members get up to 10% at The Hartford, and drivers under 25 with clean records can save up to 20% with State Farm's Steer Clear. Paying in full and going paperless cut the price at both PEMCO and Progressive.
High-risk drivers need an SR-22 insurer
After a DUI or other serious violation, Washington requires an SR-22 filing with the Department of Licensing, usually for at least three years. The General accepts high-risk drivers and handles the filing. Driving uninsured in Washington can bring a fine of $550 or more.
FAQ
Which car insurance is the best in WA?
PEMCO is the best car insurance in Washington for most drivers in 2026. It sells only in Washington and Oregon, offers accident forgiveness for each driver after five safe years and lists Washington-only discounts for leased cars, paperless billing and boat or umbrella bundles. Progressive is the best second quote, with a published Washington average of $91.22 a month for liability only.
What are the best car insurance companies in Washington State?
Our top five for Washington are PEMCO, Progressive, AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford, Lemonade Car and State Farm. PEMCO wins on local discounts, Progressive on price transparency, The Hartford for drivers over 50, Lemonade for low-mileage drivers and State Farm for families who want a local agent.
Who is the best car insurance company in WA for local service?
PEMCO is the strongest local option: it is a Seattle mutual that has served the Pacific Northwest for more than 75 years and works through licensed local agents. State Farm has the largest agent network nationally, with over 19,000 auto agents, and Progressive and Travelers sell through independent agents in Washington.
What is the best cheap car insurance in WA?
Lemonade Car has the lowest published starting price on this list, as low as $30 a month, and in Washington it charges per mile, so it is cheapest for people who drive little. Progressive's Washington average is $91.22 a month for a liability-only policy, and The Hartford starts as low as $87 a month for AARP members. Quote at least three insurers at the same limits.
What is the best car insurance in WA for high-risk drivers?
The General is the best fit for Washington drivers who need an SR-22 after a DUI or a coverage lapse, because it accepts drivers other insurers turn down and explains the Washington filing, which usually lasts at least three years. Progressive also sells online and through independent agents to drivers with tickets or claims.
What is the minimum car insurance in Washington?
Washington requires bodily injury liability of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident and property damage liability of $10,000 per accident. Insurers must also offer PIP and uninsured motorist coverage, which you can reject in writing. Driving without insurance can bring a fine of $550 or more.
Questions or corrections: editorial@rankozo.comSee our disclosure. Prices change; confirm on the vendor page before buying.
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