Washington Car Insurance Quotes
Welcome to our Washington state car insurance quotes and information page. We are InsureMe, the first online insurance quoting service. We've been in business since 1993 helping Washington consumers locate the car insurance they need. Just give us a little information about yourself and we can put you in touch with some of the top car insurers in the state. Affordable coverage is available…let us help you find it now!
Washington Car Insurance Information
Each year, skyrocketing costs of car repair and medical care cause Washington car insurance costs to rise in turn, pushing premiums higher and higher. About sixty car insurance companies are currently headquartered in Washington, and are regulated by the Washington Insurance Commissioner's office. These Washington car insurance companies set rates according to claims risk level, so rates vary in different parts of the state.
State Requirements
Anyone operating a motor vehicle in the state of Washington must either purchase a liability policy or show proof of sufficient resources which enable them to pay any accident-related expenses equal to state-mandated limits.
Liability insurance covers bodily injury and property damage you cause others while driving your car. State law requires proof of liability in the amount of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage. These amounts are often referred to as 25/50/10 coverage.
Optional Coverages Available
Many Washington car insurers offer various other optional coverages. Whether buying a new policy or renewing an existing one, check your policy declarations page to ensure that all the coverages you intend are listed.
Some additional coverages include:
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) -Covers you in an accident regardless of who is at fault, and pays for portions of costs such as medical expenses, lost wages, and resulting child care expenses.
- Medical Payments-Pays for medical and funeral expenses.
- Collision-Covers damage to your car caused by a collision.
- Comprehensive-Covers damage to your car other than collision.
- Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist-Covers personal injury or property damage caused by an uninsured or underinsured driver.
Check with a Washington car insurance agent to determine which (if any) additional coverages are warranted or necessary.
Shopping for Washington Car Insurance
It is important to do your homework when shopping for your Washington car insurance policy. Insurance can be a sophisticated product, so look around before you sign on the dotted line.
Following are some helpful tips to help you prepare as you search for the best policy:
- Check all company and agent licenses
- Know required information such as your car's make, model, year and license number
- Do your research on coverage types and limits, and know what you need
- Answer all applicable questions fully and accurately
- Comparison shop using a service like InsureMe
Cost Factors
Washington state car insurance companies base premiums on a variety of factors. Your premium consists of a base rate, plus or minus certain amounts reflecting your age, driving pattern, marital status, claims history, location and credit history, as well as your car's make, model and year.
Insurance premiums are calculated not only according to your own record, but also according to the records of other drivers living in your household. This includes other family members and roommates. So keep this in mind when looking for your Washington car insurance.
Age
Statistics show that drivers under the age of 30 have more accidents than the remainder of the population. Thus, younger drivers (and households containing younger drivers) tend to have higher insurance premiums.
Driving Pattern
The more your drive your car, the higher your rates will be. This includes both miles driven to and from work and those driven for "pleasure."
Marital Status
Married couples tend to have fewer accidents than single persons. Rates reflect this difference.
Claims History
The more claims you have had, the higher your rates will likely be. Most companies apply a surcharge to drivers who have a history of accidents.
Location
Both a high number of accidents and a high crime rate within an area can raise comprehensive premiums. Washington car insurance companies are allowed to base premium rates on addresses, even though you may drive to other areas.
Credit History
Washington car insurance companies frequently use your credit history in computing your insurance premiums, and this is allowable by both federal and state law. Your credit history helps determine your level of risk, and insurers believe there is a direct link between financial stability and insurance claim risk.
You may be assigned an insurance score based on your credit history, which may then be used in deciding whether to accept or decline your coverage, and to set your car insurance rates.
We trust this information is relevant and helpful in your search for affordable Washington car insurance. Now let us go one step further. Fill in our "Get a free quote" box, and we'll put you in touch with up to five knowledgeable Washington car insurance agents who are waiting to help you with your insurance needs.
Don't put it off-the unexpected happens every day! Submit your information today and make sure you're covered when you need it most.
