Washington Car Insurance Requirements & Average Rates (2026)

Washington requires drivers to carry at least 25/50/10 liability coverage — $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage — with an average minimum-coverage policy running about $490 a year in 2026. For how Washington compares to other states, see our car insurance rates by state guide.

Washington's 2026 minimum coverage requirements

These limits did not change for 2026. Washington is an at-fault state.

What minimum coverage actually costs in 2026

Washington's average minimum-coverage policy runs around $490 a year, with PEMCO reported as the cheapest individual carrier at roughly $316 a year — though PEMCO's availability is regional, so it's worth confirming it serves your specific area. Full coverage in Washington averages closer to $1,300-$1,700 a year depending on driver profile and ZIP code, consistent with the nationwide gap between minimum and full coverage (see our liability vs. full coverage guide).

Why Washington rates run close to average

Washington's minimum-coverage average sits near the middle of the states in this guide — its 25/50/10 liability floor is a fairly standard at-fault structure without the added PIP requirements that push no-fault states like New York or Michigan higher. Rates still vary meaningfully within the state: Seattle-area ZIP codes carry higher averages than smaller cities and rural counties east of the Cascades.

How to lower your Washington premium

The same nationwide levers apply: raising your deductible, bundling home and auto, and shopping multiple carriers rather than auto-renewing. See our 10 ways to lower your premium guide for the full ranked list, and check pay-per-mile insurance if you drive less than the national average — Washington's tech-heavy metro areas have an above-average share of remote and hybrid workers.

Frequently asked questions

What is Washington's minimum car insurance requirement in 2026?+

25/50/10 liability coverage: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage. These limits did not change for 2026.

What is the cheapest car insurance in Washington?+

PEMCO has been reported as the cheapest option for minimum coverage in Washington, at roughly $316 a year, though its availability is regional — confirm it serves your specific area before assuming it's your cheapest option.

How much does full coverage cost in Washington compared to minimum coverage?+

Minimum coverage averages around $490 a year, while full coverage runs roughly $1,300 to $1,700 a year depending on driver profile and ZIP code.

Is Washington an at-fault or no-fault state?+

Washington is an at-fault state. The driver who causes an accident is financially responsible for the other party's injuries and damage through their liability coverage.