Cheap Car Insurance in Kent, WA
Everything You Need to Know about Auto Insurance in Washington
Kent, Washington, sits south of Seattle as part of the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue metroplex. It’s one of the top five most populous cities in the state due to its proximity to major cities. Home to over 55 beautiful parks and one-of-a-kind locations like the Boing Kent Space Center, Kent is a popular place for commuters.
While Kent has a growing mass transit and commuter rail system, the most popular way to get in and out of the city is by driving across the multiple major highways in the area. But having your own car in Kent requires you to have car insurance in Washington, and the state sets a mandatory minimum amount of liability coverage for every driver. Take a look at what premium rates you can expect from Freeway Insurance and what you can do to lower them while still getting excellent coverage and customer service.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Kent, Washington?
Drivers in Washington State pay significantly less for car insurance than drivers in other areas of the country. The national average premium is $2,692 for full coverage, while Washington drivers pay only $1,910 across the year. The coverage for the state-required minimum liability coverage is also lower, at $574 for the Washington average compared to a national average of $808.
Drivers in Kent, Washington, will see car insurance premium rates that fall somewhere in the middle. Expect to pay around $2,127 a year for full coverage or $612 to hold state-mandated minimum coverage.
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What Does It Mean If Washington Is At-Fault?
When there’s a car accident, who pays? Some states have a no-fault system, where each party is responsible for covering its own losses and damages with the help of its insurance policy. But most states have an at-fault system, meaning the party responsible for the incident is liable, and the insurance provider pays for damages up to the coverage limit.
Washington is an at-fault state, or a tort state, meaning that the liability falls on the at-fault driver. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, the case may be investigated by the insurers or the police, or insurance companies may presume the fault.
Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Washington
The insurance premium you can expect to pay will vary from city to city across Washington based on the driving conditions, the number of claims in the city, and other factors that insurance underwriters consider. Compare the average monthly rates in these Washington cities.
| City | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Kent | $131 | $51 |
| Seattle | $123 | $48 |
| Tacoma | $131 | $50 |
| Bellevue | $118 | $47 |
| Renton | $130 | $51 |
Affordable Kent Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code
While different cities have different rates, insurance underwriters often zero in on the specific zip code as a factor to determine what your insurance rate may be. Kent is broken up into multiple different zip codes, each with their own demographic details, road conditions, likelihood of claims, and other factors that can affect insurance rates.
Use our table below to compare insurance rates across zip codes in and around Kent, Washington. While underwriters consider multiple factors, finding your residential zip code can give you a more specific estimate of your future rate.
| Zip Code | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 98030 | $131 | $51 |
| 98031 | $132 | $52 |
| 98032 | $133 | $52 |
| 98035 | $133 | $52 |
| 98042 | $128 | $51 |
| 98055 | $130 | $51 |
| 98064 | $133 | $52 |
| 98089 | $133 | $52 |
Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Kent
Another key consideration car insurance underwriters use is experience and driving record. How long you’ve been driving can drastically impact the amount of risk you present to an insurance company, and that affects your premium. Since teens have no driving record, their rates are higher.
For example, a driver with a long record of driving with no incidents will have a much lower rate than a newer driver with a history of citations and accidents—or even a new driver with a clean record. To anticipate what you might expect to pay for Kent car insurance, use our table to find the rates for your age.
| Age | Full Coverage Insurance | Liability Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Teenagers | $399 | $169 |
| 20s | $151 | $60 |
| 30s | $127 | $50 |
| 40s | $122 | $48 |
| 50s | $116 | $46 |
| 60s | $122 | $50 |
| 70s | $151 | $66 |
*This data reflects the average policy cost for insured drivers in Kent’s 98030 zip code area, using the median age for each age group.
Driving Conditions in Kent
The driving conditions where you live don’t just impact your commute and your likelihood of risky or peaceful driving experiences. The road conditions, typical congestion levels, and annual number of accidents can also figure into how underwriters determine your premiums.
How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Kent?
Kent, Washington, sees an average of approximately 10 fatal accidents each year, with nine reported in 2022. These car accidents involved 14 vehicles and were not associated with drink driving.
Kent also reports a 5.3-minute response time for EMS units in the event of a fatal car accident. Approximately 40% of fatal accidents occur at night, with most of these occurring along lighted roadways.
How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Kent?
Kent consistently invests in its road infrastructure, developing short-range and long-range plans for local roads and a local road safety plan that is updated every two years. In 2024, the city focused on its 2024 Pavement Preservation Project to improve road conditions and pedestrian safety in major areas.
The Kent area has several bridges, and the Washington State Department of Transportation recently finished updates to the 277th Street Bridge and is repairing portions of SR 167. These improvements are designed to support and improve the bridges to increase safety, pleasantness, and traffic capacity.
Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Kent
Kent drivers must have at least the Washington state minimum liability coverage. Because Washington is an at-fault state, all drivers need to have sufficient coverage in the event they are at fault for an accident and need their insurance provider to cover the financial losses for all parties.
Washington mandates the following minimum car insurance requirements:
- $25,000 liability coverage for the event of bodily injury or death of one person in one accident.
- $50,000 liability coverage for the event of bodily injury or death of two people in one accident.
- $10,000 liability coverage for destruction of property in one accident.
This type of coverage is also described as 25/50/10 coverage.
What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Kent, Washington?
Drivers must have at least the minimum required liability coverage. Failure to do so is a crime, and you may be required to pay penalties and fees, even for the first infraction. If you are stopped and you have insufficient insurance or no insurance, you may receive a fine of $550. But if you have no coverage and you’re at fault for an accident, the state may suspend your license.
Consequences for first-time and subsequent infractions include:
- Fines of up to $550
- License suspension
- Civil suits for damages if you’re at fault but uninsured
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Factors Allowed in Kent Car Insurance Rates
Insurance companies consider many different things when calculating your potential insurance premiums. All of the above numbers are estimated averages, and your quote may be different based on the location where you live and work, your unique driving history, and even the make and model of your vehicle.
Some of the factors that Kent car insurance underwriters are allowed to consider are:
- Age
- Driving history
- Location and zip code
- Type of vehicle
- Marital status
- Education
- Policy-specific details like coverage amounts and deductible amounts
What’s the Best Car Insurance for Teenagers and Their Family in Kent, Washington?
For most families, the best strategy is to include a teenager on a family policy or multi-car policy. Because teenagers do not have a long or detailed driving history and will have relatively little experience driving, teenagers typically have very high premiums. Bundled family plans can reduce those costs compared to holding separate plans for adult and teenage drivers in a household.
Teenagers may also be able to access discounts that further reduce the costs. Being a college student, having good grades, and taking additional driving safety courses can help lower their rates.
What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Kent, WA?
Many insurance providers offer discounts to drivers based on their behaviors and demographic details. We recommend asking your insurance agent about potential discounts, both when you’re looking for a new policy and once or twice a year as your circumstances change. Routinely asking about discounts and opportunities to reduce your costs is a great strategy, and it takes very little time.
Some of the most popular car insurance discounts include the following:
Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Kent Today!
Kent drivers can easily commute, explore the local nature parks, and cruise around the area with the right car insurance coverage. Having minimum coverage or full coverage can give you peace of mind and ensure you can legally drive throughout the state.
At Freeway Insurance, our friendly team is here to help answer your questions about car insurance and get you a policy that fits your budget and lifestyle. Reach out online to get a personalized quote or call our team at (800) 777-5620 to speak to an agent. You can also visit us in person at your nearest Freeway Insurance office.