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Cheap Car Insurance in Spokane, WA

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Everything You Need to Know about Auto Insurance in Washington

Spokane, the second-largest city in Washington, sits in the eastern part of the state. Named after the Spokane tribe, the area has been inhabited for thousands of years. Today, it’s home to several colleges and universities, including Eastern Washington University and Gonzaga University. Whether you’re visiting River Park Square or exploring Kendall Yards, Spokane continues to evolve as a hub of growth and innovation.

Driving in Spokane requires active auto insurance. Without a valid policy, drivers risk fines and license suspension. Let’s explore all you need to know about car insurance in Washington, including average costs by zip code, region, and driver age.

How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Spokane, WA?

Car insurance rates in Spokane are influenced by factors such as coverage levels and individual driver profiles. On average, Spokane drivers pay $135 per month for full coverage, which is higher than the Washington state average of $98 but slightly below the national average of $140. For minimum liability coverage, the average monthly cost in Spokane is $45, which exceeds the state average of $39 and is just below the national average of $47.

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What Does It Mean if Washington Is At-Fault?

Washington State follows an at-fault system with comparative negligence standards. This means the driver who is not at fault can seek damages from the liable driver’s insurance company.

However, if both drivers share fault, the amount of compensation may be adjusted based on their percentage of responsibility. For example, if one driver is found to be 25% at fault and the other 75%, the first driver can still seek damages from the other driver’s insurance, but the compensation received would be reduced by 25% to reflect their share of the fault.

Affordable Car Insurance Rates Comparison by Cities in Washington

Rates for car insurance vary across Washington cities, so here are some of the averages for major metropolitan areas.

Zip Code Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Spokane $135 $45
Seattle $149 $53
Bellevue $147 $53
Tacoma $179 $63
Yakima $123 $40

Affordable Washington Car Insurance Rates by Zip Code

Every zip code is a little different because the majority of the roads may be in worse or better condition, and traffic can be better or worse, resulting in more or fewer accidents. Just based on different zip codes in Spokane, you may get slightly higher or lower monthly premiums; here are those averages.

Zip Code Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
99201 $110 $40
99203 $107 $39
99204 $108 $39
99223 $105 $39
99224 $103 $37
99258 $108 $39
99207 $111 $40
99205 $109 $40
99206 $101 $37

Low-Cost Car Insurance Rates by Age in Spokane

A trend that holds true in Spokane is that younger drivers have a shorter driving history and a higher claims rate overall, resulting in higher insurance premiums.

Here are the average monthly premiums for Spokane residents of different ages to show the trend.

Age Full Coverage Insurance Liability Insurance Coverage
Teenagers $460 $186
20s $236 $91
30s $110 $40
40s $103 $38
50s $98 $37
60s $96 $37
70s $106 $42

*Unless otherwise specified, we calculate the average cost of car insurance based on a 30-year-old male with the minimum allowed vehicle coverage in Washington. Various other factors can impact individual insurance rates.

Driving Conditions in Spokane

How Many Fatal Accidents Happen in Spokane?

In 2023, there were 19 fatal car accidents in Spokane, out of a total of 4618 car accidents in 2023, according to data from the Washington State Patrol.

How Are the Road Infrastructure and Bridges in Spokane?

The City of Spokane manages many kinds of road infrastructure work, including adding ADA-compliant wheelchair ramps, grinding and overlaying streets, and preparing for chip seals. The Post Street Bridge was recently reopened to traffic and pedestrians after being rebuilt to improve its structure. There is also continued construction on the North Spokane Corridor River Crossing, offering another path over the Spokane River.

Minimum Car Insurance Requirements in Spokane

In Washington State, motor vehicle insurance policies are required to meet the following liability limits, as set by the Washington State Department of Licensing:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury or death of one person
  • $50,000 for bodily injury or death of any two people in a single accident
  • $10,000 for property damage in one accident

Additionally, you must have your auto insurance identification card available to show law enforcement as proof of active coverage. While carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) is not mandatory, your car insurance provider is required to offer it to you.

If you say no to UM/UIM, you’ll have to sign a waiver verifying that it was offered to you. If you sign the waiver, you’re opting into the risk that an uninsured/underinsured motorist could cause damages to you and your vehicle without your insurance protecting you in that circumstance.

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Spokane, Washington?

Driving without insurance in Washington State can lead to serious consequences. You will face a $550 fine if you’re caught without insurance. You’ll be charged with a misdemeanor if you attempt to provide false insurance information and are found without coverage.

Paying the $550 fine is necessary, even if you have to make a payment plan arrangement with the court to pay it over time. You risk losing your license if you haven’t done one of those two things. Reinstating your license can require proof of insurance on an SR-22 form as well as a reissue fee.

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Factors Allowed in Spokane Car Insurance Rates

Premiums aren’t arbitrary; they are calculated using these factors, though others are sometimes also involved:

  • Age of the driver
  • Vehicle make, model, and age
  • Amount of deductible
  • Zip code
  • Driving record
  • How much coverage you opt to have in your policy

Auto Insurance Rates for Young Drivers vs Older People in Spokane, Washington

With no track record, young drivers are a risk to car insurance companies even if they turn out to be very responsible drivers. Most young drivers in Spokane will be charged more on monthly car insurance premiums than older drivers to make up for this risk. Young drivers also take higher risks than older drivers in their cars, and the damages from some of those risks create higher claim rates among younger drivers.

On average, drivers between the ages of 30 and 60 with a clean driving record will have the lowest auto insurance rates in Spokane. Some companies offer good student discounts if you want to lower car insurance rates for young drivers. You might also save on whole-family insurance policies by choosing to bundle car insurance with other policies like home insurance and by having younger drivers operate cars with very good safety scores.

What Are the Best Discounts for Car Insurance in Spokane, WA?

Car insurance discounts reward behaviors or statuses that reduce risk to the insurer, passing those savings on to the customer. Understanding how discounts work ensures you pay the lowest premium available for drivers like you.

Common auto insurance discounts include:

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Bundling – Save by combining multiple policies (e.g., home and auto insurance) with the same provider.

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Student – Available for full-time students with good grades or who are away at school.

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Safe Driving – Reward for maintaining a clean driving record with no accidents or traffic violations.

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Paperless Billing – Opting for electronic billing can earn you a discount as it reduces administrative costs.

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Military – Discounts for active duty service members or veterans.

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Long-Time Customer Loyalty – If you’ve been with the same insurer for many years, you might be eligible for a discount.

If you didn’t receive some of these discounts when you first acquired your current policy, you can re-evaluate once or twice a year and see if you can ask for those discounts on your next bill. Changes to your policy, such as a higher deductible or lower coverage limits, can streamline your coverage and lower monthly premiums.

Get an Online Quote for Car Insurance in Spokane Today!

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Without active auto insurance, you don’t want to be on the Spokane roads. You need at least state minimum liability to drive legally and may prefer full coverage for greater protection. Freeway Insurance can help you determine the right customized policy for you.

Get started with a quote online, visit us at a Washington office near you, or call our helpful agents at 800-777-5620.