Finding the Best Auto Insurance in Tacoma, WA

Tacoma, Washington is a vibrant city with over 200,000 residents. With so many drivers on the road, having proper auto insurance coverage is essential. This article will guide Tacoma drivers on how to find the right auto insurance policy at the best price.

Why You Need Car Insurance in Tacoma

Driving without insurance in Washington state is illegal. Being caught without active auto insurance can lead to fines, license suspension, and impoundment of your vehicle.

Beyond legal requirements, auto insurance protects you financially against:

• Damage to your car in an accident
• Injuries to yourself or your passengers
• Injuries you cause to others
• Theft or vandalism

With the high rate of auto accidents and vehicle crime in Tacoma, having adequate coverage is crucial. Auto insurance turns potentially bankrupting situations into minor inconveniences.

Key Factors That Affect Your Premiums

While rates vary considerably between insurers, there are several universal factors that impact your auto insurance premiums in Tacoma:

Driver Factors:

• Age – Drivers under 25 pay the highest rates
• Gender – Men generally pay more than women
• Marital status – Married drivers get lower rates
• Driving history – Drivers with accidents/violations pay more
• Credit score – Better credit means lower premiums

Vehicle Factors:

• Make, model, and year – Sportscars and luxury vehicles cost more to insure
• Value – The more expensive the car, the higher the premium
• Safety ratings – Safer cars qualify for discounts
• Custom modifications – Upgrades like lift kits raise rates

Other Factors:

• Miles driven – More mileage means higher risk
• Location – Urban areas cost more than rural zip codes
• Coverage limits – Higher liability/collision limits increase premiums
• Deductibles – Lower deductibles mean higher rates

The best way to find affordable rates is to shop around and compare quotes. But first, let’s look at the essential auto insurance coverages in Washington.

Required Auto Insurance Coverage in Washington

To legally drive in Washington, you must carry:

• Bodily Injury Liability: Covers injuries to others when you’re at fault. The minimum is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.

• Property Damage Liability: Covers damage you cause to other vehicles or property. The minimum is $10,000.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist: Protects you if you’re hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance. Equal to your liability limits.

• Personal Injury Protection: No-fault medical coverage for you and your passengers, minimum $10,000.

Many drivers opt for higher liability limits of 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 to better protect their assets. Collision and comprehensive coverage are also smart additions for most drivers.

How Insurance Companies Determine Your Rates

Insurers use many factors to predict your risk profile and set your premiums accordingly. Here’s a quick overview of how it works:

• Data like your age, gender, credit, and driving history help determine your risk tier – higher risk drivers pay more.

• Details about your car like make, model, and age place you into a vehicle risk tier. Safer, cheaper cars get lower rates.

• Your location also impacts your tier. Urban areas cost more than rural towns.

• Lastly, your selected coverage levels adjust your rates up or down. Higher limits mean higher premiums.

Your final premium results from your combined risk profile tier plus coverage options. Shopping around helps find the insurer that weighs these factors most favorably for you.

Top 7 Auto Insurers in Tacoma, WA

The companies below are popular choices for Tacoma drivers. We’ll highlight key details to help you determine which is right for you:

1. State Farm

• Largest auto insurer in the U.S.
• Competitive rates plus bundling discounts
• Strong financial strength (A++ rating)
• Large local agent network

Best for: Bundle discounts, local agents, household name recognition

2. PEMCO

• Regional insurer focused on Northwest drivers
• Competitive rates and great service
• Policy discounts for Northwest lifestyle
• Mutual company with excellent financial strength (A rating)

Best for: Northwest drivers wanting a smaller, local company

3. Allstate

• Second largest U.S. auto insurer
• Competitive rates and good customer service
• Bundling discounts when you add home insurance
• Large network of local agents

Best for: Bundles, local agents, and a household brand name

4. Geico

• Second largest U.S. auto insurer
• Low rates with an easy online quote process
• Good choice for high-risk drivers
• Limited local agent support

Best for: Low rates, high-risk drivers, easy online quotes

5. Progressive

• Third largest U.S. auto insurer
• Competitive rates with online/app account management
• Usage-based options withSnapshot® program
• Limited local agent support

Best for: Online service, apps, and usage-based options

6. Liberty Mutual

• Fifth largest U.S. auto insurer
• Customizable coverage options and discounts
• Home insurance bundling discounts
• Local agent and online service options

Best for: Mix of online and local agents, customizable options

7. Safeco

• Discounts for Northwest drivers
• Bundling discounts for home insurance
• Local independent agents provide service
• Part of Liberty Mutual

Best for: Northwest drivers who value local agents

This list covers national brands plus PEMCO as a strong regional option. Make sure to also compare quotes from local companies like Grange Insurance and Country Financial.

How to Get the Lowest Auto Insurance Rates in Tacoma

Here are some proven tips to lock down the lowest auto insurance rates in Tacoma:

• Compare quotes – Prices vary widely between insurers for the same coverage.

• Raise deductibles – Higher deductibles substantially lower rates.

• Drop optional coverages – Do you need rental reimbursement or roadside assistance?

• Maintain good credit – Better credit scores mean better rates.

• Ask about discounts – Take advantage of every discount you qualify for.

• Enroll in telematics – Usage-based programs can earn discounts.

• Bundle insurance – Add home/umbrella policies with the same insurer.

• Buy a safe car – Insure a newer vehicle with high safety ratings.

• Avoid gaps in coverage – Continuous insurance shows lower risk.

• Take defensive driving – Completing a class earns a discount.

• Increase liability limits – 100/300/100 gives the best rates over time.

• Drop collision on older cars – It gets expensive for vehicles over 8-10 years old.

• Auto-pay discounts – Setting up automatic payments saves up to 5%.

Finding the cheapest auto insurance in Tacoma takes some work. But you could save hundreds per year by following these strategies.

Top 5 Auto Insurance Companies in Tacoma, WA

To recap, here are the top 5 auto insurance options for Tacoma drivers based on local reputation, rates, and customer satisfaction:

1. State Farm – Best overall value balancing rates, service, and discounts

2. PEMCO – Competitive rates from a regional company focused on Northwest drivers

3. Allstate – Popular for local agents and bundling home insurance

4. Geico – Great rates starting online, especially for high-risk drivers

5. Progressive – Leading digital experience with competitive rates

You have excellent choices among national brands like State Farm, Allstate, and Geico that offer broad coverage options. Regional company PEMCO also holds its own with strong Northwest roots.

Make sure to compare quotes across these top insurers. Include both local and direct national companies in your search. With a little effort, you can find great car insurance rates in Tacoma.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is car insurance per month in Tacoma?

Average monthly rates in Tacoma are around $160 for minimum coverage and about $220 for 100/300/100 liability with collision and comprehensive. High-risk drivers may pay over $350 per month.

How much is minimum coverage in Washington?

The Washington minimum liability limits are 25/50/10 but we recommend higher 100/300/100 limits for better asset protection.

Who has cheapest car insurance for new drivers in Tacoma?

New drivers under 25 will find some of the cheapest rates at national companies like Geico, Progressive, and Allstate. Local option PEMCO also offers competitive pricing.

What car insurance do I legally need in Washington state?

You must carry 25/50/10