Finding the Best Auto Insurance in Edmonds, WA

Buying auto insurance is an important decision that requires some research to find the right policy for your needs and budget. If you live in Edmonds, WA, you have many options when it comes to auto insurance providers. However, not all companies are created equal. This article will discuss how to find and choose the best auto insurance in Edmonds, WA.

How Auto Insurance Works in Edmonds, WA

Auto insurance laws in Washington state require drivers to carry the following minimum liability coverage:

• $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability

This covers costs if you cause an accident that injures or kills someone else or damages their property. However, this minimum coverage may not be enough to cover major accidents.

Collision and comprehensive coverage are optional in Washington. Collision covers damage to your car from an accident while comprehensive covers damage from events like theft or vandalism. Having this extra coverage is highly recommended if you have a newer vehicle or lease/finance your vehicle.

When getting quotes, make sure to ask about the following:

Deductibles: The amount you pay out-of-pocket before insurance kicks in. Higher deductibles equal lower premiums.

Discounts: Most companies offer discounts for things like good driving record, good credit, multi-policy bundles, anti-theft devices, etc.

Coverage limits: Consider your assets and needs when selecting liability limits. 100/300/100 is a common recommendation.

Gap insurance: Covers the difference between what your car is worth and what you owe on your loan if your car is totaled.

Roadside assistance: Provides help with breakdowns like towing, flat tire, lockouts, etc.

Rental reimbursement: Provides money toward a rental car while yours is in the shop after a claim.

Comparing quotes from multiple top providers is the best way to find the right high-quality insurance for your situation and budget. Let’s take a look at some of the top options in Edmonds.

Top Auto Insurance Providers in Edmonds, WA

Here are some of the most popular and reputable auto insurance providers in the Edmonds area based on customer reviews and ratings:

State Farm

• Average annual premium: $1,092
• Customer satisfaction rating: 3/5
• % of customers who renewed: 83%

Pros:

• Large network of local agents provides personalized service
• Strong financial rating
• Competitive rates and a number of discounts available

Cons:

• Mixed customer service reviews depending on agent
• Lower J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating

PEMCO

• Average annual premium: $1,088
• Customer satisfaction rating: 4/5
• % of customers who renewed: 85%

Pros:

• Regional company focused on WA, OR, ID, and parts of CA
• High marks for customer service
• Low rates for good drivers

Cons:

• Limited availability outside of their footprint
• Fewer discounts than some competitors

Allstate

• Average annual premium: $1,498
• Customer satisfaction rating: 2/5
• % of customers who renewed: 79%

Pros:

• Established national insurer with strong financial backing
• Excellent range of discounts and bundling options
• Superior mobile app and claims process

Cons:

• Rates tend to be higher than competitors
• Mixed customer service reviews

Geico

• Average annual premium: $1,152
• Customer satisfaction rating: 4/5
• % of customers who renewed: 81%

Pros:

• Low rates, especially for good drivers
• Well-rated mobile app
• Lots of discount opportunities

Cons:

• Can be difficult to get ahold of a local agent
• Claims process slower than some competitors

As you can see, premiums can vary significantly between insurers for similar coverage. That’s why it pays to get quotes from multiple companies when shopping for insurance.

How to Get the Best Auto Insurance Rates in Edmonds, WA

While premiums are primarily based on factors like your driving record, age, gender, and location, there are some things you can do to pay as little as possible for coverage:

Comparison shop. Get quotes from at least 3-4 different top-rated companies. Rates can vary drastically, so this is the best way to save. Using an online quote comparison tool simplifies this process.

Maintain good credit. Washington allows insurers to use credit-based scores in pricing. Keeping your credit score high results in lower rates.

Ask about discounts. Every company offers discounts like good driver, defensive driver, good student, multi-policy, etc. Ask to have all available discounts applied.

Raise deductibles. By raising your deductibles to $500 or $1000, you can substantially reduce your premiums. Just be sure you have savings to cover the higher deductibles if needed.

Limit coverage on older cars. Consider dropping collision and/or comprehensive coverage on older vehicles worth less than 10 times the premium.

Bundle policies. If you insure multiple vehicles or have homeowners or renters coverage too, bundling them with one company saves around 10-15%.

Limit mileage. Some companies offer discounts for driving fewer than a set number of miles per year. Using public transportation or driving less can get you discounts.

Maintain good driving habits. Companies reward customers who maintain safe driving habits with lower premiums.

Following these tips can add up to significant savings on your auto insurance. Securing quotes from the top providers using an online comparison tool is the best place to start.

Top Factors That Determine Your Rate in Edmonds, WA

Auto insurance companies take many personal and demographic factors into account when pricing your policy, including:

Driving record: Tickets, accidents, DUIs, etc. can greatly increase your rates. Washington looks back 3-5 years for violations depending on severity and type.

Credit score: Drivers with excellent credit (800+) save considerably over those with poor credit, often hundreds of dollars per year.

Age: Teenage drivers pay the highest rates. Rates start decreasing around age 25 then increase again after age 65.

Gender: Statistics show females have fewer accidents/claims than males, especially under age 25. This means lower rates for women.

Marital status: Married drivers pay less than single people according to insurers’ data.

Location: Urban areas like Seattle have higher premiums than surrounding suburbs due to more traffic and accidents. Rates also vary by zip code.

Annual mileage: The more you drive, the more risk you have of being in an accident. Low mileage drivers get discounted rates.

Claims history: Filing claims results in increased premiums. Multiple at-fault accidents/claims can make your rates skyrocket.

Vehicle: Insuring less expensive vehicles generally costs less. Sports cars, luxury vehicles and performance models are charged higher premiums.

Coverage limits: Higher liability coverage limits, lower deductibles, and add-ons like roadside assistance mean higher rates.

To get the lowest premiums possible, maintain a clean driving record, build your credit score, minimize insurance claims, and ask about every discount available. Comparing quotes will also help find the best rate.

How to File a Claim in Edmonds, WA

If you need to file an auto insurance claim in Edmonds, here is the process to follow for a smooth experience:

1. Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Call them as soon as possible after an accident. Provide basic details about what happened and request your next steps.

2. Document the damage and injuries. Take photos of any property damage or injuries sustained in the accident. Get a copy of the police report if it was a major accident.

3. Take your car to an approved shop. Your insurer will direct you to auto repair shops in their network. Have the shop write an estimate for the repairs. Rental reimbursement coverage helps pay for a rental while your car is in the shop.

4. Submit any claims for medical expenses. Provide your health insurance information and auto policy details to your providers. Any out-of-pocket medical expenses should be submitted to your auto insurer.

5. Work with the claims adjuster. A representative helps process damage/injury claims between parties. Provide them any documentation they request. Keep records of all conversations and correspondence.

6. Accept the final settlement. After agreeing on fault and settling all claims, your insurer pays out the agreed amounts minus your deductible. Review the settlement details carefully before accepting.

7. Get repairs completed. Authorize your shop to complete the repairs. Your insurer pays them directly minus the deductible you pay upfront.

Follow these steps, communicate promptly with your insurer, document everything, and try to minimize delays. This helps ensure the claims and repair process goes as smoothly as possible after an accident.

Tips for Finding the Best Auto Insurance Agency in Edmonds, WA

Choosing the right insurance agency is just as important as picking the best insurance