Finding the Best Auto Insurance in Tacoma, WA

If you’re a driver in Tacoma, having proper auto insurance coverage is crucial to protecting yourself on the road. Washington state requires all motorists to carry liability insurance. But finding affordable policies with sufficient protection can be a challenge in larger cities like Tacoma.

This comprehensive guide examines how to get the best car insurance in Tacoma, WA. We’ll look at:

• Minimum liability limits required under Washington law
• Average insurance rates in Tacoma and factors that impact your premiums
• The top insurers in the Tacoma market and how to compare quotes
• Ways to maximize discounts to save money on your policy
• Key add-ons like comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage
• Strategies to get the cheapest car insurance rates possible as a Tacoma driver

We’ll provide tips to shop for policies and compare quotes strategically. With smart research using this advice Tacoma drivers can land comprehensive auto insurance protection at the lowest possible price.

Overview of Washington Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

To legally drive in Washington, drivers must carry the state-mandated minimum auto liability coverage:

• Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Property damage liability: $10,000 per accident

This coverage pays for injuries or damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Failure to maintain this state-required insurance may lead to fines and license suspension.

Besides the minimums experts also recommend

• Uninsured/underinsured motorist: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
• Comprehensive: Equal to your collision deductible
• Collision: $500 to $1,000 deductible

Review the average car insurance costs in Tacoma later in this guide to set appropriate coverage limits and premium budgets.

What Impacts Car Insurance Rates in Tacoma?

While all Tacoma drivers must maintain the same minimum liability coverage, premiums can vary widely based on individual risk factors like:

• Driving Record – Tickets, accidents, DWIs raise rates substantially. Clean records often save 20% or more.

• Age – Teen and elderly drivers pay more on average. Middle-aged drivers get the best rates.

• Credit – Insurers check credit-based insurance scores. Better scores mean lower premiums.

• Vehicle – Insuring luxury cars, sports cars, or large trucks costs more.

• Location – Urban areas like Tacoma have more expensive premiums than rural regions.

• Driving Habits – High annual mileage or lots of rush hour commutes increase risk.

• Coverage Limits – Higher liability or collision/comprehensive limits raise premiums.

Combining multiple lower risk factors through smart policy decisions allows Tacoma drivers to secure affordable rates.

Average Car Insurance Rates in Tacoma, WA

To protect yourself adequately, expect to budget the following for Tacoma auto insurance coverage:

• Minimum Liability Coverage: $600 to $900 per year
• Full Coverage (100/300/100): $1,200 to $1,800 per year
• Comprehensive Coverage: $1,500 to $2,200 per year
• Collision Coverage: $1,600 to $2,400 per year

Rates for minimum liability and full coverage can vary by over $1,000 annually between high and low-risk Tacoma drivers. Comparing quotes strategically helps find the best deal.

The Top Auto Insurers in the Tacoma Market

Tacoma drivers can choose from over 20 major insurance carriers selling policies in Washington. Here are some of the top auto insurance companies in Tacoma to consider:

• State Farm – Largest market share nationally and in Washington. Competitive rates plus strong claims service.

• PEMCO – Local insurer popular with Northwest drivers. Discount for WSU, UW, and Seattle U alumni.

• Allstate – National carrier with comprehensive policies and easy online quote process.

• Geico – Streamlined purchase process and low-cost policies, especially for lower risk drivers.

• Progressive – Digital tools like Name Your Price® tool help find cheap customized policies.

• MetLife – Competitive pricing from a leading national insurer. Bundles policies to save.

Don’t just default to the first insurer you see advertised. Shopping and comparing quotes across multiple top companies nets the biggest savings on Tacoma auto insurance.

Maximizing Discounts on Tacoma Car Insurance

Tacoma drivers can leverage their risk profile through certain discounts to lower insurance costs:

• Good Driver – For 3+ years with no accidents or tickets. Saves up to 30%.

• Safety Features – Carriers offer breaks for airbags, anti-theft devices, and anti-lock brakes.

• Advance Shopper – Just for comparing quotes from different insurers. Up to 10% off.

• Defensive Driving – Taking an approved course can reduce premiums 5-15%.

• Low Mileage – Driving less than the average 10-15K miles per year lowers risk.

• Good Student – Full-time students under 25 with a 3.0+ GPA save up to 25%.

• Multi-policy – Bundles home and auto insurance with one company. Around 10% off.

• Auto-pay – Save up to 5% for signing up to pay bills automatically.

Ask insurers to review all possible discounts during the quote process. Combining multiple discounts drives rates down substantially.

Key Endorsements for Tacoma Drivers

Beyond just state minimums, Tacoma motorists benefit from these additional coverages:

• Comprehensive – Protects your vehicle from theft, vandalism, weather, and other non-collision damage. Crucial in urban areas like Tacoma.

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist – Covers injuries to you and passengers caused by at-fault drivers with inadequate or no liability insurance.

• Rental Car Reimbursement – Pays for a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop after an accident.

• Roadside Assistance – Covers towing and labor if your car breaks down on the road.

Review quote options to add these endorsements at the best rate from insurers that include them standard with Tacoma policies.

How to Find the Cheapest Car Insurance in Tacoma

Follow these steps as a Tacoma driver looking for the most affordable auto insurance:

• Shop quotes from at least 5 top insurers in the Tacoma market. More quotes mean more savings.

• Adjust liability limits just high enough to meet state requirements and protect assets.

• Select higher deductibles like $500 or $1,000 to save substantially on collision and comprehensive.

• Ask about every possible discount you may qualify for to lower your premium.

• Bundle home or other policies with the same insurer for a multi-policy discount.

• Consider usage-based programs (like from Allstate or State Farm) to score cash back for safe driving.

• Maintain a clean driving record and improve credit score over time to eventually get the best rates.

• Re-shop quotes before every renewal to take advantage of any new discounts or insurer rate changes.

Sample Car Insurance Rates in Tacoma, WA

To put it all together, here are some sample quotes a typical Tacoma driver may see from insurers:

Insurer	Sample Annual Premium
Geico	$1,112
Allstate	$1,269
State Farm	$1,315
Progressive	$1,387
PEMCO	$1,452

As you can see, premiums can vary over $300 annually between leading insurers for the same driver in Tacoma. That’s why shopping around is crucial to savings.

Use the online quote tools from insurers to see real rates tailored to your specific risk profile. The easiest way to compare and find the most affordable auto insurance coverage as a Tacoma driver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I get in an accident in Tacoma with insufficient insurance?

Washington police will issue you a ticket for failure to carry proper liability coverage. You’ll be required to show proof of upgraded insurance or face fines and license/registration suspension.

Is just basic liability enough insurance for Tacoma drivers?

Given the risk of theft, vandalism, hit-and-run crashes in Tacoma, experts recommend also getting collision, comprehensive and uninsured motorist coverage for full protection.

Can I get a discount for insuring multiple cars in Tacoma?

Yes, most insurers offer multi-car discounts of 5-15% when you cover two or more vehicles on the same policy. Any Tacoma household with multiple drivers can benefit.

What credit score do I need for the lowest car insurance rates in Tacoma?

Most