In our analysis, PEMCO emerges as the most affordable choice for high-risk car insurance in Washington. It offers the best rates for young drivers, senior drivers, and those with driving violations like speeding tickets, accidents or DUIs. PEMCO also provides the cheapest options for drivers with bad credit.
High-Risk Car Insurance WA
Updated: May 20, 2025
Advertising & Editorial Disclosure
Key Takeaways
PEMCO, State Farm and Auto-Owners stand out as the most affordable options for high-risk car insurance, offering state minimum and full coverage plans.
For high-risk drivers, annual car insurance premiums range from as low as $331 to as high as $2,875.
To secure the best deal on high-risk car insurance, find the coverage you need, research average costs and discounts, and compare multiple providers for the best rates.
Cheapest Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in WA
| PEMCO | Young Drivers | $28 |
| PEMCO | Senior Drivers | $28 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With a Speeding Ticket | $24 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With an Accident | $27 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With a DUI | $33 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With Bad Credit | $19 |
| PEMCO | Drivers With Bad Credit And Driving Violations | $24 |
*Rates shown are for minimum car insurance policies modifying a base profile of a 40-year-old driver with good credit and no driving violations.
Compare Cheap WA High-Risk Car Insurance Providers
While our table above shows the cheapest companies for high-risk insurance, it doesn't cover every unique driver profile. Below, you can compare rates from top providers tailored to your specific needs.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:22-29
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Driving Record:Accident $1000-$1999 Prop Dmg
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Credit Score:Good
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Coverage Level:100/300/100 Full Cov. w/$1,000 Ded.
| PEMCO | $87 | $1,040 |
| American Family | $110 | $1,314 |
| Kemper | $144 | $1,722 |
| State Farm | $146 | $1,756 |
| Travelers | $156 | $1,869 |
How Much is High-Risk Car Insurance in WA?
Overall, high-risk car insurance costs in the Evergreen State can range anywhere from $63 to $240 monthly, depending on your unique combination of pricing factors. Below, you can compare average pricing for your profile by filtering the table.
Data filtered by:Results filtered by:
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Age Range:22-29
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Driving Record:Clean
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Credit:Good
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Coverage Level:State Minimum Liability Only
| $78 | $935 | $0 | $0 | 0% |
HOW LONG DO DRIVING VIOLATIONS AFFECT CAR INSURANCE RATES?
If you have a driving record with major offenses in Washington, such as DUIs or reckless driving, insurance companies can look back as far as 10 years when determining your rates.
For less serious violations, your insurance premiums might be influenced for about three to five years from the time of the incident. The duration your rates are impacted depends on the insurance company's policies.
Washington High-Risk Car Insurance: Buyer's Guide
High-risk drivers often struggle to find car insurance. This guide helps you understand why insurers may view you as high-risk, how to locate affordable providers, and what steps to take if you're denied coverage.
What Is Considered a High-Risk Driver?
The following is a list of various types of drivers that are considered high-risk to auto insurance companies:
- Drivers with a history of traffic violations or at-fault accidents
- Drivers with a DUI conviction
- Drivers caught driving with a suspended or revoked license
- Young drivers with a lack of driving experience
- Senior drivers over 60
- Drivers who drive sports cars or participate in drag racing
- Drivers with bad credit or lapses in insurance coverage
Tips To Find the Best High-Risk Car Insurance in WA
In the section below, we've provided key tips to help you save money and find the best provider for high-risk car insurance in Washington.
- 1
Decide What Coverage You Need
Before diving into provider comparisons, determine the necessary car insurance coverage for your needs. This means evaluating any potential add-ons, like rideshare coverage or roadside assistance. By defining your needs up front, you won't be swayed by others' opinions or overzealous agents. Use our find out how much auto insurance you need tool to gain clarity on your coverage requirements.
- 2
Research Average Costs and Discounts
Understanding the average insurance costs for drivers like you in the area, along with potential discounts, can guide you to the best deals. Consider enrolling in state-certified defensive driving courses to potentially reduce your premiums by up to 10%. This knowledge helps prioritize which providers to consider first.
- 3
Consider Non-Traditional Coverage Options
Explore pay-per-mile and usage-based car insurance for potential savings, especially if your driving is safe and your mileage is low. For instance, some insurers, like Geico, offer telematics programs that monitor your driving habits and could save you up to 30% on your policy. These options could be affordable solutions for many drivers.
- 4
Compare Multiple Providers
After reviewing all your potential options, compare at least three providers to see what they offer. Use diverse comparison methods, including independent brokers and online comparison tools, since rates for the same companies might differ. Ensure you compare like-for-like insurance offerings for an accurate assessment of provider affordability and reliability.
What To Do if You Get Denied Coverage in Washington
Insurance is a choice-based market, so car insurance companies might refuse coverage if they find you too risky. But, if you're turned down, you can still apply for a plan through the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office (AIPSO).
Below, we've provided contact information if you want to start the process.
Office Hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. PT
waaip@aipso.com
Phone
(800) 227-4659
Fax
(800) 827-6260
Mailing Address
P.O. Box 6530
Providence, RI 02940-6530
Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers in WA: Bottom Line
Based on our research, the three cheapest companies for high-risk insurance in the Evergreen State are PEMCO, State Farm, and Auto-Owners Insurance Co. While this is what we found, we recommend doing your own research to compare costs and find the best deal. Even if you're denied coverage, programs are available to help you secure affordable insurance.
WA Car Insurance for High-Risk Drivers: FAQ
Below, we answer common questions about high-risk car insurance in Washington.
What is the cheapest high-risk car insurance provider in Washington?
PEMCO is the cheapest high-risk car insurance provider in Washington. Minimum coverage costs about $19 for drivers with bad credit.
What do I do if I get denied for coverage?
If denied coverage, reach out to the Automobile Insurance Plan Service Office for help finding an insurance plan suitable for your needs.
How much more expensive is high-risk car insurance in Washington?
High-risk car insurance in Washington can be more expensive by 22% to 57% compared with standard insurance for drivers aged 30 to 50 with a clean record.
How We Chose The Cheapest High-Risk Car Insurance in Washington
MoneyGeek calculated average rates using full coverage car insurance policies with 100/300/100 liability insurance and comprehensive and collision coverage with a $1,000 deductible.
Minimum coverage car insurance policy rates were calculated based on each state’s minimum car insurance requirement.
All high-risk profiles are modifications based on our base profile of the following:
- 40-year-old driver
- 12,000 annual mileage
- Clean driving record
- Good credit
High-risk profiles considered for are young drivers, seniors, and those with bad credit or records of an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI.
We also considered combinations of all of these factors to get a comprehensive view and maintain accuracy and personalization with our recommendations.
About Mark Fitzpatrick
Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. With over five years of experience analyzing the insurance market, he conducts original research and creates tailored content for all types of buyers. His insights have been featured in publications like CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.
Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!
Passionate about economics and insurance, he aims to promote transparency in financial topics and empower others to make confident money decisions.