Home Insurance and Car Insurance in Washington

Homeowners Insurance Coverage Options in

While most home insurance policies will cover a standard set of named perils, there are a few key details to be aware of when purchasing a policy. As a general rule, home insurance companies often offer a standard set of protections in most states.

In some cases an insurance company or agent may not offer a type of protection or coverage, so it’s important to carefully read the details of your quote. Most standard home insurance policies—known as HO-3 policies—will provide the following types of home insurance coverage:

• Dwelling coverage is a standard policy that covers the actual physical structure of your home. If you have an attached garage or other structure attached to your home, this will be covered as well.
• Personal property coverage works to cover your household belongings. If it’s inside or outside your home, it is covered.
• Personal liability coverage protects you in the event that someone is injured on your property and you’re found at fault. It also covers damage to another person’s property.
• Guest medical protection coverage exists to cover people who are injured on your property, regardless of who may be at fault.

There are certain other kinds of home insurance coverage available, such as specialized policies for windstorms, wildfires and even to protect your detached garage or other structures.

Common Causes of Loss in

All states are subject to shared conditions that lead to home insurance claims and losses, and Washington is no exception. What the state does have, however, are a few unique elements that should be considered when buying home insurance. Common causes of loss in the state include:

• Wind and hail: Most claims filed by homeowners are wind- and hail-related, usually in regards to roof repair or replacement. In addition to physical damage, wind and hail have the potential to cause power outages and fallen trees.
• Fire and lightning: Lightning and fire are another common source of insurance claims in Washington, with more than 13,000 fires² breaking out in the state over the past decade. All fire is dangerous, and the smallest blaze can cause massive damage if left unchecked.
• Flooding: Always a threat, flooding can cause massive damage to homes and property.
• Earthquakes: Washington sits on the Cascadia Subduction Zone and is at a high risk of earthquakes.

Additional Coverage Options Recommended for Homeowners

It’s a good idea to purchase additional home insurance coverage because of the unique mixture of threats to Washington homes. Some of these additional recommendations are common for all states, but others—such as earthquake insurance—are mostly unique to a few states, Washington included:

• Flood insurance is never covered by a standard HO-3 policy. Instead, you may purchase it through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) or through a private insurance company.
• Earthquake insurance is another type of coverage rarely offered as part of a standard home insurance policy.
• Scheduled property coverage is insurance that helps recoup the cost of losses to high value items that have been professionally appraised. Artwork, antiques and other expensive luxury goods are usually covered under these policies.

Our Home Insurance Partners in

SelectQuote shops for coverage from dozens of trusted home and auto insurance companies throughout Washington to help you find affordable coverage to protect your home. We compare rates and discounts and offer you our recommendations based on your unique needs.

What is the average home insurance cost in ?

The average home insurance rate for SelectQuote customers in Washington is $93.70.⁺ Your own home insurance premiums will vary based on several factors, including:

• Your ZIP code
• Your credit score
• Your policy limits
• Types of coverage you purchase
• Your deductible
• The age and condition of your home
• Any discounts that are applicable

Homeowners Insurance Discounts in

If you’re worried about overpaying for home insurance, you’re not alone. The good news is that home insurance companies in Washington offer plenty of opportunities to save via discounts. Common home insurance discounts available in Washington State include:

• Customer loyalty discounts
• Discounts for filing few claims
• Service and/or professional discounts
• New homebuyer discounts
• New construction discounts
• Home security system installation discounts
• Bundled home and auto insurance discounts

Auto Insurance Laws and Requirements

Washington state requires all drivers and motorcyclists to carry liability insurance⁴ with specific minimum limits, but you may purchase additional coverage if you deem it necessary. There are other types of insurance available to purchase, depending on requirements that are part of your vehicle’s financing. The most common types of car insurance coverage purchased in Washington include:

• Liability insurance pays for damages caused by you if the accident is your fault. It will also pay for medical bills incurred by the other driver or their passengers. Washington state requires drivers to have $25,000 of coverage for injuries per person, up to $50,000 per accident. It also requires $10,000 of coverage for property damage.
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for medical expenses when the other driver is at fault and doesn’t have sufficient insurance coverage.
• Personal injury protection insurance can help pay for medical expenses or funeral expenses for you or your passengers.
• Collision coverage helps cover expenses for repairs or replacement for your vehicle if it is damaged in an accident.
• Comprehensive coverage can help pay for repairs or replacement for vehicles that are stolen or damaged by storms, vandalism or animals.
• Gap insurance is often required on financed vehicles and pays the difference between what you currently owe on the vehicle and what it is currently worth. Gap insurance is typically used when a vehicle is totaled.

All data on average expenditures is provided by the Insurance Information Institute.

Teen Driving Laws

All teen drivers are expected to have auto insurance, either on their own or as part of their parent or guardian’s policy (usually cheaper). Washington uses a graduated licensing program⁵ that grants teenagers who meet age and driver’s education requirements an intermediate license. This license is subject to curfews and limits on the number of passengers.

Car Registration Information

All vehicles purchased and moved to Washington must be registered within 30 days of moving to the state.⁶ Depending on your car’s age, you may have to report the odometer reading and meet California emission standards (even if you live in Washington State). You will be required to bring your Washington state driver’s license, proof of ownership, proof of insurance and any associated fees.

Our Auto Insurance Partners in

SelectQuote works with some of the most trusted car insurance companies in the state of Washington to provide you with affordable insurance coverage. We partner with these carriers to source competitive quotes and discounts, then present unbiased recommendations based on your policy and price needs.