Shopping for automobile insurance

Shopping for automobile insurance

Many insurers offer auto insurance in Washington state. Under state law, insurers may 

consider your age, driving record, where you live, credit history, and other factors to decide if 

they will offer you coverage. Not every insurer will offer you coverage. 

If an agent or broker is unable to find coverage 

for you, it doesn’t mean that there isn’t an insurer 

willing to cover you. No single agent or broker will 

have access to all auto insurers doing business in 

Washington state. 

There are three segments of the auto insurance 

market you should know about:

            

               Preferred market -- This market features the 

               lowest premiums and it is available  to

                   low-risk drivers with exceptional driving records.

Standard market-- This market refers 

to the average driver who uses family-type 

cars and has a reasonably good 

driving record.

Non-standard market-- This market 

includes young drivers with less experience, 

drivers with multiple tickets or accidents, 

and drivers with reckless or drunk driving 

histories.

Most insurers offer coverage that falls into 

the standard or the preferred markets. A few 

corporations have several companies within their 

group and establish tiers that range from the 

preferred market to the non-standard market. 

We cannot recommend or suggest specific 

companies, but we can offer tips to help you shop 

for auto insurance. Regardless of how you shop or 

whose services you choose, it is important to do your 

homework in advance. You should:

• Know what types and limits of coverage 

you need.

• Ensure you’re dealing with an authorized 

company and a licensed agent or broker.

• Make sure you have the make, model and 

other details of the vehicle you wish 

to insure.

• Answer any questions about your driving 

record and accident history fully and 

accurately.

• Shop for customer service and price

Agents and brokers selling insurance in Washington 

must be licensed with our agency. We regulate nearly 

85,000 licensees. Some are employed exclusively by 

a specific insurer, while others work independently. 

You can find agents and brokers:

• in the Yellow Pages of your local phone book 

• through referrals from friends and family

• on the Internet

Insurance can be a sophisticated product. You 

need to do your homework and shop the market, 

regardless of whether you buy in the traditional 

manner or online.