Looking for cheap auto insurance in Seattle? Auto Insurance Center will provide you with the best cheap auto insurance quotes.

As the largest city in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is known as a technology center, a major trade gateway with Asia and is the birthplace of music’s alternative rock grunge movement.

Located on an isthmus between Puget Sound and Lake Washington, Seattle was first inhabited by the Native American Duwamish tribe. Settlers came to the area in 1851.

Seattle was incorporated on Dec. 2, 1869 and was named after Duwamish Indian leader, Sealth, who helped the first settlers in the area.

Lumber, coal, shipbuilding and trade ran the Seattle economy throughout the mid and late 1800s. The city’s population increased once the railroad was established in the Pacific Northwest.

Seattle played a key role during WWI and WWII with its shipbuilding industry. However, the city was hit hard during the Great Depression.

In 1962 Seattle sponsored a world’s fair, called the Century 21 Exposition and revitalized Seattle’s economic and cultural life.

Top Seattle attractions include: Pike Place Market, Space Needle, Olympic Sculpture Park, Museum of History & Industry, Seattle Art Museum and downtown waterfront.

Seattle is home to two professional sports teams, the Seahawks (NFL) and Mariners (MLB). The Seahawks won the Superbowl in 2013. Seattle is also home Sounders FC (MLS), who won the 2016 MLS Cup.

Insurance Discounts in Seattle

In Washington, drivers older than 55 that take a driving course recognized by the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles or Licensing can earn auto insurance discounts.

Common insurance discounts from car insurance companies include:

• Good student
• Multi-car
• Multiple policy
• Automatic payment
• Bundling auto with homeowners or renters
• Paid-in-full

Remember that the best way to save money with auto insurance is to keep a clean driving record.

Seattle Driving Conditions

Seattle’s climate is classified as a oceanic or temperate marine climate. The annual high temperature is 60.3 degrees and the annual low temperature is 45 degrees. The summers are dry and warm. Winter are mild and wet as Seattle gets the most rainfall during November, December and January. Seattle is typically known for its high number of overcast days throughout the year.

In addition, Seattle has some of the worst driving conditions in the country due large population and high commute times.

Crime Statistics

According to the 2015 Crime in the United States report, Washington had 248,369 accounts of property crime and 26,867 accounts of vehicle theft.

Washington Driver’s License

As a legal resident of Washington, you’ll need to obtain a Washington driver’s license. Those with a valid out-of-state license will be required to pay an application fee and pass a vision screening.

When you visit the DMV, bring your valid out-of-state license, proof of U.S. residency (birth certificate, passport, etc.), proof of Washington residency and proof of your Social Security number.

Seat Belt Laws

In Washington, drivers and passengers over 16 must wear seat belts.

Children under 8 and under 4 feet 9 inches must be in a child-restraint device when in a moving vehicle.

Cell Phone & Texting Laws

Washington was the first state to pass a texting ban in 2007. Hand-held devices are also banned while operating a motor vehicle.

Odd Law

In Washington, it is illegal smoke in a vehicle when a child passenger present.

You would be surprised how much insurance rates can vary zip code to zip code even if the zip codes are within the same metropolitan area. This can be for various reasons including higher or lower crime rates in a specific zip code area, accident statistics in that zip code, traffic density in different parts of the city, and even different weather conditions depending on what part of the metro area you are in. This can become even more interesting if you live on the border of a different zip code yet your are paying more for insurance than you would if you lived right across the street. While some people will use this to their advantage and give their insurance company a different address than their actual address to save some money it is not advisable as this may be seen as a form of fraud. 

To find out what your auto insurance rates will be for you zip code either fill out the quick quote form above or call one or more of the local agents below. It is best to call more than one to get them to compete for your business so that you can get the cheapest rates possible. Many people would rather avoid this effort because its more work but its one of the best ways to get cheap auto insurance quotes.