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Welcome to the beautiful northwest. Tacoma was named one of the most livable cities in the country and also one of the most walkable. The city is on Washington’s Puget Sound and within 35 miles of Seattle and Olympia.

In this comprehensive guide, we are going to show you rates, company comparisons, and other specific factors that make the “City of Destiny” such a great place to live.

Are you ready to search now for car insurance? Enter your ZIP code for FREE to compare quotes.

It’s time to set sail on our journey. Let’s cast off and go.

Auto Insurance Rates in Tacoma

The average cost of car insurance in Tacoma is about $3,716 per year. Car insurance rates are based on many factors, including your age, credit history, marital status, and whether you live in Fern Hill or closer to Hilltop.

You might find yourself asking how does my Tacoma, WA stack up against other top US metro areas’ auto insurance rates? We’ve got your answer below.

In this section, we’re going to show you the specific rates that folks pay for their car insurance in Tacoma based on some of these factors. Of course, these rates are averages, and your rates can be higher or lower, depending on your circumstances.

Do gender and age affect my auto insurance in Tacoma?

Age plays a significant role when it comes to the cost of auto insurance. Not only do folks 50+ get discounts at restaurants, hotels, and grocery stores, they also pay less for car insurance. This isn’t the case for young drivers, who pay more for their car insurance than any other demographic.

These states are no longer using gender to calculate your car insurance rates — Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. But age is still a major factor because young drivers are often considered high-risk. WA does use gender, so check out the average monthly car insurance rates by age and gender in Tacoma, WA.

What about gender? Excluding seven states (CA, HI, MA, MT, PA, NC, and parts of MI), insurance rates differ by gender across the country.

Tacoma, WA car insurance rates by company and age is an essential comparison because the top car insurance company for one age group may not be the best company for another age group.

Again, young drivers, especially young male drivers, have the most expensive rates.

According to Data USA, the mean age in Tacoma is 35.9 years.

Let’s review the average rates charged by insurance companies in Tacoma for different age groups. The table below shows what you’ll pay for car insurance based on your age.

As the data reflects, as drivers mature, their rates decrease over time by thousands of dollars.

Considering popping the question? Make sure you let your insurance provider know they said yes, and see if it will impact what you pay for car insurance. It’s not surprising that marital status plays a significant role in determining car insurance rates.

Check out the table below to see how your rates compare.

Research shows that married drivers are less risky and file fewer claims.

What are the cheapest ZIP codes in Tacoma?

Where you call home in Tacoma can impact how much you pay for car insurance, as well.

ZIP codes will play a major role in your car insurance rates because factors like crime and traffic are calculated by ZIP code. Check out the monthly Tacoma, WA auto insurance rates by ZIP Code below:

For example, if you live in a neighborhood with high crime rates, odds are you’re going to pay more for your auto insurance than someone who lives in an area where vehicle theft is a rare occurrence.

Check out the table below to see the average car insurance rates based on ZIP code.

Residents who live in the area around The University of Puget Sound have the cheapest rates in Tacoma.

What’s the best auto insurance company in Tacoma?

Who is the best car insurance company in Tacoma?
Which Tacoma, WA car insurance company has the best rates? And how do those rates compare against the average Washington car insurance company rates? We’ve got the answers below.

The word best can mean different things to different people. Cheap rates? Local agents? Online accessibility and apps suited for your lifestyle? All of these added together are what distinguishes a company from its competition.

In the sections below, we’ll explain what’s considered best, in various categories, to see if it can help you lower your car insurance rates.

Keep reading to learn more.

Cheapest Auto Insurance Rates by Company

Most of us are looking for ways to save money. From having a stay-cation instead of jetting off to Disneyland or skipping the line at Starbucks and brewing your own Java, saving money is a great way to build a nest egg for your family and prepare for the future.

But what about car insurance?

Have you considered comparison shopping for car insurance? Who’s the best? All of the top providers are licensed in Tacoma. For your convenience, we’ve listed those companies and the average annual cost in the table below.

It’s good news if you are a Nationwide customer because they have the cheapest rates for married, 35-year-old, and 60-year-old drivers.

Best Auto Insurance for Commute Rates

In Washington, according to the Federal Highway Administration, motorists average more than 10,500 miles driven each year, which is less than the national average of 14,312. How far do you commute?

Did you know your daily commute has an impact on your car insurance rate?

We partnered with Quadrant Data Solutions to understand the impact of an above-average commute on your insurance. Check out the chart below to see how your commute stacks up against what others pay.

American Family, Geico, State Farm, and USAA all offer savings based on your daily commute up to $180, be sure and check with your provider if you change relocate or work remotely.

Best Auto Insurance for Coverage Level Rates

Have you considered that the state minimum coverage in Tacoma is the best way to make sure you and your family are protected in the case of an accident? Sometimes that’s not the case, because the differences in coverage are less than you think.

Your coverage level will play a major role in your Tacoma car insurance rates. Find the cheapest Tacoma, WA car insurance rates by coverage level below:

Check out the table below to see the difference in cost from low to high coverage.

Nationwide offers increased low to high coverage for slightly over $300, while USAA is close behind at $350.

You might ask, what is low or high coverage?

Low coverage is the state-mandated minimum coverage required to drive legally in the state of Washington. The minimum auto insurance coverage needed in Washington is:

• Bodily injury liability – $25,000 for one person
• Property damage liability – $50,000 per accident
• Personal injury protection – $10,000 per person

However, you should consider adding important coverages for increased protection.

For high coverage, you can consider increasing your liability limits and opting for the following relevant coverages:

• Collision
• Comprehensive
• MedPay
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist

Best Auto Insurance for Credit History Rates

Having good credit is essential if you don’t want to pay higher rates from everything to car loans to your monthly rent. Bad credit can also affect your ability to get a job, open a bank account, and any other account where you make monthly payments. But did you know poor credit can also affect how much you pay for car insurance?

Your credit score will play a significant role in your car insurance rates unless you live in these states where discrimination based on credit is not allowed: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, and North Carolina. Find the cheapest Tacoma, WA car insurance rates by credit score below.

The following table shows how much rates can vary by credit score among the top companies in Tacoma.

If you’re an Allstate customer, you can expect to pay more than $2,000 more for your car insurance if you have bad credit.

Best Auto Insurance for Driving Record Rates

If you get a speeding ticket, have an accident, or get a DUI, your rates will probably increase in most situations.

Your driving record will play a major role in your Tacoma car insurance rates. For example, other factors aside, a Tacoma, WA DUI may increase your car insurance rates 40 to 50 percent. Find the cheapest Tacoma, WA car insurance rates by driving record.

The table below shows rates with these three violations compared to the rate for a clean record.

It’s good news if you’re a Geico customer and are caught for speeding, because of the top carriers in Washington, it is the only company which won’t raise your insurance rates.

What are some auto insurance factors in Tacoma?

Auto insurance rates are based on more than just the factors listed above. Prices are also determined based on city-specific factors, such as your ZIP code, economic prosperity in your city, and average income levels.

Factors affecting car insurance rates in Tacoma, WA may include your commute, coverage level, tickets, DUIs, and credit. Controlling these factors will help you maintain cheap Tacoma, Washington car insurance.

In this section, we’ll discuss how these external factors influence your car insurance rates in Tacoma

Keep reading to understand further what these factors are and how they affect your bottom line.

Metro Report – Growth & Prosperity

How’s the economy doing? Tacoma didn’t make the list as an individual city but is grouped with neighboring cities Seattle and Bellevue.

According to the Brookings Institute, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area ranked 9th in growth and 5th in prosperity between 2007–2017.

It ranked 5th overall in prosperity.

• Productivity – +2.8 percent (5th of 100)
• Standard of living – +3.6 percent (5th of 100)
• Average annual wage – +3.5 percent (4th of 100)

It ranked 9th in growth.

• Jobs – +2.5 percent (21st of 100)
• Gross metropolitan product (GMP) – +5.3 percent (4th of 100)
• Jobs at young firms – +4.1 percent (43rd of 100)

What does a good economy mean for you as a consumer? Essentially, it means car insurance providers are competing for your business, which translates into better rates when searching for a new policy.

Median Household Income in Tacoma

According to Data USA, the median household income in Tacoma is $55,506, while the national median household income is $60,336.

The average cost of car insurance in Tacoma is $3,716. This means residents spend an average of about 6.7 percent of their total income on car insurance alone.

If you want to determine how much of your income is going toward your car insurance payment, use our handy calculator tool below.

CalculatorPro

Homeownership in Tacoma

Homeownership rates can tell us a lot about the general health of local economies, and insurance providers usually charge lower rates to customers that own their own homes.

In 2017, about 50.4 percent of homes in Tacoma were owner-occupied. If you’re thinking of buying a home in the Tacoma area, the median property value is around $227,200.

Homeowners may also qualify for discounts with their insurance companies if they choose to bundle their policies, so be sure to mention this to your agent when purchasing a new home.

Education in Tacoma

Is a college degree something you’re dreaming about? Being close to colleges and universities can be a determining factor when relocating to a new city. The largest schools of higher learning in Tacoma by degrees awarded are:

• Tacoma Community College – 1,894 degrees awarded
• University of Washington – Tacoma Campus – 1,716 degrees awarded
• Bates Technical College – 1,178 degrees awarded

The most popular majors in the city are Liberal Arts and Biological and Physical Sciences, followed by General Computer and Information Sciences.

Wage by Race & Ethnicity in Common Jobs

According to Data USA, Asians are the highest-paid ethnicity in Tacoma, followed by whites and two or more races. The following table lists the average salaries for the demographics mentioned above.

Asian workers are paid more than 1.5 times more than white workers in Washington.

Wage by Gender in Common Jobs

For every dollar a man earns, a woman earns just 79 cents. Although the wage gap is closing between male and female employees, there is still room for improvement.

According to Data USA, the average male salary in Tacoma is $73,040, while the average female wage is $53,882.

Poverty by Age and Gender

In Tacoma, 17 percent of the city’s population lives below the poverty line, while the national average is 13.4 percent.

Females aged 25–34 are the largest demographic living below the poverty line, followed by females 18–24.

Males in several age groups face similar challenges when it comes to living below the poverty line.

Poverty by Race & Ethnicity

Whites constitute the largest share (49 percent) of people living below the poverty line. Hispanics are next in line at 14.1 percent, followed by Blacks at 11.3 percent.

Employment by Occupations

What about job opportunities in Tacoma? From 2017 to 2018, employment in Tacoma grew at a rate of 1.85 percent, from 96,300 employees to 98,100 employees.

The following occupations are the most common in Tacoma:

• Office and Administrative Support Occupations – 13.7 percent
• Sales and Related Occupations – 9.36 percent
• Management Occupations – 8.45 percent

The highest-paying jobs in Tacoma are Computer and Mathematical Occupations.

Driving in Tacoma

We’ve mentioned that your credit score, driving record, education level, and other factors contribute to the cost of car insurance. But insurance companies also base rates on the car you drive, road conditions, traffic congestion in your area, crime reports, and so much more.

In the next section, we’re going to cover these issues and check out the city to see what fun things there are to do.

Keep reading to discover what Tacoma has to offer.

Major Highways in Tacoma

Tacoma is considered part of the greater Seattle area and is the third-largest city in the state. If you’re new to town, you might find some roads confusing or disorienting. Your GPS wants you to turn left, but somehow, you’ve managed to turn into a dead-end street, and your device goes into “recalculating mode.” It can be very frustrating.

Seven major highways are running through Washington, covering 763.67 miles of roadway.

The highways are:

• I-5
• I-82
• I-90
• I-205
• I-405
• I-705
• I-182

Here’s the map of Tacoma:

Interstate 5 and Highway 16 through downtown Tacoma are the busiest sections of highway in the city where daily congestion around Tacoma Dome causes drivers the most frustration.

Popular Road Trips/Sites

Residents in Tacoma have easy access to some of the pacific northwest’s best destinations. Check out the video below to see what’s happening in Tacoma.

For more fun things to do in Tacoma, check out cityoftacoma.org for a thorough roundup that makes the seaside city such a great place to visit.

Road Conditions in Tacoma

Tacoma didn’t make the list, but since Tacoma is part of the greater Seattle area, we wanted to present specific information about conditions in this list compiled by Tripnet.org. Here’s how the percentages break down:

• Poor Share – 41 percent
• Mediocre Share – 23 percent
• Fair Share – 17 percent
• Good Share 19 percent

Poor road conditions cost the average Seattle driver over $684 yearly in vehicle operating costs.

Does Tacoma use speeding or red-light cameras?

Washington does allow the use of red-light and speeding cameras to curb accidents. Red-light cameras are permitted in Tacoma in the following locations:

• Intersections of two arterials with traffic control signals that have yellow change interval durations under RCW 47.36.022, whose intervals may not be reduced after placement of the camera;
• Railroad crossings; and
• School speed zones.

The best way to avoid this type of violation is not to run red lights. This could result in fines and points on your record, plus a higher insurance premium.

What type of vehicles are in Tacoma?

Your auto insurance company will also want to know what car you drive, and your rate might be higher if your make and model is a favorite among thieves. Let’s take a closer look at cars in Tacoma and see what the locals drive.

Most Popular Vehicles Owned

So, what do people drive in Tacoma? According to an article by Your Mechanic, which says the Honda Prelude is the most popular vehicle in Tacoma.

This video explains why they’re a favorite of residents in the northwest.:

The Prelude is no longer in production, but it’s still popular as a fun and sporty car to drive.

How many cars per household?

How many cars do you own? In Tacoma, the average household has two vehicles, which is on par with the national average. The second most common number of vehicles per household is one. If you own more than one vehicle, make sure to ask your carrier about a discount for a multi-vehicle policy.

Not everyone in Tacoma owns a vehicle, which isn’t surprising considering the city is one of the most walkable towns in the country. According to our research, 4.37 percent of residents do not own a vehicle.

If you don’t own a car, that doesn’t necessarily mean you shouldn’t consider purchasing a policy. Many providers offer non-owner car insurance for people who drive on occasion, even if they don’t personally own a vehicle.

Speed Traps in Tacoma

According to the website Speedtrap.org, residents report that Tacoma has numerous speed traps throughout the city.

If you’re not sure what a speed trap is or how it works, watch the video below.

You might not be able to avoid a speed trap, but you can avoid a citation by obeying posted speed limit signs.

Vehicle Theft in Tacoma

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reports that in 2018, 27,677 motor vehicle thefts occurred in Washington. When considering your next car purchase, one thing to consider is that certain vehicles are stolen more often than others. As previously mentioned, this factor could raise your insurance rates.

Another thing that could impact your car insurance rates is the safety of your neighborhood. The safest communities in Tacoma, according to Neighborhood Scout, are as follows:

1. Hillhurst / Mock City
2. Eastward / Ketron
3. Dash Point / Browns Point
4. Lincoln Street / Adams Street
5. N. 5th Street / Crary Avenue
6. Caledonia
7. Allison
8. 152nd Street E. / 25th Avenue E.
9. 176th Street E. / 22nd Avenue E.
10. Brookdale

Another statistic NeighborhoodScout looked at is the violent crime index. Tacoma is ranked as being safer than only 2 percent of other cities in the country.

The table below shows the incidents of crime in Tacoma, Washington, in 2018.

Regardless of what neighborhood you live in, it’s always a good idea to have extra coverage on your vehicles to protect yourself and your investment.

How is traffic in Tacoma?

Road construction. Distracted drivers. Fog rolling in off the bay mixing with rain and drizzle makes for a tough commute some days. We’ve all been frustrated by these things at one point or another.

Traffic. It’s the worst. All of us would rather be doing anything else besides wasting time stuck in a traffic jam. So, what’s the traffic like in Tacoma?

Traffic Congestion

According to INRIX, residents in the Seattle-Tacoma metropolitan area spent 138 hours stuck in congestion in 2018, at an average cost of $1,932 per driver. This ranks 6th in the United States and 58th in the world as the most congested city.

You can stay ahead of traffic by using the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) app or websites like localconditions.com, especially if you need to commute into the Seattle area.

Transportation

According to Data USA, the average commute time in Tacoma is 26.9 minutes, which is higher than the national average of 25.1 minutes. Additionally, 4.35 percent of Tacoma residents have super commutes of over 90 minutes.

In Tacoma, more than 75.1 percent of commuters drive alone on their daily commute. Over 10.6 percent choose to save money by carpooling. And 5.3 percent of the city’s workforce choose public transit. Around 3.9 percent have no commute at all because they are lucky enough to be a remote worker.

Busiest Highways

The busiest highway in Tacoma is U.S. Interstate 5, which runs through downtown, especially around Tacoma Dome, where tens of thousands of cars pass daily. According to locals, this section of I-5 is especially frustrating because of constant road construction.

How safe are Tacoma streets and roads?

To understand the safety of roads in Tacoma, we can refer to data provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. However, the data from NHTSA is at the county level. Tacoma is in Pierce County, so we’ll show you data from that county only.

Below are the total crash deaths for Pierce County in 2018:

• Fatalities (all crashes) – 60
• Fatalities in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver (BAC = .08+) – 16
• Single-vehicle crash fatalities – 28
• Fatalities in crashes involving speeding – three
• Fatalities in crashes involving a roadway departure – 24
• Fatalities in crashes involving an intersection (or intersection related) – 10
• Passenger car occupant fatalities – 20
• Pedestrian fatalities – 13
• Pedal cyclist fatalities – two

Total fatalities increased from 56 in 2017 to 60 deaths in 2018.

Now, let’s look at the number of fatalities by road type and function class in Pierce County.

From the data, you can see that more fatalities occurred on urban roadways, which makes sense, as there is generally more traffic and congestion on city streets.

Another statistic we looked at is fatalities involving trains. From 2010–2015, Pierce County saw two deaths involving trains in its geographic area.

Allstate America’s Best Drivers Report

In 2019, Allstate created a list of the cities where drivers are least likely to get into a car accident. Tacoma drivers rank in the bottom one-quarter of our 200 cities coming in at 149th place.

Needless to say, more accidents equal more insurance claims, and more claims translate to higher premiums.

An average driver in Tacoma files an accident claim every 7.9 years. The national average for years between claims is 10.6.

Ridesharing

According to RideGuru, the following rideshare services are available in Tacoma:

• Blacklane
• Curb
• Carmel
• Lyft
• Traditional taxis
• Uber

If you’re flying into Seattle-Tacoma National Airport and want a ride to downtown Tacoma, it will cost between $59–$125 based on which provider you choose. A luxury vehicle through Lyft is the most expensive option.

Another new program available in the Tacoma area is through the site ridesharing.com which matches people up based on similar travel plans and destinations such as shared daily commutes and rides to the airport.

E-star Repair Shops

Has your car broken down, and you’re not sure where to take it? Esurance created an E-star repair shop network that provides a list of reputable and top-quality repair shops near your location.

Tacoma has 12 E-star Repair Shops:

Using one of these recommended shops could save you a great deal of time and money.

What is the weather like in Tacoma?

Does it rain every day in the Pacific Northwest? Let’s take a look.

• Annual high temperature – 62°
• Annual low temperature – 45°
• Average rainfall – 39.22 in

Tacoma has been hit with 20 natural disasters, which is considerably higher than the national average of 13. The majority of these disasters have been floods (13) and storms (10).

Is public transit available in Tacoma?

Pierce Transit provides services to Tacoma and residents of Pierce County. Pierce Transit operates 33 bus routes around the area with varying schedules and hours of operation. Visitors can check out Piercetransit.org to view current routes and download a copy of the bus schedule.

Pierce Transit also offers vanpools and paratransit services for individuals with such needs, and they can contact them at call 253.581.8000 or email at [email protected].

Adult fares start at $2, and daily, weekly, and monthly rates are available.

Is other alternate transportation available in Tacoma?

Lime has service in Tacoma, with over 500 scooters available for rent. The city is currently investigating other forms of micromobility and to further study the impact of the program in the Tacoma area.

Is parking easy in Tacoma?

There are currently over 3,000 actively managed on-street parking stalls in Tacoma. The off-street system includes six facilities with a total of nearly 2,550 parking spaces.

The minimum payment for on-street city parking in Tacoma is 25 cents, and receipts must be properly displayed. Check out the city’s website for more information.

How is the air quality in Tacoma?

A lot of cars on the road means more pollution and congestion, which leads to poor air quality. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) tracked the air quality in the Tacoma area from 2018. Take a look at the table below.

Tacoma air quality continues to improve. The city had 239 good air days in 2018 compared to 222 in 2017.

Military/Veterans

Data USA figures show that a large population of military personnel in Tacoma served in Vietnam, 1.57 times more than any other conflict. Veterans of the recent Gulf Wars follow them.

Unique Tacoma Laws

If you’re new to Tacoma, there may be some laws you’re unfamiliar with. Here are some other laws that may help you navigate around the city:

• Hand-held devices – It is illegal in Washington to text or operate a phone while driving. Police officers can issue citations for these types of infractions if seen violating the law.
• Food trucks – Food trucks are regulated by the city of Tacoma. Vendors must purchase liability and commercial auto insurance to operate legally, as well as set-up in city-approved locations.
• Tiny homes – Tacoma has a housing shortage, and the city has undertaken a plan to address the situation. The following video explains more:

Specifically, in 2019 Washing State Legislature passed a bill allowing cities and counties to permit “villages” of tiny houses on wheels and prohibits them from barring tiny houses as primary residences in mobile home communities

• Parking laws – Parking in downtown Tacoma is in high demand, and a recent change in the city’s parking plan would extend a 90-minute paid parking spot to two hours. In another high-demand zone, the city would allow unpaid parking in designated spots to three hours.

Tacoma Auto Insurance FAQs

Do you still have a few questions about Tacoma? Let’s see if we can answer them.

How much is auto insurance in Tacoma?

The average cost of car insurance in Tacoma is $3,587.70. However, your exact rate will depend on many factors, including your driving record, credit score, coverage level, and demographic details.

Are red-light cameras used in Tacoma?

Red-light cameras are allowed in Tacoma in the following locations:

• Intersections of two arterials with traffic control signals that have yellow change interval durations per RCW 47.36.022, whose intervals may not be reduced after placement of the camera;
• Railroad crossings; and
• School speed zones.

What is the closest airport to Tacoma?

The closest airport to Tacoma is the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

Which company offers the cheapest auto insurance in Tacoma?

USAA is the cheapest insurance carrier in Tacoma, followed by State Farm. The average premium from USAA is $2,619 per year, while Progressive charges an average of $2,677. Remember, USAA only services members of the military and their families.

What is the minimum auto insurance required in Washington?

The minimum coverage required to drive legally in Washington is:

• $25,000 – covers bodily injury or death per person
• $50,000 – covers bodily injuries or death per accident
• $10,000 – covers property damage per accident

What else do I need to know about Tacoma?

Residents in Tacoma enjoy everything a big city offers while maintaining its small-town charm. It is one of the most livable cities in the country and has opportunities for sailing, hiking, and exploration of the northwest.

The city continues to revitalize its downtown waterfront and encourages residents and visitors to discover the many museums, restaurants, and other retail outlets which call the city home.

This concludes our journey through the great city of Tacoma and everything it has to offer. Before we go, we’d like to know: What part of this guide was the most helpful? Was there something we could explain better so that you can make a better-informed car decision on your car insurance?

If you’re ready to find the best car insurance rates in Tacoma for you and your family, enter your ZIP code to get started.

Cheap Auto Insurance / Cities

07.10.2020 / auto insurance comparison / auto insurance quotes / cheap auto insurance