Bellingham, WA Car Insurance

How does Bellingham stack up to the rest of the area, or even Washington as a whole? What can Bellingham residents expect to pay for their car insurance? You can find average cost breakdowns based on a wide array of factors in the charts and writeups below:

---

---

How much is car insurance in Bellingham?

The cost of coverage in Bellingham is about $12 a month cheaper than it is for the rest of Washington.

When viewed against the average rates for the rest of the U.S., auto insurance coverage in Bellingham is rather affordable. The average monthly payment in Bellingham is about $17 less than the rate for the rest of the United States.

While these are the average monthly costs for auto insurance coverage in Bellingham, you could end up paying something different. There are numerous factors taken into consideration by insurance companies when deciding the rate you'll pay to get car insurance. The final dollar amount you'll be asked to pay each month is calculated based on things like age, gender, vehicle make and model, driving record, and in some cases, credit score.

But don't worry, we've broken down the average rates for Bellingham residents based on several different factors so that you can get a more accurate idea of what you might pay. And if you're not sure if you're getting the cheapest rate, simply enter your ZIP Code below to learn more about rates in your area!

---

---

Average Car Insurance Rates by Age

More time behind the wheel makes you a more experienced driver. That experience can turn into some real savings when it comes to car insurance bills. As you can see, 18-24-year-olds pay a lot more than someone who is retirement aged.

As you get older, you can expect to see a drop in your monthly premium every 10 years. Drivers in Bellingham may see their rates begin to go back up once they hit retirement age.

Average Car Insurance Rates by Gender

Female drivers pay, on average, slightly less than their male counterparts. This is true in Bellingham, where male drivers pay about $5 more per month. Looking at the table above, you can see that female drivers pay around $61 on average, while male drivers typically pay $66 each month.

Average Auto Insurance Rates by Driving Record

Your rates can vary wildly depending on your driving record. Drivers who avoid accidents and tickets will pay much lower rates than those with infractions. Drivers in Bellingham with a single accident on their record will usually see rates around $86 a month. In addition, drivers with a single ticket on their record can expect to pay around $71 a month on average.

Accidents, tickets, and other driving infractions can really add up when it comes to how much you pay. So, if you're looking for cheap car insurance, drive carefully and keep a clean record.

Average Insurance Rates by Vehicle

In Bellingham, the cheapest vehicles to insure are usually trucks and vans, with drivers paying around $57 per month for auto insurance coverage.

Car owners can expect to pay an average of around $65 a month for their policy, while SUVs usually cost around $64 a month to insure.

The age of your vehicle also plays a role in your monthly payment. Generally, newer vehicles are going to cost the most to insure. Once your car is around 5 years old, however, you may see your rates begin to drop back down. The most expensive vehicles to insure in Bellingham are vehicles less than one year old.

Average Car Insurance Rates by Relationship Status

Generally, married policyholders will pay slightly less for car insurance coverage. This usually happens because companies will offer special discounts to policyholders with multiple vehicles that are on the same policy.

Married couples, on average, pay less than single drivers do to insure their vehicles. This holds true in Bellingham, with married couples paying about $18 less per month.

Average Car Insurance Rates by Housing Situation

Another factor that comes into play is your living accommodations. If you rent your home or apartment, expect to pay around $17 a month more than those who own their own home in Bellingham. Those who live with their parents, however, can expect to pay a good deal more than their counterparts who rent or own.

That said, if you bundle your homeowners or rental insurance policy with your auto insurance, many companies will offer you a discount to make up for it and reduce your average premiums.

Car Insurance Companies in Bellingham, WA

Recent trends in car insurance for Bellingham drivers

Given that average rates are often changing, it's a smart move to know the direction your area is trending when choosing your car insurance policy.

Car insurance rates in Bellingham decreased from 2017-2018, but started to rise from 2019-2020, when they hit a high of $71. Rates finished down in 2022, at $56 a month.

How does Bellingham compare to neighboring areas?

Why are car insurance rates in Bellingham different from other areas?

When considering how much to charge for an insurance policy, car insurance companies will evaluate a lot of factors. Many factors affecting your policy are based around where you live. These factors include things like:

• Area laws
• Access to off-street parking
• Number of car accidents
• Total number of drivers in the community
• Crime levels

Having an awareness of these factors is critical when thinking about buying a new policy or potentially moving to a new home. With the knowledge that different towns and cities will all have different rates, guides like these can be a good way to get a lay of the land of your particular neighborhood.

How can I find the cheapest car insurance in Bellingham?

Arming yourself with information about the average costs for drivers in your area will better prepare you for the real deal. The only way to know for sure what your rate will be is by asking for a quote from car insurance companies.

But hold on! Compare.com has you covered. Just type in your ZIP below, answer a few questions, and you'll be comparing the cheapest quotes from several of the car insurance companies offering coverage in Bellingham in no time.

---

---

Bellingham Insurance FAQs

What factors affect car insurance quotes in Bellingham?

Quotes are calculated by car insurance companies who take multiple factors into consideration, including things you can't control like your gender and age, but also factors like your driving record, address, credit score, and marital status.

Why is the cost of car insurance in Bellingham different from other neighboring cities?

Your address and the city you live in have a significant impact on how much a car insurance company might charge for your policy. Companies take into consideration things like crime rates, parking situations, and local laws when calculating your quote -- all of which can change from city to city.

Which car insurance company will offer me the cheapest rate in Bellingham?

Since the factors that go into calculating your monthly payment vary from person to person, there isn't one company that will always offer the cheapest rate to everybody. You can be confident that you're receiving the best price possible however, by using sites like Compare.com to compare multiple quotes at once.

Do I need to change my insurance if I move to Bellingham?

Whenever you move to a new area, or experience any other major life event such as getting married or finding a new job, it's always a good idea to re-evaluate your current insurance policy. Certain companies may offer larger discounts in certain cities, so it's a smart idea to use services like Compare.com to compare quotes from dozens of companies side-by-side.

Do I need to wait for my policy to expire to switch to a different car insurance company?

No. Regardless of how much time is left on your current policy, you can switch companies at any time. So, whether you're considering moving to Bellingham or just curious if you're getting the best rates, why not take 10 minutes and see if Compare.com can save you some extra cash?