Auto Insurance Rates Went Up in Washington? What to Check Before You Switch

If your auto insurance rate went up, your first instinct may be to start shopping for a cheaper policy. That can absolutely make sense—but before you switch insurance companies, make sure you're comparing more than just the price.

I was recently reminded of this when my own auto insurance rate increased.

I'm an insurance agent, so I decided to shop my own policy. I requested quotes from several insurance companies, including companies I represent and companies I don't.

And some of the quotes I received surprised me.

Why Was One Auto Insurance Quote So Much Cheaper?

When the quotes started coming back, some were considerably cheaper than others.

Great, right?

Not necessarily.

Because I know how to read an insurance policy, I started comparing the quotes line by line against my existing coverage.

That's when I noticed something important.

Some of the cheaper quotes were missing coverages I currently had.

So I asked one of the agents why those coverages weren't included.

His answer?

“Well, if I included those coverages, my quote would be more expensive.”

And that's exactly the problem.

The quote looked cheaper because I wasn't actually being quoted the same coverage.

Compare Auto Insurance Quotes Line by Line

When you're shopping for auto insurance, it's easy to look at the monthly or annual premium and assume the lowest number is the best deal.

But two quotes that look similar on the surface can provide very different protection.

When comparing auto insurance quotes, look at things like:

• Liability limits

• Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage

• Comprehensive and collision coverage

• Deductibles

• Rental car coverage

• Roadside assistance

• Other endorsements or optional coverages included on your current policy

A quote that's $300 cheaper isn't necessarily saving you $300 if important coverage was removed to get the price down.

If the Price Is Lower, Find Out Why

This doesn't mean you shouldn't switch insurance companies.

Sometimes another insurance company really can offer you the same or better coverage for less money. If that's the case, switching may make perfect sense.

The important thing is knowing why the price is different.

Maybe another company rates your particular household differently. Maybe the deductibles changed. Maybe you're receiving different discounts.

Or maybe you're simply being offered less coverage.

Don't assume. Compare.

Why Having an Insurance Agent Matters

Insurance shouldn't just be about finding the lowest number on a screen.

Part of my job is helping people understand what they're actually buying.

If one quote is cheaper, I want to know why. If another option provides better protection for a reasonable difference in premium, I want you to understand that too.

Then you can decide what's right for your family.

That's why I compare insurance quotes line by line instead of simply looking at the final price.

Shopping for Auto Insurance in Washington?

If your auto insurance rate increased and you're thinking about switching companies, you don't have to compare the quotes alone.

Send me your current policy and any quote you're considering.

I'll help you compare the coverage, limits and deductibles so you understand exactly what you're getting—and what you may be giving up—before you make the switch.

My goal isn't simply to find you the cheapest policy. It's to help you find the right coverage at the right price.

The Tillett Agency
1818 Main St Ste D
Sumner, WA 98390
📞 360-893-7513
✉️ [email protected]

Serving families throughout Washington State.