Car Insurance in Mercer Island, WA

Mercer Island is a small island community located in Lake Washington, east of Seattle and west of Bellevue. Interstate 90, an eight-lane highway, connects Mercer Island with these two larger cities. Commuters can cross one of two separate side-by-side floating bridges on their way on or off the island.

It’s not hard to imagine that driving on Mercer Island or across to Seattle can be busy, stressful, and even dangerous. And imagine the stress and financial burden you would face after a car crash. Unfortunately, accidents from minor fender benders to multi-car pileups can happen at any time on I-90 or Mercer Island.

But car insurance can give you the peace of mind you need. A local independent insurance agent can explain your options, obtain multiple quotes for comparison, and help you choose the best car insurance for your needs in Mercer Island, WA. 

What Does Car Insurance Cover in Mercer Island, WA?

A car insurance policy in Mercer Island, WA will have several different types of coverage. All car insurance policies in Washington must have minimum liability coverage as required by law.

• Bodily injury liability coverage: Protects you if you injure or kill someone else while driving your car. It covers an injured party's claims for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It also covers your legal defense fees if another party involved in the accident sues you.
• Property damage liability coverage: Pays for any damage that you cause to the property of others (e.g., another driver’s car) and for your legal defense if you are sued.

In addition to the coverage required by law, there are several optional types of coverage that you can choose from, depending on your needs and your budget. These include:

• Uninsured motorist coverage: Protects you if you are hit by a hit-and-run driver or a driver who does not have auto liability coverage. It takes the place of liability insurance that the other driver should have but does not.
• Underinsured motorist coverage: Protects you if another motorist is at fault for a collision but does not have enough insurance to cover your losses.
• Collision coverage: Covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled in a collision, regardless of fault.
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers the cost to repair or replace your vehicle if it is damaged or totaled by a non-collision event such as a hailstorm or theft.
• Medical payments coverage (or personal injury protection): Helps pay for medical, dental, and funeral expenses for you or your passengers, regardless of who is at fault for an accident.
• Roadside assistance coverage (or towing and labor coverage): Pays for help if you are locked out of your vehicle, run out of gas, or face some other type of problem while out on the road. Your insurance company will help you contact tow trucks, locksmiths, or other forms of assistance as needed and will reimburse you for the costs of these services up to certain limits.
• Rental reimbursement coverage: Provides payment for a rental car if your vehicle is damaged and you must rent a vehicle while it is being repaired.
• Loan/lease or gap coverage: Pays the difference between what you owe on a vehicle and its cash value if it is totaled.

An independent insurance agent can help you decide which coverage offers the best protection for your needs.

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How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Mercer Island, WA?

Washington is the 36th most expensive state for car insurance. You can save money by shopping around for the best rates and finding car insurance discounts that you’re eligible for.

• National average annual car insurance cost: $1,311
• Washington annual car insurance cost: $1,110

Remember, auto insurance rates often vary significantly from one driver to the next. This is because costs are calculated based on several individual factors, such as:

• Your age, gender, and marital status
• Your driving history and credit score
• Your car’s year, make, and model
• The approximate number of miles you drive each year
• The coverage limits, coverage options, and deductibles you choose
• Whether you are bundling your auto insurance with other policies like homeowners insurance or renters insurance

Every insurance company looks at different factors to calculate car insurance premiums. What’s more, most companies offer various discounts that you can qualify for.

An independent agent in Mercer Island, WA can help you compare quotes, choose policy options, and maximize your discounts.

Is Car Insurance Required in Mercer Island, WA?

Washington car owners are required to purchase auto insurance. The following are the minimum coverage requirements for car insurance in Mercer Island, WA:

• Bodily injury liability: Required
• Property damage liability: Required
• Personal injury protection (PIP): Not required
• Uninsured motorist coverage: Not required
• Underinsured motorist coverage: Not required
• Minimum liability limits: 25/50/10; coverage up to $25,000 per person injured in an accident, subject to a limit of $50,000 per accident; and $10,000 coverage for property damage

It’s important to know that you could be underinsured if you only purchase the minimum liability coverage. If you caused a major collision, you’d be responsible for medical bills for other drivers and passengers, vehicle repair costs, and even attorney fees and settlements or judgments levied against you if you are sued for negligence. If these exceed your car insurance coverage limits, you’d still have to pay.

Purchasing higher liability limits than the state minimum is a good idea. An independent agent can help determine how much liability coverage is necessary to protect your assets adequately should the worst happen.

What Are the Best Car Insurance Companies in Mercer Island, WA?

Finding the best car insurance companies in Mercer Island, WA can be simple. A local independent insurance agent can help you get car insurance quotes from multiple insurance companies so that you can select the best policy for your needs and budget.

How Can an Independent Insurance Agent Help Me Find the Best Car Insurance in Mercer Island, WA?

Contact an independent insurance agent now, and get one-on-one consultation and affordable options for the best coverage for your unique needs. Your agent will work with you free of charge, offering you a variety of options so you can make the best choice. 

What’s more, your agent will be there for you when claim time comes. They know the ins and outs of the process and will make sure your claim is handled appropriately.

Contact an agent today for a free, no-obligation consultation.