Tacoma, WA
Auto and home insurance in Tacoma, Washington
Commute, vehicle, and housing data for Tacoma, plus what it means for your auto and homeowners quotes. A quote is not a binder.
Tacoma has about 226,000 residents in Pierce County. 66% of its workers drive to work alone and 56% of households own their home, so most families here need both a car policy and a homeowners policy.
Cars, commutes, and households in Tacoma
| Measure | Tacoma | Washington |
|---|---|---|
| Drive alone to work | 66% | 63% |
| Carpool | 10% | 8% |
| Work from home | 16% | 20% |
| Commute of 45 minutes or more | 20% | 17% |
| Commute under 15 minutes | 25% | 26% |
| Households with no vehicle | 9% | 7% |
| Households with 3 or more vehicles | 22% | 26% |
Data: Census Bureau ACS 2020–2024 five-year estimates (commuting and vehicles available).
Tacoma commutes are longer than the Washington norm, with 20% of workers driving 45-plus minutes. If your commute is short or you mostly work from home, ask about low-mileage or usage-based pricing.
Fewer Tacoma workers telecommute (16%) than the state average, which means more cars on the road at rush hour.
In Tacoma, 9% of households live without a car while 22% have three or more. Teen drivers and extra vehicles change pricing more than almost anything else.
Tacoma homes and homeowners coverage
The median owner-occupied home in Tacoma is valued at $479,600, and half of the city's homes were built before 1967. The Washington median value is $564,600. Your dwelling limit should match rebuild cost, which can differ from market value.
Benchmark: $1,209 was the average 2023 Washington HO-3 premium at the $450,000–$499,999 coverage level, per the NAIC. Countrywide, the all-amounts HO-3 average was $1,737.
Averages are for information only and are not a quote or offer of coverage. Your actual premium depends on underwriting.
Required auto coverage for Tacoma drivers
The state minimum is 25/50/10. Additional requirement: none beyond liability. See our state minimums guide for how these compare across our ten states.
One insurer or two for a Tacoma household
With 56% of households owning their home, bundling is an option for most Tacoma families. Compare the bundle against separate quotes with the same limits and deductibles; the discount only matters if the total is lower.
Local risks for Tacoma cars and homes
Plan for windstorms that drop trees on cars and roofs, along with wildfire east of the Cascades. Check your wind or hail deductible on the home policy and your comprehensive deductible on the car.
See FEMA's National Risk Index for local hazard scores.
Tacoma compared with nearby cities
In Lakewood, 48% own their home and 19% of households have three or more vehicles. In Puyallup, 52% own their home and 24% of households have three or more vehicles. In Seattle, 44% own their home and 9% of households have three or more vehicles. Tacoma ranks 7th for long commutes among the 30 Washington cities we profile.
What to have ready for a Tacoma quote
- Roof age and material
- Target limits and deductibles
- Everyone in the household who drives
- Vehicle year, make, model, and VIN
- Recent claims or violations
- Commute distance and typical yearly miles
Questions from Tacoma drivers and homeowners
What are the minimum car insurance limits for Tacoma drivers?
Washington requires liability of 25/50/10; none beyond liability.
Do Tacoma drivers have long commutes?
About 20% of Tacoma workers commute 45 minutes or more and 25% commute under 15 minutes (ACS 2020–2024).
What does homeowners insurance cost in Tacoma?
Prices depend on the home and coverage. The NAIC's 2023 Washington HO-3 average was $1,232; see the Washington page.
Other city guides near Tacoma
Auto and home insurance in Washington
Last updated October 15, 2026 · How we research