What Is The Minimum Car Insurance Required In Washington?

In Washington, it’s against the law to drive a car without liability insurance or another way to cover the cost of any damage you may cause. The average monthly cost for the minimum required auto insurance is around $57.

With 9 years of experience in auto insurance, I’ve helped drivers like you understand the state’s minimum requirements and find the best insurance policy to suit your needs. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is The Minimum Car Insurance Requirement In Washington?

In Washington, the minimum car insurance requirement is liability coverage of at least 25/50/10. This means your policy must cover: $25,000 for injury or death to one person in an accident, $50,000 for injury or death to multiple people, and $10,000 for property damage.
These are the minimum amounts required by law to drive legally in the state.

Underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, and underinsured motorist property damage coverage is $10,000 per accident.

Is Minimum Coverage Enough?

Washington’s minimum car insurance requirements are pretty standard compared to other states. However, it’s important not to assume that the legal minimum will fully protect you or your assets. Liability limits can be quickly reached, even with moderate injuries, especially if multiple people are hurt.

The $10,000 property damage coverage is far below the cost of most new vehicles, so you could be responsible for any expenses beyond that amount.

Average Cost Of Car Insurance In Washington

Car insurance costs in Washington can differ based on factors like age and gender. As shown in the table below, young drivers typically pay more than older drivers, whether they have Washington’s minimum coverage or full coverage. Generally, male drivers around 50 years old tend to get the lowest rates, while female drivers see the best rates in their 40s.

How To Get Cheap Minimum Coverage Car Insurance In Washington

If you’re looking for ways to save money on car insurance while still meeting the minimum coverage requirements in Washington, here are some strategies to lower your premium:

• Bundle Policies: Insurers may offer discounts for bundling multiple policies, such as home and auto insurance, with the same provider.

• Raise Your Deductible: Choosing a higher deductible can lower your premiums, but it’s important to note that it increases your out-of-pocket costs if you file a claim.

• Ask About Discounts: Insurers don’t always apply discounts automatically, so it’s worth asking if any are available to you.

• Shop Around: When buying a new policy, comparing quotes from multiple providers will give you a better idea of what each one offers and the associated costs.

Washington Car Insurance Law

Washington is an at-fault state for car insurance, meaning the driver who causes the accident is responsible for paying for the damages. If you are at fault, your bodily injury and property damage liability coverage will pay for the costs of the accident.

Washington follows a comparative negligence rule, which allows the victim to recover some damages, even if they are partially at fault. However, their compensation will be reduced based on their percentage of fault. For example, if a victim is found 20% at fault, their damages will be reduced by 20%. If only one driver is at fault, the other parties can recover 100% of their damages. There is no specific limit or threshold for when a driver can no longer seek damages from an accident.

Proof Of Insurance Requirements in Washington

In Washington State, drivers are required to carry proof of insurance or another form of financial responsibility whenever they are behind the wheel. This proof must be shown to law enforcement officers if asked, whether during a traffic stop or at the scene of an accident.

Drivers can provide one of the following as proof of insurance:

• An insurance card from their auto insurance company, either in physical form or a digital version on a mobile device.
• A certificate of self-insurance from the state (for those who qualify as self-insured).
• A certificate of deposit or a $60,000 surety bond, which can serve as an alternative to traditional insurance.

Registration Information

To register your vehicle in Washington, you will need the following:

• For a new vehicle: The Manufacturer’s Statement/Certificate of Origin.
• For a used vehicle: The current title and registration. If there’s a lienholder, you must provide a fax or photocopy of the title held by the lienholder, or a letter from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the state where the title is held.
• Proof that your vehicle has passed a Washington emissions test, if required.
• Personal identification for all registered owners.
• The vehicle’s odometer reading, if the vehicle is less than 10 years old.
• Cash or a check to cover licensing fees and taxes (credit and debit cards are not accepted).

Cancellation And Non-Renewal Notification Laws

In Washington, insurance companies are required to notify policyholders if they cancel or choose not to renew a car insurance policy. If your policy is being canceled, the insurer must send a notice at least 10 days before the cancellation date if it’s for non-payment of premiums, or at least 20 days for other reasons.

For non-renewal, the insurer must give you a notice at least 20 days before the policy expires. These notifications give you time to find a new policy or resolve any issues with the current one.

Uninsured Drivers In Washington

In Washington, the uninsured motorist rate is influenced by a variety of factors, though specific figures can fluctuate. One key reason for a higher uninsured rate in some regions of the state is the cost of car insurance. Insurance premiums in Washington can be higher than in other states due to factors like traffic density, accident rates, and the state’s legal environment.

Washington follows an “at-fault” system for car accidents, meaning the driver responsible for the accident is liable for damages, which can lead to higher insurance premiums, especially for drivers who may have had past claims or violations

Is Car Insurance Required In Washington If You Don’t Own A Vehicle?

Car insurance is required in Washington even if you don’t own a vehicle, but only if you drive one. If you’re planning to drive someone else’s car regularly, you must have insurance coverage. In this case, you can either be added to the car owner’s insurance policy as a driver or buy a non-owner car insurance policy. This type of insurance provides liability coverage when driving cars that you don’t own.

Legal Penalties For Driving Without Insurance

If you’re caught driving without insurance in Washington, you could face a fine of up to $550. If you’re at fault in an accident and don’t have insurance, you may also face additional penalties. These can include having your car impounded, which means you’ll have to pay fees to get it back.

Your driver’s license may be suspended for a certain period, and you could be required to file an SR-22 form to prove you can meet future insurance requirements. In some cases, you could even face jail time if you’re involved in an accident without insurance.

What Is An SR-22 Form?

An SR-22 form is a document that your insurance provider files with the state to prove that you have the required coverage after certain violations, such as driving without insurance or a DUI.

It’s not a separate policy, it’s a certificate showing that you meet the car insurance coverage requirements mandated by your state. In Washington, you’ll typically need to keep an SR-22 on file for three years. Any lapse in coverage during this time could lead to your license being suspended, so it’s important to comply with the rules.

In Washington, an SR-22 can be added to your car insurance, but it usually comes with an extra cost.

Other Types Of Optional Coverage

Drivers can also buy extra car insurance coverage to get more protection beyond the basic liability:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP): Covers medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses, no matter who caused the accident. It’s optional, but insurance companies must offer it.
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage: Protects you if the other driver doesn’t have enough insurance. It’s optional but must be offered by insurance companies.
• Collision Coverage: Pays for damage to your car after an accident, no matter who’s at fault. It’s often required if you’re leasing or financing your car.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Covers damage from things like theft, fire, or hitting an animal. Usually required if you’re financing your vehicle.
• Rental Car Reimbursement: Helps pay for a rental car while your car is being repaired after an accident.
• Roadside Assistance: Offers services like towing, flat tire help, or jump-starts in case of an emergency.