Auto Insurance In Washington: What's The Law?

Washington state law requires all drivers to have a minimum amount of car insurance. The minimum coverage requirements are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability. If you drive without the necessary insurance, you could receive a fine of $450 or more for a first offense.

Minimum insurance requirements

Washington state law requires drivers to carry a minimum amount of car insurance. The bare minimum car insurance requirements for Washington drivers are:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person per accident
• $50,000 bodily injury for all persons per accident
• $10,000 property damage liability

These minimum requirements are often written as 25/50/10. This means that in Washington, drivers must have $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, along with $10,000 in property damage protection.

Drivers in Washington must also have underinsured motorist coverage, which includes:

• $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury
• $10,000 per accident for property damage

Additionally, drivers must have basic personal injury protection of $10,000 per accident.

It is important to note that underinsured and personal injury protection coverages can be rejected in writing if the driver prefers not to purchase them. While Washington does not require drivers to carry additional coverage such as Collision and Comprehensive, it is recommended to supplement the minimum requirements to protect oneself from monetary loss in the event of a major accident.

Proof of insurance

In Washington state, it is illegal to drive a car without liability insurance or another way to assume financial responsibility for damages. If you are stopped by a police officer, you must be able to show proof of auto insurance. Failure to do so is considered a traffic infraction and can result in a fine of at least $450, or even $550.

When you start or renew your auto insurance policy, your insurance company will send you a proof-of-insurance card. This card shows that either you or your vehicle is covered by liability insurance. The card must include the following:

• Name of the insurance company
• Effective date of the policy
• Expiration date of the policy
• Description of the year, make, and model of the insured vehicles, or the name of the insured driver

The word "fleet" may be used for more than five vehicles owned by the same person or business.

If you are unable to provide proof of insurance, you may face penalties such as fines or a suspension of your driver's license. These penalties can quickly accumulate on your driving record and potentially result in license revocation.

It is important to note that Washington state offers multiple options for insurance coverage. In addition to the standard auto insurance policy, you may also choose to apply for a certificate of deposit, obtain a liability bond, or explore self-insurance if you own a fleet of vehicles. Comprehensive insurance is also recommended to cover major repairs and hospital bills in the event of a serious accident.

Failure to insure penalties

Washington state law requires all drivers to carry liability insurance or another form of coverage. Failure to show proof of insurance when pulled over by a law enforcement officer is considered an infraction and can result in fines of up to $550. If you fail to pay the fine in full or make arrangements for a payment plan, your driver's license may be suspended.

If you are unable to provide proof of insurance at the scene of an accident, your driver's license will be suspended if the accident resulted in more than $1,000 worth of property damage or personal injuries, and there is a reasonable possibility that you, as the uninsured driver, will be found responsible for the accident. The suspension could last up to three years from the date of the collision, and it costs $75 to reinstate your license.

If you knowingly provide false insurance information and are found to be without coverage, you are guilty of a misdemeanour, which can result in a conviction and, in certain cases, suspension of your driver's license and driving privileges.

To avoid a license suspension after an accident, you can provide the Washington State Department of Licensing with proof of insurance, a signed release from everyone involved in the collision indicating they will not hold you responsible for damages, a copy of a written agreement with everyone seeking reimbursement for damages, or proof of financial responsibility.

Self-insurance

In the state of Washington, it is a legal requirement for every automobile on the road to have liability coverage via car insurance. However, the state offers multiple options for insurance coverage, including self-insurance.

To qualify for self-insurance in Washington, you must meet the minimum requirements set by the state. This includes demonstrating financial responsibility and providing proof of financial stability. The specific criteria and application process can be obtained by contacting the local Department of Licensing office.

Once approved for self-insurance, drivers must carry a self-insurance certificate at all times when operating their vehicles. This certificate serves as proof of financial responsibility and must include specific information, such as the effective date and a description of the covered vehicles or driver. Failure to provide this certificate upon request by law enforcement is considered a traffic infraction and may result in fines or other penalties.

In summary, self-insurance is a viable option for those with a large fleet of vehicles in Washington state. By meeting the state's requirements and obtaining approval, individuals or businesses can assume financial responsibility for their vehicles without purchasing traditional auto insurance. However, it is crucial to comply with the state's regulations and provide valid proof of self-insurance to avoid legal consequences.

Insurance discounts

Yes, auto insurance is required in Washington state. The state's mandatory liability insurance law requires anyone who drives a motor vehicle or a motorcycle to carry liability insurance with a minimum liability limit of:

• $25,000 for injuries or death per person
• $50,000 for injuries or death per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

Now, let's take a look at some insurance discounts available in Washington state:

Washington state offers various discounts to help reduce the cost of auto insurance. Here are some common discounts offered by insurance providers:

• Good Student Discount: Teen or young adult drivers who are full-time students and maintain good academic grades can qualify for this discount. The criteria for this discount may vary, but it typically includes having a B average or its equivalent, or being in the upper 20% of the student's class.
• Defensive Driving Course Discount: Taking an approved defensive driving course can result in a discount on your insurance premium. This discount is often available for drivers over the age of 55, but it may also be offered to drivers of all ages.
• Multi-Vehicle Discount: If you insure multiple vehicles with the same insurance company, you may be eligible for a discount. This can include combining auto insurance with policies for motorcycles, boats, or RVs.
• Good Driving Discount: If you have a clean driving record, you may qualify for a good driving discount. This typically requires having no moving violations or at-fault accidents for a certain period, usually three years.
• Multiple Line Discount: If you have multiple types of insurance policies with the same company, such as home, renters, or life insurance, you may be eligible for a multiline discount.
• Vehicle Safety Discount: Newer model vehicles, typically from 1994 onwards, may qualify for a discount based on the make and model's safety record and loss experience.
• Student Away at School Discount: If you have a student on your policy who attends school more than 100 miles away and only drives the insured vehicle during school vacations, you may be eligible for a discount.
• Passive Restraint Discount: Vehicles equipped with factory-installed safety features, such as airbags, may qualify for a discount if they meet federal safety standards.
• Drive Safe & Save Discount: This discount is based on your driving behaviour and is determined by factors such as safe driving, mileage, and time of day. The discount can vary, but it may go up to 30%.
• Accident-Free Discount: If you maintain an accident-free driving record for a certain period, typically three years, you may be eligible for this discount.

It's important to note that the availability and eligibility requirements for these discounts may vary by state and insurance provider. Be sure to check with your insurance company or agent to find out which discounts you may qualify for and how to apply for them. Shopping around and comparing quotes from different insurance providers can also help you find the best rates and maximize your savings.

Frequently asked questions