Auto Insurance Requirements In Washington State: What You Need To Know

Driving without insurance in Washington state is illegal and can result in a fine of $550 or more. If you are at fault in an accident and don't have insurance, your license may be suspended if you fail to pay for any resulting damages and/or injuries. Washington state law requires all drivers to carry auto liability insurance and proof of insurance. The minimum coverage includes $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident.

Minimum liability coverage

Washington state requires all drivers to carry car insurance. Motorists must also be able to provide proof of coverage if they are pulled over or involved in a collision. Failure to do so can result in fines of up to $550 or more. If you are at fault in an accident and do not have insurance, your license may be suspended if you fail to pay for any resulting damages and/or injuries.

The minimum liability coverage in Washington state is 25/50/10:

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

Bodily injury liability coverage pays for injuries that you, the designated driver, or policyholder cause to someone else. It also covers you and the family members listed in your policy when driving someone else's car or motorcycle (with their permission). Property damage liability coverage helps pay for damages you cause to another vehicle or property in an accident.

While these are the state-mandated minimums, they may not provide enough financial protection in the event of a serious accident. Increasing these limits and adding extra coverage is recommended to ensure you are properly covered.

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 drive a vehicle registered in Washington state, you must have motor vehicle insurance with the following minimum coverage:

• $25,000 of bodily injury or death coverage per person in any one accident
• $50,000 of bodily injury or death coverage for any two or more people in any one accident
• $10,000 of injury to or destruction of property coverage in any one accident

Additionally, Washington state drivers are required to carry proof of insurance when driving and must be prepared to show their auto insurance ID card to law enforcement upon request. This card is provided by the insurance company when you buy a policy and 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 if you have more than five vehicles owned by the same person or business. Failing to show valid proof of insurance is considered a traffic infraction, and providing false evidence of coverage is a misdemeanour.

Since 2013, Washington state has allowed drivers to provide proof of insurance electronically from their mobile devices to law enforcement officers. However, the policyholder assumes all liability for any damage to their device while in the officer's possession.

Bodily injury liability

In Washington state, it is mandatory to carry bodily injury liability coverage as part of your auto insurance. This covers injuries that you, as the designated driver or policyholder, cause to someone else. It also extends to you and any family members listed in your policy when driving someone else's car or motorcycle (with their permission).

The minimum amount of bodily injury liability coverage required in Washington is $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. This means that the liability protection for the insured is $25,000 per person with a $50,000 per-accident maximum. In other words, this insurance will cover up to $25,000 of bodily injury or death of one person in any one accident and $50,000 of bodily injury or death of any two people in any one accident.

It is important to note that Washington is an at-fault state, meaning the party responsible for an accident must cover the injuries of the other driver and their passengers. Therefore, bodily injury liability coverage is crucial to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident. While these are the state-mandated minimums, higher coverage amounts may better protect you and your family financially.

Additionally, it is illegal to drive in Washington without the required liability insurance or another way to assume financial responsibility for damages. Driving without insurance can result in a fine of up to $550, and your license may be suspended if you are at fault in an accident and cannot pay for the resulting damages and/or injuries.

Property damage liability

In Washington state, drivers are required to carry a minimum of $10,000 of property damage liability coverage. This type of insurance coverage is mandatory and helps pay for damages caused to another person's vehicle or property in an accident. It is important to note that property damage liability typically does not cover damage to your own car or motorcycle, which is why some drivers opt for additional collision coverage.

When purchasing auto insurance in Washington, it is essential to understand the specifics of your policy. Property damage liability coverage usually does not extend to your own vehicle, so it is recommended to review your policy thoroughly and consider additional coverages, such as collision coverage, to ensure comprehensive protection.

While property damage liability is a mandatory requirement, it is just one aspect of auto insurance. Washington state law also mandates that all drivers carry bodily injury liability coverage, which provides financial protection if you cause injuries to others in an accident. Additionally, insurance companies are required to offer uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, as well as personal injury protection (PIP), although these may be declined in writing.

Understanding your auto insurance coverage is crucial to ensuring you are adequately protected in the event of an accident. Property damage liability insurance is a vital component of your policy, safeguarding you from financial liability for damages caused to another person's property. By familiarizing yourself with the requirements and options available, you can make informed decisions about your coverage and protect yourself and your assets.

Collision and comprehensive coverage

Collision coverage protects your vehicle in the event of accidents involving other cars or objects, including single-car rollovers and accidents with stationary objects like road signs and guardrails. This coverage is designed to help pay for the costs of repairing or replacing your vehicle, even if the accident involves an uninsured driver. It is particularly important for drivers who are at a higher risk of accidents, such as those who drive more frequently or in areas with higher traffic volumes.

On the other hand, comprehensive coverage insures your vehicle against non-collision incidents. This includes damage caused by falling trees, weather events, fire, vandalism, and animal collisions. It also covers theft of your vehicle. Comprehensive coverage is ideal for those who live in areas with a higher risk of vehicle damage due to factors such as fallen branches or animals crossing the road.

When deciding whether to opt for collision and comprehensive coverage, it is important to consider factors such as the value of your car, your driving frequency and routes, and your current savings. If you own a high-value car, the cost of repairs or replacement in the event of damage can be significant. Collision and comprehensive coverage can protect you from having to pay these costs out of pocket. Additionally, if you do not have sufficient savings to cover unexpected expenses, purchasing this coverage is highly recommended.

While these coverages are not mandatory in Washington state, they can provide valuable financial protection in the event of vehicle damage. It is worth noting that some lenders may require you to carry both collision and comprehensive coverage if you are financing or leasing your vehicle.

Frequently asked questions