Washington Auto Insurance: What You Need To Know

Driving without insurance in Washington state can result in a fine of up to $550. To avoid this, drivers must carry proof of insurance and be prepared to show their auto insurance ID card to law enforcement at any time. This card is provided by the insurance company and includes details such as the name of the insurance company, policy dates, and a description of the insured vehicle(s) or driver(s). The minimum insurance requirements in Washington state are $25,000 of bodily injury liability coverage per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $10,000 of property damage liability coverage per accident.

Minimum liability coverage

Washington state requires all drivers to have auto liability insurance. This means that if you are a licensed driver in Washington, you must have some form of liability coverage on your automobile. This ensures that everyone involved in an accident is appropriately and fairly covered if they are not at fault.

The minimum liability coverage required by law in Washington State includes:

• $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person
• $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, for up to two people
• $10,000 for property damage liability per accident

These requirements fall under liability coverage, which means that it covers damages and injuries that you cause to another driver or their passengers. This coverage does not provide compensation for your own injuries or damages following an accident.

It is important to note that Washington is an at-fault state, meaning the driver responsible for an accident is liable for the injuries and damages of the other driver and their passengers. This is why it is essential to have at least the minimum liability coverage required by law to protect yourself financially in the event of an accident.

While comprehensive insurance is not mandatory, it is recommended to provide additional coverage in case of a more serious accident that results in major repairs and/or hospital bills.

Proof of insurance

In Washington state, drivers are required to carry proof of insurance when driving. This is to ensure that all drivers have financial responsibility in the event of an accident. If you're stopped by a law enforcement officer, you must show proof of insurance or face a ticket for a traffic violation.

When you buy an auto insurance policy, your insurance company will send you a proof-of-insurance card. This card shows that either you or your vehicle are 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 have a self-insurance certificate, you must also be prepared to show this to law enforcement. This certificate may be printed on any size paper and must include the following:

• Self-insurance certificate number issued to you
• Effective date of the certificate
• Description of the year, make, and model of the covered vehicles, or the name of the covered driver
• The word "fleet" may be used in place of the vehicle description

Failing to show valid proof of insurance is considered a traffic infraction and can result in fines of up to $450 or more. Knowingly providing false information is an automatic misdemeanour.

Exceptions to the law

Washington state requires all drivers to have auto insurance. However, there are exceptions to this law.

The following registered vehicles are exempt from the mandatory auto insurance law:

• Motor scooters and mopeds
• Horseless carriages (specially licensed vehicles over 40 years old)
• State or publicly-owned vehicles
• Common or contract carriers with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission

It is important to note that even though insurance is not mandatory for these vehicles, their drivers may still be held responsible for any damages or injuries caused by their negligent use.

In addition to the above exceptions, Washington state offers multiple options for insurance coverage, which set it apart from other states. These options include:

• Certificate of Deposit: This requires a minimum deposit of $60,000, either with the state or in a bank account.
• Liability Bond: A guarantee of payment issued by a surety bond company authorized to operate in Washington, with a minimum coverage of $60,000.
• Self-Insurance: Commercial fleets with 26 or more vehicles may qualify for self-insurance.

While these options provide flexibility, it is crucial to remember that driving without insurance in Washington can result in penalties, including fines, license suspension, and even jail time if an accident occurs.

Optional coverages

While liability insurance is required in Washington state, there are several optional add-on coverages that drivers may want to consider. These include:

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive coverage is an optional add-on that covers physical damage to your vehicle that is not related to a collision. This can include weather damage or theft. While not mandatory, comprehensive coverage can provide financial protection for your vehicle in the event of non-collision-related incidents.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage is another optional add-on that covers the cost of repairing or replacing your vehicle after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It also covers damage to your vehicle resulting from a collision with an object. If you're unsure whether you can afford repairs or a new car after an accident, collision coverage can provide valuable peace of mind.

Loan/Lease Payoff Coverage

If you have taken out a loan or lease for your vehicle, loan/lease payoff coverage will help pay off any remaining payments if your vehicle is totaled. This type of coverage is particularly beneficial if your loan amount exceeds the value of your vehicle.

Medical Payments Coverage

Medical payments coverage takes care of your medical bills following an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This can be especially useful if you don't have comprehensive health insurance or if your health insurance doesn't cover injuries sustained in a car accident.

Rental Car Reimbursement Coverage

If your vehicle is being repaired or replaced after an accident, rental car reimbursement coverage will help cover the cost of renting a replacement vehicle. This can be a convenient way to ensure you can still get to work or run errands while your vehicle is out of commission.

Roadside Assistance Coverage

Roadside assistance coverage will cover the cost of services like towing, tire changes, and jump-starts if your vehicle breaks down. It can be a helpful addition, especially if you frequently drive long distances or in areas with limited access to repair services.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

While some level of uninsured motorist coverage is required in Washington, you may want to increase this coverage amount to ensure you're fully protected. Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage pays for damages or medical bills if you're in an accident with a driver who doesn't have sufficient insurance.

Penalties for driving without insurance

Driving without insurance in Washington State can result in serious penalties. If you fail to show proof of insurance when pulled over by a law enforcement officer, you could be fined up to $450, and providing false information is an automatic misdemeanour. If you are unable to provide proof of insurance at the scene of an accident, your driver's license will be suspended if you fail to pay the resulting damages and/or injuries.

If you are unable to show proof of insurance when requested by a law enforcement officer, you may be issued a ticket for a traffic infraction, which could result in penalties such as community service and state fines. The minimum fine for driving without insurance in Washington State is $550. If you are unable to pay the fine in full or make arrangements for a payment plan, your driver's license may be suspended.

If you are involved in an accident while driving without insurance, you will be responsible for paying for the collision damage. 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, your driver's license will be suspended for up to three years from the date of the collision, and it will cost $75 to reinstate it.

To avoid having your license suspended after an accident, you must provide the Washington State Department of Licensing with proof of insurance in effect at the time of the collision, 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.

Frequently asked questions