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Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage, with a property damage limit of just $10,000 that can be exhausted by a single modern vehicle claim. Instead of a policy, drivers can post a $60,000 certificate of deposit or a $60,000 liability bond with the Department of Licensing, and owners of 26 or more vehicles can self-insure. Since July 28, 2019, motorcyclists must also carry liability coverage.
Washington does not require uninsured or PIP coverage, but insurers must offer them. Underinsured motorist coverage must be offered at the same amount as your liability coverage, and you can decline only by signing the commissioner's rejection form. PIP is optional and pays for extra costs if you or your passengers are injured. The state's fine for driving without insurance starts at $550 according to the Department of Licensing. Washington's credit-scoring debate has also been in the news: a 2021 emergency ban was struck down in court.
| Minimum liability | 25/50/10 (BI per person / BI per accident / PD, in $1,000s) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | None beyond liability |
| Fault system | At-fault (tort) |
| Credit-based insurance scores | Allowed |
Washington minimum liability limits
To register and drive a car in Washington you need at least this much liability coverage:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person in an accident you cause.
- $50,000 in total for injuries to everyone in that accident.
- $10,000 for damage to other people's property, such as their car.
Tip: The minimum is a legal floor, not a recommendation. If a serious crash costs more than your limits, you could be personally responsible for the rest. See how much liability coverage you may need.
Other required and offered coverage
Insurers must offer underinsured motorist coverage at the same amount as your liability coverage, and you can reject it in writing on the insurance commissioner's form. Personal injury protection (PIP) is optional.
Learn more about uninsured motorist coverage and personal injury protection.
Is Washington a no-fault state?
Washington is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes a crash is responsible for the other people's injuries and property damage, which is normally paid by that driver's liability insurance. Injured people can claim against the at-fault driver's insurer or, in some cases, sue.
Washington is an at-fault state. It uses pure comparative negligence, so you can recover damages reduced by your share of fault even if you are mostly to blame.
Read more: at-fault vs. no-fault states explained.
Can insurers use your credit in Washington?
Status: Allowed. In 2021 the insurance commissioner tried to bar insurers from using credit scores for auto rates, but a court overturned that rule and a later 2022 version, so insurers may use credit history in Washington.
See how credit affects car insurance for the bigger picture.
Penalties for driving uninsured in Washington
Driving without the required insurance can bring a fine of $550 or more, according to the Department of Licensing. Failing to show proof of insurance is a traffic infraction, and knowingly giving false evidence of coverage is a misdemeanor.
If you are ordered to file proof of insurance, see what SR-22 insurance is.
Tips for Washington drivers
- Look at your property damage limit. The $10,000 minimum is low, and if you hit a newer vehicle the repair cost may exceed it, leaving you personally responsible for the difference.
- Read the underinsured motorist form carefully. Washington insurers must offer it at the same limit as your liability unless you reject it in writing, so you may already have it.
- Your insurance ID card must show the insurer's name, policy number, effective and expiration dates, and either the vehicle's year, make and model or the insured driver's name. Check that yours does.
- Consider asking about PIP if you do not have health coverage that pays for accident-related costs. It is optional in Washington.
- Keep your proof of insurance current and easy to reach. Washington lists failing to show proof when stopped as a traffic infraction, and an insurer-issued ID card is the standard way to show it.
When you shop, compare quotes from several insurers using the same limits and deductibles, so the prices are like-for-like.
Official resources
- Insurance regulator: Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- Motor vehicle agency: Washington Department of Licensing
Your state insurance department can answer questions about your rights and handle complaints about insurers.
Frequently asked questions
What are Washington's minimum car insurance limits?
Washington requires 25/50/10: $25,000 for injury or death to one other person, $50,000 for injury or death to all other people, and $10,000 for property damage. Alternatives to a policy include a $60,000 certificate of deposit with the Department of Licensing or a $60,000 liability bond from an authorized surety company.
Does Washington require underinsured motorist coverage?
Insurers must offer underinsured motorist coverage on new and renewed policies at the same amount as your third-party liability coverage. You can reject it, but only in writing on a form with a specific warning statement from the insurance commissioner. If you do not reject it, it applies.
What is the fine for driving without insurance in Washington?
The Department of Licensing says you could receive a fine of $550 or more for driving without the required insurance. Failing to show proof of insurance when stopped is a traffic infraction, and knowingly providing false evidence of coverage is a misdemeanor. Your license may also be suspended if you are at fault in a collision, are uninsured and do not pay damages.
Can Washington insurers use my credit score to set rates?
Generally yes. The insurance commissioner issued a rule in 2021 barring credit scores in personal auto rates, but a Washington Superior Court overturned it, finding the commissioner exceeded his authority. A later 2022 version was also overturned. Contact the Office of the Insurance Commissioner for the current status.
Sources
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner - Washington state's mandatory auto/motorcycle insurance law
- Washington Department of Licensing - Vehicle insurance requirements
- Washington RCW 48.22.030 - Underinsured motorist coverage
- WAC 284-20-300 - Mandatory offering of personal injury protection
- HeraldNet - Washington judge overturns insurance rate credit scoring ban
General information only. State rules change. Confirm current requirements with the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner or your insurer before you buy. This page is not insurance or legal advice.