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Auto insurance requirements are regulated at the state level. The state of Washington (like most other states in the U.S.) requires drivers to carry a specified amount of liability insurance.
According to the Insurance Research Council, despite the requirement, around 21.7% of Washington drivers are uninsured.
This post will explore more about auto insurance requirements in the Evergreen State and penalties for not carrying a sufficient cover.
Understanding Your Requirement Coverage
Every state, save for New Hampshire, requires a minimum amount of liability insurance cover. This coverage helps cater to any damage you cause to other drivers, their passengers, or cars. The state of Washington requires all drivers to carry bodily injury and property damage liability car insurance coverage.
There are three major components to auto insurance liability coverage:
- Bodily injury coverage/person
- Bodily injury coverage/accident
- Property damage coverage/accident
Usually, these limits are expressed as numerical sequences, such as 15/30/10. For example, you have collided with a van ferrying some passengers. With such limits, your liability insurance would cover up to $15,000/person for bodily injuries (for passengers) and a maximum of $30,000 in total bodily injury costs. You would also be covered for property damage up to $10,000.
Washington Minimum Auto Insurance Requirements
According to the revised Code of Washington § 46.30, anyone who drives a car or motorbike in Washington must have liability insurance that meets the following minimums:
- $25,000 for bodily injuries/death to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injuries to many people
- $10,000 for property damage
This type of insurance coverage is known as “25/50/10 coverage.” Apparently, it is the most practical way for most drivers to conform to the set laws. However, there is an alternative that entails depositing a huge sum of money with the Washington state government in the event of an accident.
Drivers who want to go this route can:
- Apply to the Washington Department of Licensing for a certificate of deposit, and
- Have a $60,000 liability bond filed by a surety bond company licensed to conduct business in Washington.
Note: Only motor vehicles and motorcycles are required to have liability insurance in Washington. Insurance is not necessary for mopeds, motor scooters, or horseless carriages.
Optional Insurance Coverage in Washington
Is there any additional coverage you should carry in Washington? In the event of a severe auto accident, the minimum liability insurance discussed above may not be sufficient to pay the damages. This may leave you personally accountable for the damages that surpass your policy limits. As a result, many drivers opt to buy additional liability insurance.
Drivers in Washington can carry the following optional coverage in addition to liability insurance:
- Comprehensive coverage – covers damages other than those arising from collision (fire, vandalism, falling objects, etc.)
- Collision coverage – covers damages to your car as a result of a collision with another car or an object (e.g., fence)
- MedPay – covers medical costs incurred by you and your passengers, no matter who is at fault.
- Personal injury protection (PIP) – Covers up to $10,000 no matter who is liable (the extent of coverage depends on the specific policy)
- Uninsured motorist (UM) cover – Provides coverage for property damage and bodily damage suffered by you or the passengers riding in your car as a result of an uninsured driver’s negligence.
- Underinsured motorist (UIM) – Provides coverage for property damage and bodily injury sustained by you or the passengers riding in your car as a result of an accident caused by a driver who is carrying inadequate insurance to cover the damages.
Remember, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all insurance policy. A comprehensive coverage plan from one insurer may not cover damages caused by hail, while a similar policy from another insurance company may cover the same. Always read the fine print before purchasing any insurance cover.
Penalties for Driving Without an Insurance Cover in Washington
Washington requires drivers to produce proof of insurance anytime a law enforcement officer requests for it. A fine of up to $550 can be imposed on drivers who do not carry insurance. Even worse, drivers might have their licenses revoked.
However, the notable repercussion for driving without insurance in most States is that uninsured drivers who are at fault are personally responsible for damages.
Not bothered about being personally responsible because you don’t have money?
In instances such as this, the other driver can get a court order that authorizes them to garnish your salary and sell your property (including your house and vehicles)
Getting the Best Washington Insurance Rates
Whether you opt to carry full coverage, minimum coverage, or a policy that lies somewhere in between, there are several ways to get the best rates:
- Inquire about the available discounts, including multi-policy, multi vehicle, broad form policy, or paperless discounts – or read more about it by clicking here .
- Compare insurance rates from different companies.
- Review your policy and avoid any unnecessary coverage.
- Maintain good driving coverage.
The tips listed above are just a drop in the ocean. Thus, regularly assess your insurance needs, and if your insurer increases your rates, shop elsewhere. Also, get quotations from different carriers whenever you make changes to your policy, such as adding a new vehicle or driver.
All said and done, Washington residents are required to adhere to the state’s motor vehicle insurance laws. Failure to do so might result in hefty fines and perhaps a license suspension.
