Minimum Car Insurance in Washington
The liability limits Washington requires, whether it is a no-fault state, and whether uninsured motorist or PIP coverage is required.
Short answer: Washington requires liability insurance of at least 25/50/10: $25,000 for injuries or death to another person, $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people, and $10,000 for damage to another person's property. Rev. Code Wash. §§ 46.30.020, 46.29.090; Office of the Insurance Commissioner, Washington state's mandatory auto/motorcycle insurance law
| Minimum coverage required | Washington requires liability insurance of at least 25/50/10: $25,000 for injuries or death to another person, $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people, and $10,000 for damage to another person's property. Alternatives are a certificate of deposit with the Department of Licensing, a liability bond of at least $60,000 from an authorized surety, or self-insurance for owners of 26 or more vehicles. The requirement also applies to motorcycles. Statute: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=46.29.090 |
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| At-fault or no-fault | Washington uses the at-fault (tort) system: the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, paid through liability insurance. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national table of state auto insurance laws lists Washington among the "Tort States." Personal injury protection (PIP) is not mandatory in Washington, but insurers must offer it with every new or renewed auto liability policy; a named insured may reject it in writing, and the rejection carries over to renewals unless coverage is later requested in writing. National table: https://aldoi.gov/consumers/StateAutoLaws.aspx |
| Uninsured motorist coverage | Must be included unless rejected in writing. New and renewed auto liability policies must include underinsured motorist coverage (including hit-and-run and phantom vehicles) for bodily injury, death and property damage. A named insured or spouse may reject it in writing; once rejected, it is not added to renewals unless requested in writing. Choosing property damage UIM limits lower than the liability limits does not require a written rejection. Source: Rev. Code Wash. § 48.22.030 |
More Washington car insurance & vehicle laws
- Driving Without Insurance in Washington
- SR-22 Insurance in Washington
- When a Car Is a Total Loss in Washington
- Transferring a Car Title in Washington
- All Washington car insurance & vehicle laws rules
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance required in Washington?
Washington requires liability insurance of at least 25/50/10: $25,000 for injuries or death to another person, $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people, and $10,000 for damage to another person's property. Alternatives are a certificate of deposit with the Department of Licensing, a liability bond of at least $60,000 from an authorized surety, or self-insurance for owners of 26 or more vehicles. The requirement also applies to motorcycles.
Is Washington a no-fault car insurance state?
Washington uses the at-fault (tort) system: the driver who causes a crash is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, paid through liability insurance. The Alabama Department of Insurance's national table of state auto insurance laws lists Washington among the "Tort States." Personal injury protection (PIP) is not mandatory in Washington, but insurers must offer it with every new or renewed auto liability policy; a named insured may reject it in writing, and the rejection carries over to renewals unless coverage is later requested in writing.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Washington?
Must be included unless rejected in writing. New and renewed auto liability policies must include underinsured motorist coverage (including hit-and-run and phantom vehicles) for bodily injury, death and property damage. A named insured or spouse may reject it in writing; once rejected, it is not added to renewals unless requested in writing. Choosing property damage UIM limits lower than the liability limits does not require a written rejection.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.