Washington Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)

Name: Washington Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Item: Washington Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (November 2024)
Author: Mark Fitzpatrick

Washington's state minimum car insurance coverage is 25/50/10. On average, this coverage costs $688 annually, or about $57 monthly.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Reviewed by Mark Friedlander

Edited by Myjel Guevarra

Updated: November 21, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

Washington state mandates drivers to carry minimum car insurance, which includes $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability. This aligns with Washington's status as an at-fault state, meaning drivers responsible for accidents are liable for damages and injuries. Securing minimum car insurance requirements is essential for legal and financial protection.

The average monthly premium for state minimum coverage auto insurance is about $57. Explore the cheapest car insurance in Washington and compare quotes from different insurers.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Washington Minimum Coverage Requirements
Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Washington
Cheapest Companies in Washington for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in Washington
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Washington
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner to give you the most accurate cost data for a range of Washington drivers.

These rates reflect the cost of minimum coverage car insurance requirements in Washington as of November 2024.

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Washington Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In Washington state, drivers must have minimum coverage auto insurance to legally drive and to ensure that all drivers carry enough insurance to cover potential damages resulting from an accident. Minimum coverage includes:

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

Washington operates under a fault-based system, which means that insurance companies will pay out based on each party's degree of fault. Whether Washington is a fault or no-fault state impacts your car insurance premium. In a fault state, the driver at fault for an accident is responsible for covering the damages.

DOES WASHINGTON REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

Washington state does not mandate drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance. However, if you are financing or leasing a vehicle, your lender or lessor will likely require both coverages to protect their investment. These coverages provide financial protection against physical damage to your car that is not covered by minimum coverage insurance.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Liability Insurance Covers	What Liability Insurance Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others if you are at fault in an accident	Your injuries
Damage to another person’s property if you are at fault in an accident	Damages to your car
Some coverage for injuries caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, depending on your policy	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Property damage caused by uninsured/underinsured drivers, unless additional coverage is purchased

The table reflects Washington's minimum car insurance requirements, including bodily injury and property damage coverage. Coverage specifics depend on your policy's terms and conditions.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Washington

In Washington, drivers between 22 and 29 years old face the highest premiums primarily because they are deemed higher risk due to their lack of driving experience.

The table below displays the average annual and monthly minimum coverage car insurance costs in Washington by age group, indicating how age influences the affordability of these plans.


22-29	$899	$75
30-59	$688	$57
60 +	$726	$61

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Washington

For drivers in Washington seeking affordable insurance, these are the most competitive rates for minimum coverage policies:

PEMCO: $184 per year and $15 per month
State Farm: $416 per year and $35 per month

Selecting an insurance plan should go beyond just finding the most affordable rates. It's essential to weigh the benefits of each policy and choose one that aligns with your individual needs and circumstances. Make an informed choice by exploring the best car insurance in Washington.

Data filtered by:Results filtered by:

Age Group:

Age Group:30-59


PEMCO	$184	$15
State Farm	$416	$35
Auto-Owners Insurance Co	$465	$39
Progressive	$501	$42
Chubb	$549	$46
Travelers	$570	$47
Nationwide	$580	$48
GEICO	$619	$52
American Family	$640	$53
Farmers	$640	$53
Kemper	$726	$60
Allstate	$803	$67
National General	$990	$83
Dairyland	$1,943	$162

Optional Add-On Coverages in Washington

In Washington, optional add-on coverages include uninsured motorist coverage, collision, comprehensive, personal injury protection (PIP) and rental reimbursement. These add-ons protect against various risks, such as accidents with uninsured drivers, vehicle theft or damage from natural disasters. For guidance on how much car insurance you need, consider the value of your car, driving habits and personal risk tolerance. While not mandatory, these coverages can safeguard your financial well-being after an incident.

Add-On Coverage	What It Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	Medical expenses, lost wages and repair costs if you're hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance.	Damage to your vehicle if you are at fault or damages that exceed policy limits.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	Medical expenses, lost income and funeral costs for you or your passengers, regardless of who's at fault.	Vehicle damage or injuries to the other driver.
Roadside Assistance	Services like towing, flat tire changes and jump-starts when your car breaks down.	Cost of parts or repairs needed after the tow.
Gap Insurance	Pays the difference between your car's current value and what you still owe if it's totaled or stolen.	Vehicle depreciation or overdue loan payments.
Rental Car Reimbursement	The cost of a rental car while your vehicle is being repaired after a covered event.	Fuel, insurance or other rental extras.
Collision Coverage	Repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault.	Damage due to theft, vandalism or natural disasters.
Comprehensive Coverage	Repairs to non-collision damages from events like theft, fire or hail.	Damages from a collision or personal injuries.
Towing and Labor Coverage	Towing and basic roadside assistance labor costs at the vehicle's breakdown site.	More extensive repairs needed at a garage.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Safeguards aftermarket enhancements like custom wheels or stereo systems.	Original parts that came with your vehicle.
Accidental Death Coverage	Offers a payout if you or a passenger dies or experiences certain injuries in a car accident.	Non-accidental death or injuries.
Classic Car Insurance	Agreed-upon values for your unique vehicle, tailored for vintage or collector cars.	Regular use, like your daily commute.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Washington

The cost of a ticket for driving without minimum coverage auto insurance in Washington can differ depending on whether it's your first offense or if you've been caught before. First-time offenders may face lighter penalties than those with previous offenses, which often result in stricter consequences.

Penalties for driving without at least minimum coverage in Washington include:

Fines: This is the primary penalty for driving uninsured.
Vehicle impoundment: Your car may be taken away, and you'll have to pay fees to get it back.
License suspension: Authorities can take away your driving privileges for a specified time.
SR-22 requirement: You might have to provide proof of future financial responsibility by filing an SR-22 form.
Jail time: You could face imprisonment if you are involved in an accident while uninsured.

Always abide by insurance laws, as driving without insurance can lead to significant penalties. Compliance is a legal requirement and safeguards yourself and others on the road.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy cancellation in Washington, drivers should immediately seek a new policy to avoid driving uninsured, which is illegal. Consult your insurance agent for options or contact other insurers for coverage. It's essential to maintain at least the state minimum coverage.

The Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) will likely be informed of the policy cancellation. Once notified, the DOL may suspend driving privileges until proof of insurance is provided. Drivers should act quickly to address the situation.

If you struggle to find standard coverage, Washington operates the Washington Automobile Insurance Plan (WAIP), which helps high-risk drivers obtain the necessary insurance. Explore all avenues to ensure continuous coverage. Remember, driving without insurance in Washington is not an option; always maintain minimum coverage to comply with the law.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Car insurance policies in Washington may be canceled for a few reasons, such as:

Non-Payment: Failing to pay your insurance premium on time can result in cancellation.
Fraud: Providing false information or omitting vital details during application can lead to termination of the policy.
License Suspension: The insurer may cancel your coverage if your driver's license gets suspended or revoked.
Too Many Claims: Filing numerous claims in a short period might signal high risk to the insurer, prompting cancellation.

Remember, maintaining a clean driving record and promptly paying premiums can help keep your car insurance policy active.

FAQ: Washington Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

We answer commonly asked questions about Washington state's minimum car insurance requirements. Here, you'll find the information you need to ensure you're legally covered before hitting the road in the Evergreen State.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Washington?

In Washington, the minimum coverage auto insurance includes $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. This basic coverage protects drivers financially if they're at fault in an accident, covering damages and injuries up to these limits.

Why does Washington require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Washington mandates state minimum auto insurance to ensure that all drivers have financial responsibility in the event of an accident. This coverage helps to cover the costs of injuries and damages to others that the at-fault driver may cause, safeguarding victims from paying out of pocket for expenses not covered by the liable motorist. It's a legal requirement to protect the public and maintain accountability on the roads.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Washington?

In Washington, comprehensive insurance is not required by law. However, it can be an important addition to your state minimum coverage, protecting you against damages not caused by a collision, such as theft, vandalism or natural disasters. Considering Washington's frequent rain and potential for natural events, it might be a wise investment for added protection.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Washington?

Driving uninsured in Washington can result in severe penalties, including fines of up to $550 or more and the revocation of your driving privileges. Additionally, if you cause a collision while uninsured, you could be held personally responsible for damages and injuries. Ensuring you have at least state minimum coverage protects you from legal consequences and financial strain in the event of an accident.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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