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


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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 $58. Explore the cheapest car insurance in Washington and compare quotes from different insurers.

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.

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

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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 aged 22-29 see the highest premiums due to their relative inexperience on the road, which statisticians correlate with higher accident rates.

The table below displays the average minimum coverage cost in Washington for each age group, helping drivers compare their expected premiums efficiently.

22-29$910$76
30-59$696$58
60 +$734$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
  • Auto-Owners Insurance Co: $465 per year and $39 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:
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Age Group:30-59
PEMCO$184$15
Auto-Owners Insurance Co$465$39
Progressive$501$42
State Farm$504$42
Chubb$549$46
Travelers$570$47
Nationwide$580$48
GEICO$614$51
American Family$640$53
Farmers$640$53
Kemper$726$60
Allstate$803$67
National General$990$83
Dairyland$1,976$165

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

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.

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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?

Why does Washington require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Washington?

What happens if you drive uninsured in Washington?

About Mark Fitzpatrick


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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.