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Washington

Washington car insurance requirements

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Minimum mandatory auto insurance in Washington

Car insurance minimums typically provide enough coverage to help pay liability claims related to others’ accident-related injuries and property damages. Your liability minimums for Washington are:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person (Washington State Department of Licensing).
  • 50,000 bodily injury liability per accident (Washington State Department of Licensing).

Property damage coverage: Costs associated with property damages for which you are held liable.

  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident (Washington State Department of Licensing).

Certain alternatives are accepted as substitutes for auto insurance under Ohio law:

  • Self-insurance, which you may qualify for if you have at least 26 vehicles (Washington State Department of Licensing).
  • A certificate of deposit, with a minimum deposit amount of $60,000 through the Department of Licensing or a bank account set up for the State of Washington (Washington State Department of Licensing).
  • A liability bond, made for at least $60,000 and filed by a surety bond company authorized to do business in Washington (Washington State Department of Licensing).

Standard Washington auto insurance coverages

The following standard car insurance coverages help provide basic financial protection from a variety of losses.
a white car with a blue logo

Collision coverage

Collision coverage helps protect you from collision or rollover damages, no matter who caused the accident.

Another driver bumps their car into yours as they back out of a parking spot. Collision coverage can assist with any repairs you may need.
a car with a sign on it

Comprehensive coverage

Comprehensive coverage helps protect you from damage caused by accidents that don’t involve colliding with another vehicle or object. Examples include hail damage, fire, flooding, theft, vandalism and collisions with animals.
Your car is parked under a tree, and a falling tree branch damages the windshield. Comprehensive coverage helps you get a replacement.
a white ambulance with orange stripes

Bodily injury liability coverage

If you cause a car accident that results in injuries, bodily injury liability coverage may help pay for accident-related medical treatment. It may also protect you if you're sued.
After a fender-bender, the other driver goes to the hospital with a broken nose. Bodily injury liability compensates for their medical bill.
a pair of medical tools

Medical expense coverage

If you were injured in a car accident, medical expense coverage may help pay for medical care for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.
A car backed into you, causing your passenger to hit their head and need stitches. Medical expense coverage can help pay for their medical bills. 

Washington add-on auto coverages

Add-on coverages help protect you from losses that would otherwise lead to potentially costly out-of-pocket expenses.
a car with a flat tire

Roadside assistance

Get service and support if your car breaks down with emergency roadside assistance coverage.

a person handing car keys to another person

Rental reimbursement

Cover transportation expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a qualifying event.

an accident involving a car and a motorcycle

Underinsured coverage

Protect yourself from accident-related losses if another driver doesn't have enough insurance.

two cars involved in a rear-ending accident

Uninsured coverage

Help cover accident-related damages after a collision with an uninsured at-fault driver.

This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information. Please check your state and local laws.

The information on this webpage represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Coverage features and limits vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Discount availability and eligibility vary by state and policy terms. (Discounts apply to auto and property policies.) Please check with your agent and read the policy for exact details on coverages and exclusions.

 

References

 

Washington State Department of Licensing (n.d.). Mandatory insurance. https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/mandatory-insurance