Car insurance · Washington
Car insurance requirements in Washington
Liability 25/50/10, or an approved alternative. Claims system: fault-based claims.
Verified summaryAll Washington insurance topics
Requirements
Minimum car insurance requirements in Washington
| Coverage | Requirement in Washington |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 for injury or death to another person / $50,000 for all other people |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 for damage to another person's property |
| Injury protection | Personal injury protection (PIP) is optional coverage |
| Uninsured / underinsured motorist | Not listed as required |
What the law requires you to carry
- Carry liability insurance with limits of at least $25,000 for injury 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
- Or apply for a certificate of deposit with the Department of Licensing to pay for your liability
- Or have a liability bond of at least $60,000 filed by a surety bond company authorized to do business in Washington
Uninsured drivers
Uninsured motorist coverage in Washington
Not listed as required.
Optional coverage
Coverage you can add in Washington
- Personal injury protection (PIP)
- Collision
- Comprehensive
- Uninsured/underinsured motorist
Penalties
Penalties for driving without insurance in Washington
Driving without the required insurance can bring a fine of $550 or more, according to the Department of Licensing. Failing to show proof of insurance is a traffic infraction, and knowingly providing false evidence of coverage is a misdemeanor. If you are at fault in a collision without insurance, your license may be suspended if you fail to pay the resulting damages or injuries.
Good to know
Other things to know in Washington
- Washington's mandatory liability law requires anyone who drives in the state to meet the financial responsibility requirement in one of three ways: liability insurance, a certificate of deposit with the Department of Licensing, or a surety bond of at least $60,000.
- Your insurance company sends you a proof-of-insurance card when you start or renew your policy.
- PIP is optional coverage you can add to your auto policy. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner says it can help pay for additional costs if you or your passengers are injured in an auto accident.
- Since July 28, 2019, motorcycle drivers have been required to carry liability coverage and proof of insurance.
- Under RCW 46.30.020, proof of financial responsibility must be provided when a law enforcement officer asks for it. Failing to provide it is a traffic infraction.
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm with the official sources listed below.
Contacts
Who to contact in Washington
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner
- Website: insurance.wa.gov
- NAIC directory of state insurance departments
Sources
Where this summary comes from
Reviewed 2026-10. Check each source for the current rule.
Keep reading
Guides that explain these coverages
- Minimum car insurance requirements by state
- Which States Require Uninsured Motorist Coverage?
- No-Fault vs. At-Fault Car Insurance: Which States Use Which
- States That Raised Minimum Car Insurance Limits Since 2018
- Liability coverage explained
- Collision vs. comprehensive coverage
- What affects your car insurance rate
- After an accident: what to do and what to expect
More about Washington.
Home insurance resources and the health marketplace for Washington are on its overview page.