Washington State Auto Insurance Requirements: Minimum Coverage (2025)

Quick Answer: Is Auto Insurance Required in Washington?

Yes. Washington State mandates all drivers carry liability insurance before operating a vehicle. The state uses a tort-based system, meaning the at-fault driver pays for damages they cause.

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Washington Minimum Coverage at a Glance

This is commonly written as 25/50/10—the minimum liability limits in Washington State.

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What Each Coverage Type Means

Bodily Injury Liability ($25,000/$50,000)

$25,000 per person is the maximum your insurance pays for one person's medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering after an accident you cause.

$50,000 per accident is the total cap for all injured parties combined.

Example: You cause a collision injuring four people with medical bills totaling $80,000. Your insurance pays $50,000 maximum—leaving you personally responsible for $30,000.

Property Damage Liability ($10,000)

Covers damage you cause to other vehicles, buildings, fences, guardrails, or other property.

Reality check: The average new vehicle costs over $48,000. A moderate-damage collision often exceeds $15,000 in repairs. Washington's $10,000 minimum barely covers one fender-bender.

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Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Washington law requires insurers to offer UIM coverage, but drivers can reject it in writing. Given that approximately 17% of Washington drivers are uninsured (well above the national average), rejecting this coverage is risky.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection) is also optional in Washington—but insurers must offer at least $10,000 in PIP coverage.

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Who Must Carry Insurance in Washington?

• All registered vehicle owners
• Anyone who drives (including borrowed vehicles)
• Leased and financed vehicle drivers
• Company car operators
• Teen drivers on family policies
• Rideshare drivers (Uber, Lyft) when app is on

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Alternatives to Standard Insurance

Washington allows three alternatives:

1. Certificate of Deposit — Deposit $60,000 with the State Treasurer
2. Surety Bond — Obtain a $60,000 bond from a licensed surety company
3. Self-Insurance Certificate — For fleets of 26+ vehicles (requires approval from the Washington Department of Licensing)

For most drivers, standard liability insurance remains the most practical and affordable option.

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Penalties for Driving Uninsured in Washington

Key consequences:

• Registration suspension: Washington's electronic insurance verification system (WDOL) checks coverage status. Lapsed insurance triggers automatic registration suspension notices.
• SR-22 requirement: After driving without insurance, you'll need an SR-22 certificate for 3 years, increasing premiums by 30-80%.
• Accident liability: If you cause an accident while uninsured, your license is revoked until you pay all damages or establish a payment plan.

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Washington's Electronic Verification System

Washington uses an automated insurance verification program. The Department of Licensing (DOL) regularly checks:

• Insurance status at registration renewal
• Random verification checks throughout the year
• Verification after accidents or violations

If your coverage lapses, you'll receive a notice requiring proof of insurance. Failure to respond results in registration suspension.

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Why Minimums Aren't Enough

Washington's 25/50/10 limits were set years ago and haven't kept pace with costs:

Recommended minimums: Most insurance professionals suggest at least 100/300/100 for Washington drivers, especially in high-traffic areas like Seattle, Tacoma, or Spokane.

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How to Get Compliant

1. Compare quotes from multiple insurers
2. Meet at least 25/50/10 minimum requirements
3. Keep proof of insurance in your vehicle (paper or digital)
4. Ensure your insurer reports coverage to the DOL
5. Never let coverage lapse—even for a single day
6. Update your policy when buying or selling vehicles

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FAQ

What happens if I'm caught driving without insurance in Washington?

First offense: $450 fine. Your vehicle registration may also be suspended, and you'll need an SR-22 for 3 years after reinstatement.

Does Washington require full coverage?

No. Washington only requires liability coverage (25/50/10). Comprehensive and collision are optional unless required by your lender.

Can I use out-of-state insurance in Washington?

Temporarily, yes—for visitors. But Washington residents must obtain Washington-compliant insurance. Out-of-state policies may not meet Washington's requirements.

Is Washington a no-fault state?

No. Washington uses a tort system—the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages. However, Washington is a "comparative fault" state, meaning damages may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What is SR-22 insurance in Washington?

SR-22 is a certificate proving you carry required insurance. It's required after certain violations: DUI, driving uninsured, multiple at-fault accidents, or license suspension. You need it for 3 years.

Does Washington verify insurance electronically?

Yes. The Department of Licensing uses an electronic verification system that checks your insurance status regularly. Lapses can trigger automatic registration suspension.

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Important Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about insurance requirements based on publicly available sources. This is not legal advice. Insurance requirements can change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify current requirements with the Washington State Department of Licensing or Office of the Insurance Commissioner, and consult with a licensed insurance professional for advice specific to your situation.

Last verified: December 2025
Sources: Washington Department of Licensing, Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner