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Washington state is an at-fault (tort) state. The driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and property damage. Washington requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10. Washington does not require PIP, but insurers must offer it. Uninsured motorist coverage must also be offered and requires a written waiver to reject.
Washington State Minimum Coverage Requirements
| Coverage | Minimum Required |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability (per person) | $25,000 |
| Bodily injury liability (per accident) | $50,000 |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
Expert Tip: Accept PIP When It's Offered
Washington insurers are required to offer PIP coverage. While it's not mandatory, accepting PIP gives you first-party medical coverage after an accident — your own insurer pays your medical bills quickly, without waiting for a fault determination. For drivers without strong health insurance, PIP is particularly valuable. The cost to add PIP is typically modest relative to the protection it provides.
—Brad Cummins
UM/UIM note: Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is not required in Washington, but insurers must offer it. Rejecting it requires a written waiver.
What's Required vs. Optional
Required:
- Bodily injury liability (BI) — Pays for injuries you cause to others. Does not cover you or your passengers.
- Property damage liability (PD) — Covers damage you cause to another person's vehicle or property.
Not required but worth considering:
- UM/UIM — Not mandatory, but must be offered. Washington has a meaningful number of uninsured drivers. See our UM/UIM guide.
- PIP / medical payments (MedPay) — Covers your own medical expenses after an accident regardless of fault. Washington insurers must offer PIP. See our PIP coverage guide.
- Collision — Covers damage to your own vehicle from a crash. Required by most lenders. See collision coverage.
- Comprehensive — Covers non-collision losses: theft, weather, animal strikes, vandalism. See comprehensive coverage.
Proof of Insurance & Vehicle Registration
Washington requires proof of insurance at vehicle registration and at any traffic stop. Acceptable proof includes:
- Insurance ID card (physical or digital)
- Policy declarations page
Washington uses an electronic verification system. Insurers report policy status to the DOL, and a lapse can trigger a registration suspension.
SR-22: If your license is suspended for a DUI, at-fault accident without insurance, or certain other violations, Washington requires an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility. SR-22 requirements typically last three years.
Penalties for Driving Uninsured
| Violation | Consequence |
|---|---|
| First offense | $550 fine; license suspension |
| Subsequent offenses | Higher fines; extended suspension; vehicle impoundment |
| At-fault accident without insurance | Civil liability for all damages; suspended license |
Reinstating your license requires proof of insurance and payment of all applicable fees.
Cost of Car Insurance in Washington State
Washington's average annual premium for full coverage runs roughly $1,300–$1,700 per year, depending on driver profile and ZIP code. Seattle, Tacoma, and the surrounding Puget Sound region typically see the highest rates in the state. Eastern Washington (Spokane, Tri-Cities) generally sees lower premiums.
Rates vary most by:
- Driving record — At-fault accidents and major violations raise premiums significantly.
- Location — Urban areas and high-theft ZIP codes see higher rates.
- Vehicle — Financed vehicles require collision and comprehensive.
- Credit history — Washington allows credit-based insurance scoring.
Use our car insurance calculator to estimate your costs.
Get Free Washington Car Insurance Quotes
Washington insurers are required to offer PIP, but many drivers decline it without fully understanding what they're waiving. Without PIP, your own medical bills after an accident wait on a fault determination — which can take months. Share your current policy through Canopy Connect and let a licensed agent confirm whether accepting PIP makes sense for your health coverage situation.
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About Brad Cummins
Brad Cummins is the founder of Insurance Geek and primary author of its educational content. Licensed since 2004, he brings over 21 years of experience structuring life insurance and IUL strategies for clients nationwide.
Fact checked by Brianna Baiocco
Brianna Baiocco runs P&C operations at Insurance Geek and fact-checks property and casualty content. Licensed since 2009, she brings over 16 years of experience in auto, home, renters, and commercial insurance.
