Insurance
Car Insurance in Washington State
Published September 24, 2026 · Last updated October 1, 2026
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Is car insurance required in Washington State?
Yes. To drive a car registered in Washington, you need liability insurance of at least:
- $25,000 for injuries to one person
- $50,000 for injuries to everyone in one crash
- $10,000 for damage to other people's property
A few people use other options instead, like a $60,000 liability bond, a certificate of deposit with the Department of Licensing, or self-insurance for large fleets. For almost everyone, it's an insurance policy.
What driving uninsured costs
- A fine of $550 or more for driving without the required insurance.
- A possible license suspension if you cause a crash while uninsured and don't pay for the damage.
If you have insurance but forgot your card, you'll likely still get a ticket, because not showing proof is treated as not having insurance. The fix is easy: bring proof that you were insured on that date to the court, or mail it in before your court date, and the ticket is dismissed. The court may charge a $25 administrative fee.
You can show proof on your phone. The officer is allowed to look only at the proof, nothing else on your phone.
Underinsured motorist coverage (UIM)
Washington insurers must include underinsured motorist coverage on your policy unless you reject it in writing. In Washington, UIM is broad:
- It pays when the at-fault driver has no insurance or not enough.
- It covers hit-and-run crashes.
- It covers "phantom vehicle" crashes, where another car forces you off the road without hitting you.
Two rules to know if you ever use it:
- Report a phantom vehicle crash to police within 72 hours, and have facts beyond your own word that back up what happened.
- Property damage deductibles are small: up to $100, or up to $300 for hit-and-run and phantom vehicle claims.
If you reject UIM once, it stays off at renewal unless you ask for it back in writing. With about 19.1% of Washington drivers uninsured, the 10th highest rate in the country, think hard before signing that rejection.
Personal injury protection (PIP)
Washington insurers must offer PIP. You can turn it down, but it can pay your medical bills and some lost income after a crash no matter who caused it. A basic PIP offer includes at least:
| Benefit | At least |
|---|---|
| Medical and hospital | $10,000 |
| Funeral | $2,000 |
| Lost income | $10,000 (up to $200 a week) |
| Help with household tasks | $5,000 (up to $200 a week) |
If you have a high-deductible health plan, or no paid sick leave, PIP can fill a real gap.
How much is car insurance in Washington State?
It depends on your city, record, car, and coverage. By one measure, Washington is fairly affordable: in 2021, Washington households spent about 1.17% of their income on car insurance, below the U.S. average of 1.50%.
Theft is part of the picture. Washington had the biggest drop in vehicle thefts of any state in 2025, down 39%. Even so, it still ranked 9th for total thefts. Comprehensive coverage pays if your car is stolen.
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Sources
- RCW 46.29.090 (minimum liability limits)
- RCW 46.30.020 (liability insurance required, proof, dismissal)
- Washington State Department of Licensing, Mandatory insurance
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner, Mandatory auto insurance law
- RCW 48.22.030 (underinsured motorist coverage)
- RCW 48.22.095 (personal injury protection minimums)
- National Insurance Crime Bureau, U.S. vehicle thefts experience historic decline (Mar. 18, 2026)
- Insurance Information Institute, Uninsured motorists (IRC 2023 data)
- Insurance Information Institute, Auto insurance affordability (IRC)