Yes, you are legally required to have car insurance to drive in Washington State. The law mandates a minimum level of liability coverage to protect others in an accident you cause. Driving without insurance can result in severe penalties, including fines, license suspension, and vehicle impoundment.
Washington's mandatory insurance is specifically liability coverage. This does not cover damage to your own car but is designed to pay for the costs you inflict on others. The state's minimum requirements are often abbreviated as 25/50/10:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in a single accident.
- $50,000 for total bodily injury or death to all people in a single accident.
- $10,000 for property damage (like another vehicle or a fence) in a single accident.
It's crucial to understand that these are just the legal minimums. In a serious accident, these amounts can be exhausted quickly, potentially leaving you personally responsible for any remaining costs. Most financial advisors strongly recommend carrying higher limits, such as 100/300/100, and considering additional coverage like collision (for your car's damage) and comprehensive (for theft, vandalism, or animal strikes).
Washington is a "fault" state for car accidents, meaning the driver who causes the accident is responsible for the damages. The insurance system is designed to ensure that drivers can fulfill this financial responsibility. You must always carry proof of insurance in your vehicle, either as a physical card or a digital version on your phone, and present it during a traffic stop or after a collision.
| Insurance Requirement | Minimum Coverage in Washington State | Why It's Important | Common Recommended Higher Coverage |
|---|
| Bodily Injury Liability (per person) | $25,000 | Covers medical bills for one person you injure. | $100,000 |
| Bodily Injury Liability (per accident) | $50,000 | Total coverage for all injuries in one accident you cause. | $300,000 |
| Property Damage Liability | $10,000 | Covers damage you cause to another vehicle or property. | $100,000 |
| Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist | Must be offered | Protects you if hit by a driver with no or insufficient insurance. | Varies |
| Personal Injury Protection (PIP) | Required | Covers your medical expenses regardless of fault. | Varies |
