Washington Auto Insurance — Rates & Requirements
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Washington at a Glance
25/50/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Washington operates under a tort liability system, which means the at-fault driver is financially responsible for all damages they cause — including amounts that exceed their policy limits. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility, typically satisfied through liability insurance.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Cost Overview
$57–$95/mo
Typical monthly rate in Washington, minimum-coverage policies
Rate data: NerdWallet, ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Find the Lowest Rate That Still Protects You
Find Your Lowest RateFrequently Asked Questions
Can I drive in Washington with out-of-state insurance?
Yes, if you're visiting or temporarily working in Washington and maintain continuous coverage in your home state that meets or exceeds Washington's 25/50/25 minimum. However, if you establish residency — typically defined as living in Washington for 30+ days or registering to vote — you must obtain Washington insurance and register your vehicle within 30 days according to state law.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others. Washington's 25/50/25 minimum is legally sufficient but financially insufficient — a serious crash can generate $100,000+ in medical costs, leaving you personally liable for the difference.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, comprehensive, uninsured motorist, and PIP into a complete package that protects both you and your vehicle. This option makes financial sense primarily for financed vehicles or cars worth over $5,000.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your medical bills and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or insufficient limits. You can reject this in writing, but doing so leaves you dependent on your own health insurance and out-of-pocket funds if hit by an uninsured driver.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after an accident, minus your deductible. This coverage is worth the cost only if your car's value exceeds $3,000–$4,000 — below that threshold, annual premiums often exceed potential claim payouts.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, falling objects, and animal strikes. This is non-collision physical damage protection with a separate deductible, typically $500 or $1,000.
SR-22 Insurance
Not a separate coverage type but a certificate of financial responsibility filed with the state after a DUI, license suspension, or uninsured accident. The SR-22 itself costs $25–$50 to file, but underlying insurance rates increase substantially due to the violation.