Short answer: Washington requires 25/50/10 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage. Insurers must offer personal injury protection (PIP) and underinsured motorist coverage, which you can reject in writing. Washington is an at-fault state that uses pure comparative fault.
The legal minimum
The Washington Department of Licensing requires drivers to carry liability insurance, or another approved form of financial responsibility, with at least:
| Coverage | Minimum |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 per accident |
The Department of Licensing lists a few alternatives and exemptions, such as a certificate of deposit or liability bond filed with the state. Most private drivers need a policy.
Two coverages you'll be asked to reject
Washington doesn't require PIP or underinsured motorist coverage, but insurers must offer both. To skip them, you sign a written rejection. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner explains these options for consumers.
Personal injury protection. PIP pays your medical bills, some lost wages and funeral expenses after a crash, regardless of fault, for you, your household and your passengers. It responds quickly, before anyone decides who caused the accident.
Underinsured motorist (UIM). In Washington, UIM also covers uninsured and hit-and-run drivers. It can include property damage coverage for your car as well as injury coverage. It often applies when you're a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a car, which matters in cities like Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane.
Pure comparative fault
Under RCW 4.22.005, any fault on your part reduces your recovery proportionally but doesn't bar it. If you're 40% at fault, you can recover 60% of your damages from the other driver. And because the rule works both ways, the other driver may be able to claim against your liability coverage even if you were mostly in the right.
Proof and penalties
You must carry proof of insurance and show it when a police officer asks or after a collision. Driving without insurance is a traffic infraction with a fine, and failing to show proof after a crash can lead to license suspension.
Why $10,000 isn't much
Washington's property damage minimum hasn't kept pace with vehicle costs. Hitting a new electric vehicle, a commercial truck or a utility pole can produce repair bills well above $10,000, and anything over your limit can come back to you. Many Washington drivers choose $50,000 or $100,000 of property damage coverage.
Other Washington-specific risks:
- Rain and darkness. Long, wet winters raise crash risk.
- Mountain passes. Snow and ice on routes like Snoqualmie and Stevens Pass lead to sliding and multi-vehicle collisions.
- Ferries and tolls. Ferry lanes and tolled bridges don't change your insurance needs, but long commutes increase time on the road.
Common scenarios
A driver hits you in a crosswalk and drives away. Your UIM coverage, if you kept it, may pay for your injuries. Your PIP can pay medical bills right away.
You slide into two cars on an icy hill. Two vehicles' worth of damage can easily exceed $10,000.
You're partly at fault in a lane-change crash. Both drivers may recover from each other, adjusted for fault.
Key terms
- PIP: no-fault medical and wage coverage that insurers must offer.
- UIM: covers uninsured, underinsured and hit-and-run drivers, and can include property damage.
- Pure comparative fault: recovery reduced by your fault percentage but never barred.
- Written rejection: the form you sign to decline PIP or UIM.
Questions to ask your broker
- Did I reject PIP or UIM, and what would it cost to add them?
- Does my UIM include property damage coverage?
- What would $50,000 or $100,000 of property damage coverage cost?
- Do my limits qualify for an umbrella policy?
Bottom line
Washington's minimum is legal, but its $10,000 property damage limit and optional PIP and UIM leave gaps. Before you sign a rejection, price the coverage; it's often less than people expect. Compare states in our car insurance minimums by state table, and see what car insurance do I need.
Contact Alishahi Insurance or call (877) 711-4545. See insurance in Washington and auto insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum car insurance in Washington?
25/50/10 liability: $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.
Is PIP required in Washington?
No, but insurers must offer it. You can reject it in writing.
Is underinsured motorist coverage required in Washington?
No, but insurers must offer it, and you must reject it in writing to go without.
How does fault work in Washington?
Pure comparative fault: your recovery is reduced by your share of fault but not barred.
What happens if I drive uninsured in Washington?
It's a traffic infraction with a fine, and failing to show proof after a crash can lead to suspension.
Alishahi Insurance · 439 N Canon Dr, Penthouse, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 · (877) 711-4545 · CA License #4348151. General information only. This isn't legal, tax or financial advice or a coverage determination. Coverage depends on policy language and underwriting, and rules vary by state.