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Washington Minimum Car Insurance and Penalties for Driving Without It
The short answer
Washington requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10).
Washington at a glance
| Minimum liability | $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10) |
|---|---|
| Other required coverage | No other coverage is required besides liability. Underinsured motorist coverage is included unless you reject it in writing, and personal injury protection (PIP) must be offered but can be rejected in writing. |
| First offense for driving uninsured | Driving without insurance is a traffic infraction, and the Department of Licensing says you can receive a fine of $550 or more. If you show you were insured when cited, the citation is dismissed, and the court may charge a $25 administrative cost. |
| Repeat offense | Washington law sets no separate, higher penalty for a repeat infraction. Knowingly giving false proof of insurance is a misdemeanor. |
| Fee to restore after a lapse | The infraction alone does not suspend your license, so no reinstatement fee applies. If your license is suspended after an uninsured crash, you must pay the reinstatement fee and keep an SR-22 on file, in most cases for 3 years. |
Penalties depend on the court and your record; your citation or notice decides what applies to you.
FAQ
What is the minimum car insurance in Washington?
Washington requires liability insurance of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage (25/50/10).
What happens if you drive without insurance in Washington?
Driving without insurance is a traffic infraction, and the Department of Licensing says you can receive a fine of $550 or more. If you show you were insured when cited, the citation is dismissed, and the court may charge a $25 administrative cost.
Sources
- dol.wa.gov/financial-responsibility-sr-22
- app.leg.wa.gov/default.aspx
- app.leg.wa.gov/default.aspx
- dol.wa.gov/mandatory-insurance
- app.leg.wa.gov/default.aspx
- app.leg.wa.gov/default.aspx
- app.leg.wa.gov/default.aspx
- app.leg.wa.gov/default.aspx
- dol.wa.gov/192
- www.insurance.wa.gov/washington-states-mandatory-automotorcycle-insurance-law