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, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages. The state requires all drivers to carry proof of insurance and file an SR-22 certificate after certain violations. Washington enforces compliance through the Washington State Patrol's database, which allows officers to verify coverage electronically during traffic stops.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Cost Overview
about $96/mo
Average car insurance spending in Washington
Rate data: NAIC Auto Insurance Database, 2023
What Affects Your Rate
- Mountain pass weather claims — including rollovers on I-90 Snoqualmie Pass and Highway 2 Stevens Pass — increase comprehensive and collision costs for drivers in Cascade foothill areas.
Compare Before You Renew
Compare Auto Insurance RatesFrequently Asked Questions
Is Washington a no-fault state for car insurance?
No, Washington is a tort state, meaning the at-fault driver is financially responsible for damages. Injured parties can sue the at-fault driver for costs exceeding insurance limits. Washington does require insurers to offer optional PIP coverage, but it is not mandatory like in true no-fault states.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Washington's 25/50/10 minimum is the legal floor, but many drivers choose 100/300/100 or higher to protect assets in the state's litigious tort environment.
Full Coverage
Bundles liability, collision, comprehensive, and uninsured motorist coverage. Typically required by lenders and recommended for vehicles worth more than a few thousand dollars.
Comprehensive Coverage
Pays for damage from theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and animal strikes. Covers your vehicle for everything except collisions with other vehicles or objects.
Collision Coverage
Covers repairs to your vehicle after an at-fault accident or single-vehicle crash, minus your deductible. Essential for financed or newer vehicles.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient limits. Covers medical bills, lost income, and vehicle damage depending on policy structure.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate of financial responsibility filed with the Washington Department of Licensing, not a separate policy. Required after DUIs, license suspensions, or multiple violations.