Washington Auto‑Insurance Law: Key Requirements and Coverage Limits

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Washington law mandates a minimum of $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for total bodily injury, and $25,000 for property damage. These limits apply to each incident, not per driver. Violating these minimums can result in fines, license suspension, and civil penalties.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage

Drivers must carry uninsured‑motorist (UM) or underinsured‑motorist (UIM) coverage. UM must equal the minimum bodily‑injury limits, while UIM can be up to $100,000 per person or $200,000 per incident. The state also allows optional higher limits for those seeking broader protection.

Commercial Vehicle Insurance

Commercial vehicles, including trucks and passenger vans, must carry the same minimum liability limits as passenger vehicles. In addition, Washington requires commercial‑vehicle insurance for any vehicle used for transporting goods or passengers. Failure to maintain coverage can lead to civil penalties and loss of operating authority.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Washington does not require personal injury protection. However, many insurers offer optional PIP to cover medical expenses and lost wages. Policyholders should weigh the cost against potential out‑of‑pocket expenses.

Other Notable Provisions

The state prohibits "no‑fault" claims for bodily injury, meaning the at‑fault driver's liability insurer is responsible for damages. Washington also requires a minimum of $5,000 in collision coverage for drivers who have taken out a loan or lease on their vehicle, and $5,000 in comprehensive coverage for those who have taken out a loan or lease on their vehicle. Violations of these loan‑based coverage requirements can result in repossession or loss of loan eligibility.