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Car Insurance Requirements in Washington

Explore car insurance coverage requirements in Washington. Whether you’re moving to another state or getting coverage for the first time, American Family can help.

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Car Insurance & Car Insurance Requirements in Washington

Washington Minimum Car Insurance Requirements

To legally drive a vehicle that is registered in Washington you must have one of the following:

  • Auto insurance
  • Self-insurance
  • Certificate of deposit
  • Liability bond

If you decide to purchase liability auto insurance, your policy must have limits of at least:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability for one person per accident
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability for any two people per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident

In addition to having car insurance, Washington also requires proof of that insurance during a police stop. Your insurance company will provide you with a proof of insurance card but it is your responsibility to check that it contains the following:

  • Name of insurance provider.
  • Policy number.
  • Effective date of policy.
  • Expiration date of policy.
  • Description of the insured vehicle(s) and name of insured driver(s).

While the minimum car insurance requirements in Washington are predefined, they are not meant to be a cap on how much coverage you can or should get. You may opt for more coverage than the state minimums to protect your financial assets and your vehicle and/or passengers.

If you’re interested in getting a car insurance quote in Washington, contact your American Family Insurance agent to discuss what type of protection is best for your needs and what discounts may apply in your region.