Key Takeaways
- Washington requires minimum auto liability limits of 25/50/10 ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident bodily injury/$10,000 property damage)
- Washington is an "at-fault" state with pure comparative negligence—fault is allocated among all parties
- Personal Injury Protection (PIP) is optional in Washington, not mandatory
- Underinsured Motorist (UIM) coverage must be offered but can be rejected in writing
- Washington accepts electronic proof of insurance
Last updated: January 2026
Washington Auto Insurance Requirements
Washington has specific auto insurance requirements that producers must understand.
Mandatory Coverage
Washington requires all registered vehicles to have liability insurance with minimum limits:
Minimum Liability Limits (25/50/10)
| Coverage | Minimum Limit |
|---|---|
| Bodily Injury per Person | $25,000 |
| Bodily Injury per Accident | $50,000 |
| Property Damage | $10,000 |
Memory Tip: Remember "25/50/10" for Washington minimum limits.
Proof of Insurance
Washington drivers must carry proof of insurance:
- Physical insurance card, OR
- Electronic proof on smartphone (Washington accepts electronic proof)
- SR-22 required for certain violations
- Penalties for driving without insurance include fines and license suspension
Penalties for No Insurance
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| First offense | Fine up to $450 |
| Subsequent offenses | Increased fines, possible license suspension |
| Accident while uninsured | Potential personal liability |
Washington's At-Fault System
Washington uses a "pure comparative negligence" system:
How It Works
- The driver at fault is responsible for damages
- Fault can be shared between multiple parties
- Recovery reduced by percentage of fault
- Even a driver 99% at fault can recover 1% of damages
Example
If Driver A is 70% at fault and Driver B is 30% at fault:
- Driver A can recover 30% of their damages from Driver B
- Driver B can recover 70% of their damages from Driver A
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Unlike some states, PIP is optional in Washington:
PIP Coverage (If Purchased)
| Benefit | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Medical expenses | Up to policy limits |
| Lost wages | Percentage of income |
| Funeral expenses | Up to limits |
| Essential services | Household help if injured |
Key Points
- Insurers must offer PIP
- Policyholder can reject in writing
- Covers insured regardless of fault
- First-party coverage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Washington has specific UM/UIM requirements:
Uninsured Motorist (UM)
- Must be offered by insurers
- Can be rejected by policyholder in writing
- Covers injuries caused by uninsured drivers
- Minimum limits match liability minimums
Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
- Must be offered by insurers
- Can be rejected in writing
- Covers difference when at-fault driver's limits are insufficient
- Cannot exceed policyholder's own liability limits
UM/UIM Rejection
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Written rejection | Must be in writing |
| Signed by insured | Signature required |
| Retained by insurer | Kept on file |
| New rejection each policy | May be required for new policies |
Other Auto Coverages
Medical Payments
- Optional coverage
- Pays regardless of fault
- Lower limits than PIP typically
Collision and Comprehensive
- Optional coverage
- Collision covers vehicle damage from accidents
- Comprehensive covers theft, weather, vandalism
Loading diagram...
Test Your Knowledge
What are Washington's minimum auto liability insurance limits?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Is Personal Injury Protection (PIP) mandatory in Washington?
A
B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Under Washington's pure comparative negligence system, what happens if a plaintiff is 80% at fault?
A
B
C
D