What is the minimum car insurance requirement in Washington?

Washington requires liability limits of at least 25/50/10. $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.

Is Washington an at-fault or no-fault state?

Washington is an at-fault at-fault state for car insurance claims.

Field report · WA

Car insurance in Washington

Washington is a at-fault state with a minimum liability requirement of25/50/10. Here's what that means, what it costs, and what to check before you buy.

Minimum coverage25/50/10

Fault systemAt-fault

Uninsured motoristRequired

RegulatorWashington State Department of Licensing (DOL) - Washington has no agency literally named 'DMV'

What the minimums actually mean

$25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.

Insurers must offer UM/UIM, and it is included by default unless the driver rejects it in writing - effectively required unless waived. PIP is also offered but not mandatory.

Estimated cost

Illustrative estimate: sources vary widely, roughly $600-$900/year for minimum coverage - flagged as uncertain due to a notably wide spread across aggregators.

Why this is a range, not a quote

Rates depend heavily on your driving record, exact ZIP code, vehicle, and the insurer's own pricing model — two neighbors can legally pay very different amounts for the same coverage. Use ourcost calculator for a figure based on your own details, orget matched with carriers directly.

SR-22 & high-risk filings

Typically required after a DUI, failure to pay a judgment, or an at-fault accident while uninsured, generally maintained about 3 years.

Local conditions worth knowing

The I-5 corridor through Seattle-Tacoma is repeatedly identified by state crash-data studies as Washington's most congested and highest fatal/serious-injury-crash concentration.

Frequently asked

What is the minimum car insurance requirement in Washington?: Washington requires liability limits of at least 25/50/10. $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage.
Is Washington an at-fault or no-fault state?: Washington is an at-fault at-fault state for car insurance claims.
Do I need an SR-22 in Washington?: Typically required after a DUI, failure to pay a judgment, or an at-fault accident while uninsured, generally maintained about 3 years.
Is uninsured motorist coverage required in Washington?: Insurers must offer UM/UIM, and it is included by default unless the driver rejects it in writing - effectively required unless waived. PIP is also offered but not mandatory.

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