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Car Insurance
Like most U.S. states, Washington requires all of its drivers to have at least a certain level of auto insurance coverage. This mandatory coverage, outlined by the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), is intended to ensure that drivers take responsibility for injuries and damage that may result from their operation of motor vehicles in Washington.
Failure to maintain the required insurance is a violation punishable by a fine of at least $450. Washington drivers are required to carry an insurance identification card in the vehicle and produce it for law enforcement officials when requested. Knowingly providing false information regarding insurance coverage is a misdemeanor.
Washington law requires insurance ID cards to include the following information:
- Insured driver's name
- Insurance company name
- Policy number
- Effective and expiration dates
- Description of the insured vehicle, including year, make, and model
Any vehicle that is registered in Washington must be insured for at least the following amounts of liability:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death for two or more people per accident
- $10,000 for damage to the property of others per accident
For auto dealers or anyone who has 26 or more cars registered in the state, Washington does allow self-insurance in lieu of mandatory liability coverage, provided the individual or group is covered by a certificate of deposit or liability bond in the same amounts.
Exemptions to Washington's mandatory insurance requirements include the following:
- Antique and collector vehicles more than 30 years old
- Government and other public vehicles
- Motorcycles and mopeds
- Vehicles registered under common or contract carrier designation from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission
For five or more vehicles that are owned by the same individual or company, the word "fleet" may replace the vehicle description on insurance cards. A fleet insurer may issue a listing of the vehicles covered.


Car Insurance

