Washington Car Insurance Requirements, Laws, and Quotes

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In Washington, the Department of Licensing requires every car owner to have car insurance. Insurance will provide coverage to drivers when they are involved in an accident that results with injuries or property damage. So, Washington car insurance is a necessity.

There are certain minimum requirements for car insurance coverage in Washington. These requirements include bodily injury liability, property damage liability, personal injury protection (PIP), and uninsured motorist coverage.

Washington Car Insurance Policies

There are different types of car insurance available to drivers. However, it is a requirement to have the minimum car insurance available. In Washington, the minimum is liability insurance. If you plan to drive in Washington, it is important to understand these requirements and make sure your policy meets them. It is also important to remember that the cost of your insurance policy will depend on a variety of factors, such as your driving record, the make and model of your car, where you live, etc.

Liability Insurance

With liability insurance, you would have coverage for injuries or property damages if you were involved in an accident. Your liability car insurance will have:

  • $25,000 for injuries or death per person
  • $50,000 total for injuries or death per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage

Additional Car Insurance

Liability insurance will cover damages caused by you but not you or your car. For this reason and others, there is other insurance that will cover you and your property. Washington car insurance companies will offer other optional coverage. The optional coverages are:

  • Collision
  • Comprehensive
  • Uninsured/underinsured

Collison Insurance

Collision insurance would help to cover damages caused to your car as a result of an accident, regardless if it was your fault.

Comprehensive Insurance

Comprehensive insurance will cover damages from non-collision-related accidents. You can get damage because of vandalism, theft, or storms.

Uninsured/underinsured Insurance

This insurance will cover damages or injuries to you if the other driver is uninsured or does not have enough insurance to cover the cost of your injuries or repairs.

Personal Injury Protection

Personal injury insurance (PIP) is optional but good to have. It will help to pay the additional cost that may result from the accident. PIP will help pay:

  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Funeral expenses

Washington Car Insurance Proof

You must always carry your Washington car insurance proof. If you are pulled over by an office and cannot provide proof of insurance, you will get a citation, and your license can be suspended. Proof of insurance is a card given to you by your provider. The card will include the following:

  • The insurance provider’s name
  • Your policy numbers
  • The effective date of the policy
  • The expiration date of the policy
  • Your car make, model, and year

Your car insurance provider issues a new card at the end of every policy. Make sure you store it in a safe place and have it available if asked for it.

Washington Car Insurance Violations and Penalties

If you have insurance but cannot provide it at the time you were stopped, you will receive a citation. You can provide your insurance at your court hearing to avoid paying the fine, but you must pay the court fee.

If you are caught driving without car insurance, your fine can be $550 or more. Also, your Washington driver’s license will be suspended for 30 days. Second-time offenders will get a more severe penalty and a longer license suspension.

Factors that may Determine Your Insurance Rate

Insurance companies are resolute to many factors to determine your policy rate. It is best for you to shop around to best the rates to meet your financial situation.

Most Washington car insurance providers will factor the following to determine your rates:

  • Driving record
  • Credit history
  • Age
  • Gender
  • Marital status
  • Your car’s
    • Make
    • Model
    • Year
  • History of insurance claims
  • Deductibles
    • The amount you will pay toward a claim
    • The higher your deductible, the lower the premium

Conclusion

Washington car insurance is essential for all drivers. Understanding the state’s laws and regulations will help you save money on your policy and provide protection in case of an accident. Being knowledgeable about factors that affect your rate, such as driving history, credit score, age, gender and more, can ensure that you get the best possible rate. Additionally, understanding what coverage is available and the differences in deductibles will help you make the most informed decision when it comes to purchasing a policy.