Washington State’s Car Insurance Requirements

Washington State requires all drivers to carry minimum amounts of auto insurance in the event of a crash. This coverage ensures that drivers can pay for injuries and property damage they cause.

Washington’s At-Fault Insurance Requirements

Washington follows a fault-based (also called a “tort system”) for car accidents. This means that a driver who causes a crash is responsible for paying the resulting damages, either out of pocket or through their insurance policy.

Under state law, all drivers must carry at least the following minimum liability coverage:

• $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person in a single accident
• $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people in a single accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

This liability coverage pays for the other driver’s injuries and property damage, not your own. By law, drivers must carry proof of insurance in their vehicles and present it to law enforcement upon request.

Washington also allows drivers to meet financial responsibility requirements in other ways, such as posting a certificate of deposit or liability bond. However, most drivers fulfill the requirement by purchasing a traditional auto insurance policy. 

Additional Coverages Available in Washington

The state’s minimum liability requirements are the floor for coverage. However, these limits do not always cover the full costs of a serious accident. 

For stronger protection, many drivers choose to add optional coverages such as:

• Personal Injury Protection (PIP) covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs after an accident, regardless of who was at fault for the collision. 
• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage (UM/UIM) protects you if you’re hit by a driver who has no insurance or not enough coverage to pay for your damages.
• Collision Coverage pays for repairs or replacement of your own vehicle after a crash, even if you’re at fault.
• Comprehensive coverage covers non-collision damage such as theft, vandalism, fire, or natural disasters.

Having these additional coverages can prevent you from paying large out-of-pocket costs after a crash. They can also help you access the money you need to cover accident-related expenses.

What Compensation Can I Recover After a Car Accident?

As mentioned above, Washington operates under a fault-based system. The at-fault driver (or their insurance company) is responsible for compensating the injured party for crash-related losses. 

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost income and any loss of future earning ability.
• The cost to repair or replace your vehicle 
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Reduced quality of life
• Wrongful death damages

However, your recovery may be limited by the at-fault driver’s insurance policy limits. If your damages exceed the available coverage, you may need to file a personal injury lawsuit or turn to your own UM/UIM coverage to recover the difference.

How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Car Accident in Washington?

In Washington, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. A knowledgeable Seattle car accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and fight for the best possible outcome. 

Contact an Experienced Seattle Car Accident Attorney For Help With Your Claim

If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a car accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7