Washington Car Insurance Requirements

Minimum Coverage Requirements

Washington requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance of 25/50/10 — meaning $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage.

Average Car Insurance Costs in Washington

Drivers in Washington typically pay approximately $1,360 per year ($113/month) for car insurance, based on 2026 industry average data.

Car Insurance Rates by City in Washington

State Regulations and Key Rules

Washington State is an at-fault state with a notably high uninsured driver rate. Uninsured motorist coverage must be offered but can be rejected. Washington uses a pure comparative fault system.

What Makes Washington Unique

Washington State has one of the higher uninsured driver rates in the western U.S. Despite this, the state does not require uninsured motorist coverage, making it important for drivers to add this protection voluntarily.

Uninsured Drivers in Washington

Approximately 21.7% of drivers in Washington are estimated to be uninsured. This is a notably high uninsured rate — UM/UIM coverage is strongly recommended and, in many cases, essential for adequate financial protection.

Risk Factors Specific to Washington

Western Washington's rainy climate (October through May) increases accident frequency significantly. Seattle's hilly terrain creates additional hazards in icy conditions. Eastern Washington faces wildfire smoke in summer and ice storms in winter. The Cascade passes present serious hazards for winter mountain driving.

What Washington’s Minimum Actually Covers

Washington’s minimum is 25/50/10: $25,000 per injured person, $50,000 total per accident for injuries, and $10,000 for property damage. With new vehicles averaging roughly $50,000, the $10,000 property damage limit would leave about $40,000 unpaid if you totaled an average new car — and that gap becomes your personal debt.

No-Fault, PIP, and Required Add-Ons in Washington

Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t mandatory in Washington, though insurers generally must offer it and you may have to reject it in writing.

How Washington Compares: Uninsured Drivers and Price

An estimated 21.7% of Washington drivers are uninsured — roughly 1 in 5 — one of the highest uninsured rates in the country. At that rate, uninsured motorist coverage is one of the most valuable add-ons you can buy.

Our average premium estimate of $1,360 a year puts Washington below the national middle in our 50-state estimates (median $1,395).

How to Save on Car Insurance in Washington

Seattle rates are significantly above the Washington state average — Eastern Washington cities like Spokane offer much lower premiums. Washington's high uninsured driver rate makes UM coverage essential despite it not being required. Telematics programs suit Seattle's many stop-and-go commuters.

• Washington's minimum liability requirement of 25/50/10 is the legal floor, not a safe target — since PIP isn't required in Washington, a separate medical payments (MedPay) add-on is worth pricing out.
• With an estimated 21.7% of Washington drivers uninsured, carrying uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage above the state minimum is one of the highest-value add-ons you can buy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum car insurance in Washington?

25/50/10: $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 of property damage liability.

Is Washington a no-fault state?

No. Washington is an at-fault state, so the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the resulting injuries and damage, usually through their liability insurance.

How many drivers are uninsured in Washington?

An estimated 21.7% of Washington drivers are uninsured, roughly 1 in 5.

The information on this page is provided for general informational purposes only and reflects estimated industry averages and state requirements as of 2026. Insurance regulations and rates change periodically; always verify current requirements with your state's department of insurance or a licensed insurance professional before making coverage decisions. City-level and statewide premiums shown are approximations — individual rates will vary based on personal factors.