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Washington D.C. Car Insurance Information

Requirement : No

Car insurance is required in Washington . Drivers must have a minimum of liability coverage.

Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements:

A minimum liability coverage is required:

    • $25,000 for bodily injury to one person.
    • $50,000 for bodily injury per accident.
    • $10,000 for property damage per accident.

Other Car Insurance Coverage Options:

Liability is the only requirements for Washington motorist to have, there are several other types of coverage available to drivers:

  • Collision – Covers damages to your vehicle due to an accident.
  • Comprehensive – Covers damages due to your non-accident related damages to your car, such as inclement weather.
  • Uninsured motorist coverage – Covers you in case you’re involved in an accident with an uninsured party, or they don’t have adequate coverage.
  • Personal Injury Protection (PIP) – No-fault insurance helps with certain costs resulting from a car accident, no matter who’s at fault.
    • PIP will help pay for medical costs, loss of income, and funeral expenses.
  • Note: Comprehensive and or collision coverage is optional, unless the vehicle is being financed or leased, the lending/leasing agency may require you to purchase comprehensive and collision coverage.

Other Forms of Financial Responsibility:

Other legal ways around buying car insurance include:  

  • $60,000 cash or securities deposit with the state treasurer.
  • $60,000 surety bond.

Proof of Insurance: Yes

You must carry proof of insurance and registration with your vehicle at all times.

Your car insurance card must include:

  • Name of car insurance company.
  • Policy number.
  • Effective date of policy.
  • Expiration date of policy.
  • Year, make model of vehicle.
  • * You will be issued a new insurance card every time you buy a new policy or renew your policy.
  • Certification of financial responsibility.

Insurance Violations:

Violations, Fines & Penalties:

  • Should you be found operating a vehicle without the mandatory minimum insurance coverage, you face:
    • $250 maximum fine.
      • $37 in court fees.
    • Community restitution.
    • $475 fine for providing false evidence of financial responsibility.
    • Required to obtain an SR-22 certificate.

SR22:

A SR22 may be required after a suspension in order to get your driver’s license reinstated. An SR22 certificate only certifies proof of insurance of minimum requirements, it is not insurance.

  • An SR-22 certification may be required to reinstate your license or registration if you have:
    • Driver’s license suspended.
    • Convicted of certain offenses.
    • Failed to pay judgement fines.
    • Driven or owned a car involved in an accident.
    • * You may have to hold an SR-22 for 3 years.
    • * Some providers don’t offer SR-22 certificates, in this case, you will have to switch to a provider that does.

  Credit Scores & Determining Your Insurance Premium :

All Washington drivers are required to have car insurance, however, insurance providers are reserved the right to deny coverage to high-risk drivers. Drivers unable to get private coverage can purchase insurance through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC).

  

Other factors that may be used to determine your premiums include:

  • Age
  • Gender
  • Credit history
  • Claim history
  • Marital status
  • Deductible
  • Year, make, model of vehicle

Discounts : Yes

Discounts available in Washington:

  • Anti-theft discount
  • Good driver discount.
  • Good student discount.
  • Safety discount
  • Homeowner discount.
  • Multi-vehicle discount.

Cellphone Use:

Drivers under the age of 18 are banned from using their cell phones while driving. All drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Washington has a hand-held band, drivers are prohibited from holding a device while driving. Violations are considered primary offenses. Violators face a $124 fine.


Washington D.C. Minimum Coverage Laws

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