Washington car insurance
Drive confidently in Washington—customize your car insurance to fit your needs and dreams.
Driving in Washington means navigating everything from scenic highways to busy city streets. Washington state law requires all drivers to carry car insurance to help protect themselves, their passengers, and others on the road. With Washington car insurance, you’ll have coverage that meets state requirements and helps safeguard you from the unexpected—whether it’s a fender bender in Seattle traffic or a collision on a rainy mountain pass.
Start quote nowIs car insurance required in Washington?
Yes, car insurance is required in Washington. The state mandates that all drivers carry minimum liability coverage to help pay for injuries and property damage you may cause to others in an accident.
Washington car insurance requirements include:
- Bodily Injury Liability: You must have at least $25,000 of coverage per person and $50,000 per accident to help pay for medical expenses and injury-related claims if you’re at fault.
- Property Damage Liability: You must carry at least $10,000 of coverage per accident to help pay for damage to another person’s property.
Meeting Washington car insurance requirements is essential to legally drive and protect yourself financially if an accident occurs. By making sure you have the right coverage, you’re not just following the law—you’re also looking out for yourself, your loved ones, and everyone you share the road with.
Is Washington a “no-fault” state?
Washington is not a “no-fault” state for car insurance. Instead, Washington follows a “fault” system. This means that if you’re found responsible for causing an accident, you (and your insurance) are liable for any damages or injuries from the accident. This makes it especially important to have the right Washington car insurance coverage in place.
What does car insurance cover in Washington?
Car insurance in Washington typically includes liability coverage (required by state law), as well as collision and comprehensive coverage for broader financial protection. Collision coverage helps pay for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault, while comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision events like theft, vandalism, fire, or damage from severe weather. Many Washington drivers also add medical expense coverage or personal injury protection (PIP) to help with accident-related medical costs. Together, these coverages help safeguard you, your passengers, and your vehicle from a wide range of risks on Washington’s roads.
How much does car insurance cost in Washington?
The average car insurance cost in Washington varies based on factors like your driving history, age, location, and the type of coverage you choose. At American Family, you can also use DriveMyWay to get discounts based on how you drive. Getting an auto insurance quote in Washington allows you to see personalized rates and coverage options tailored to your needs. Factors like your ZIP code, claims history, and coverage limits will all impact your quote, so shopping around is the best way to secure the right protection at a competitive price. You can find an agent near you or get a quote online today.
How can I get a lower rate on my car insurance in Washington?
If you’re looking for ways to save on your car insurance in Washington, we’ve got good news for you. With American Family, you can take advantage of car insurance discounts that may lower your rate, including:
- Multiple-product discount
- Multiple-vehicle discount
- Personalized insurance – usage-based insurance programs
- Autopay and paperless billing
Common Washington auto insurance coverages
In Washington, having the right car insurance coverage is key to protecting both yourself and your vehicle. These popular coverage options provide vital financial protection against a variety of unforeseen events, giving you the reassurance you need every time you hit the road. With these safeguards in place, you can drive confidently knowing you’re prepared for whatever comes your way.
Collision coverage
Collision coverage helps protect you from collision or rollover damages, no matter who caused the accident.
If another car crashes into yours while making a left turn, collision coverage can help with repairs you may need.
Comprehensive coverage
Comprehensive coverage helps protect you from damage caused by accidents that don’t involve colliding with another vehicle or object. Examples include hail damage, fire, flooding, theft, vandalism and collisions with animals.
For example, if someone breaks into your car and damages the windows, comprehensive coverage may help cover replacement costs.
Bodily injury liability coverage
If you cause a car accident that results in injuries, bodily injury liability coverage may help pay for accident-related medical costs. It may also help financially protect you if you're sued.
If you hit someone on a bicycle and they end up in the hospital with a broken bone, bodily injury liability may help compensate for their medical bill.
Medical expense coverage
If you were injured in a car accident, medical expense coverage may help pay for medical care for you and your passengers, regardless of who is at fault.
If a car hits your passenger side door, and your passenger needs medical treatment, this coverage may help pay for their medical bills.
Additional Washington car insurance coverages
Emergency Roadside assistance
Get service and support if your car breaks down with emergency roadside assistance coverage.
Rental reimbursement
Cover transportation expenses while your vehicle is being repaired after a qualifying event.
Underinsured coverage
Protect yourself from accident-related losses if another driver doesn't have enough insurance.
Uninsured coverage
Help cover accident-related damages after a collision with an uninsured at-fault driver.
More ways to protect what matters
This article is for informational purposes only and based on information that is widely available. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not guarantee the accuracy or reliability of the information. Please check your state and local laws.
The information on this webpage represents only a brief description of coverages, is not part of your policy, and is not a promise or guarantee of coverage. If there is any conflict between this information and your policy, the provisions of the policy will prevail. Insurance policy terms and conditions may apply. Coverage features and limits vary by state and may be subject to change. Some products are not available in every state. Discount availability and eligibility vary by state and policy terms. (Discounts apply to auto and property policies.) Please check with your agent and read the policy for exact details on coverages and exclusions.
In Washington state auto policies are underwritten by American Family Connect Property and Casualty Insurance Company, American Family Insurance Company, and Midvale Indemnity Company. Property polices are underwritten by American Family Insurance Company, Homesite Insurance Company of the Midwest and Homesite Insurance Company. Each company has sole financial responsibility for its products.
Washington State Department of Licensing (n.d.). Mandatory insurance. https://dol.wa.gov/driver-licenses-and-permits/mandatory-insurance