Best Car Insurance for Washington State Drivers
If you’re looking for a Washington car insurance quote or trying to learn more about buying auto coverage, you’ve come to the right place. The
AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford
1 has been insuring members and their families since 1984. We're proud to have earned a reputation for integrity and trust when it comes to car insurance coverage.
From stunning coastline vistas to towering mountain views, there’s a lot to see and do in the Evergreen State. As you travel from the beaches of the Pacific coast to the world-class vineyards of wine country, you’ll want to make sure you’re protected on the road with reliable car insurance.
We know every driver has unique needs and looks for different coverages to create the best car insurance for them. With high customer ratings for claims service, you can trust us to have your back with Washington car insurance coverage.*
Washington Car Insurance Benefits Offered to AARP Members
With the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford, members in Washington State have access to various benefits, such as:
Required Auto Insurance in Washington State
As with many states, Washington requires drivers to carry
bodily injury liability and
property damage liability insurance. These coverages help pay for damaged property or another person’s medical bills if you’re found at fault for an auto accident. The minimum liability coverage Washington drivers have to carry is:
2
- $25,000 for bodily injury, per person per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury, total per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
Be aware that Washington isn’t a no-fault state. This means the driver at fault of an accident is responsible for covering property damage and injuries they cause. State law requires auto insurers to offer
personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, also known as
no-fault insurance.
3 But, drivers don’t have to add it to their policy unless they want to.
Washington Uninsured and Underinsured Driver Facts
According to the latest report from the Insurance Research Council, 17.4% of Washington drivers don’t have car insurance.4 This is above the national average of 13%.
Although
uninsured/underinsured motorists coverage is optional in Washington, it can help protect you on the road if you get into an accident with a driver who doesn’t have insurance or enough coverage. Without uninsured motorist coverage, you’ll have to pay for property damage or medical bills out of pocket which can put you at significant financial risk.
Additional Washington Auto Insurance Coverages
For added protection, Washington drivers can add more coverage to their car insurance policy. Some optional coverages include:
Average Washington Car Insurance Rates
The average Washington car insurance rate in 2018 was $1,035, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). The national
average car insurance cost was $1,057 and Washington was the 18th most expensive state for car insurance.
Factors Influencing Washington Auto Insurance Rates
- Zip code
- Claims history
- Car details, such as make, model and year
- Number of drivers on the policy
- Credit scores
You may qualify for car insurance discounts, which can reduce your total insurance premium. For example, if you don’t have a history of claims, you may qualify for a good driver discount.
The best way to know how much Washington auto insurance will cost you is to get a quote.
Get Digital Proof of Washington Car Insurance
If you’re a licensed driver in Washington, you should keep a copy of your car insurance ID card in your vehicle. The state requires drivers to be able to prove they have car insurance if stopped by law enforcement.
Washington does accept electronic proof of car insurance and we make it easy for you to use your phone as proof of insurance. With
Hartford mobile app, you can store your car insurance ID cards right on your phone. For more information, visit the
Google Play™ or
App Store.™
Beyond Car Insurance: Staying Safe on Washington Roads
As you travel through Washington, there are a number of safe driving laws meant to protect you. These include:5
Washington Seat Belt Laws:
The State of Washington has a mandatory seat belt law. This means law enforcement can ticket a driver or passenger for not wearing a seat belt without any other traffic violation.
Washington Distracted Driving Laws:
Washington has a number of laws in place to discourage distracted driving:
- Hand-held cell phones are banned for all drivers
- New drivers cannot use hand-held or hands-free cell phones
- Texting while driving is banned
Washington Teen Driver Laws:
Getting a driver’s license is a rite of passage for teens. Washington wants to be sure teenagers stay safe while on the roads. The state has graduated licensing laws to make sure teenagers gain maturity and experience behind the wheel, such as:
- Limiting nighttime driving
- Restricting the number of teen passengers
- Ensuring an adequate of amount of supervised driving practice
Common Questions About Car Insurance in Washington State
Are You Required to Have Car Insurance in Washington State?
Yes, you’re required to have car insurance in Washington. If you have a
lapse in car insurance coverage, a law enforcement officer can give you a ticket and potential fine. You’re also responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from an accident you cause. That’s why it’s important to get the proper car insurance in Washington State.
What Auto Insurance Is Required in Washington State?
The minimum coverage amounts your policy should include are:
- $25,000 for bodily injury, per person per accident
- $50,000 for bodily injury, total per accident
- $10,000 for property damage per accident
What Is the Fine for Not Having Car Insurance in Washington?
Driving without car insurance in Washington means you can face a ticket and fine up to $250.6 If you’re found at fault of an accident and don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay for any damages and medical bills out of pocket.
Get a Washington Auto Insurance Quote
It’s important to work with an insurance company that you can trust. We’re an experienced insurer and know every driver is unique. We can help you get the right coverage in Washington so you and your loved ones are protected on the road. Get a
car insurance quote today and learn how we can help.
Last Updated: April 2, 2024
