Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Washington
Washington requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10: $25,000 per person for bodily injury, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 for property damage. The Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) mandates SR-22 filing for drivers with DUI convictions, suspensions for being uninsured in an at-fault accident, habitual traffic offenses, or repeat violations within a 12-month period. Washington operates on a point system where 6 points in 12 months or 12 points in 24 months triggers a license suspension, and many point-generating violations require SR-22 filing as part of reinstatement.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Washington?
High-risk auto insurance rates in Washington vary significantly based on violation type, driving history, location, and carrier. DUI convictions typically increase premiums by 80–140%, while at-fault accidents raise rates by 40–70%. Washington is a no-fault state for personal injury protection (PIP) purposes but uses traditional fault rules for liability claims, meaning at-fault violations carry heavier surcharges than in pure no-fault states.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity — DUI convictions carry 80–140% surcharges in Washington, while speeding 15+ over adds 20–35%
- Number of points on license — 4–5 points increase rates by 30–50%, while 6+ points (suspension threshold) often require non-standard carriers
- ZIP code — Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane metro areas have rates 20–40% higher than rural counties due to accident frequency and theft rates
- SR-22 filing requirement — the filing itself costs $15–$35 but signals high-risk status, pushing drivers to non-standard carriers with higher base rates
- Length of time since violation — most carriers reduce surcharges by 10–20% per year after the first 3 years if no new violations occur
- Credit score — Washington allows credit-based insurance scoring, and high-risk drivers with poor credit pay 40–80% more than those with good credit
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Sources
- Washington Department of Licensing — Driver Responsibility Program and SR-22 Requirements
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner — Auto Insurance Minimum Coverage Requirements
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.29 — Financial Responsibility