Washington State is home to some of the most famous companies in the world including Microsoft and Starbucks but it also has a robust car insurance market with most all national car insurance companies offering coverage to Seattle drivers along with plenty of regional carriers such as the PEMCO car insurance company.
” Washington state drivers enjoy some of the lowest car insurance rates in the nation “
with an average car insurance premium of $1,279.84 (compared to a national average of $1,429.26). Both finding a reliable car insurance company and getting competitive quotes is much easier than deciding on what car to buy for most Washington State residents.
Need Washington State car insurance quotes for a new or used car? Enter your zip code above to get FREE car insurance quotes online.
Washington Car Insurance Requirements
All vehicles registered in the State of Washington must carry minimum car insurance requirements as set by the Washington State Department of Licensing (known as the DMV in most other states). The Washington State Department of Licensing currently requires minimum liability insurance of:
- $25,000 bodily injury insurance for injury to one person (each accident)
- $50,000 of total bodily injury coverage for all victims of a single car accident and
- $10,000 in property damage insurance
There are also many exceptions to which vehicles require insurance in the State of Washington as Motorcycles, Mopeds, Antique Vehicles and other motorized vehicles do not require mandatory insurance by law. Additionally drivers can also put money on deposit with the Washington State Treasurer’s office and avoid car insurance all together (currently $60,000) however this is clearly not recommended by most financial advisors regardless of how good a driver you are.
Its important to note any driver should never rely on websites other than the actual government departments official website to learn about minimum car insurance requirements so before obtaining car insurance for Washington State make sure to visit the State Department of Licensing website at dol.wa.gov
What are the fines for Driving with No Car Insurance in Washington State?
If you are pulled over in Washington State law enforcement officials can request proof of insurance and failure to provide an insurance ID card or other acceptable proof of insurance could lead to a fine of at least $450. Most states allow a small time frame to show you had valid insurance in place at the time of the infraction by mailing a copy of your ID card in with a small processing fee however this time limit is usually very short before you are liable for the larger fine.
Washington Car Insurance Companies
Most car insurance companies offer coverage in Washington State with GEICO, Allstate, State Farm and other major brands obviously taking a lot of the market share. What is interesting in Washington State more than other areas of the country is you have very regional companies like PEMCO dominating a significant chunk of the market share who only operate locally. If you are moving to Washington state its important to pay attention to local car insurance companies as often they have very competitive rates with a more intimate knowledge of the local market.
Washington Car Insurance Quotes
Ready to compare car insurance quotes for Washington State?
Click here to get FREE Washington State car insurance quotes online!
