Washington state's mandatory auto insurance law

Washington state law requires all drivers to carry auto liability insurance and proof that they have insurance.

The law (www.apps.leg.wa.gov) requires anyone who drives a motor vehicle in our state to do one of the following:

• Carry liability insurance - you must have liability limits of at least:
  
  $25,000 for injuries or death to another person
  $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
  $10,000 for damage to another person's property
  
• Pay a deposit to the Washington State Treasurer (PDF, 3MB) (www.tre.wa.gov)
• Have a liability bond of at least $60,000

The mandatory auto insurance law (www.apps.leg.wa.gov) is under the authority of the Washington State Department of Licensing (www.dol.wa.gov).

Showing proof of insurance

• If you're stopped by a law enforcement officer, you must show proof that you have auto insurance. If you don't have proof, he or she will give you a ticket (traffic violation).
• Your proof-of-insurance card shows that either you or your vehicle are covered by liability insurance.
• Your company sends you a proof-of-insurance card when you start or renew your auto policy.

Exceptions to the law

This law does not apply to the following vehicles:

• Motorcycles (www.apps.leg.wa.gov)

• Motor scooters (www.apps.leg.wa.gov) and mopeds (www.apps.leg.wa.gov)

• Specially licensed "horseless carriage vehicles" (also known as antique or collector vehicles) (www.apps.leg.wa.gov)

• Police or government-owned vehicles (www.apps.leg.wa.gov)

Remember, you're still responsible for any damages or injuries that result from using these vehicles.

Updated 01/18/2013