Washington Auto Insurance

Washington auto insurance laws offer drivers a lot of options. But that means you need to take an especially close look at coverage costs, too.

This guide:

  • Explains Washington auto insurance laws and requirements

  • Describes how Washington car insurance rates are set

  • Shows you how to save money with multiple quotes

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Washington car insurance laws

Washington is a tort state, which means that drivers bear financial responsibility for any damage and injury they cause in an accident. Liability insurance helps fulfill this responsibility, and is required under Washington auto insurance laws.

The state liability minimums are 25/50/10. (That's $25,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $50,000 for all, and $10,000 for damage you cause to the other party's property.) However, insurance experts recommend carrying higher levels of coverage.

In addition to required liability coverage, Washington drivers may choose to purchase personal injury protection (PIP). This coverage includes compensation for medical payments, loss of income, loss of services, and funeral expenses. These benefits are optional, but apply to any accident, regardless of fault.

Another optional policy is uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage, which helps pay your expenses in the event you are struck by a driver with inadequate liability coverage. These policies are not required, but they're relatively inexpensive, and can provide a lot of protection.

Washington auto insurance companies will also offer optional policies such as collision and comprehensive coverages.

How Washington auto insurance rates are set

The price of Washington auto insurance is decided by the behavior of the state's drivers as a whole. Washington auto insurance companies take the cost of providing insurance for Washington drivers (this includes settlements and legal fees) and divide it up among the drivers.

But these costs aren't spread around evenly. Instead, the percentage you pay is decided by things like your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive.

Of course, not all insurance companies compute their figures in the same manner. So they'll charge different rates on the same driver.

What this means for you as a driver, is that you need to shop the different rates (and they'll be very different!) for the best deal. It's the fastest easiest way to save on an Washington auto insurance policy.

Fortunately,shopping around is easy to do online.

Where to get Washington auto insurance quotes.

The following web sites will help you find Washington car insurance quotes: (these links will open in a new window)

  • ComparisonMarket is the easiest and most accurate quotes comparison service, and the site where you're most likely to save up to $400 on excellent coverage.

Click here for your quote.

Others:

• Esurance - a national provider of coverage to all drivers. Big savings if you Quote/Buy/Print online!

  • Netquote is particularly useful if you want a local agent to contact you

  • Geico - a great service, especially for those who can't get insured elsewhere. Be sure to complete the entire quote form!

  • Get quotes using your ZIP Code. Find local and national insurers who offer discounts in your part of the state:

More WA car insurance help

If you want more help designing your WA auto insurance policy, read our guide to setting safe and reasonable car insurance coverage levels. It contains a lot of money saving advice too.

To find out more about WA auto insurance laws and regulations, visit the Washington's official website posted by the Insurance Commissioner.

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