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Washington state's mandatory auto insurance law

The law 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 injury or death to another person
  $50,000 for injuries or death to all other people
  $10,000 for damage to another's property
  
• Pay a deposit to the Washington State Treasurer (PDF, 3MB)
• Have a liability bond of at least $60,000

The mandatory auto insurance law is under the authority of the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Showing proof of insurance

• If you're stopped by a law enforcement officer, you must show proof you have auto insurance. If you don't have proof, he or she will give you a ticket and it's considered a 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

• Motor scooters and mopeds

• Specially licensed "horseless carriage vehicles" (also known as antique or collector vehicles)

• Police or government-owned vehicles

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

Updated 04/24/2012