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. These minimums apply to all drivers, but if you have a DUI, suspended license, or were caught driving uninsured, Washington's Department of Licensing requires SR-22 filing to prove continuous coverage. The SR-22 requirement typically lasts 3 years from the violation date, and any lapse in coverage restarts the clock.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Washington?
High-risk premiums in Washington vary widely based on violation type, age, location, and prior insurance history. A DUI conviction typically doubles or triples your base rate, while a lapse or suspended license can increase premiums by 50–100%. Rates drop gradually as violations age off your record—Washington insurers review driving history for the prior 3–5 years—and maintaining continuous SR-22 coverage demonstrates stability to underwriters.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI convictions result in the highest rate increases, often 150–250% above clean-record rates
- Time since violation: rates typically drop 10–20% each year as the violation ages, with the steepest reduction after year 2
- SR-22 duration remaining: some carriers offer slight discounts after the first year of continuous SR-22 filing
- Location: Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane drivers pay 15–30% more than rural areas due to higher accident and theft rates
- Prior insurance history: a lapse before the violation can add an additional 20–40% to premiums
- Credit-based insurance score: Washington allows insurers to use credit as a rating factor, which can raise rates by 30–50% for drivers with poor credit
See how much your violation actually affects your rates
Not every carrier surcharges the same way. Compare quotes from carriers that rate violations differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed by your insurer with the Washington Department of Licensing. Required for 3 years after DUI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage from insurers specializing in high-risk drivers, including those with DUI convictions, lapses, or multiple violations. Often the only option after a major violation.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Washington's 25/50/10 minimums are legally required but may not cover the full cost of a serious accident.
Full Coverage
Liability, collision, and comprehensive bundled together. Required by lenders if you finance or lease your vehicle.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if you're hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage. Not required in Washington, but recommended given the state's uninsured driver rate.
High-Risk Auto Insurance
Coverage designed for drivers with DUI convictions, suspended licenses, multiple violations, or lapses. Focuses on reinstatement and rate recovery rather than denial.
