Washington State Requires Proof of Financial Responsibility

Washington State requires you to have auto liability insurance, and if you owe money on your car, your lender requires that you carry collision and comprehensive coverage. Auto insurance pays for damages, injuries, and other losses specifically covered by your policy. Read your policy carefully to know exactly what it covers. Pay special attention to the exclusions section, which lists the things your policy doesn’t cover. The front page of your policy is called the declarations page. It contains useful information such as the exact name of your insurance company, your policy number, and the amount of each of your coverages and deductibles.

If you drive in Washington, you must show that you can pay for accidents you cause. Most drivers do this by buying auto liability insurance. Washington law requires minimum coverage of $25,000 per injured person, up to a total of $50,000 for everyone hurt in an accident, and $10,000 for property damage. This basic coverage is called 25/50/10 coverage. However, basic coverage might not be enough if you are held liable for an accident. You should consider buying more than the basic limits. When you buy an auto policy, your insurance company will give you a proof-of-insurance card. You will need to show proof of insurance if you are asked for it by a law enforcement officer.