Washington car insurance laws and requirements: What is changing in 2025

Q: Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Washington?

Yes , Washington requires that you carry at least the minimum mandatory coverage. Necessary coverage includes 25/50/10.

Q: Will my bare minimum car insurance cover me in another state?

Yes , your car insurance covers claims in another state, even if the minimums are higher in the other state.

Washington car insurance laws

Washington requires that drivers carry at least 25/50/10.

These limits are in place to ease the financial burden for drivers who cause an accident and for the victims. The at-fault driver knows their insurer will cover medical expenses and property damage up to a certain amount, and victims can more readily access funds to pay for accident costs.

However, coverage limits are very low and will not cover expenses from a serious accident. To be better protected, Washington drivers should consider increasing liability limits and adding coverage, such as collision and comprehensive.

Washington car insurance requirements

Washington requires the following coverage:

Liability. There are two parts to liability coverage. First, bodily injury liability pays medical costs associated with an accident, such as doctor visits, surgery, and prescriptions. Second, property damage liability covers repairing or replacing items such as vehicles, fences, or buildings.

Washington liability minimums are 25/50/10.

The average cost of a minimum coverage policy is $438. However, PEMCO has the lowest minimum car insurance rates, averaging $158.

The table below shows the top insurers' average rates for minimum coverage in Washington.

Company	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
PEMCO	$158	$13
Geico	$296	$25
Travelers	$398	$33
State Farm	$410	$34
Farmers	$450	$37
Nationwide	$496	$41
Progressive	$595	$50
Allstate	$639	$53
American Family	$709	$59
USAA	$226	$19

Read our methodology

Washington car insurance cost for minimum coverage limits

On average, state minimum car insurance costs $438. Car insurance rates for minimum coverage vary by company and driver. The table below shows average rates for drivers with minimum coverage in Washington.

The cheapest company for minimum coverage in Washington is PEMCO at an average rate of $158 annually.

State minimum coverage limit	25/50/10
Average annual premium	$438
Average monthly premium	$36

Read our methodology

Are the Washington minimum coverage requirements changing in 2025?

Washington car insurance requirements will not change in 2025. You do not need to make any changes if you have minimum coverage. If mandatory coverage changes in the future, your insurer will inform you, along with any rate changes.

Why do limits change?

"Several states have minimum requirements of property damage of $10,000-$25,000," says Zack Pope, agency manager at David Pope Insurance in Missouri. "[Given] the current values of vehicles, that's extremely antiquated values of coverage and a main reason that I personally do not offer less than 100/300/100 to customers. It is significantly easier to see a car on the road that is valued at $100,000 than it has been in the past."

What does minimum car insurance cover in Washington?

Washington requires drivers to carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance to help offset accident costs.

Washington drivers are required to carry liability coverage. Bodily injury liability helps pay for injuries you cause to others in an accident. Property damage liability covers items damaged in an accident, such as another vehicle, fence, or other property.

Washington is a no-fault state, meaning your insurer pays for your injuries and damages regardless of who caused the accident. The law requires you to carry personal injury protectionPersonal injury protection (PIP) pays for your medical, hospital and funeral expenses resulting from a car accident, regardless of who's at fault. (PIP) to pay medical costs, such as doctor visits and prescriptions.

PEOPLE ASK:

Is Washington minimum car insurance enough?

It may not be. Even a moderately serious accident could exceed the state minimum limits of 25/50/10, and minimum coverage may not cover all accident costs. Furthermore, state minimums do not cover your vehicle; you need to add comprehensive and collision coverage.

How much car insurance is enough in Washington?

Car insurance isn't one size fits all. The amount of coverage you need depends on your assets, net worth and risk level.

For example, if you are financially stable and can afford to pay out of pocket for medical costs and repairs, you may keep insurance limits low. However, you may be sued for the cost difference if you have a sizeable net worth and don't carry enough insurance to cover expenses.

Additionally, if you drive very little or have a short commute, your chances of causing an accident are relatively low. Also, you may choose to skip coverages such as collision and comprehensive if your car isn't worth much, or you can afford to pay for a new vehicle if yours is damaged. However, if you have a loan or lease you will be required to carry this coverage by your lender.

Consider your financial situation when determining how much car insurance you need.

Washington penalties for driving without car insurance

Since Washington requires its drivers to carry car insurance, failing to do so has consequences. Although you may be tempted to skip coverage to save money, you'll wind up paying heavily in the long run.

Failing to carry Washington car insurance has penalties including those listed below. Keep in mind that repeated infractions have more severe penalties, such as jail time.

Fines	$550+
Other penalties	License suspension
Jail time	No

Read our methodology

Washington minimum coverage cost by age group

Younger drivers pay for more car insurance because they lack experience behind the wheel. Fortunately, rates decrease as drivers age.

The table below breaks down the cost of car insurance for various age groups. PEMCO has the best rates for teens with minimum coverage averaging $459. PEMCO offers the cheapest coverage for adults at $179.

Additionally, females and males pay different rates. The average rate for a 40-year-old female is $446, and the average rate for a 40-year-old male is $430, a difference of $16.

Male

Male
Female

Age	Company	Male annual premium	Male monthly premium
16	PEMCO	$577	$48
16	State Farm	$1,727	$144
16	Geico	$1,746	$146
16	Travelers	$1,835	$153
16	Farmers	$2,058	$172
16	Progressive	$2,264	$189
16	Nationwide	$2,507	$209
16	American Family	$2,969	$247
16	Allstate	$3,656	$305
17	PEMCO	$464	$39
17	Geico	$1,179	$98
17	Travelers	$1,447	$121
17	State Farm	$1,507	$126
17	Farmers	$1,585	$132
17	American Family	$2,263	$189
17	Nationwide	$2,288	$191
17	Progressive	$2,701	$225
17	Allstate	$3,126	$261
18	PEMCO	$380	$32
18	Geico	$1,003	$84
18	Travelers	$1,182	$99
18	Farmers	$1,306	$109
18	State Farm	$1,309	$109
18	American Family	$1,791	$149
18	Progressive	$2,149	$179
18	Allstate	$2,255	$188
18	Nationwide	$2,324	$194
19	PEMCO	$319	$27
19	Geico	$803	$67
19	Travelers	$968	$81
19	Farmers	$1,116	$93
19	State Farm	$1,157	$96
19	Allstate	$1,348	$112
19	Progressive	$1,450	$121
19	American Family	$1,457	$121
19	Nationwide	$1,984	$165
20	PEMCO	$272	$23
20	Geico	$661	$55
20	Travelers	$831	$69
20	Farmers	$1,006	$84
20	State Farm	$1,019	$85
20	Allstate	$1,180	$98
20	American Family	$1,219	$102
20	Progressive	$1,269	$106
20	Nationwide	$1,663	$139
21	PEMCO	$238	$20
21	Geico	$492	$41
21	Farmers	$593	$49
21	Travelers	$695	$58
21	State Farm	$877	$73
21	Allstate	$903	$75
21	Nationwide	$939	$78
21	Progressive	$996	$83
21	American Family	$1,045	$87
22	PEMCO	$215	$18
22	Geico	$435	$36
22	Farmers	$564	$47
22	Travelers	$622	$52
22	State Farm	$778	$65
22	Nationwide	$837	$70
22	Allstate	$842	$70
22	Progressive	$890	$74
22	American Family	$928	$77
23	PEMCO	$197	$16
23	Geico	$415	$35
23	Farmers	$518	$43
23	Travelers	$558	$47
23	State Farm	$672	$56
23	Nationwide	$771	$64
23	Allstate	$797	$66
23	Progressive	$827	$69
23	American Family	$840	$70
24	PEMCO	$182	$15
24	Geico	$377	$31
24	Farmers	$509	$42
24	Travelers	$522	$44
24	State Farm	$584	$49
24	Nationwide	$715	$60
24	Allstate	$729	$61
24	Progressive	$754	$63
24	American Family	$780	$65
25	PEMCO	$233	$19
25	Geico	$331	$28
25	Travelers	$458	$38
25	Farmers	$507	$42
25	State Farm	$513	$43
25	Progressive	$646	$54
25	Allstate	$648	$54
25	Nationwide	$649	$54
25	American Family	$739	$62
30	PEMCO	$180	$15
30	Geico	$286	$24
30	State Farm	$417	$35
30	Travelers	$446	$37
30	Farmers	$469	$39
30	Nationwide	$540	$45
30	Progressive	$593	$49
30	Allstate	$636	$53
30	American Family	$741	$62
35	PEMCO	$159	$13
35	Geico	$269	$22
35	State Farm	$410	$34
35	Travelers	$444	$37
35	Farmers	$445	$37
35	Nationwide	$506	$42
35	Progressive	$584	$49
35	Allstate	$632	$53
35	American Family	$731	$61
40	PEMCO	$150	$13
40	Geico	$267	$22
40	Travelers	$407	$34
40	State Farm	$410	$34
40	Farmers	$430	$36
40	Nationwide	$486	$41
40	Progressive	$577	$48
40	Allstate	$629	$52
40	American Family	$716	$60
45	PEMCO	$149	$12
45	Geico	$273	$23
45	State Farm	$407	$34
45	Travelers	$407	$34
45	Farmers	$418	$35
45	Nationwide	$476	$40
45	Progressive	$573	$48
45	Allstate	$622	$52
45	American Family	$703	$59
50	PEMCO	$153	$13
50	Geico	$278	$23
50	State Farm	$400	$33
50	Farmers	$405	$34
50	Travelers	$407	$34
50	Nationwide	$466	$39
50	Progressive	$573	$48
50	Allstate	$632	$53
50	American Family	$695	$58
55	PEMCO	$161	$13
55	Geico	$287	$24
55	State Farm	$382	$32
55	Travelers	$382	$32
55	Farmers	$392	$33
55	Nationwide	$456	$38
55	Progressive	$560	$47
55	Allstate	$625	$52
55	American Family	$699	$58
60	PEMCO	$172	$14
60	Geico	$308	$26
60	State Farm	$375	$31
60	Travelers	$389	$32
60	Farmers	$411	$34
60	Nationwide	$454	$38
60	Progressive	$572	$48
60	Allstate	$644	$54
60	American Family	$721	$60
65	PEMCO	$196	$16
65	Geico	$318	$27
65	State Farm	$375	$31
65	Travelers	$424	$35
65	Farmers	$450	$38
65	Nationwide	$454	$38
65	Progressive	$614	$51
65	Allstate	$678	$57
65	American Family	$770	$64
70	PEMCO	$225	$19
70	Geico	$333	$28
70	State Farm	$410	$34
70	Travelers	$458	$38
70	Farmers	$492	$41
70	Nationwide	$506	$42
70	Progressive	$644	$54
70	Allstate	$704	$59
70	American Family	$862	$72
75	PEMCO	$260	$22
75	Geico	$345	$29
75	State Farm	$460	$38
75	Travelers	$522	$44
75	Farmers	$575	$48
75	Nationwide	$575	$48
75	Progressive	$812	$68
75	Allstate	$819	$68
75	American Family	$1,026	$86
16	USAA	$2,101	$175
17	USAA	$1,321	$110
18	USAA	$1,062	$89
19	USAA	$709	$59
20	USAA	$652	$54
21	USAA	$386	$32
22	USAA	$362	$30
23	USAA	$338	$28
24	USAA	$315	$26
25	USAA	$276	$23
30	USAA	$235	$20
35	USAA	$230	$19
40	USAA	$226	$19
45	USAA	$221	$18
50	USAA	$216	$18
55	USAA	$220	$18
60	USAA	$225	$19
65	USAA	$244	$20
70	USAA	$287	$24
75	USAA	$373	$31

Read our methodology

Age	Company	Female annual premium	Female monthly premium
16	PEMCO	$640	$53
16	State Farm	$1,313	$109
16	Geico	$2,282	$190
16	Travelers	$1,376	$115
16	Farmers	$1,833	$153
16	Progressive	$2,057	$171
16	Nationwide	$2,186	$182
16	American Family	$2,787	$232
16	Allstate	$3,721	$310
17	PEMCO	$516	$43
17	Geico	$1,443	$120
17	Travelers	$1,111	$93
17	State Farm	$1,206	$101
17	Farmers	$1,424	$119
17	American Family	$2,131	$178
17	Nationwide	$2,090	$174
17	Progressive	$2,457	$205
17	Allstate	$2,731	$228
18	PEMCO	$423	$35
18	Geico	$1,223	$102
18	Travelers	$924	$77
18	Farmers	$1,185	$99
18	State Farm	$1,111	$93
18	American Family	$1,693	$141
18	Progressive	$1,971	$164
18	Allstate	$1,869	$156
18	Nationwide	$2,078	$173
19	PEMCO	$356	$30
19	Geico	$943	$79
19	Travelers	$776	$65
19	Farmers	$1,030	$86
19	State Farm	$969	$81
19	Allstate	$1,258	$105
19	Progressive	$1,350	$113
19	American Family	$1,382	$115
19	Nationwide	$1,785	$149
20	PEMCO	$303	$25
20	Geico	$753	$63
20	Travelers	$685	$57
20	Farmers	$922	$77
20	State Farm	$846	$71
20	Allstate	$1,013	$84
20	American Family	$1,161	$97
20	Progressive	$1,177	$98
20	Nationwide	$1,554	$130
21	PEMCO	$266	$22
21	Geico	$580	$48
21	Farmers	$531	$44
21	Travelers	$592	$49
21	State Farm	$739	$62
21	Allstate	$826	$69
21	Nationwide	$872	$73
21	Progressive	$967	$81
21	American Family	$998	$83
22	PEMCO	$241	$20
22	Geico	$500	$42
22	Farmers	$502	$42
22	Travelers	$543	$45
22	State Farm	$669	$56
22	Nationwide	$782	$65
22	Allstate	$814	$68
22	Progressive	$902	$75
22	American Family	$890	$74
23	PEMCO	$221	$18
23	Geico	$472	$39
23	Farmers	$467	$39
23	Travelers	$515	$43
23	State Farm	$584	$49
23	Nationwide	$721	$60
23	Allstate	$757	$63
23	Progressive	$806	$67
23	American Family	$808	$67
24	PEMCO	$204	$17
24	Geico	$436	$36
24	Farmers	$456	$38
24	Travelers	$503	$42
24	State Farm	$527	$44
24	Nationwide	$670	$56
24	Allstate	$701	$58
24	Progressive	$761	$63
24	American Family	$752	$63
25	PEMCO	$260	$22
25	Geico	$372	$31
25	Travelers	$441	$37
25	Farmers	$464	$39
25	State Farm	$474	$40
25	Progressive	$661	$55
25	Allstate	$660	$55
25	Nationwide	$599	$50
25	American Family	$714	$60
30	PEMCO	$202	$17
30	Geico	$340	$28
30	State Farm	$417	$35
30	Travelers	$429	$36
30	Farmers	$446	$37
30	Nationwide	$540	$45
30	Progressive	$632	$53
30	Allstate	$656	$55
30	American Family	$719	$60
35	PEMCO	$176	$15
35	Geico	$333	$28
35	State Farm	$410	$34
35	Travelers	$425	$35
35	Farmers	$448	$37
35	Nationwide	$520	$43
35	Progressive	$629	$52
35	Allstate	$653	$54
35	American Family	$713	$59
40	PEMCO	$165	$14
40	Geico	$324	$27
40	Travelers	$389	$32
40	State Farm	$410	$34
40	Farmers	$469	$39
40	Nationwide	$506	$42
40	Progressive	$614	$51
40	Allstate	$649	$54
40	American Family	$702	$59
45	PEMCO	$164	$14
45	Geico	$314	$26
45	State Farm	$407	$34
45	Travelers	$389	$32
45	Farmers	$434	$36
45	Nationwide	$486	$41
45	Progressive	$611	$51
45	Allstate	$642	$54
45	American Family	$692	$58
50	PEMCO	$169	$14
50	Geico	$308	$26
50	State Farm	$400	$33
50	Farmers	$396	$33
50	Travelers	$389	$32
50	Nationwide	$466	$39
50	Progressive	$576	$48
50	Allstate	$611	$51
50	American Family	$688	$57
55	PEMCO	$178	$15
55	Geico	$300	$25
55	State Farm	$382	$32
55	Travelers	$366	$31
55	Farmers	$371	$31
55	Nationwide	$446	$37
55	Progressive	$574	$48
55	Allstate	$604	$50
55	American Family	$695	$58
60	PEMCO	$192	$16
60	Geico	$292	$24
60	State Farm	$375	$31
60	Travelers	$371	$31
60	Farmers	$362	$30
60	Nationwide	$440	$37
60	Progressive	$579	$48
60	Allstate	$622	$52
60	American Family	$721	$60
65	PEMCO	$216	$18
65	Geico	$298	$25
65	State Farm	$375	$31
65	Travelers	$405	$34
65	Farmers	$392	$33
65	Nationwide	$449	$37
65	Progressive	$597	$50
65	Allstate	$654	$55
65	American Family	$773	$64
70	PEMCO	$245	$20
70	Geico	$316	$26
70	State Farm	$410	$34
70	Travelers	$431	$36
70	Farmers	$433	$36
70	Nationwide	$471	$39
70	Progressive	$637	$53
70	Allstate	$680	$57
70	American Family	$870	$73
75	PEMCO	$276	$23
75	Geico	$338	$28
75	State Farm	$460	$38
75	Travelers	$475	$40
75	Farmers	$490	$41
75	Nationwide	$516	$43
75	Progressive	$719	$60
75	Allstate	$790	$66
75	American Family	$1,042	$87
16	USAA	$1,878	$157
17	USAA	$1,169	$97
18	USAA	$928	$77
19	USAA	$594	$50
20	USAA	$556	$46
21	USAA	$338	$28
22	USAA	$314	$26
23	USAA	$302	$25
24	USAA	$280	$23
25	USAA	$253	$21
30	USAA	$235	$20
35	USAA	$230	$19
40	USAA	$226	$19
45	USAA	$221	$18
50	USAA	$218	$18
55	USAA	$218	$18
60	USAA	$223	$19
65	USAA	$239	$20
70	USAA	$282	$24
75	USAA	$361	$30

Read our methodology

Washington minimum coverage cost by city

Spokane Valley drivers pay the least for minimum coverage in Washington at $416. However, Federal Way pay the most at $579.

Car insurance rates vary by city. For example, drivers in larger cities with a high traffic volume or vehicle theft rate pay higher rates.

The table below shows average minimum coverage rates for cities in Washington.

City	Average annual premium	Average monthly premium
Spokane Valley	$416	$35
Spokane	$440	$37
Vancouver	$494	$41
Everett	$521	$43
Bellevue	$533	$44
Seattle	$556	$46
Renton	$563	$47
Tacoma	$565	$47
Kent	$575	$48
Federal Way	$579	$48

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Optional car insurance coverage in Washington

Washington requires drivers to carry car insurance to pay for injuries and damages caused to others. However, drivers don't have to carry coverage for their vehicle unless required by a loan or lease.

Drivers may choose optional coverages such as:

Collision. Collision coverage pays for damages to your vehicle if you cause an accident.
Comprehensive. This coverage pays for damages to your car unrelated to an accident, such as fire, flood, falling debris, and hail.
Rental car coverage. This pays for a rental car if your vehicle is being repaired for a covered claim and usually has time and cost limits.
Roadside assistance. If you run out of gas, need a tire changed, or have a dead battery roadside assistance will send someone to help.
Gap. Gap coverage pays the difference between what you owe on a car loan and the vehicle's value.

Methodology

Insurance.com commissioned state minimum car insurance rates from Quadrant Information Systems based on a 40-year-old driver with good credit and a clean driving history, driving a 2023 Honda Accord LX. Rates are based on all coverages required by law at minimum coverage limits. Rates were also fielded for various additional age groups. State laws were gathered from state DMV and insurance department websites.

Washington car insurance laws and requirements: FAQs

Is it mandatory to have car insurance in Washington?

Yes, Washington requires that you carry at least the minimum mandatory coverage. Necessary coverage includes 25/50/10.

Will my bare minimum car insurance cover me in another state?

Yes, your car insurance covers claims in another state, even if the minimums are higher in the other state.

What happens if I drive without car insurance in Washington?

If you're caught driving without car insurance in Washington, you may face fines, a driver's license suspension, having your vehicle impounded, and increased car insurance rates. Additionally, you may face jail time, especially for multiple violations.