Updated April 2026
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. Drivers convicted of DUI, driving with a suspended license, or causing an uninsured accident typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Washington Department of Licensing. The SR-22 filing requirement generally lasts 3 years from the reinstatement date. Failure to maintain continuous coverage during this period restarts the entire 3-year clock.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Washington?
High-risk auto insurance in Washington typically costs $200–$400/mo for liability-only and $300–$600/mo for full coverage, with rates determined by violation type, frequency, and time since the incident. DUI convictions generate the steepest surcharges — often 150–300% above standard rates — while at-fault accidents and lapses add 40–100% depending on severity. Rates decline gradually as violations age off your record (typically 3–5 years for most infractions, 5–7 years for DUI), but maintaining continuous SR-22 coverage without lapses is the most critical factor in securing lower premiums over time.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type and severity — DUI convictions typically cost 150–300% more than standard rates, while at-fault accidents add 40–80%
- Time since violation — rates drop approximately 10–20% per year as violations age, with most falling off after 3–5 years
- SR-22 filing requirement — the filing itself costs $15–$35, but restricts you to non-standard carriers with higher base premiums
- Coverage lapses — even a single day without coverage during SR-22 period restarts the 3-year requirement and adds a new lapse surcharge
- Location — urban areas like Seattle and Tacoma typically see 20–40% higher premiums than rural counties due to claim frequency
- Credit-based insurance score — Washington allows insurers to use credit history in underwriting, which can significantly impact non-standard rates
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Sources
- Washington Department of Licensing — SR-22 requirements and filing procedures
- Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner — coverage minimums and consumer guides
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.29 — financial responsibility laws