Washington Car Insurance FAQ
This Washington Car Insurance FAQ section should help you find the answers you’ve been looking for and remove your car insurance worries in a hurry.
Am I required to have car insurance to own
and drive a car in Washington State?
Yes, car insurance coverage is required by Washington State law.
What is the minimum coverage amount that I need
in Washington State for buying car insurance?
You need coverage of $25,000 for bodily injury for a single person, $50,000 for the bodily injury of passengers and $10,000 for property damage.
How do I show proof that I have bought
car insurance in Washington?
Your insurance company will give you a temporary insurance card. You can also show your premium paid receipt or the actual liability policy as proof of having insured your car.
What types of vehicles are exempt from buying
auto insurance in Washington State?
Antiques, collector vehicles, government vehicles, motorcycles, mopeds, vehicles declared as common/contract, and Washington Utilities Transport vehicles are exempt from buying auto insurance in Washington State.
If I am in an accident, how quickly will the
Insurance Company pay my claim?
Under law the insurance company must complete its investigation and pay you within 30 days of your claim. If there is a delay the insurance company must communicate the reasons to you within fifteen working days.
Can I get damages in the state of Washington
if the Insurance Company denies my claim?
Under the Insurance Fair Conduct Act, if the insurance company unreasonably denies a claim, the court can order that the Insurance Company pay three times the actual damages in the State of Washington.
How can I be assured of the solvency and
service competence of my insurance company?
One way is to find out your insurance company’s AM Best rating (AM Best is an independent company that rates the financial strength and claims paying ability of insurance companies – you want to see an “A” or better rating). Additionally, you can find out if your insurance company is consumer friendly by looking for their ratings in the Auto Insurance Annual Complaint Comparison Guide available with the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
Will my driving frequency impact
my car insurance premium?
Yes, the less you drive, the less you pay. Many insurance companies have pay as you drive discounts.
Can I get discounts based on my age?
Under law, you are eligible for a state mandated automobile insurance discount in Washington State if you are over the age of 55.
Can I get a discount for being a safe driver?
You can not only get a discount for being a safe driver, some insurance companies give you a growing discount for every accident free year.
Can I reject certain coverage options
to reduce my premium amount?
You can reject many of the coverage options offered under a Washington car insurance policy except the legally required minimum. If you don’t reject the coverage in writing then the insurance company is required to include the coverage under law (and charge you for it of course).
Do you represent an insurance company?
We are an independent free quote shopping and information resource for WA residents looking to save money on auto and homeowners insurance. We do not represent an insurance company. We only try to give you access to affordable insurance and help you to control car insurance costs.
How does your free Washington
Car Insurance Quote tool work?
You simply enter in your zip code to begin the questionnaire. Based on the information you provide our free car insurance quote tool will match you with quotes from Washington insurance companies and local Washington auto insurance agents. Compare quote to save money on Washington car insurance now!