In Washington State searching for car insurance can be tedious and overwhelming. BuyCarInsurance.com is here to help alleviate stress. We have compiled this guide that lists the information needed so that you can easily get the car insurance plan that fits your personal needs - at the lowest rate.

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Minimum Requirements

Washington state requires drivers to have required minimum car insurance coverage to operate a vehicle. This coverage will aid you in the event of an at-fault accident. Like most states, you have to have bodily injury and property damage to be in compliance. Here is a list of the coverages and the limits:

Do I Need More Than The Minimum Coverage?

We highly suggest purchasing more than the minimum coverage in Washington because it is just that, the minimum coverage. The property damage limit at $10,000 is very low. This will likely leave you paying out of pocket if you have to replace someone's vehicle. Increasing your policy limits is an easy way to add more security without breaking the bank. We always encourage you to purchase as much car insurance as you can afford.

Additional Coverages Available in Washington 

Aside from increasing your policy limits you can add additional coverages to your policy for more protection. There are a variety of coverage options to protect you in many unique situations. Here is a list of additional coverages and how they can give you added protection:

• Collision Coverage- Collision insurance will cover repairs to your vehicle in an accident you are at fault for. 

• Comprehensive Coverage- Comprehensive insurance covers you for other situations than a car accident; if you hit an animal, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, or of your car is stolen. 

• Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists- Optional coverage that protects you if you are involved in an accident with a driver who has no insurance or too little insurance to cover the accident. 

• Medical Coverage- Optional coverage that will pay for medical bills when health insurance exceeds coverage amounts and covers medical expenses for you and your passengers. Do you walk or bike? This policy offers additional coverage if you are struck by a car in those instances. 

• Gap Insurance- Optional coverage that will pay if you don’t own your car outright and have an accident. Gap insurance will pay the difference between the cash value of your car and the current balance on your loan or lease. This policy is best for newer non-owned cars. 

• Personal Injury Protection- Depending on your state this type of insurance can be a requirement or an add on. Regardless of fault personal injury protection will cover medical expenses and loss of wages for you and your passengers (up to your limit). It also includes up to $5,000 for funeral expenses.

Washington Teen drivers

In the state of Washington, a teen can begin driving at the age of 15 ½. When your teen starts driving it is time to start looking for car insurance. It is not cheap to insure a teen driver, in fact, because of their lack of experience they are considered high-risk drivers. High-risk drivers do not have cheap insurance policies. The cheapest way to insure your teen driver typically is by adding them to your existing policy. If the teen has their own vehicle they will be considered a primary driver, which is typically a more expensive policy. There are discount options for teen drivers available with most insurance companies. 

Do You Have Multiple Drivers in Your Home?

In most homes, there is more than one driver. It is important to tell your car insurance company about the other drivers in your home to avoid any lack of coverage, additional charges, or the potential they will no longer provide insurance for you. 

You can exclude any drivers you do not want to list on your car insurance policy, you just need to let your insurance agent know. Once you exclude a driver the insurance company will not cover them or your vehicle while they are using it. You will be responsible for any damage expenses out-of-pocket.

Penalties for Driving Without Car Insurance 

You are required to have bodily injury and property damage car insurance coverage in Washington. If you are not in compliance with the car insurance laws you will face penalties for your actions. Here is a list of the penalties in Washington for not adhering to the car insurance minimum requirements: 

• You will pay a minimum fine of $450. 

• You can be required to do community service. 

• You will pay a community restitution fee of $15.

• You could have your driving privileges suspended. 

Car Insurance Savings in Washington

There are car insurance discounts available in every state. Finding discounts that are best for you might be challenging. We encourage you to ask your car insurance company for a complete list of the discounts they offer, this will help you decide which discounts you qualify for. Now you are one step closer to saving money. Here are a few common discounts in Washington:

• Good Driver- Maintain a good driving record free of accidents, tickets, and any moving violations. 

• Multiple Policy- Most insurance companies will offer a discount for having multiple policies such as car insurance, renters insurance, homeowners insurance, or motorcycle insurance. 

• Good Student- If you are a student enrolled in high school or college curriculum and maintaining a B average most companies offer a discount.

Get a Quote on Car Insurance in Washington 

Searching for the best car insurance rates with the coverages you need is a tiring task. BuyCarinsurance.com is here to give you a break. We will provide you competitive quotes from top car insurance companies in Washington in no time, no more shopping around. Just follow the three easy steps below and you will have a quote in minutes.