Car insurance in Washington is not so different from any other state. However, because of each state’s population, weather, etc., rates vary from state to state but not that much. Let’s talk about car insurance in Washington a bit!
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Washington is a “fault” state
You must know that Washington follows the “fault” system when a car accident happens. It means that the person who was found at fault for the accident is also liable for any resulting harm.
How Much Is Car Insurance in Washington
The other person who is experiencing any kind of injury or damage resulting from the accident can:
- File a third-party claim directly with the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
- File a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the at-fault driver.
- File a claim with his or her own insurance company, and their insurance company will sue the at-fault driver’s carrier. This is only possible if that loss is covered under the policy.
Washington car insurance requirements
Like all of the other states, Washington requires every person who intends to drive to have at least a minimum level of the following auto insurance coverages:
1-Liability insurance:
- $25,000 for injuries or death to one person in an accident you cause
- $50,000 for total injuries or death to all people in an accident you cause
- $10,000 for damage to anyone else’s property in an accident you cause
2- Apply for a certificate of deposit to guarantee financial responsibility for an accident with the state’s Department of Licensing.
Liability insurance covers other people’s vehicle repair bills and their medical bills after accidents in which you were found at fault. All states require a minimum amount of this insurance. Carrying a higher level of liability insurance is really necessary; you may find that out at least after your first at-fault accident and were forced to pay a chunk of money out of your pocket.
How much does car insurance cost in Washington?
On average, for liability-only car insurance in Washington, you have to pay $1,854 per year, while full coverage in Washington will cost an average of $2,476 annually.
How do the annual auto insurance costs in Washington compare?
In the U.S., the average car insurance rate is $1,627 a year for liability-only car insurance, and the full coverage costs $2,297 yearly. In conclusion, yes, auto insurance is a bit more expensive in Washington but not that much.
Why is vehicle insurance so expensive in Washington?
The following factors explain why auto insurance is so expensive in Washington:
- High theft rates
- High number of uninsured drivers
- Severe weather leading to more accidents
There are also common factors that affect your car insurance. They include:
1-The type of the car you drive
Certain types of cars cost more to insure for a number of reasons which depend on your car. Some cars have high theft rates; sports cars are generally expensive to insure, and so on and so forth. Always remember that regardless of which state you live in, vehicles with built-in security features, such as anti-theft devices, can get you discounts or lower your rates.
2-Your age and gender
Your age definitely impacts your car insurance premium, especially if you are under 25, because of their lack of experience behind the wheels. Older drivers can expect to pay around the state’s average. Your gender also maybe affect your rates. Statistically, young female drivers have better driving habits than young male drivers.
3-Your driving records
If you’ve been in multiple accidents, your cost for car insurance is likely to be higher than for someone with a clean driving record. If you’re a new driver and have not had insurance before, chances are you’ll pay more for car insurance.
4-How often do you drive your car
Insurers do look at how much you use your car. The more you drive, the more you are exposed to a risk, so the person who uses his or her car less doesn’t pay the same amount as a person who uses his or her car all the time.
5-Where you live & park your car
Where you live and where you park your car overnight may affect your car insurance premium. Urban neighborhoods typically have higher rates of accidents, theft, and vandalism than rural areas, which means premiums may be higher.
6-The type and number of coverages you choose to be on your policy
The coverages you choose and their limit will affect the cost of your car insurance premium. Besides Liability which you have to have, there is extra insurance you can add to your policy, and some coverages cost more than others.
7-Your deductible
A deductible is an agreed amount of money you pay when you make a claim. Your insurance provider can help you decide on the deductibles that are right for you. If it’s possible for you, we recommend raising your deductible because it will lower your car insurance premium.
What happens if you are caught driving without insurance in Washington?
According to the Washington State Department of Licensing, driving without the required insurance, you may have to pay a fine of $550 or more, and your license may be suspended. So don’t forget to always carry insurance while driving.
