Updated April 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Washington
Washington requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10: $25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, and $10,000 property damage. Drivers convicted of DUI, driving without insurance, repeated violations, or license suspensions typically must file SR-22 proof of financial responsibility with the Washington Department of Licensing. The SR-22 requirement generally lasts 3 years from reinstatement, and any lapse in coverage restarts the clock. High-risk drivers often need non-standard carriers willing to file SR-22 and accept recent violations.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Washington?
High-risk auto insurance rates in Washington vary widely based on violation type, time since offense, and driving history. A driver with a recent DUI typically pays $200–$400/mo for liability coverage with SR-22, while a driver with a single at-fault accident may pay $120–$200/mo. Rates drop as violations age—most carriers reduce DUI surcharges significantly after 3–5 years, and some standard carriers will quote drivers 5+ years post-violation.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation: DUI convictions typically raise rates 150–300%, while at-fault accidents raise rates 40–80%
- Time since violation: Rates drop significantly after 3 years for most violations; DUI surcharges often phase out after 5 years
- SR-22 filing requirement duration: The 3-year SR-22 period keeps you in non-standard or high-risk tiers even as violations age
- Driving record beyond the primary violation: Additional tickets or accidents during SR-22 period compound surcharges and limit carrier options
- Carrier type: Non-standard specialists in Washington often beat standard-carrier high-risk divisions by $50–$100/mo for identical coverage
- Washington's fault-based accident system: At-fault accidents trigger both rate increases and potential SR-22 requirements if uninsured at the time
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Sources
- Washington Department of Licensing - SR-22 Requirements
- Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner - Minimum Coverage Standards
- Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.29 - Financial Responsibility