Updated April 2026
State Requirements
Washington requires minimum liability coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, plus $10,000 for property damage. SR-22 filing is triggered by DUI convictions, license suspensions for excessive violations, driving without insurance, or serious offenses like reckless driving. Drivers with points from standard violations—speeding tickets, at-fault accidents, or moving violations—typically do not need SR-22 unless their license is suspended. Washington uses a point system where accumulating 6 points in 12 months leads to a suspended license and mandatory SR-22 filing upon reinstatement.
Cost Overview
Washington high-risk drivers pay an average of $2,400–$5,200 annually for minimum liability coverage, compared to $800–$1,400 for drivers with clean records. Rates vary significantly by violation type: a DUI increases premiums by 80–150%, while a speeding ticket raises rates by 15–30%. Full coverage for high-risk profiles typically ranges from $4,800–$8,400 per year, with SR-22 drivers and those with multiple violations at the higher end.
What Affects Your Rate
- Violation type: DUI and reckless driving increase rates 80–150%, at-fault accidents increase rates 40–70%, speeding tickets increase rates 15–30%
- Number of points: drivers with 4–5 points pay 30–50% more than those with 1–2 points
- SR-22 requirement: adds $500–$1,200 annually on top of violation-related increases
- Time since violation: rates begin to decrease after 3 years and normalize after 5 years as points fall off
- Urban density: Seattle and Tacoma drivers pay 20–35% more than drivers in Spokane or rural counties due to accident frequency and repair costs
- Credit score: Washington allows credit-based insurance scoring, and high-risk drivers with poor credit pay 40–80% more than those with good credit
Compare rates from carriers that work with drivers who have points
Standard carriers surcharge heavily after violations. These specialists price your specific record differently.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. Washington's minimum limits are often too low for drivers with existing violations who cannot afford another claim raising their rates further.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate of financial responsibility filed by your carrier with the Washington DOL proving you maintain continuous coverage. Required for DUI, reckless driving, uninsured driving, and license suspensions.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for drivers with violations, points, DUI, or SR-22 requirements who've been declined by standard carriers. Non-standard insurers assess risk differently and often offer significantly lower rates than competitors.
Full Coverage
Combines liability, collision, and comprehensive insurance to cover both your liability and your vehicle's repair or replacement costs regardless of fault. Required by lenders and lessors.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance. Optional in Washington but highly valuable given the state's 14% uninsured driver rate.
Collision Coverage
Pays for damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident or single-vehicle crash. Required by lenders but optional if you own your car outright.
