Washington SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Washington at a Glance
25/50/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
No
A defensive driving course does not remove points here
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
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.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Insurance
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Full Coverage
Cost Overview
$280–$291/mo
Typical monthly rate in Washington, drivers after a speeding ticket
Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since violation: rates begin to decrease after 3 years and normalize after 5 years as points fall off
Find the Insurers That Still Want Your Business
See Carriers That Cover YouFrequently Asked Questions
How long does SR-22 filing last in Washington?
Washington requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of reinstatement or violation, depending on the offense. The filing must remain active without any lapses—if your policy is canceled or lapses, your license is suspended immediately and the 3-year period resets. After 3 years of continuous coverage, your insurer notifies the DOL and the SR-22 requirement is lifted.
How long do points stay on your record in Washington?
Points remain on your Washington driving record for 2 years from the date of violation. After 2 years, the points drop off and no longer count toward the 6-point suspension threshold, though the violation itself remains on your record for insurance purposes for up to 5 years. Insurance rates typically begin to decrease after 3 years as violations age.
Coverage 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.