Auto
How much car insurance do I need in Washington?
Legally, Washington requires 25/50/10 liability. Practically, if you own a home or have savings, carry liability limits high enough to protect them — commonly $250,000 per person and $500,000 per accident — match your underinsured motorist limits to it, and consider an umbrella above it.
A simple rule of thumb
Short answer: Liability limits at least equal to what you could lose in a lawsuit — home equity, savings and future income.
| Situation | Common liability choice |
|---|---|
| Renter, few assets | $100k/$300k |
| Homeowner | $250k/$500k |
| Homeowner with umbrella | Whatever the umbrella requires underneath |
Liability vs. full coverage
Short answer: Full coverage adds collision and comprehensive to pay for your own car; liability-only pays only for damage you cause to others.
Lenders require full coverage on financed cars. On an older paid-off car, compare the car's value against a few years of collision premium.
Sources
- RCW 46.29.090 — Washington minimum liability limits
- WA Office of the Insurance Commissioner — Auto insurance
Explanations on this page are general. Your policy documents control what is and isn't covered.
Keep exploring
- Auto insuranceWashington auto insurance explained: the 25/50/10 legal minimum, why most drivers need more, underinsured motorist and PIP, and how to get a car insurance quote locally.
- Umbrella insuranceUmbrella insurance adds $1 million or more of liability protection above your home and auto policies. What a personal umbrella policy covers, who needs one, and how much to buy.
- What does underinsured motorist coverage do in Washington?Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage in Washington pays when the at-fault driver has too little or no insurance. Why insurers must offer it and why you shouldn't reject it.
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