Minimum Coverage Requirements in Washington
Washington requires minimum liability coverage of 25/50/10 ($25,000 bodily injury per person, $50,000 per accident, $10,000 property damage). Drivers with DUI convictions, uninsured accidents, or license suspensions due to driving violations typically must file SR-22 proof of insurance with the Washington Department of Licensing for 3 years. If you've recently completed your SR-22 requirement, your rates are still elevated—but they're now declining, and shopping aggressively can accelerate your return to standard pricing.
How Much Does Car Insurance Cost in Washington?
Washington drivers who have completed their SR-22 requirement typically pay $180–$310/mo for full coverage in the first year post-SR22, depending on the original violation and location. DUI-related SR-22s result in the highest premiums, while suspensions for unpaid tickets or lapses result in lower increases. Your rate drops significantly at the 1-year post-SR22 mark (15–25% on average) and continues declining annually—but only if you shop, as many insurers don't automatically re-tier you to reflect improved risk.
What Affects Your Rate
- Type of violation that triggered SR-22 (DUI adds $1,200–$2,400/year more than a lapse)
- Time since SR-22 requirement ended (rates drop 15–25% at 1 year, another 10–20% at 2 years)
- Location (Seattle and Tacoma post-SR22 rates are 20–30% higher than Spokane or Yakima)
- Current insurer's re-tier schedule (some carriers re-price post-SR22 drivers annually; others don't adjust until you shop)
- Claims during or after SR-22 period (even one comprehensive claim can delay rate recovery by 1–2 years)
- Credit score improvement since SR-22 period (Washington allows credit-based insurance scoring, and improving credit can cut post-SR22 rates by 10–15%)
Your SR-22 period is ending — you can access standard rates again
Most drivers see significant savings when they transition off SR-22. Compare current rates now.
Get Your Free QuoteCoverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Washington requires 25/50/10 minimums, but post-SR22 drivers often save money by bundling higher limits with the same insurer rather than shopping for minimum coverage at a non-standard carrier.
Full Coverage
Liability plus comprehensive and collision. This is the most common configuration for post-SR22 drivers with financed vehicles or who want asset protection as their rates recover.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Covers your injuries and vehicle damage if you're hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver. Not required in Washington but must be offered.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers theft, vandalism, weather, and animal strikes. Washington's wet climate and rural deer population make comprehensive a practical choice for post-SR22 drivers who own their vehicles outright.
Collision Coverage
Covers damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident. Often the most expensive component of full coverage for post-SR22 drivers.
SR-22 Insurance
SR-22 is a certificate filed by your insurer with the Washington Department of Licensing proving you carry minimum coverage. It's required for 3 years after certain violations.
