Washington requires all who drive on their roads and highways, including those from out of state, to carry auto insurance. The state's Mandatory Auto Insurance Law dictates minimum levels of liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Those with a fleet of at least 26 vehicles can legally self insure in lieu of carrying Washington car insurance.
Those who choose to self insure must carry a bond or certificate of deposit to cover minimum liability requirements. Although not having to pay Washington vehicle insurance premiums sounds appealing, the potential financial risks often outweigh the benefits, particularly for employers for whom transportation is a vital business component.
Although Washington car insurance rates are typically above the national average, purchasing insurance allows employers to:
1. Cover accident related expenses
2. Receive discounts on other business insurance
3. Opt to cover rented, leased or financed vehicles
Carry car insurance in WA that meets minimum requirements
Complying with state liability coverage requirements not only saves you hundreds of dollars in potential fines, but also ensures the safety and well-being of employees and valued community members.
I recommend: Buy a policy that meets state requirements, in accordance with the
Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. The
Mandatory Auto Insurance law requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 coverage for bodily injury to another, $50,000 coverage for injury to all others, and $10,000 coverage for damage to another's property.
Relax if you have bad credit history
Washington state auto insurance companies cannot use many negative credit factors to determine coverage.
I recommend: Before purchasing auto insurance in Washington, get a copy of your credit report. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, you are entitled to one free credit report per year. Visit
Annual Credit Report.com to receive reports from the three major credit reporting agencies. The
Washington Credit Scoring Law prohibits companies from determining Washington auto insurance rates or refusing coverage based on some credit information, like medical bills in collection or available line of credit.
Cover your assets with additional coverage
If you only carry the minimum amount of car liability insurance in Washington, one significant at-fault accident can prove financially devastating for you and your employees. Cover your bases and your rear with additional car insurance in Washington.
I recommend: Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance in Washington covers a set amount of lost wages, medical and funeral expenses for the insured individual, members of his household and any other involved pedestrians or passengers.
Uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is another option that makes sense for employers with large fleets. UM/UIM provides coverage for coverage for those in an accident with an at-fault, uninsured driver.
Get multiple quotes before purchasing car insurance in Washington
Receiving a quote for auto insurance in Washington is often as easy as a few clicks of the mouse or a quick phone call to an agent.
I recommend: Some Washington insurance companies offer fee quotes. Simply enter your ZIP code at the
Allstate to quickly receive your Washington car insurance rate. With the same information,
Progressive Commercial provides a regional list of agents who sell car insurance in WA. Cheap premiums are great, but also consider other factors like the type of vehicle and driver coverage and policy options available before choosing between Washington auto insurance companies.