The legal minimum
Washington requires liability insurance of at least 25/50/10. That means up to $25,000 for one person's injuries, $50,000 for everyone's injuries in one accident, and $10,000 for damage to other people's property. It pays for harm you cause to others. It does nothing for your own car or your own injuries.
Why the minimum is usually not enough
A hospital stay or a crash with a newer car can cost far more than $25,000 or $10,000. When the bill goes past your limits, the other side can come after you personally. Higher limits often cost less than people expect, so we always quote a few levels side by side.
Coverage carriers must offer you
- Underinsured motorist (UIM): protects you when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance.
- Personal injury protection (PIP): medical bills and some lost wages for you and your passengers, no matter who caused the crash.
If your car is financed or leased
Your lender will almost always require collision and comprehensive coverage, often with a maximum deductible. We set that up so the lender gets the proof it needs.
Our usual recommendation
Most of our drivers carry liability well above the minimum, keep UIM and PIP, and add collision and comprehensive on any car they couldn't easily replace. We'll show you the price difference so you can decide.