Washington Motor Vehicle Accident Laws & Requirements

Insurance System & Requirements

System type: Washington operates under a traditional tort of “fault" system. This means that the driver found to be at fault for causing an accident is responsible for the resulting damages. In such cases, the at-fault driver's insurance typically covers the costs.

Minimum liability required: Washington State’s mandatory liability insurance law, governed by the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL), requires all drivers of motor vehicles and motorcycles to meet one of the following financial responsibility options:

• Option 1: Carry minimum liability insurance: Drivers must carry a motor vehicle liability policy with at least the following minimum coverage:
  • $25,000 for injuries or death to one person
  • $50,000 for injuries or death to multiple people per accident
  • $10,000 for property damage    
• Option 2: Other financial responsibility methods: Instead of carrying a standard insurance policy, Washington allows drivers to comply with financial responsibility laws: 
  • You may apply for a certificate of deposit for $60,000 or more with the Washington DOL to cover your liability obligations
  • You can file a surety bond of at least $60,000 with a company authorized to do business in Washington
  • If you own 26 or more vehicles, you may qualify for self-insurance. Contact the Washington Department of Licensing for more information on this option

Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage: Washington insurers must offer UM/UIM coverage, which protects you if you’re involved in an accident caused by a driver with no insurance, insufficient coverage, or a hit-and-run. This coverage applies to your family members and authorized vehicle drivers. If you do not want UM/UIM, you must reject it in writing.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP): PIP coverage helps pay for medical costs and other expenses regardless of who was at fault in the accident. Washington insurers must offer PIP, but you can reject it in writing. If you do not decline PIP, it will automatically be added to your policy.

• Covers medical and hospital expenses up to $10,000 (with optional increases up to $35,000)
• It provides wage loss coverage up to $200 per week (up to $10,000 total), with options to increase
• Includes funeral expenses up to $2,000 and loss of essential services up to $200 per week

Optional coverages: These are not required by law but can provide additional financial protection. Lenders may require some if you have a financed or leased vehicle.

• Collision coverage: Pays for repairs to your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Often required for leased or financed cars
• Comprehensive coverage: Covers theft, vandalism, fire, animal-related accidents, and other non-collision damages. Lenders may require this
• Gap insurance: This covers the difference between your car’s actual cash value and what you owe on a loan if it’s totaled. It is often required for leases
• Rental reimbursement coverage: Helps pay for a rental car while yours is being repaired after an accident
• Roadside assistance: Covers emergency services like towing, jump-starts, flat tires, and lockouts
• Umbrella liability policies: Provides extra liability protection if damages exceed your policy limits
• Driving in Canada and Mexico: Most U.S. auto insurance policies cover Canada, but Mexico requires separate insurance. However, you should ask your insurance provider if they provide coverage in these areas

Rideshare insurance requirements: Washington law requires that any personal vehicle used for rideshare services be covered by a primary automobile insurance policy that explicitly includes commercial transportation coverage.

• While logged into the app (no passenger yet): Before a rideshare driver accepts a ride request, their insurance policy must provide:
  • $50,000 per person for bodily injury
  • $100,000 per accident for bodily injury of multiple people
  • $30,000 per accident for property damage
  • PIP coverage and Underinsured cover, unless specifically rejected in writing
• While transporting a passenger: Once a driver accepts a ride request and during the ride, the insurance must cover the following:
  • $1 million combined single limit for bodily injury, death, and property damage
  • Underinsured motorist coverage of $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident
  • PIP coverage, unless rejected in writing 

Penalties for non-compliance: Driving without the required insurance in Washington can lead to significant penalties:

• Fines: A minimum fine of $550
• License suspension: If you're at fault in an accident and lack insurance, your license may be suspended if you fail to pay for the resulting damages or injuries
• If you’re in an accident uninsured and your license was suspended, you will need to file an SR-22 certificate

Fault & Negligence Laws

Negligence type

Washington follows a comparative negligence system, meaning if you're partially at fault for an accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% responsible, you can still recover 70% of your damages. However, being partly at fault does not bar you from seeking compensation.

In wrongful death cases, the fault of the deceased is not passed on to their family members. This means if a person dies in a crash, their spouse, partner, or children can still pursue a claim without having their compensation reduced due to the deceased’s share of fault.

Multi-vehicle collisions

When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, fault is divided among all responsible parties. Each driver is only responsible for their share of the damages unless they were working together or one was responsible for the other’s actions. 

If one driver pays more than their fair share, they can seek reimbursement from other at-fault drivers. Additionally, if a victim settles with one driver, the remaining drivers are still responsible for their portion of the fault, but the settlement amount reduces the total claim amount.

Passenger rights

Passengers in a car accident are rarely at fault, which means they have the right to seek compensation from the driver responsible—whether it’s the driver of the car they were in or another driver involved in the crash. 

A passenger’s claim may be divided among several insurance policies if multiple drivers are responsible. In wrongful death cases, a passenger’s family can file a wrongful death claim, and their compensation won’t be reduced due to the victim’s fault.

Statute of Limitations

• Personal injury: If you suffer an injury in a car accident, you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit for damages. If it is not filed within this period, the claim is typically barred
• Wrongful death: For fatal accidents, the wrongful death claim must also be filed within three years from the date of death. This claim is usually brought by the deceased person’s family members or estate to seek compensation
• Property damage: If your vehicle or other property is damaged in an accident, you have three years to file a claim for repairs or replacement

Claims against the government: There are special rules if a government agency or employee is involved in an accident. Before filing a lawsuit, you must submit a formal claim to the state’s risk management office and wait at least 60 days for a response. This process ensures the government can settle the claim before legal action. The three-year statute of limitations applies but is paused during the 60-day waiting period.

Exceptions to the rule

• Minors or persons with disabilities: If the injured person was under 18 years old or mentally incapacitated at the time of the accident, the statute of limitations is paused until they turn 18 or regain the ability to understand legal proceedings. This means that minors have until their 21st birthday to file a claim, while those with severe mental disabilities may have an extended timeframe depending on their condition
• Absence of the defendant: If the at-fault party leaves Washington state or hides to avoid legal action, the statute of limitations is paused until they return or can be located. This prevents defendants from escaping liability by moving out of state or going into hiding
• Death: If a person dies before the statute of limitations expires, their estate may have up to one year after the death to file a claim on their behalf

Reporting unpaid damages from an uninsured driver: If you were involved in an accident with an uninsured driver who refuses to pay for damages, you can request action from the Washington Department of Licensing.

• You must file a Motor Vehicle Claim for Damages within 180 days of the accident
• The collision must have caused at least $1,000 in property damage or an injury
• If the uninsured driver still does not pay, the Washington Department of Licensing may suspend their driver’s license

Procedures for MVAs & Police Involvement

When to file a report

Washington law requires drivers to report an accident if: 

• The accident resulted in injury or death
• The accident caused $1,000 or more in property damage to any one person’s property

Filing a report

When an accident occurs, it is always recommended to contact law enforcement. When a police officer responds to the scene, they will file an official Police Traffic Collision Report. 

If your accident meets the above criteria and no police officer investigates, then each driver must submit a collision report within four days. 

• Online: Submit a Motor Vehicle Collision Report (MVCR) electronically through the Washington State Patrol website
• Email: Download a copy of the MVCR report, complete it, sign it, and send the report to collisionrecords@wsp.wa.gov
• In-person: To file a report in person, you can visit your local police department, county sheriff’s office, or the Washington State Patrol district office and get a copy of the MVCR form
• By mail: Download and print the MVCR form, complete it, and send it to:

Washington State Patrol Collision Records Section
P.O. Box 42628
Olympia, WA 98504-2628

If you were in a minor, non-injury accident and a 911 dispatcher or officer directed you to file a report, you must submit a collision report using the same methods.

Accessing accident reports

• Online: Use the Washington Requests for Electronic Collision Records (WRECR) system. If you would like to purchase your report, a $10.50 fee is required
• By mail: Complete a Request for Copy of Collision Report form, include a $10.50 check or money order, and mail the form to: 

Washington State Patrol 
Collision Records Section
P.O. Box 42628
Olympia, WA 98504-2628

Types of Compensation Available & Their Limits

• Economic damages: These cover measurable financial losses such as medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and other out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
• Non-economic damages: These compensate for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of companionship caused by the injury
  • Damage caps: Washington does not place a cap on economic and non-economic damages for personal injury cases, allowing victims to seek full compensation

Punitive damages: Washington generally does not award punitive damages, which punish wrongful conduct or deter future misconduct.

Claims against the government: The state of Washington can be liable for negligence just like a private party, meaning there are no special damage caps for claims against government entities. 

Medical Payments & Health Coverage

At-fault driver’s insurance: If another driver caused the accident, their liability insurance covers your medical expenses. However, claims take time to process, and you may need to use other coverage while waiting for a settlement.

PIP coverage: As a no-fault coverage, PIP pays for medical expenses regardless of fault. Washington insurers must offer PIP, but drivers can reject it in writing. Standard PIP coverage starts at $10,000 but can be increased to $35,000.

Your health insurance: If you do not have PIP and still haven’t settled, your health insurance can cover medical bills, but you may still be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, and out-of-network costs. Some health insurers also require reimbursement if you later receive a settlement.

UM/UIM coverage: If you’re hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver, UM/UIM coverage can help pay for medical expenses. The law does not require these policies, but your insurer must offer them as options. 

Out-of-pocket payments: If you do not have any other coverage and are waiting on a settlement with the at-fault driver or a lawsuit, you may need to pay for immediate medical expenses out-of-pocket, which can be reimbursed at a later time. 

Medical liens: Healthcare providers may place a medical lien on your injury settlement, meaning they will be paid directly from your compensation before you receive the remaining balance.

Subrogation: If your health insurer or PIP provider pays for accident-related medical expenses, they may seek reimbursement from the at-fault driver’s insurance once a settlement is reached.

Unique Local Considerations

Heavy rain: Western Washington experiences frequent rainfall throughout the year, making roads slick and increasing the chances of hydroplaning and skidding. Wet conditions reduce braking efficiency and visibility, leading to a higher risk of rear-end collisions and roadway runoff accidents. 

Winter ice and snow: Snow and ice are major hazards in Eastern Washington and mountain regions, especially in higher elevations and mountain passes. Black ice can form on shaded roadways, creating invisible dangers for drivers. Snow accumulation can lead to multi-car pileups and vehicles sliding off the road.

Fog: The Puget Sound region and coastal areas frequently experience dense fog, especially in the early mornings and late evenings. Reduced visibility can lead to highway crashes and rear-end collisions.

Landslides: Steep terrain and heavy rainfall contribute to frequent landslides, particularly in Seattle, Tacoma, and along the Olympic Peninsula. Flash flooding can wash out roads and trap vehicles, temporarily making some highways impassable.

Volcanic hazards: Washington is home to active volcanoes, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Baker. While eruptions are rare, volcanic ash clouds can severely impact visibility, causing reduced traction, brake failure, and respiratory hazards for drivers.

Wildlife collisions: Large populations of deer and elk in both Western and Eastern Washington contribute to frequent vehicle-wildlife collisions, particularly in forested areas and near rivers. These accidents can cause serious vehicle damage and injuries, especially at higher speeds.

For real-time updates on weather, road conditions, and travel alerts, visit the WSDOT website.

Local Resources & Contacts

Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT): https://wsdot.wa.gov/ 

Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL): https://dol.wa.gov/ 

Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC): https://www.insurance.wa.gov/ 

Washington State Patrol (WSP): https://wsp.wa.gov/