In order to legally operate a vehicle on state roads, you must have proof of financial responsibility, usually in the form of auto insurance.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

To meet state standards, you must do one of the following:

• Purchase an auto insurance policy.

• Leave a certificate of deposit for at least $60,000 with the State Treasurer’s office or in a state of Washington bank account.

• File a liability bond for at least $60,000 with a surety bond company authorized by the state.

• Self-insure, if you are a car dealer with at least 26 cars

Car dealers interested in this option may contact:

• Driver Records

• Department of Licensing

• P.O. Box 9030

• Olympia, WA 98507-9030

Washington Liability Insurance Requirements for Private Passenger Vehicles

Most people choose to buy auto insurance. The state requires minimum amounts of coverage in these certain areas:

• $25,000 of bodily injury for one person per accident.

• $50,000 of bodily injury for two people per accident.

• $10,000 of property damage per accident.

If you drive one of the following, you don’t need to have insurance:

• Motorcycle, moped, or motor-driven cycle.

• Antique vehicle.

• A collector vehicle more than 30 years old.

• Publicly-owned or state vehicle.

• Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission common or contract carrier.

Learn about each type of insurance coverage and what it covers before you begin getting insurance quotes. You may also decide to add on additional insurance, like towing or rental car benefits. Get several quotes before you make a selection.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

No matter whether you purchase regular auto insurance or leave a bond, you must carry proof of financial responsibility in your vehicle.

• The auto insurance company will give you a card with your name, policy number, effective and expiration dates, and a vehicle description.

• If you have a certificate of deposit, have the certificate number from the State Treasurer and the driver’s name printed out.

• Self-insured vehicles should have the Self-Insurance Certificate number for the Department of licensing, effective date, name of driver, and description of the vehicles.

• Liability bondholders should have the bond number and names of the bond company and driver.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

If you have no proof of insurance and you are involved in an accident or traffic stop, you will be assumed to have no insurance and be fined $450. Because this is a traffic infraction, you will then have to clear the fine through the courts.

Showing false proof of financial responsibility is a misdemeanor.