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Motorcycle Insurance Minimum Requirements in Washington

While motorcycle liability insurance is not required in Washington, it’s still a good idea to look into covering yourself and others in case of an accident. This is especially true if you have a home or other assets to protect.

Ways to Establish Financial Responsibility

Although it’s not mandatory, you may consider doing one of the following to establish your financial responsibility:

  • Buying liability insurance.
  • Leaving a certificate of deposit of $60,000 or more with the State Treasurer’s office.
  • Having a liability bond of at least $60,000 with a state-approved surety bond company.

Two-Wheeled Vehicles Defined

Motorcycles, mopeds, scooters and the like are all exempt from mandatory insurance.

Washington Insurance Requirements for Motorcycles

Though it’s not mandatory, you should still think about getting insurance to protect your other assets and control costs if you get into an accident. Consider purchasing the same minimum amount of liability as for cars:

  • $25,000 for bodily injury/death of one person per accident.
  • $50,000 for bodily injury/death of two people per accident.
  • $10,000 for injury or property destruction per accident.

Since, the coverages listed above will only cover property damage or bodily injury suffered by others in an accident you cause, you may also want to consider purchasing other types of motorcycle insurance coverages.

Some common types of additional coverages include:

  • Collision - This coverage will help with repairs to your motorcycle if it is damaged in an accident.
  • Comprehensive - This coverage will help with repairs to your bike if it is damaged in several types of non-collision incident.
  • Medical payments - If you are hurt in a crash, this coverage can help with medical payments related to your injuries.
  • Towing and labor - As reliable as your bike may be, it may break down. This coverage can help provide and pay for roadside assistance and towing.

Why Purchase Motorcycle Insurance?

Even though motorcycle insurance is not required by Washington law, it can still be highly valuable. As stated above, one of the biggest reasons you might want motorcycle insurance is to help protect your assets in the case you are involved in a crash and are being sued for costs associated with that crash.

Another thing you might want to consider is that accidents happen. As safe as you ride, there is still a chance you might be involved in a crash, and costs after an accident can get very high very fast. Having a good motorcycle insurance policy can go long ways in helping protect you against these costs.

How Coverage Affects Helmet Requirements

Everyone who rides a motorcycle must wear a helmet; your insurance premiums are unaffected.

Proof of Insurance and Financial Responsibility

If you decide to buy insurance, carry the insurance card with you in case you get into an accident. That way, you’ll have all the information you need (policy number, phone numbers, etc.) to exchange with the other party.

Penalties for Failure to Maintain Financial Responsibility

If you have no proof of insurance with your motorcycle, there is no penalty because motorcycle liability insurance is not required.

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