Washington state's mandatory auto/motorcycle insurance law (2024)

FAQs

Is motorcycle insurance mandatory in Washington state? ›

Is motorcycle insurance required in Washington? Yes, motorcycle insurance is required and you must show proof of insurance prior to registering your motorcycle. The consequences of riding uninsured can result in varying penalties such as fines and license suspension.

It's illegal to drive a car in Washington without having liability insurance or another way to assume financial responsibility for damages.

Yes. Almost every US state requires motorcycle insurance. The only states that do not require you to hold insurance for your motorcycle are New Hampshire, Florida, and Montana. But just because holding insurance in these states isn't mandatory, doesn't mean you don't need it.

As mentioned above, Washington State uses a tort system, not a no-fault system. The person who caused the accident is also the one whose insurance company is responsible for paying out full compensation (up to the limits of the policy) to others who are injured in that accident. In short: fault matters.

To legally ride a 2-wheel motorcycle, 3-wheel motorcycle, or scooter in Washington, you must have a motorcycle endorsem*nt or permit on your driver license.

The average cost of motorcycle insurance in Washington is $29 per month. Motorcycle insurance in Washington costs about the same as in the rest of the country: The national average cost of motorcycle insurance is $33 per month.

Washington state law requires all auto and motorcycle drivers to carry auto liability insurance and proof of auto insurance.

Exceptions to the law

This law does not apply to the following registered vehicles: Motor scooters and mopeds. Specially licensed horseless carriage vehicles over 40 years old. State or publicly-owned vehicles.

According to our quotes research, Geico has the cheapest motorcycle insurance for minimum coverage at an average rate of $85 per year paid in full. Riders that need motorcycle insurance with full coverage can turn again to Geico, which shows average rates of $715 per year or $60 per month.

What states is it illegal to not have car insurance? ›

In every state — except for Virginia and New Hampshire — drivers are required to carry some form of auto insurance. If you get caught driving without insurance in state that requires it, you can be subject to large fines, the cancellation of your license or car registration and even jail time.

Bike insurance is required by law for anyone riding a motorcycle on the road. It protects you against liability if your vehicle is involved in an accident and damages another vehicle or causes an injury to someone else.

1) You were an uninsured driver, and at fault.

He or she can use the judgment to garnish your wages and paycheck and put the judgment against your home. Lack of liability coverage means you may be held personally liable for vehicle repairs, medical bills for injuries, lost wages, and other expenses.

Contrary to what many people believe, liability insurance generally follows the vehicle in Washington, not the person.

Is PIP Required in Washington State? Currently, there are 15 states in the country that require motorists to have PIP, but Washington is not one of them. But all insurance carriers must offer PIP coverage to motorists.

Insurance Requirements for your Teen Driver

By law, your teen needs to carry liability insurance when they start driving unsupervised.

Contrary to what many people believe, liability insurance generally follows the vehicle in Washington, not the person.