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The State of Washington requires all drivers to carry a minimum amount of liability insurance. Drivers must also be able to provide adequate proof of insurance at all times. Insurance cards must display a driver’s name and policy number. In addition, they must provide information about the insurance provider and the policy’s expiration date. Insurance cards must also indicate the insured vehicle’s make, model and year. Washington residents who are caught driving without insurance can face stiff penalties that include a minimum $450 fine. In addition, providing false insurance information is a crime in the state.
Washington drivers must carry $10,000 in coverage that pays for property damage that results from accidents. In addition, they must obtain an auto insurance policy that covers $25,000 for bodily injuries to a single person and $50,000 for injuries to multiple people in an accident.
The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner exists to protect insurance consumers in the state. They provide helpful resources that allow Washington residents to look up licensed insurance agents and companies. This state government agency can also help residents compare complaints made against specific auto insurance companies. The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner regulates the state insurance market, and Washington residents can always call if they need more information.
Drivers in Washington often pay a bit more for their auto insurance than people in other states. Washington car insurance premiums averaged $825.05 in 2008. Drivers in the state paid an average of $136.50 for comprehensive coverage, $273.98 for collision coverage and $532.96 for liability insurance.
Washington drivers can choose from a number of local insurance companies that provide personalized service. They can also obtain car insurance coverage from one of the many nationally known insurance providers that operate in the state.
Because auto insurance rates for Washington drivers can be high, people in the state are always looking for ways to save money on their car insurance premiums. The best way to find the right premiums to suit individual driver needs is to shop around online. There are many insurance comparison sites on the Internet. Washington drivers only need to submit a few pieces of information, and they can get quotes from many of the top auto insurance providers in the state. They will also get quotes from smaller insurance providers. Washington drivers who are looking for the cheapest premiums should always consider policies from smaller companies. These companies can often provide the best rates, though Washington drivers should research smaller insurance companies carefully before they sign up for a policy.
After drivers in Washington receive auto insurance quotes, they should carefully evaluate the policies to find which ones will best suit their needs. Washington follows the tort system for determining responsibility when auto accidents occur. The party that is found to be at fault will have to pay for all the damages incurred in an accident. Because of this, Washington drivers are advised to acquire more than the state minimum coverage to avoid paying for costs out of pocket. While policies that only include the mandatory minimum levels of insurance coverage are often the cheapest, they may not be the wisest choice.
Once Washington drivers have evaluated their insurance options, they should call insurance agents directly. While the quotes that they receive online may seem cheap, required premiums may change when drivers provide more specific information about themselves in their cars. Drivers in Washington should also ask insurance agents about discounts that they may be eligible for.
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