Washington State Insurance Laws

Washington State laws require all drivers to carry motor vehicle liability insurance coverage of not less than $25,000.00. The UM/UIM laws require the insurer offer UM/UIM coverage in an amount not less than $25,000.00. If the insured is purchasing a higher amount of liability insurance than the statutory minimum of $25,000.00, the insurance company must offer their insured UM/UIM with limits of the same amount no matter how much that is.

Washington state statutory laws require insurers doing business in the state to offer Uninsured Motorist insurance (UM) and Underinsured Motorist insurance (UIM) to persons purchasing liability automobile insurance. Uninsured Motorist insurance provides compensation to the insured when he/she is injured by another driver who is without any automobile liability insurance. Underinsured Motorist coverage provides compensation when the insured is injured by another driver whose liability insurance coverage is insufficient to fully compensate the injured person. UM and UIM are typically contained in the same section of an automobile insurance policy and the premium paid is for both UM and UIM coverages.

The law requires all Washington state auto insurers to offer UM/UIM coverage to Washington state policy holders.

Though UM/UIM coverage must be "offered" to an insured, he/she can chose to refuse or waive the coverage entirely, or to purchase an amount less than the liability coverage. If they chose do so however, Washington law requires the insurance company obtain a written waiver of coverage signed by the insured attesting to that decision.

1. It is not uncommon for those injured in auto accidents to find themselves injured by a driver who has no liability insurance or just the Washington state mandatory minimum limits of $25,000. If you waive your UM/UIM coverage or insure yourself at a low level, there is a risk you will be without adequate resources to protect yourself and your family if a traumatic injury in a motor vehicle accident happens. It is worthwhile to spend the few extra dollars required to carry UM/UIM coverage and to have limits of more than the minimum.

2. UM/UIM claims are complex with many legal loopholes for insurance companies to use to deny and limit coverage. If you are injured in a motor vehicle collision seeking the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney who works with automobile and insurance law is always a good idea. I offer such consultations at no cost or obligation to the injured person.