For many vehicle owners, financial responsibility is an important issue. After being involved in an accident it is essential to know which motorist is responsible for the resulting injuries or damages, and how these potential costs are to be covered. In Washington, vehicle owners need to be prepared for potential accidents, and maintaining automobile coverage is typically the best way to do this. Being adequately insured is an important part of driving in WA, and residents of the Evergreen State must be able to prove that they can be financial responsible or potentially face various consequences. Luckily for residents, finding, buying and maintaining an adequate amount of coverage that also provides sufficient proof that the state coverage requirements have been met, can be simple.

Before a resident can obtain the necessary proof of having met the state’s financial responsibility requirements, they first need to find a policy. Although motorists have the option of making a deposit of collateral with the State Treasurer’s office in the amount of $60,000 or obtaining a surety bond in the same amount, most people choose to purchase vehicle coverage. Motorists who buy Washington auto insurance must reach minimum liability limits of 25/50/10, but residents are encouraged to consider buying a plan with higher limits or additional coverage for a greater range of protection.

Proof of Adequate WA auto insurance

When a person purchases a policy they typically receive an insurance identification card. These cards typically serve as proof that the motorist in question has met the state’s minimum coverage requirements. To avoid potential fines or other consequences, these forms of policy verification must include the name of the coverage provider; the policy number; a description of the vehicle including year, make or model; the name of the insured individuals; the effective date and the expiration date. If a motorist is unable to show that they have met Washington’s Mandatory insurance laws, they may be convicted of a traffic infraction, which is typically punishable by a fine of at least $450.

Even though there are consequences for operating a motor vehicle without adequate coverage, the Insurance Research Council still estimates that roughly 16 percent of the motorists traveling across the estimated 80,200 miles of public roads that are in Washington, are uninsured. To help lessen the potential for financial loss after being involved in an accident with such a motorist, residents may want to consider including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage into their policy. It’s not only important for resident motorists to meet the minimum coverage requirements and obtain adequate proof of insurance, it is also essential to purchase a policy that contains a sufficient amount of protection as well.