Washington’s Minimum Car Insurance: Why 25/50/10 Is Rarely Enough

Washington requires drivers to carry at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability, plus $10,000 in property damage liability. Those limits are often called 25/50/10. They are legal, but they rarely cover a serious accident.

What 25/50/10 actually pays

• $25,000 for injuries to any one person you injure
• $50,000 total for everyone injured in the accident
• $10,000 for damage to other people’s property, including their cars

A single emergency room visit, a few days in the hospital or one late-model SUV can exceed those numbers. When damages go past your limits, you can be personally responsible for the difference.

What most agents recommend

For most households, liability limits of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident, with $100,000 in property damage, are a better starting point. Homeowners and people with savings often choose $250,000/$500,000 and add a personal umbrella.

Do not skip these

• Uninsured and underinsured motorist: pays you when the at-fault driver has little or no insurance. Matching it to your liability limits is smart.
• Personal injury protection (PIP): pays medical bills and lost wages regardless of fault. Insurers must offer it, and you must reject it in writing to go without.

Does higher coverage cost much more?

Often less than people expect. Moving from minimum limits to 100/300/100 can be a modest change in premium, especially with multi-policy discounts. We are happy to show you the difference side by side.

Learn more on our auto insurance page or call (425) 555-0100.