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Washington DUI & License Suspension Insurance Guide

Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

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Washington at a Glance

25/50/10

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Optional

PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law

No

A defensive driving course does not remove points here

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in Washington

Most drivers assume their current insurer will simply raise their rates after a violation. In reality, many standard carriers will non-renew your policy at the end of your term—giving you 30-60 days' notice to find replacement coverage. If your violation triggered a license suspension, Washington requires you to file an SR-22 certificate with the Department of Licensing before reinstatement. This filing must remain continuous for the entire mandated period, typically 3 years for DUI and most serious violations.

SR-22 Certificate Filing

SR-22 is not a type of insurance—it is a certificate your insurer files with the Washington Department of Licensing proving you carry at least the state minimum liability coverage. Not all carriers offer SR-22 filing; you must use a carrier licensed to file in Washington.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Non-standard auto insurance is coverage sold by carriers that specialize in high-risk drivers—those with DUIs, suspensions, lapses, or serious violations on their record. These carriers expect violation history and price accordingly, often with higher premiums but more flexible underwriting than standard carriers. Most Washington drivers requiring SR-22 filing will need to shop the non-standard market.

High-Risk Auto Insurance

High-risk auto insurance covers drivers classified as high-risk due to violations, accidents, or license issues. After a DUI or suspension in Washington, you enter this category for at least 3-5 years. Rates are higher because statistical risk is higher, but coverage options range from bare minimum liability to full coverage with comprehensive and collision.

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance covers injury and property damage you cause to others in an accident. If you carry an SR-22 filing, you must maintain at least these minimums continuously—any lapse triggers a report to the Department of Licensing and extends your filing requirement.

Collision Coverage

Collision coverage pays to repair your vehicle after an accident, regardless of fault. Not required by Washington, but lenders may require it if you finance or lease. After a violation, collision premiums increase along with liability—expect significantly higher deductibles and rates in the non-standard market.

What Drivers Pay in Washington

$280–$291/mo

Typical monthly rate in Washington, drivers after a speeding ticket

Rate data: ValuePenguin and CarInsurance.com, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Violation type—DUI increases rates more than a single speeding ticket or reckless driving
  • Time since violation—rates drop gradually after 3 years, more significantly after 5
  • Prior driving record—a clean record before the violation results in smaller increases than multiple incidents
  • Location within Washington—Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane have higher violation driver rates due to density and claim frequency
  • Carrier availability—fewer carriers compete for high-risk business in Washington, limiting rate competition
  • Coverage level selected—adding collision and comprehensive to a violation profile doubles or triples the premium over liability-only
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Get Back to a Fair Rate After a Violation

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Coverage Types

High-Risk Auto Insurance

Coverage designed for drivers with DUIs, suspensions, or serious violations. Priced for elevated risk but available when standard carriers decline or non-renew your policy.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Policies from carriers specializing in drivers who do not qualify for standard rates due to violations, lapses, or license issues. More flexible underwriting with higher premiums.

SR-22 Insurance

Auto insurance that includes SR-22 certificate filing with the Washington Department of Licensing. The SR-22 itself costs $25-$50, but the requirement signals high-risk status to all carriers.

Liability Insurance

Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. Required by Washington at minimum 25/50/10 limits, and the foundation of any SR-22 filing.

Find Your City in Washington

Seattle

urban

Spokane

urban

Tacoma

urban

Vancouver

suburban

Bellevue

suburban

Kent

suburban

Everett

urban

Renton

suburban

Federal Way

suburban

Bellingham

urban

Kirkland

suburban

Redmond

suburban