SR-22 Insurance — Washington
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Free to compare
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
$75
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Washington
Washington operates under a tort-based liability system. All drivers must carry liability insurance and provide proof upon request by law enforcement or during registration. The state requires SR-22 filing for DUI convictions, driving without insurance, excessive violations, and license suspensions—filed electronically by your carrier directly to the Washington Department of Licensing.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
What Drivers Pay in Washington
$248–$329/mo
Typical monthly rate in Washington, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- A lapse in coverage during the SR-22 period triggers automatic license suspension and requires a new 3-year filing period starting from the refile date, not the original conviction date.
Get Back on Washington Roads With the Right SR-22
Get My Washington SR-22 Auto Insurance QuoteIf your license is suspended
Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL); Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) for DUI
application fee $100, about 10 days to process.
No state action on a lapse
A lapse is not reported to the state here.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I need to maintain SR-22 in Washington?
Washington requires continuous SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of conviction or violation, not from the date you file. If your insurance lapses or cancels at any point during those 3 years, the Washington Department of Licensing suspends your license immediately and the 3-year period restarts from the date you refile—not from your original conviction.
Can I get SR-22 insurance in Washington if my license is currently suspended?
Yes. Washington allows you to purchase SR-22 insurance and file the certificate while your license is suspended—in fact, it is required to reinstate. Most carriers issue non-owner SR-22 policies specifically for suspended drivers who do not own a vehicle. Once filed, you must still satisfy all other reinstatement requirements (pay fees, complete hearings, serve suspension periods) before DOL restores your license.
What happens if I move out of Washington during my SR-22 period?
Your Washington SR-22 requirement follows you. You must notify your carrier of your new address and confirm that they can file SR-22 in your new state—not all carriers are licensed in all states. If you switch carriers, the new insurer must file SR-22 in your new state and your previous carrier will notify Washington DOL of cancellation, which triggers suspension unless the new filing is already in place.
Will my SR-22 requirement show up on my driving record permanently?
The underlying violation (DUI, reckless driving, uninsured driving) remains on your Washington driving record for the period specified by state law—typically 5–10 years depending on offense. The SR-22 filing requirement itself ends after 3 years of continuous coverage, but the conviction that triggered it does not disappear and will continue to affect your insurance rates for years beyond the filing period.
Can I switch insurance carriers during my SR-22 period in Washington?
Yes, but you must coordinate the switch carefully. Your new carrier must file SR-22 with the Washington Department of Licensing before your old policy cancels—if there is any gap, even one day, DOL suspends your license and restarts your 3-year filing period. Get confirmation that your new SR-22 is active before canceling your previous policy.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
State-mandated proof-of-insurance filing required after DUI, reckless driving, or driving uninsured. Filed electronically by your carrier to the Washington Department of Licensing for continuous monitoring.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for drivers who do not own a vehicle but need SR-22 filing to satisfy reinstatement requirements. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental vehicles.
Liability Insurance
Covers injuries and property damage you cause to others. Washington requires 25/50/25 minimums, but most serious accidents exceed these limits.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Pays your medical bills and vehicle damage when hit by a driver with no insurance. Must be offered at the same limits as your liability policy.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage for high-risk drivers who cannot qualify for standard carriers due to DUI, suspended license, or multiple violations. Higher premiums but immediate approval.