Washington Car Insurance

Insurance Requirements For Washington Motorists

Motorists in the state of Washington are required to carry the minimum liability amount of Washington auto insurance that is required by the state law. The amounts are $25,000 per person for bodily injury or death per accident, $50,000 for two or more persons for injury or death per accident, as well as $10,000 worth of coverage for property damage. Drivers in Washington are legally required to carry their proof of insurance at all times, and at the present time, there are no exceptions to this rule. Valid insurance identification cards must include the driver's name, the driver's policy number, the dates when the policy first became effective as well as when the policy expires, insurance company name, and the year, make, and model of the automobile. Fines in Washington for uninsured drivers are $450 or more, and any fraudulent insurance information provided may result in misdemeanor charges.

Washington is a Tort state and does not require vehicle owners to carry Uninsured or Underinsured motorist coverage, but like many residents in other Tort states, there are a large number of Washington motorists that choose to add this coverage to their policies. Currently, Washington is listed as the 17th most expensive state in the nation in terms of auto insurance premium costs at $839.

Washington Auto Insurance Carriers and Ratings

Individuals looking for Washington cheap auto insurance can read reviews and Washington car insurance ratings online to learn of the best policies that will work with their budgets as well as their driving needs. Many insurance companies also offer free Washington car insurance quotes to their customers, which is a convenient way to compare various insurance prices. State Farm and Amica Mutual both hold 5 out of 5 stars in customer satisfaction when compared to other providers in Washington, and Pemco, a local Washington insurance company, offers free Washington auto insurance quotes as well as the option to complete payments on line through their website using a checking account or credit card, as well as instant messaging with the agents. The internet has made purchasing and managing car insurance easy and convenient, and it assists customers with making timely payments and always being up to date on their policies.

Seat Belt Usage

Washington is a state that has had a steady rise of seat belt use. Currently at 96 percent, it may not be much longer until they reach 100. In 1986, when the seat belt law was first adopted in Washington, the state was at 36 percent, so residents are definitely following the law. Seat belt use saves lives and minimizes injuries and fatalities when accidents occur. Their current seat belt law requires any passenger or driver of a moving vehicle to wear a seat belt, and passengers that are 16 or older will receive their own citation if they are caught not wearing a seat belt.

Roads and Road Conditions

Washington is well known for its rainy weather, and they experience severe winter weather as well. Driving conditions can become dangerous when there is ice on the roads, and heavy rains can cause accidents as well. The Washington State Department of Transportation offers real time information on their website that advises drivers of weather and road conditions, as well as road construction that may cause a delay in their commute. They also have a section that advises Washington residents on the best times to travel for any given day, as well as bridge updates and blocking incidents.

Thefts

The Washington State Patrol Auto Theft Section currently has the Auto Theft Program in place that was established in 1982. They have detectives that are specifically assigned to 4 of the metropolitan areas in Washington to investigate auto thefts and any related crimes. They have dramatically reduced the number of auto thefts in Washington and continue to work hard to lower the incidences. In 1999 they added 3 separate auto theft units that work regionally. The amount of auto thefts in 2005 was 41,293, and in 2009, the number dropped to 21,426, so their hard work is definitely paying off. They also offer various tips for vehicle owners that will assist them in protecting their vehicles. Anti-theft devices like The Club are low cost deterrents for auto thieves, and installing car alarms and GPS navigation systems can also dramatically lower the chances of theft. The top ten most stolen vehicles in Washington are listed below:

1. 1994 Honda Accord

2. 1995 Honda Civic

3. 1991 Toyota Camry

4. 1999 Chevrolet Pick Up (Full Size)

5. 1997 Ford F 150 Series (Pick Up)

6. 2004 Dodge Ram

7. 2000 Dodge Caravan

8. 1994 Acura Integra

9. 2002 Ford Explorer

10. 1999 Ford Taurus

Washington vehicle owners can rest assured that the Washington State Patrol Auto Theft Section is working hard to minimize these crimes, and by doing their part in securing their vehicles as best as they can, hopefully one day auto theft will be something of the past. It is also very important for vehicle owners in Washington to report their stolen vehicles as soon as possible to assist law enforcement in its recovery.

Low Cost Insurance Plans For Washington Drivers

In the economy of today, many motorists are looking for a way to find an insurance plan that will offer them good coverage at an affordable rate. There are local insurance agents in Washington that will do their best to find Washington cheap auto insurance plans at a fair and reasonable rate. Motorists may be subject to a credit check, and their past driving record as well as claims history may also have an effect on their rates. There are various Washington auto insurance companies that offer their clients special discounts for being safe drivers, and Progressive Insurance has a Name Your Price Tool that allows customers to name a price that will work for them, and the system will do their best to match them with a plan that suits their budget. There are also special discounts for drivers that have anti-theft devices installed and extra safety features, and even discounted rates for customers that choose to pay for their insurance in full. By adding in additional discounts to an already discounted rate, Washington drivers will be able to save extra money and have the protection they need when driving.

http://www.insurance.wa.gov/