The Cost of Driving Without Insurance in Washington State

Driving without car insurance in Washington state can lead to fines, license suspension and other penalties if you are ticketed or in an accident. This guide covers the consequences of being uninsured, how much tickets cost, and steps to regain your license after a violation.

Washington State Insurance Requirements

All drivers in Washington must carry minimum liability insurance coverage levels on any vehicle they operate, with limits of:

• $25,000 bodily injury per person
• $50,000 bodily injury per accident
• $10,000 property damage

You must be able to provide current proof of insurance any time you are driving by showing a valid insurance ID card upon request. It must include your insurer, policy number, covered vehicles, and effective dates.

Penalties for No Insurance in Washington

Being convicted of driving uninsured can result in:

Fines – An initial violation results in fines of $550. Subsequent tickets within 3 years mean penalties of $750 or more.

License suspension – Your license may be suspended for 90 days if you can’t provide proof of coverage at a hearing.

Fees and surcharges – You’ll pay license reinstatement fees and surcharges of about $150 on top of fines.

Higher insurance costs – A gap in coverage and violation makes rates much higher when you do buy insurance again.

Liability for damages – If you cause an accident while uninsured, you are personally liable for injuries/damages rather than your insurer.

Impounded vehicle – Police can impound your car if caught driving uninsured. Fees to release the vehicle may apply.

Jail time – In some cases, repeat offenders may face jail time if caught driving without insurance.

Clearly, the consequences make it risky and costly to take the chance of driving uninsured. Having minimum required coverage or proof of financial responsibility is mandatory.

How Much is a No Insurance Ticket in Washington?

If you are caught driving without insurance, the base fine for a standard first offense is $550. However, expect to pay more after all additional fees and surcharges:

• Base fine – $550
• Court admin fee – $50
• EMS surcharge – $10
• State patrol highway account – $10
• Total – $620

A second ticket within 3 years bumps the base fine up to $750, so your total outlay would be around $820.

Harsher penalties apply if you falsely show an invalid insurance card or proof. This can result in up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.

Can I Lose My License for No Insurance in Washington?

Yes, it’s possible to have your license suspended for up to 90 days if convicted of driving without insurance.

When you receive a ticket for no insurance, you’ll get a Notice of Traffic Infraction. You then have 15 days to respond in writing and request a hearing or pay the fine.

If you request a hearing and are found guilty, or fail to respond, the court notifies the DOL to suspend your license. You won’t be able to drive legally again until you:

• Pay the ticket fines
• File proof of insurance SR-22 form
• Pay a $75 license reinstatement fee
• Pay any additional reinstatement surcharges

Allow 7-10 days after fulfilling the requirements before your suspension is cleared and license restored.

How to Restore Your License After a No Insurance Violation

Here are the steps to regain your driving privileges if suspended for lack of insurance:

1. Purchase a valid insurance policy – You must buy a policy from a WA licensed insurer that meets minimum state requirements. Make sure you obtain an insurance card as proof.

2. File an SR-22 form – Your insurer must file this Certificate of Insurance with the DOL verifying you now have coverage. It must be maintained for 3 years.

3. Pay suspension reinstatement fees – You’ll pay a $75 reinstatement fee, plus any additional surcharges assessed by the DOL. Fees must be paid before suspension will be lifted.

4. Resolve any other issues – Take care of any other requirements on your driving record, like unpaid tickets, child support, judgments, etc.

5. Confirm license reinstatement – Make sure there are no other pending blocks or issues before driving again. You can check your license status online.

6. Carry your insurance ID card – Keep your proof of insurance with you when driving to avoid further tickets.

Complying with all the requirements is necessary before your license suspension will be cleared after a no insurance violation.

Alternatives to Insurance in Washington

While auto liability insurance is by far the most common method, Washington does allow some alternatives to meet financial responsibility requirements:

• Surety bond – Minimum $60,000 bond issued by a WA authorized insurer
• Certificate of deposit (CD) – Minimum $60,000 held at a WA bank as collateral
• Self-insurance certificate – Proof of ability to self-insure for businesses with 26+ vehicles

You must present proof of the bond, CD, or self-insurance just like an insurance card when driving. Violations and fines still apply if caught without documentation.

How to Reduce Insurance Costs After a Ticket

After a no-insurance ticket, your rates at your prior insurer will likely be much higher or they may decline to renew your policy. Here are some tips to save on coverage:

• Shop for quotes from multiple insurers – Rates vary, so compare options
• Enroll in defensive driving – Reducing points can lower premiums
• Ask about discounts – Taking safety courses may help
• Raise your deductible – Higher deductibles equal lower rates
• Limit your driving – Less mileage can qualify you for discounts
• Improve your credit – Boosting your score saves money
• Check group insurance – Alumni, employer or club programs may offer deals

Being proactive after a driving infraction can help offset the rise in your insurance costs. Maintaining coverage avoids further expensive penalties.

Why You Should Always Have Car Insurance

Aside from avoiding fines, there are important reasons all drivers should maintain insurance:

• It’s the law in all states – Driving uninsured is an illegal risk
• It protects your assets – Wrecks and lawsuits can bankrupt you without insurance
• It covers injuries to others – Medical bills for passengers or others can be huge
• It repairs your vehicle – Policies pay for damage from accidents you cause
• It allows you to register a car – Insurance is required to obtain license plates
• It avoids license suspension – Driving without insurance can cost your license

Don’t put yourself in jeopardy or financial risk by trying to skip insurance coverage. The costs and consequences are too steep. Protect yourself and others by following Washington’s insurance laws.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a no insurance ticket in WA?

The base fine for a first offense is $550. With fees and surcharges, expect to pay around $620 total for your first uninsured driving ticket.

What happens if you don’t have car insurance in Washington?

If caught driving without required insurance, you will receive fines of $550+ and may have your license suspended for up to 90 days. You also become personally liable for any accident damages.

Can police impound your car for no insurance in Washington?

Yes, police have the authority to impound your vehicle if you are found driving without valid proof of insurance. You’ll need to pay towing and storage fees to reclaim your car.

How long will my license be suspended for no insurance?

A first offense for driving without insurance typically results in a 90 day license suspension in Washington. Second or subsequent offenses within 3 years can lead to suspensions of up to 1 year.

What is the penalty for fake insurance card in Washington?

Showing false, fraudulent or invalid proof of insurance carries harsher penalties – up to 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines.

How long do you have to get insurance after a ticket in Washington?

You must show proof of valid insurance at any requested hearing within 15 days after receiving a no insurance ticket to avoid license suspension.

Can I renew my registration without insurance in Washington?

No, you must have active insurance coverage to renew your vehicle registration. Your insurer must submit electronic proof of coverage.

How much does SR-22 insurance cost in Washington?

SR-22 rates depend on your specific factors, but typically cost about 25-100% more than standard insurance. Required high-risk coverage after violations is more expensive.

What is the fine for no car insurance in Washington?

The standard fine for a first offense is $550. Additional court fees bring the total for a first uninsured driving ticket to around $620. Fines escalate to $750+ for subsequent tickets.