Do You Need Motorcycle Insurance in Washington State?

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting form of transportation and recreation. However, operating a motorcycle also comes with serious risks. That’s why Washington state requires motorcycle liability insurance coverage for legal operation.

Below we will look at Washington’s motorcycle insurance law, required coverages, penalties for non-compliance, and tips for finding affordable policies.

Washington State Motorcycle Insurance Law

In 2019, Washington enacted a new law requiring liability insurance for motorcycles, ending their previous exemption from the state’s compulsory auto insurance mandate.

Here are some key points about the motorcycle insurance law in Washington:

• Effective Date – The motorcycle insurance mandate took effect on July 28, 2019. All motorcycles operating on public roads must carry liability coverage as of this date.

• Required Coverage – At a minimum, motorcyclists must carry the following liability limits:

  • $25,000 bodily injury per person

  • $50,000 bodily injury per accident

  • $10,000 property damage

• Acceptable Alternatives – Rather than insurance, motorcyclists can instead get a bond or make a deposit with the Department of Licensing to self-insure their liability.

• Proof – Motorcyclists must carry proof of insurance or an approved alternative. They must show this proof if stopped by law enforcement.

• Penalties – Fines, loss of motorcycle endorsement, and impoundment can result from failure to carry motorcycle insurance.

Washington’s motorcycle insurance requirements align with the compulsory auto insurance law that applies to other motor vehicles like cars and trucks. All motor vehicle operators are responsible for maintaining minimum liability coverage on public roads and highways.

Why Liability Coverage is Required

Liability insurance is mandatory for motorcycles because it protects injured third parties in a crash. Without coverage, injured victims would not receive compensation from at-fault riders.

Here’s how motorcycle liability insurance works:

• It covers bodily injury and property damage inflicted on others when the insured is legally liable.

• It pays legal defense costs and court judgements up to the policy limits.

• It prevents injured third parties from suing the insured rider’s assets and garnishing wages.

Liability insurance ensures victims receive fair compensation and guarantees responsible riders aren’t financially devastated by accidents. It’s a crucial protection for all motorists.

Additional Recommended Coverages

While liability insurance meets the state minimum requirements, experts strongly recommend motorcyclists add these extra coverages:

• Uninsured Motorist – Pays for injuries and damages when you are hit by a driver with no insurance.

• Underinsured Motorist – Provides additional compensation above a negligent driver’s liability limits up to your policy limits.

• Personal Injury Protection – Covers medical expenses and lost wages for you and passengers regardless of fault.

• Comprehensive & Collision – Comprehensive pays for damage from non-collision sources like weather, fire, or vandalism. Collision covers damage to your motorcycle from impacts and accidents.

Without these extras, you can be left paying huge out-of-pocket costs even when riding responsibly. They provide important financial protections for motorcyclists.

Penalties for Riding Without Insurance

To enforce compliance with the motorcycle insurance mandate, failing to carry the required liability coverage can result in:

• Traffic citation – Law enforcement will issue a ticket and fine for a traffic infraction. Fines typically start around $500.

• License suspension – The Department of Licensing can suspend the motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license.

• Impoundment – Police can impound and tow an uninsured motorcycle being operated on public roads. Fees will apply to reclaim your impounded motorcycle.

• Legal liability – Without insurance, you are personally liable for all costs related to any accidents you cause. This can easily exceed tens of thousands of dollars.

Clearly, it’s critical to maintain continuous motorcycle liability coverage to avoid legal and financial consequences in Washington.

Finding Affordable Motorcycle Insurance

Since complying with the motorcycle insurance mandate is required, finding affordable coverage is key. Here are some tips that can lower your premiums:

• Take an approved motorcycle safety course for premium discounts.

• Opt for higher deductibles to reduce comprehensive and collision rates.

• Limit coverage on older motorcycles to liability only to cut costs.

• Ask about multi-policy discounts if you bundle motorcycle with auto or homeowners policies.

• Maintain a clean driving history free of accidents, violations, and claims.

• Install anti-theft devices, alarms, and tracking systems for potential discounts.

• Compare quotes from multiple insurers to find the best rate. Rates can vary significantly between companies.

Working with an independent insurance agent or broker can help you shop for the most affordable motorcycle policy that meets your needs.

Washington Motorcycle Insurance Requirements Summary

To summarize Washington state’s motorcycle insurance requirements:

• Liability insurance became mandatory for motorcycles on July 28, 2019 due to a new state law.

• At minimum, motorcyclists must carry $25,000/$50,000 bodily injury and $10,000 property damage liability limits.

• Riders must carry proof of insurance or an approved alternative like a bond or deposit.

• Failure to comply can result in fines, license suspension, and motorcycle impoundment.

• Experts recommend adding uninsured/underinsured motorist, personal injury protection, and comprehensive/collision coverages.

• Comparing quotes from multiple insurers is the best way to find affordable coverage.

Meeting the state’s motorcycle insurance requirements protects you financially and keeps you legal on the road. Work with a professional insurance agent to explore your coverage options.

The Bottom Line

Since 2019, all motorcyclists in Washington must abide by the state’s mandatory liability insurance law. Carrying the minimum required coverage limits protects riders from serious financial consequences in the event of an at-fault accident. Adding extra coverages can provide even more important protections for motorcyclists.

To legally operate a motorcycle in Washington and avoid penalties, verify you have proper liability insurance. Work with an independent insurance agent to secure a competitively priced policy that provides adequate coverage. Ride safe and insured.