Washington Auto Insurance for Suspended Licenses
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
$75
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
State Requirements
Washington operates as a tort state, meaning at-fault drivers are financially liable for damages they cause. The state requires continuous proof of financial responsibility — either through insurance, a bond, or certificate of deposit with the Department of Licensing. Washington law mandates SR-22 filing for most license suspensions, including DUI convictions, reckless driving, and driving without insurance citations, as outlined by the Washington State Department of Licensing reinstatement requirements.
Bodily Injury Liability
Property Damage Liability
SR-22 Certificate of Financial Responsibility
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Cost Overview
$248–$329/mo
Typical monthly rate in Washington, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
Line Up Coverage Before Your License Comes Back
Get Back on the RoadIf 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
Do I need insurance in Washington if my license is suspended?
Yes, in most cases. Washington requires continuous proof of financial responsibility during your entire suspension period for DUI, driving without insurance, and many violation-based suspensions — if you let coverage lapse, your suspension is automatically extended and you must restart your SR-22 filing period. The only exceptions are suspensions for medical conditions, child support arrears, or administrative holds unrelated to driving violations.
How long do I need SR-22 in Washington?
Washington requires three years of continuous SR-22 filing for first-offense DUI suspensions, driving while suspended, and negligent driving convictions. Repeat DUI offenders must maintain SR-22 for five years. If your insurance lapses at any point during this period, the Washington Department of Licensing is notified electronically within 24 hours, your license is immediately re-suspended, and you must restart the entire filing period from zero.
Coverage Types
SR-22 Insurance
Certificate of financial responsibility filed electronically by your insurer with the Washington Department of Licensing, proving you maintain at least state minimum liability coverage. Required for most suspensions including DUI, negligent driving, driving while suspended, and accumulating too many violations within 12 months.
Non-Owner SR-22
Liability-only policy for drivers who don't own a vehicle but need to file SR-22 to satisfy Washington reinstatement requirements. Covers you when driving borrowed or rental vehicles and maintains your continuous coverage history during suspension.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident, including medical bills, lost wages, legal defense, and vehicle repairs. The only coverage type legally required in Washington and the foundation of any SR-22 filing.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you when hit by a driver with no insurance or insufficient coverage to pay for your injuries and damages. Must be offered by all Washington insurers at limits matching your liability coverage unless you reject it in writing.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for high-risk drivers including those with suspended licenses, DUI convictions, multiple violations, or gaps in coverage. Non-standard insurers specialize in SR-22 filings and reinstatement situations that standard-market carriers decline.
Occupational Limited License Coverage
Insurance meeting SR-22 requirements while you hold a Washington occupational limited license (OLL), which allows driving for work, school, medical appointments, and court-ordered treatment during suspension. Requires proof of employer need or educational enrollment.