Uninsured and underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage is one of the most important protections a driver can have. It provides financial relief if you’re involved in a car accident with someone who has no insurance or too little to cover your losses. However, is this coverage required by law in Washington State?
The short answer is no, you aren’t required to carry uninsured motorist coverage in Washington. However, state law does require insurance companies to offer it to you, and you must reject it in writing if you decide not to include it in your policy.
Although UM coverage is optional, most attorneys and insurance experts strongly recommend maintaining it nonetheless. Learn more about how this kind of insurance coverage works below.
Washington’s Insurance Requirements
Washington follows a fault-based car insurance system. This means that the driver who causes the accident is financially responsible for the resulting damages. Every driver must carry at least the minimum liability coverage required by RCW 46.29.090, which includes:
- $25,000 for bodily injury or death to one person
- $50,000 for bodily injury or death to two or more people
- $10,000 for property damage
This basic liability insurance covers the other party’s expenses if you cause a crash, but it doesn’t pay for your own injuries and property damage. If you’re hit by an uninsured driver, you could be forced to cover your medical bills and other losses yourself unless you have additional coverage, such as UM/UIM coverage.
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage Works in Washington
Uninsured motorist (UM) coverage steps in when the at-fault driver doesn’t have any liability insurance. Underinsured motorist (UIM) coverage applies when the other driver’s insurance limits are too low to pay for the full extent of your damages.
These policies can help pay for things like:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
For example, if your medical costs total $50,000 but the at-fault driver’s policy only covers $25,000, your UIM coverage can pay the remaining balance. Without this coverage, you might have to pursue compensation from the other driver personally.
Why Having UM/UIM Coverage May Be Worth It
While you’re not legally required to buy uninsured motorist coverage in Washington, doing so can make a major difference after an accident in Seattle. According to the Insurance Information Institute, roughly 19% of Washington drivers are uninsured. That means nearly one in five people on the road may have no coverage at all.
UM/UIM coverage is usually inexpensive compared to the financial security it offers. Rejecting it to save a few dollars on premiums could cost you thousands later if an uninsured driver causes a crash.
Contact a Seattle Car Accident Lawyer for Legal Help After a Crash
Uninsured motorist coverage isn’t required in Washington, but it’s one of the smartest investments you can make as a driver. This form of insurance helps ensure you’re protected even when others on the road fail to act responsibly.
If you’ve been hit by an uninsured or underinsured driver in Seattle or elsewhere in Washington, consider speaking with a Seattle uninsured motorist accident attorney who understands state insurance laws and can help you file a claim. Call (800) 928-5486 to schedule a free consultation with Seattle Injury Law today.
