Car insurance buyers who choose to put only WA minimum auto insurance coverage in place are complying with state law, but they may not have enough protection in place to pay for damages caused in a serious accident.
The minimum level of liability insurance coverage required by law is $25,000 to pay for injuries and damages sustained by one accident victim and $50,000 to compensate two or more people injured in the same event. Bodily injury liability coverage also pays out a funeral benefit if the accident results in one or more deaths.
Property damage liability coverage is also required under state law. This is the part of the policy which pays for the cost of repairs to the other driver’s vehicle and public property damaged in the accident. Public property includes items like sign posts, light stands, mail boxes, guard rails, buildings and sheds. At least $10,000 in coverage must be put in place for this purpose.
These limits are relatively low, and may not be enough to fully cover the damages caused in a serious accident. If the event results in one or more people being taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries, the cost of medical care can add up very quickly. The bodily injury portion of the policy will pay for damages up to the limit the policyholder has chosen to buy. Any amount owing above this amount must be paid by the policyholder personally, and buying a policy with a higher limit is a better choice.