Washington SR-22 & High-Risk Auto Insurance
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
Find SR-22 Coverage NowWashington 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
These minimums apply to all drivers, but high-risk drivers with DUI convictions, multiple violations, at-fault accidents while uninsured, or license suspensions must also maintain SR-22 certification filed by their insurer. Washington is a comparative negligence state, meaning minimums may leave you exposed if you cause an accident with significant damages. The Department of Licensing mandates continuous SR-22 coverage for the entire filing period—any lapse restarts the clock.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Insurance
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Underinsured Motorist Coverage
Collision Coverage
Cost Overview
$268–$329/mo
Typical monthly rate in Washington, drivers with an SR-22 after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and NerdWallet, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Time since incident—rates drop significantly after 3–5 years as violations age off your driving record
- Coverage level—adding comprehensive and collision doubles or triples the base premium for high-risk drivers
- Insurer type—non-standard carriers like GEICO, Progressive, Acceptance, and Dairyland specialize in SR-22 filings and may offer more competitive rates than standard market insurers
See What Your SR-22 Should Really Cost
Find SR-22 Coverage NowIf 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
How long do I need SR-22 in Washington?
Washington requires SR-22 filing for 3 years from the date of license reinstatement or conviction, depending on the triggering offense. Any lapse in coverage during that period restarts the full 3-year requirement from zero. The Department of Licensing tracks your SR-22 status electronically, and your insurer must maintain continuous filing.
What happens if my SR-22 insurance lapses in Washington?
Your insurer must notify the Washington Department of Licensing within 10 days of any lapse or cancellation. The DOL will immediately suspend your license, and you must refile SR-22 and restart the full 3-year filing requirement from the beginning, regardless of how much time you had already completed.
Coverage Types
Liability Insurance
Covers injury and property damage you cause to others. Washington's 25/50/10 minimums are mandatory, but high-risk drivers with prior at-fault accidents should consider higher limits to protect assets from lawsuits.
SR-22 Insurance
Court-ordered or DOL-mandated proof of insurance filed by your carrier. Required for 3 years after DUI, license suspension, uninsured accidents, or serious violations in Washington.
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Protects you if hit by a driver with no insurance. Covers medical bills, lost wages, and vehicle damage when the at-fault driver cannot pay.
Collision Coverage
Pays for repairs to your vehicle after an at-fault accident or single-vehicle crash. Required by lenders if you finance or lease.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage: theft, vandalism, weather, fire, and animal strikes. Required alongside collision if you have a car loan.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Policies designed for drivers standard carriers reject: DUI convictions, lapses, multiple violations, or SR-22 requirements. Non-standard insurers specialize in high-risk underwriting.