Do I Need to Have Proof Of Auto Insurance in Seattle Washington

Reader’s Question:

What will be the fine for driving with insurance but without your proof of insurance card in your car? I live in Seattle, Washington.

Rose

Seattle, WA

If you fail to provide proof of motor vehicle insurance in Seattle Washington, its is a traffic infraction and is subject to penalties as set by the supreme court under RCW 46.63.110. According to RCW 46.63.110 an individual found to have committed a traffic infraction shall be assessed a monetary penalty. No penalty may exceed $250 for each offense but there are other associated fees that may be added to the penalty amount.

So If you drive without proof of insurance in Seattle Washington, it is punishable by a minimum of $250 fine. There are other assessments and fees that can be added to this fine so it typically costs about $450.

So it looks like that with proper documentation that you were insured at the time of your citation for operating a vehicle without insurance then the court should dismiss the ticket and you will only need to pay administrative costs of $25. You may also contact the WA court listed on your ticket to find out what insurance documentation you will need to bring and to make sure that the fee amount has not changed.

Teen Driver Insurance Washington

Reader’s Question:

My daughter just got her license and I would like to know if it is better for her to get her own policy or should she be listed on ours?

Anna

Seattle, Washington (WA)

 

It is usually less expensive and easier for a newly licensed teenage motorist to be added to their parent’s car insurance policy than to start up their own insurance policy, especially if it is a teen and they do not own their own car. If your daughter does own her own vehicle then she may get her own insurance policy, but if she is a minor than a parent or guardian will need to sign on the contact with her.

If you have not already done so, inform your car insurance provider that your has become licensed. At this time they should be able to inform you if they require you to add her to your insurance policy or how to set up her own policy on her vehicle.