I would appreciate if someone could give me details on SR22 requirements for Washington state. I think I need one due to DUI.

Sam

Seattle, Washington WA

In the State of Washington, if you commit a violation or an accumulation of violations, such as reckless driving, driving under the influence (DUI) or (DWI), or refusal to test, at fault accidents or driving without insurance, the Washington DMV will mandate proof of financial responsibility in the form of SR-22 insurance. This insurance is also known as high-risk auto insurance for some auto insurance companies in Washington WA. Washington state requires for SR22 to be temporary, usually running from two to three years.
Not all auto insurance company sell SR22 insurance in Seattle, Washington. SR22 requirement for can be met in two ways: owner policy or non-owner policy. The non-owner SR22 policy will release the license if there is no car to cover by the insured, or if there is already insurance in place. Be wary though that premiums in more urban parts like Seattle could a bit higher, so a broad form SR22 is usually best. Moreover, this type of policy runs 12 months in length, and is typically $300-$600 per year in Seattle, WA.
It is good to know that there is no communication necessary between the insured and his/her regular insurance company regarding the non-owner or broad-form SR22 purchased through some companies in Seattle, WA. As almost a beneficial case always, paying a bit extra for an additional policy should pay off in the long run, and is certainly the most convenient way to fulfill the requirement in Washington WA.

Can you please tell me the fine if I drive without an insurance in the state of Washington?

Markus

Thank you for asking Markus.

Washington State mandatory insurance law, listed in Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), states that motorist must carry with them an insurance identification card showing proof that you have a valid vehicle insurance policy. The current mandatory limits for WA are 25/50/10.

These numbers stand for:

$25,000 total for bodily injury per person,

$50,000 total for bodily injury coverage per accident and

$10,000 total for property damage per accident.

If you are found driving a motor vehicle without having proof of insurance or of the mandatory insurance law you are committing an infraction. This violation of the law is punishable by a minimum fine of $250. There may be other fees that can be added to this fine.To get more information of the exact amount of your fine you may contact the court on the ticket.

A ticket for driving without insurance is like any other moving violation and will become part of your WA driving record.

To make sure you have at least the Washington state minimum auto insurance coverages so to avoid penalties, you may contact your insurance company.

Goodluck!

MariCAR

I live in Washington. How long do I have to carry sr22 auto insurance?

Gio

Thank you for asking Gio.

If a driver is required to get an SR-22 then he or she must maintain it for 3 years in the state of Washington. the amount of time you are required to carry sr-22 depends on the conviction or offense.

Theres a lot of reason why a person is mandated by the state to carry the financial responsibility certificate. Some of the reasons are: driver’s license suspension reinstatement due to a DUI, driving without insurance or a subsequent offense of leaving a child unattended in a running vehicle, etc

When you are eligible to reinstate your driver license, you need to file future proof of financial responsibility first for 3 years from the date you are eligible to restore your license.

Below is a Revised Code of Washington 46.29.600 titled Duration of proof

– When proof may be canceled or returned states the following

(1) The department shall upon request consent to the immediate cancellation of any bond or certificate of insurance, or the department shall direct and the state treasurer shall return to the person entitled thereto any money or securities deposited pursuant to this chapter as proof of financial responsibility, or the department shall waive the requirement of filing proof, in any of the following events:

(a) At any time after three years from the date such proof was required when, during the three-year period preceding the request, the department has not received record of a conviction, forfeiture of bail, or finding that a traffic infraction has been committed which would require or permit the suspension or revocation of the license of the person by or for whom such proof was furnished; or

(b) In the event of the death of the person on whose behalf such proof was filed or the permanent incapacity of such person to operate a motor vehicle; or

(c) In the event the person who has given proof surrenders his license to the department;

Your call the Washington State Department of Licensing to get more information.

Goodluck!

MariCAR