Are you shopping for car insurance policies in Washington, DC? Before looking at the different policies available in different insurance companies, you should first take time to understand the minimum insurance requirements in the state. With that in mind, this comprehensive article will take you through the policy minimums in the Evergreen State and also explain why getting informed is essential. Keep scrolling below for more details.
“If you have been injured in a car accident that is no fault of yours, contact a qualified personal injury lawyer for compensation options,” says Personal injury attorney John Yannone of Price Benowitz Accident Injury Lawyers, LLP. A lawyer will collect evidence, interview witnesses, and represent you in court should the case proceed to trial.
Why Understanding Liability Minimums Is Important
Below is a rundown of the reasons why understanding the insurance minimums in Washington DC is important:
- Legal compliance: If you fail to comply with Washington DC’s insurance requirements, you may face penalties like fines and suspension of your license. Sometimes, the authorities may even impound your vehicle.
- Avoiding unnecessary expenses: Understanding the minimums can help you avoid spending extra money on coverage you do not need.
- Getting enough financial coverage: Knowing the minimums, you will be better positioned to assess whether these policies provide adequate coverage and decide whether to purchase more coverage. You can buy higher coverage based on your vehicle, driving habits, and other needs.
Now that you know the importance of comprehending the insurance minimums in Washington, what are they? Keep reading to find out.
Minimum Insurance Coverage Requirements in Washington DC
Liability Insurance
Say you get distracted while driving after a stressful day at work and end up causing a car accident that injures other drivers. In that case, your liability coverage will take care of any property damage and injuries to others. It will also cover your legal defense and settlement should you be sued for negligence.
In Washington, liability insurance requirements provide minimum coverage for bodily injuries per person, injuries per accident, and property damage. Here are the minimums:
- Bodily Injury (BI): $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, regardless of the number of injured people.
- Property Damage (PD): $10,000 per accident.
Understanding Uninsured Motorist Coverage: Protecting Yourself on the Road
Take a situation where you are involved in an accident and the at-fault driver does not have insurance. What happens then?
That’s where uninsured motorist coverage comes in.
Here are the uninsured motorist requirements in Washington.
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per victim and $50,000 per crash.
- Property Damage: $5,000 per accident.
Personal Injury Protection: Essential Coverage for Your Health and Well-Being After an Accident
This insurance coverage is intended to cover injuries to individuals and their passengers regardless of who is at fault.
It covers medical bills, loss of wages, rehabilitation costs, funeral costs, and survivor benefits.
Conclusion
Up to this point, it’s important to understand Washington’s minimum car accident insurance requirement. This information can help you make an informed decision when shopping for insurance policies. At the same time, it will help you avoid spending extra money on insurance you do not need.