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Washington: rules and deadlines at a glance
Every 11 topic we track for Washington on one page. Open a topic for the details, the law it comes from and how Washington compares.
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Car insurance by state · Claim deadlines · Small claims limits · Total loss rules · Dog bite rules · Shared fault rules · Accident reporting rules · Phone-while-driving laws · Motorcycle helmet laws · Uninsured drivers
General information only, not legal, insurance or financial advice. Not affiliated with any government agency. Exceptions can apply; open a topic for the details.
| Personal injury | 3 years |
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| Property damage | 3 years |
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| Minimum liability | $25,000 / $50,000 / $10,000 |
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| Fault system | At-fault (the driver who caused it pays) |
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| Shared-fault rule | Pure comparative: recovery reduced by your share of fault |
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| Acknowledge | 10 working days |
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| Accept or deny | 30 calendar days from notice of the claim (rules effective Oct. 18, 2026) |
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| Pay | Not set by rule |
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| Dollar limit | $10,000 (individuals); $5,000 (others) |
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| Filing fee | $35 or $50 |
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| Lawyers | Only with the judge's consent |
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| Total loss rule | Total loss formula |
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| Rule | Strict liability |
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| Details | Strict liability |
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| Rule | Pure comparative negligence |
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| When you are barred | Up to 99% at fault: damages reduced by your share |
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| Report required if | Death, injury, or over $700 damage |
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| Deadline | 4 days |
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| Handheld ban | Yes, all drivers (primary) |
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| Texting ban | Yes, primary |
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| Law type | Universal |
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| Who must wear one | All riders (universal law) |
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| Drivers uninsured | 19.1% |
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| UM/UIM coverage | Not required (insurers must offer it) |
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