{"id":4451,"date":"2022-11-01T09:07:14","date_gmt":"2022-11-01T16:07:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vernfonk.confiedevstg.com\/blog\/?p=4451"},"modified":"2022-11-01T09:07:17","modified_gmt":"2022-11-01T16:07:17","slug":"driving-without-car-insurance-in-washington","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vernfonk.confiedevstg.com\/blog\/car-insurance\/driving-without-car-insurance-in-washington\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens When You\u2019re Caught Driving Without Car Insurance in Washington State?\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Fines, court dates, increased costs afterwards \u2026 it could get expensive very quickly. In fact, purchasing the minimum required amount will be far cheaper than getting caught driving without it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are two U.S. states that don\u2019t require drivers of registered vehicles to have auto insurance<\/a> \u2014 and the Evergreen State is not one of them. If your vehicle is registered, you must have coverage. End of story. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what if you don\u2019t? What if you drive without auto insurance in Washington\u202fbecause you can\u2019t afford to do otherwise? What then? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Washington?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It can get expensive very quickly for motorists without auto insurance in Washington. If you\u2019re stopped by the police for any legal reason and can\u2019t provide proof of insurance, you may get a ticket and fines of up to $550 or more for no proof of insurance<\/a>.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you lack car insurance coverage and are in an accident for which you\u2019re at fault, the penalties could get even higher if damages exceed $1,000. If you can\u2019t afford to pay for the damage caused to other vehicles or personal property, and medical costs if other parties need it, you could get your license suspended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider that even a relatively minor fender bender can result in more than $1,000 in total damage. Do you have that much in savings? If not, you could lose your license until you can afford to pay for the damages and obtain a valid auto insurance policy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Finally, consider the cost if your own vehicle must be repaired or replaced after a collision that\u2019s your fault when you don\u2019t have insurance. Do you have the money to buy a new car or spend maybe thousands of dollars repairing your ride? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Keep in mind, lenders insist on full auto insurance coverage before they\u2019ll finance your car purchase. So even buying a replacement vehicle might be out of the picture. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Find Cheap Car Insurance in Washington\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The main reason most motorists don\u2019t have auto insurance is simply that they believe they can\u2019t afford it. So they drive without coverage, despite the high cost of paying for collision damage and the severe legal penalties for being caught. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fortunately, it\u2019s possible to find affordable car insurance<\/a> in the Pacific Northwest. Here are 3 possible solutions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Buy the Minimum Liability Auto Insurance to Save Money\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Liability car insurance in Washington<\/a> is a minimum form of legal coverage. It financially protects others in the event of a car accident that\u2019s your fault. In Washington, this minimal coverage must offer, at least: <\/p>\n\n\n\n