{"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 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 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 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 Why is liability considered to be cheap car insurance? Because it only protects the financial interests of others \u2014 not the driver who has this coverage. Therefore, the insurance company has to pay less in settlement costs than if the driver with the insurance policy was also covered. So liability coverage is cheaper than full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This lack of financial protection for the motorist is the downside of liability car insurance. As the policyholder, you\u2019ll still have to pay for the damage to your own vehicle, which could be thousands of dollars. Your car might even be totaled, leaving you with no transportation. That cost is on you. And if the costs of the other parties exceeds your liability, you\u2019ll be on the hook for that, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But at least you\u2019ll be road legal if you have liability insurance in Washington. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Every auto insurance policy comes with a deductible. That\u2019s the amount of money you agree to pay for covered damages before your insurer pays the rest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Let\u2019s say you have an accident that results in $3,000 in covered damages and you have a policy with a $500 deductible. You\u2019ll only pay that amount before your insurance company pays the remaining $2,500. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a $1,000 deductible, the insurer would only pay $2,000 for that same claim and you\u2019d have to pay the $1,000 out of pocket. So a $500 deductible is a better deal, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n Not so fast. You\u2019ll pay less \u2014 often a lot less \u2014 in monthly premiums by agreeing to pay a higher deductible<\/a>. It makes sense when you think about it. If you take on a higher portion of the collision costs, your insurance company will have less to pay for a claim. For that reason, they charge lower premiums for higher deductibles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Ask your insurance agent for details on ways to save on all your insurance needs in Washington<\/a> and to provide you with cost estimates at various deductible levels. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can save big time by following this simple advice. Many agents work as employees of individual insurance companies. As a result, they can only provide coverage options from their employer \u2014 take it or leave it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An independent agent<\/a>, on the other hand, has contracted with multiple leading insurance providers to sell a multitude of plans. That means they have many more options when shopping for auto insurance policies on your behalf. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your independent broker will be able to compare rates and policy details and answer all your questions<\/a>. They\u2019ll show you several policies from an assortment of major carriers that might meet your needs at a cost you can afford. That makes the strategy of working with an independent agent one of your best options for finding cheap car insurance at all budget limits.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Washington motorists need never worry about driving without car insurance. Just call Vern Fonk Insurance at (800) 455-8276<\/a> and find cheap car insurance that will keep you safe and legal behind the wheel. You can also get a quick online quote<\/a> or find a Vern Fonk Washington office near you<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat Are the Penalties for Driving Without Auto Insurance in Washington?\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How to Find Cheap Car Insurance in Washington\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Buy the Minimum Liability Auto Insurance to Save Money\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2. Assume an Affordable Deductible on Full Auto Insurance Coverage\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
3. Do Business with an Independent Auto Insurance Agent\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Reach Out For the Best Auto Insurance in Washington\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n