Washington has very specific auto insurance requirements that must be met in order to legally operate a motor vehicle. Failure to abide by these laws can result in a hefty fine or suspension of driving privileges. These regulations are intended to keep all drivers safe while lowering the overall cost of insurance for everyone.Liability Insurance RequirementsWashington law requires all drivers to carry a liability insurance policy that covers the policyholder in the amounts of 25/50/10. These numbers represent thousands of dollars in coverage for costs relating to bodily injury and personal property damage. At least $25,000 must be included in the policy to cover medical expenses for a non-fault individual. Twice this amount must be written into the policy to cover the costs of all medical expenses per accident, and at least $10,000 of coverage must be maintained to cover the costs of vehicle or other property damage sustained by non-fault parties per accidentAlthough uninsured motorist protection and personal injury protection is not required in Washington, vehicle owners are encouraged to consider these optional coverage types. Approximately 10 percent of all drivers in Washington are not covered by the required liability insurance. If an individual is involved in an accident caused by an uninsured driver, the costs of bodily injury and vehicle damage will not be covered, meaning the non-fault party would nave no recourse other than bring a lawsuit. This often results in no reimbursement whatsoever. Uninsured motorist protection is generally considered a vital part of any insurance package by most transportation and law enforcement agencies.Driving Under The InfluenceThe penalty for driving while intoxicated in Washington can be quite severe, even for a first offense. The legal blood alcohol level in Washington is 0.8 percent when operating a motor vehicle. If an individual refuses to take a blood alcohol test, he or she will automatically have a suspension of driving privileges for a period of one year. There is also a minimum $865 fine for a fist conviction of driving under the influence.Driving Without Proper Insurance CoverageThose who are cited for operating a motor vehicle in Washington without the required liability insurance coverage may face a fine of up to $500. This monetary penalty may be reduced if the offender has no previous points on his or her driving record. Those with multiple infractions may have the fine reduced or eliminated upon completion of a defensive driving course ordered by the court.About SR22 Filing In WashingtonAnyone with a suspended license for driving under the influence will have to show financial responsibility in order to obtain required insurance in the future. Washington law requires the filing of an SR22 form with the state government if there has been a license suspension for driving while intoxicated. The state insurance board will work in partnership with various insurance companies to insure liability coverage for those being denied by multiple providers.