A concise, sourced reference for Washington liability requirements and the latest available nationwide traffic-safety figures.
Last updated August 28, 2026
This page brings together auto-insurance figures that Washington drivers, reporters, and local organizations can reference quickly. Washington’s required limits are a legal minimum, not a recommendation for every household. The traffic figures provide national context for why a careful coverage conversation matters.
Washington law requires drivers to carry proof of financial responsibility. The state insurance regulator lists these minimum liability limits for a qualifying policy.
$25,000
Washington requires at least $25,000 of liability coverage for injuries or death to one person in an accident.
Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, current requirement accessed August 28, 2026.$50,000
Washington requires at least $50,000 of liability coverage for injuries or death to all other people in one accident.
Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, current requirement accessed August 28, 2026.$10,000
Washington requires at least $10,000 of liability coverage for damage to another person’s property in an accident.
Source: Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, current requirement accessed August 28, 2026.Liability coverage is designed for injury or damage you cause to others. Your own vehicle damage, injuries, and uninsured-driver exposure can involve separate coverage choices.
These nationwide figures come from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. They are included as context and are not Washington-specific crash totals.
39,254
The federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 39,254 traffic-crash deaths in the United States in 2024.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2024 first release.36,297
The federal database recorded 36,297 fatal motor-vehicle crashes nationwide in 2024.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2024 first release.1.19
The nationwide traffic fatality rate was 1.19 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled in 2024.
Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Fatality Analysis Reporting System, 2024 first release.Each figure above is taken directly from the named public source. Washington requirements are current as checked on August 28, 2026. Traffic-safety figures use the 2024 first release in the federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System, the latest annual release available when this page was updated.
Douglas M. Schmidli, Farmers Insurance Agent. “Washington Auto Insurance Statistics and Requirements.” Updated August 28, 2026. https://nsrdsolutions.com/washington-auto-insurance-statistics
For help reviewing the coverage options that fit your situation, visit auto insurance guidance or call 253-582-5125.