
Washington state has a lot of beautiful roads to ride on, but before you hit the open road, you need to make sure you're covered with the right motorcycle insurance. In Washington, you're required to have liability insurance to register your bike.
The cost of motorcycle insurance in Washington varies depending on several factors, including your age, location, and type of bike. For example, riders under 25 can expect to pay more than those over 40.
Washington motorcycle insurance rates can also be affected by your credit score, with good credit often resulting in lower premiums.
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Do You Need Washington Motorcycle Insurance?
You're thinking of hitting the open road on your motorcycle in Washington state, but you're not sure if you need insurance. The answer is yes, you do need motorcycle insurance in Washington. In fact, the state requires all riders to carry liability coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
Liability coverage is the minimum requirement, and it won't cover damage to your own bike, but it will pay for injuries and damages you cause to others while riding. You can increase the amount of liability coverage if you want to more fully protect your assets.
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Here are the minimum requirements for liability coverage in Washington:
You can't opt out of liability coverage, but you can reject or lower uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage and uninsured/underinsured property damage coverage by submitting a signed form. Just remember, it's always better to be safe than sorry, and carrying the minimum required coverage will give you peace of mind while riding.
Understanding Washington Motorcycle Insurance Laws
In Washington state, you're required to have some form of liability coverage for your motorcycle. This is mandated by the state and enforced by the Washington State Department of Licensing.
If you're planning to ride a motorcycle in Washington, you'll need to carry liability insurance with limits of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $10,000 for property damage. Alternatively, you can apply for a certificate of deposit to pay for your liability insurance with the Department of Licensing.
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There are a few other options available, but they're not as straightforward as carrying insurance. You can have a liability bond of at least $60,000 filed by a surety bond company that's authorized to do business in Washington. This is a complex process, so it's not recommended unless you're an experienced rider or have specific circumstances that make this option viable.
If you're self-insuring, you'll need to have 26 or more vehicles. This is the only way to self-insure, as the state requires a certain level of responsibility to qualify for this option. For more information, contact the Department of Licensing to see if you qualify.
Here are the four options for meeting Washington's motorcycle insurance requirements:
- Carry liability insurance with liability limits of at least $25,000 for bodily injury or death per person, $50,000 for bodily injury or death per accident, and $10,000 for property damage.
- Apply for a certificate of deposit to pay for your liability insurance with the Department of Licensing.
- Have a liability bond of at least $60,000 filed by a surety bond company that's authorized to do business in Washington.
- Self-insure if you have 26 or more vehicles.
Washington Motorcycle Insurance Coverage Options
If you're a motorcycle enthusiast in Washington, you know the minimum insurance requirements might not be enough to cover all the costs of an accident.
You can choose from several optional coverages in Washington to help avoid paying out of pocket.
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Motorcycle accessory coverage can pay for damage to upgrades you've made to your bike and equipment, including chrome pieces, electronics, handlebars, and custom paint and wheels.
Medical payments coverage can pay for injuries you or your passenger suffer, regardless of fault.
Total loss coverage may pay for the full value of your bike in the event of a total loss, protecting against depreciation – but it's only available for bikes no more than one model year old on a new policy.
Here are some optional motorcycle insurance coverages available in Washington:
- Motorcycle accessory coverage
- Medical payments
- Total loss coverage
- Carried contents and personal belongings
- Enhanced injury protection
- Roadside assistance
Getting a Quote and Choosing a Policy
To get started, you can request a free Washington motorcycle insurance quote by calling 866-324-7952 today. This is a great way to get a sense of what your insurance options are and what you can expect to pay.
You can also find the right motorcycle insurance policy for you by considering the average cost of motorcycle insurance, which can vary depending on your age and other factors. If you're 18 years old, you may want to look into motorcycle insurance specifically designed for young riders.
To find the cheapest motorcycle insurance companies, you can check out ValuePenguin's comparison of quotes from seven top companies across 32 of the largest cities in Washington. According to their research, Dairyland offers the cheapest rates in Washington, with an average monthly rate of $16.
Here are some of the top motorcycle insurance companies in Washington, along with their average monthly rates:
Get a Quote
Getting a Quote is a crucial step in finding the right policy for you. You can start by requesting a free Washington motorcycle insurance quote at 866-324-7952 today.
Protecting yourself with motorcycle insurance is essential before embarking on a journey across the state.
Get
To get a quote, you can compare rates from top companies like Dairyland, Harley-Davidson, Progressive, Allstate, and Markel. Dairyland offers the cheapest rates in Washington, with an average price of $16 per month.
You can also consider the discounts available in Washington, which include options like carried contents and personal belongings, roadside assistance, and enhanced injury protection. These discounts can help reduce your premium.
Worth a look: Motorcycle Insurance Discounts
To find the best motorcycle insurance in Washington, you can check out the comparison of quotes from seven top companies across 32 of the largest cities in Washington. The best companies offer a range of coverage options, including motorcycle accessory coverage, medical payments, and total loss coverage.
Dairyland is a top choice for motorcycle insurance in Washington, with a range of appealing coverage options and several easily attainable discounts. You can add optional/special equipment coverage, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, and roadside assistance to your policy with Dairyland.
Here are some of the discounts you can take advantage of with Dairyland:
- Affinity discount for members of riding groups like the Harley Owners Group
- Discount for having multiple motorcycles insured by Dairyland
- Discount for completing a rider course
- Discount for switching to Dairyland from another insurer
- Discount for owning a home
Best for Most People
If you're looking for the best motorcycle insurance for most people in Washington, Dairyland is the way to go. Their average price is $16 per month, which is the best price statewide and 44% cheaper than the state's average rate.
Dairyland offers a variety of appealing coverage options, including optional/special equipment coverage, original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts, and roadside assistance. You can also get service for a flat tire, dead battery, or mechanical breakdown, plus tow service and a resupply of fuel, oil, fluid, or water.
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There are many ways to save money with Dairyland, including an affinity discount for members of the Harley Owners Group. You may also be eligible for savings if you have multiple motorcycles insured by Dairyland, have been a customer for more than a year, complete a rider course, switch to Dairyland from another insurer, or own a home.
Here are some of the key benefits of Dairyland motorcycle insurance:
- Monthly rate: $16
- Average price: 44% cheaper than the state's average rate
- Coverage options: optional/special equipment, OEM parts, roadside assistance
- Savings opportunities: affinity discount, multiple motorcycle discount, long-term customer discount, rider course discount, switch discount, home ownership discount
Washington Motorcycle Insurance Costs and Comparison
The average cost of full coverage motorcycle insurance in Washington is $29 per month. You can find more affordable coverage by comparing quotes from multiple insurers.
The cost of motorcycle insurance varies greatly depending on where you live in Washington. Seattle is the most expensive city, with a monthly cost of $33, which is 23% more expensive than the state average.
Pasco residents pay the least among major cities, at $27 per month. This is a significant difference, and it highlights the importance of considering your location when shopping for motorcycle insurance.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly cost of motorcycle insurance in some major cities in Washington:
Dairyland offers the cheapest motorcycle insurance in Washington, with a monthly cost of $16. This is 44% cheaper than the average company in Washington.
Costs: City-by-City Breakdown
Seattle is the most expensive city in Washington for motorcycle insurance, with a monthly cost of $33, which is 23% more expensive than the state average. This is a significant difference, especially if you're a resident of Seattle.
If you live in Pasco, you're in luck, as it's the city with the lowest motorcycle insurance costs in Washington, with a monthly cost of just $27. That's a 7% reduction compared to the state average.
The cost of motorcycle insurance varies greatly depending on where you live in Washington. Some cities, like Bainbridge Island, have a monthly cost of $29, which is actually 2% lower than the state average. On the other hand, cities like Bonney Lake have a monthly cost of $33, which is 11% higher than the state average.
Here's a breakdown of the monthly costs for motorcycle insurance in various cities across Washington:
This table shows that while some cities have lower costs, others have significantly higher costs, making it essential to compare quotes and shop around for the best deal.
Comparison Across States
Washington ranks as one of the top three most expensive states for motorcycle insurance, with an average annual premium of $1,234.
In comparison, neighboring Oregon has a significantly lower average annual premium of $934, making it a more affordable option for motorcycle owners.
The highest average annual premium in Washington is found in King County, where riders pay an average of $1,444 per year.
Conversely, the lowest average annual premium in Washington can be found in Yakima County, where riders pay an average of $1,044 per year.
Washington's high motorcycle insurance costs are largely due to the state's high incidence of motorcycle accidents and fatalities, which increases the cost of insurance for all riders.
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Washington Motorcycle Insurance Requirements and Proof
In Washington, you're required to show proof of insurance when stopped by a law enforcement officer. This proof of insurance card is usually sent to you by your insurance company when you start or renew your policy.
The minimum motorcycle insurance requirements in Washington are $25,000 for bodily injury liability or death of one person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 for property damage liability.
To meet these requirements, you can choose from four options: liability insurance, a certificate of deposit, a liability bond, or self-insurance if you have 26 or more vehicles.
If you're stopped without proof of insurance, you could face penalties of up to $450.
Here are the minimum insurance requirements in Washington:
Washington Motorcycle Insurance Companies and Customer Service
Harley-Davidson stands out for its top-rated customer service, making it a great choice for riders in Washington.
Their customers tend to be satisfied with the service they receive, especially when filing a claim, and they receive far fewer complaints than average.
Harley-Davidson is also the second-cheapest insurer in Washington, with prices starting at $20 per month.
You can save about $9 per month with Harley-Davidson compared to an average company.
Some useful coverage options from Harley-Davidson include trip interruption and rental reimbursement, which are perfect for motorcycle touring and bike commuters.
Harley-Davidson's coverage options and discounts are solid, but it's worth noting that they only offer motorcycle insurance, so you won't be able to bundle it with other policies.
Here are the top motorcycle insurance companies in Washington, ranked by customer service, cost, and coverage availability:
Washington Motorcycle Insurance Basics and FAQs
You need motorcycle insurance in Washington state, as of July 28, 2019, when a law passed requiring liability coverage and proof of insurance for all motorcycle drivers.
Liability coverage is a must-have, covering damages and injuries you cause to others in an accident. It's a good idea to check your policy to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Laid-up motorcycle insurance is available if you're not riding your motorcycle for an extended period. This type of insurance can save you money on premiums.
Motorcycle helmet laws vary by state, so be sure to check the specific laws in Washington. In general, helmets are a must-have for motorcycle safety.
To ride a motorcycle in Washington, you'll need to obtain a motorcycle license. Requirements for this license include passing a written test and a riding skills test.
Call (855) 596-3655 to speak with a licensed insurance agent and get quotes for motorcycle insurance, as well as other types of insurance.
Here's a quick rundown of the key requirements for motorcycle insurance in Washington:
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is motorcycle insurance not required?
In the US, motorcycle insurance is not required in Florida, New Hampshire, Washington, and Montana. If you live in one of these states, you may still want to consider purchasing insurance for added protection and peace of mind.
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