The national Personal Auto Policy guide covers the ISO policy (PP 00 01): Parts A to F, who is an insured, the covered auto and the exclusions. This guide covers the Washington rules:

• the 25/50/10 financial responsibility law
• underinsured motorist coverage, which in Washington includes uninsured drivers
• personal injury protection (PIP) that must be offered
• cancellation and nonrenewal limits
• total-loss settlement standards

Washington is an at-fault state that uses pure comparative negligence.

Fault (RCW 4.22.005)

An injured person's own fault reduces the award in proportion but never bars recovery. A driver 70% at fault can still recover 30% of their damages from the other driver.

Mandatory liability insurance (chapter 46.30 RCW)

• Minimum limits (RCW 46.29.090; 46.30.020):
  • $25,000 bodily injury per person
  • $50,000 per accident
  • $10,000 property damage
• Other ways to comply besides a liability policy:
  • a liability bond of at least $60,000
  • a certificate of deposit
  • self-insurance through the Department of Licensing, for an owner of 26 or more vehicles
• PIP doesn't satisfy the liability requirement.
• The law doesn't apply to motor-driven cycles, mopeds or wheeled all-terrain vehicles.
• Failing to show proof of insurance is a traffic infraction. A driver who later proves coverage was in force at the time of the citation gets the ticket dismissed, with possible court costs of $25.
• Knowingly showing false proof, such as a canceled policy, is a misdemeanor (RCW 46.30.040).
• After certain violations, the Department of Licensing may require proof of insurance for the future at the 25/50/10 amounts (RCW 46.29.260). The OIC calls this filing an SR-22. The agent or insurer files it.

Underinsured motorist coverage (RCW 48.22.030)

• Washington's statute defines an underinsured motor vehicle two ways:
  • one with no liability insurance, which is what other states call uninsured
  • one whose limits are less than the damages the insured is entitled to recover
• A vehicle whose insurer becomes insolvent within three years after the accident is also underinsured (RCW 48.22.040).
• UIM must be included at limits equal to the policy's liability limits, unless a named insured or spouse rejects it in writing. A rejection carries over to renewals until the insured asks for coverage in writing.
• Choosing UIM property damage below the liability property damage limit doesn't need a written rejection.
• UIM property damage covers damage to the insured vehicle. The deductible is up to $300 for a hit-and-run or phantom vehicle and up to $100 otherwise.
• A phantom vehicle claim needs evidence other than the insured's own testimony, and a police report within 72 hours.
• The requirement doesn't apply to umbrella or other excess policies.
• Motorcycle buyers must be told about UIM and may reject it in writing.

Personal injury protection (RCW 48.22.085 to 48.22.100)

• Insurers must offer PIP on every new and renewal policy. A named insured may reject it in writing, and the rejection binds everyone who would have been covered.
• PIP doesn't have to be offered for motorcycles.

Benefit rules (RCW 48.22.005):

• Medical expenses must be incurred within three years of the accident.
• Income continuation starts 14 days after the accident. It ends at the earliest of return to work, 54 weeks or death. Weekly payments can't exceed 85% of the insured's weekly income.
• Loss of services pays up to $40 per day, for no more than 52 weeks.

Who is covered:

• the named insured and resident relatives
• passengers in the insured auto with permission
• pedestrians struck by the insured auto

Allowed exclusions (RCW 48.22.090) include:

• racing
• using the auto to commit a felony
• an insured injured in an owned or regularly used vehicle that isn't listed on the policy

PIP claims (WAC 284-30-395):

• An insurer may deny or limit medical benefits only because treatment is not reasonable, not necessary, not related to the accident, or not incurred within three years.
• A consulting reviewer must be licensed in the same field as the treating provider.
• Arbitration takes place in the insured's county of residence.

Cancellation and nonrenewal (RCW 48.18.291 to 48.18.297)

These rules apply to private passenger autos, including other four-wheel vehicles of 1,500 pounds or less not used in business. They don't apply to the assigned risk plan, garage policies or surplus lines.

• After 60 days, an insurer may cancel only for nonpayment or suspension or revocation of the license of the named insured or a customary driver.
• Adding a physical damage deductible of $100 or less isn't a cancellation.
• An insurer may not nonrenew liability or collision because of comprehensive, road service or towing claims.
• Policies are written for at least six months.
• When the insurer cancels, the unearned premium is refunded pro rata within 45 days. When the insured cancels, the refund is due within 30 days and is at least 90%, 95% or 97% of the pro rata unearned premium, depending on the amount (RCW 48.18.290(4), 48.18.300(2)).

Underwriting and rating (WAC 284-30-500)

• Insurers may not consider accidents or violations more than three years old unless the recent record makes them relevant.
• The premium is itemized by coverage at delivery and at each renewal.
• An insurer may not cut motorcycle passenger liability below the state minimums.
• Liability coverage can't be reduced below the policy limits just because the injured person is an insured family member.
• An installment plan has a set due day each month, and no late charge applies if payment arrives within five days of it (RCW 48.18.140(4)).
• All auto insurers participate in the Washington Automobile Insurance Plan for drivers who can't get coverage normally. Rulings of the plan can be appealed to the Commissioner (RCW 48.22.020).

Total losses (WAC 284-30-391)

• Settlement includes all taxes and fees the claimant would have paid to buy the vehicle.
• Without comparable vehicles, the insurer gets quotes from two or more dealers within 150 miles.
• If within 35 days after payment the claimant can't buy a comparable vehicle for that amount, the insurer reopens the claim.
• An offer to buy the vehicle stays open at least 30 days.
• Either side may invoke appraisal to settle an actual cash value dispute.

Common exam traps

• Washington is pure comparative negligence. There is no 50% or 51% bar.
• Liability minimums are 25/50/10.
• UIM covers uninsured drivers too. It equals the liability limits unless rejected in writing by a named insured or spouse.
• PIP must be offered but may be rejected in writing. The minimum medical benefit is $10,000.
• Cancellation notice is 20 days, or 10 for nonpayment or in the first 30 days.
• After 60 days, the only cancellation reasons are nonpayment and license suspension.
• A phantom vehicle claim needs a report within 72 hours.
• UIM property damage deductibles are $300 for hit-and-run and $100 otherwise.