Washington Restricted License Insurance & SR-22 Filing
Washington requires 25/50/10 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.
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Washington at a Glance
25/50/10
Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)
At-fault
The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause
Optional
PIP and uninsured motorist coverage are not required by law
$75
State license reinstatement fee
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Minimum Coverage Requirements in Washington
Washington operates under a tort liability system, meaning the at-fault driver pays for damages. The state requires continuous proof of insurance via an SR-22 certificate for drivers with suspended licenses seeking restricted driving privileges. Washington Department of Licensing issues occupational restricted licenses or ignition interlock restricted licenses depending on the violation type, and both require SR-22 filing before license issuance.
Liability Insurance
SR-22 Certificate
Uninsured Motorist Coverage
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
What Drivers Pay in Washington
$248–$329/mo
Typical monthly rate in Washington, high-risk drivers after a DUI
Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026
What Affects Your Rate
- Lapsed SR-22 coverage triggers automatic DOL notification within 24 hours, re-suspending your restricted license immediately and requiring a new SR-22 filing to reinstate.
Get Insured for the Drive to Work
Keep Driving to WorkIf your license is suspended
Occupational/Restricted Driver License (ORL); Ignition Interlock Driver License (IIL) for DUI
application fee $100, about 10 days to process.
No state action on a lapse
A lapse is not reported to the state here.
Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Washington require SR-22 filing after a DUI?
Washington requires SR-22 filing for three years from the date of license reinstatement, not the conviction date. If you delay reinstatement by six months, the three-year SR-22 period begins when you file for the restricted license, extending total compliance time to three and a half years.
Can I get a restricted license immediately after DUI suspension in Washington?
Yes, if you apply for an ignition interlock restricted license. Washington allows immediate eligibility with no waiting period for IID licenses, but occupational restricted licenses for non-DUI suspensions require a 30-day waiting period before application.
What routes are approved for occupational restricted licenses in Washington?
Washington limits occupational licenses to direct routes between home and work, medical appointments, court-ordered treatment, educational institutions, and childcare facilities. Routes must be documented in your court order, and deviation—including stops for errands—violates the license and triggers re-suspension.
Which carriers write SR-22 policies for restricted licenses in Washington?
Non-standard carriers including Bristol West, Dairyland, The General, GAINSCO, Safe Auto, and Acceptance specialize in SR-22 filing for restricted license holders. Standard carriers like State Farm and Allstate rarely write new policies for drivers with active suspensions, even with restricted driving privileges.
Coverage Types
Occupational Restricted License
Allows driving to and from work, medical appointments, court-ordered treatment, and childcare during approved hours only. Washington DOL grants occupational restricted licenses after suspension for non-DUI violations following a 30-day waiting period.
Ignition Interlock Restricted License
Allows unrestricted driving as long as an ignition interlock device is installed and functioning. Required for all DUI convictions, this license type permits work, personal errands, and recreational driving.
SR-22 Insurance
A certificate filed by your carrier proving you maintain state-minimum liability coverage. Washington requires SR-22 for three years after DUI, reckless driving, or driving while suspended.
Non-Owner SR-22
Provides liability coverage when you drive a vehicle you do not own. Required for drivers seeking restricted license reinstatement who do not own a car.
Liability Insurance
Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others. Washington's 25/50/10 minimum is legally sufficient but financially inadequate for most collision claims.
Non-Standard Auto Insurance
Coverage for drivers classified as high-risk due to violations, DUI, or suspended license history. Non-standard carriers specialize in SR-22 filing and restricted license compliance.