All states have some requirements about insurance to protect the citizens. The cost of this insurance can range from fairly inexpensive to extremely expensive. Washington state falls somewhat in the middle in the nation with its insurance rates on average at $1,360. Of course, that is only an average price and does not factor in individual things such as age and driving record, which can dramatically increase or decrease the cost that you will pay for your own coverage.

The Basic Insurance Requirements in Washington

Like other states, Washington requires that drivers meet certain minimums of insurance coverage. These minimums include:

• $25,000 each person
• $50,000 each accident
• $10,000 for property damage and loss

An alternative to buying this insurance coverage does exist. The state allows drivers to post a $60,000 deposit or buy a liability bond for the same amount. These are very expensive alternatives to insurance because they must be paid in one installment. Driving without insurance can make you liable for the entire cost of damages and injuries in an accident, and it may also cause you fines, which start at $450 dollars for a first offense.

Watch Your Speed!

While there are dozens of reasons that an accident can occur, speed remains one of the top causes in most states. In Washington, more than 30 percent of accidents are directly related to speeding with many more listing speed as a mitigating factor. In Washington, the area of Interstate 90 near the cities of Preston and Issaquah is listed as the highest concentration of speeders. Driving at high rates of speed is dangerous because it can give you less time and room to maneuver out of the way of obstacles, can make it impossible to stop in time and may also cause you to lose control when going around curves. Getting tickets for excessive speed can also increase your insurance rates as well.

Secondary to speeding is the problem of aggressive driving, which often involves speed as well. Aggressive drivers account for serious accidents and increased insurance rates throughout the state.

Oh Deer (And Moose and Others)

Much of the state of Washington remains wooded and wild with plenty of wildlife that can be seen in and around the roadside. More than a million accidents involving deer have occurred, with an average cost of $2,800 per accident. If there are any injuries in the accident the cost can climb to $10,000 or more. Deer are not the only wildlife that causes problems on Washington roads, though. Moose, though not as numerous, are larger and may cause more serious damage and also increase the risk of injuries to the drivers of the cars that hit them. Coyotes are often frequently involved in these accidents.

Hang Up the Phone and Drive, Please

In addition to the animals, other drivers and your own speed, there is another way to keep yourself, your family and those around you safe on the road. Distracted driving, which usually occurs when people are using cell phones, is such a major problem that several states have had to enact new laws. Washington has a law that forbids the use of a cell phone for talking or texting without a hands free unit for some drivers. New drivers are not allowed to have a cell phone at all. The fine can be $124 or more and may also increase your insurance rates as well. More than 6,000 people have been killed by distracted driver in a single year in Washington, while more than 500,000 others have been injured as well.

Using a hands free unit or pulling over to make a phone call is only one of the ways that you can save money on your insurance bill. There are other ways as well. These include keeping your car safe and in good repair, checking your tire pressure with every fill up and replacing your windshield wipers every few months. People who have good driving records get better insurance rates than those who have tickets and accidents on their record.

When to Review Your Insurance Rates

Before you renew your insurance, it is important to review your policy to make sure that you have the right coverage at the right prices. You should do this at least a month before it is time to renew your policy so that you will have the time to make any changes if that is necessary. Any changes in the drivers or members of household, amount of driving that you do or changes in the value of the car could substantially change your insurance rates. Buying a house or getting a new job could also change your insurance rates. Finally, your location could also change how much you will pay for insurance as well.