Personal Auto Insurance — Washington State
Auto Insurance That Actually Protects You
Washington drivers deserve more than the minimum. We shop 20+ carriers to find you real coverage at a price that makes sense.
What Does Auto Insurance Actually Cover?
Auto insurance is a package of different coverages — each one protecting you from a different type of loss. Washington State requires a minimum, but the minimum often leaves drivers exposed. Understanding what each part does helps you make smart decisions, not just cheap ones.
At Universal Insurance Services, we walk you through every coverage option in plain language — no jargon, no pressure. We compare rates across 20+ carriers so you get the right protection at the best price available.
Coverage Explained — Plain and Simple
Each coverage protects you from a different type of loss. Here's exactly what each one does.
Bodily Injury Liability (BI)
Pays for injuries you cause to other people in an accident. Washington requires 25/50 minimum — meaning $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident. If you cause a serious crash, medical bills can easily exceed minimums. We recommend 100/300 or higher to protect your assets.
Property Damage Liability (PD)
Covers damage you cause to someone else's vehicle or property — fences, buildings, parked cars. Washington minimum is $10,000. A new car can cost $40,000+, so we typically recommend $100,000 in PD coverage.
Uninsured Motorist (UM)
Protects YOU when the at-fault driver has no insurance. About 1 in 5 Washington drivers is uninsured. UM pays your medical bills and lost wages when the other driver can't. This is one of the most important coverages to carry.
Underinsured Motorist (UIM)
Kicks in when the at-fault driver has insurance — but not enough to cover your injuries. If they carry 25/50 minimums and your bills are $80,000, UIM covers the gap. Stacking UM and UIM gives you a powerful safety net.
Collision Coverage
Pays to repair or replace your vehicle after a crash — regardless of who's at fault. If you hit a guardrail, get rear-ended, or roll your car, collision covers the damage minus your deductible. Required by most lenders if you have a car loan.
Comprehensive Coverage
Covers non-collision damage: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, falling objects, hitting a deer. If a tree falls on your car or it gets stolen, comprehensive pays. Usually paired with collision for full physical damage protection.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Washington's PIP covers your medical expenses, lost wages, and even funeral costs — regardless of fault. It pays quickly without waiting for fault to be determined. Minimum is $10,000 but we recommend $35,000 or more for real protection.
Medical Payments (MedPay)
Similar to PIP but simpler — covers medical bills for you and passengers after an accident, no matter who's at fault. Great as a supplement to health insurance. Typically available in $1,000–$10,000 increments.
Roadside Assistance
Covers towing, flat tire changes, jump starts, lockout service, and fuel delivery. Usually just a few dollars a month added to your policy. Far cheaper than a single tow truck call.
Understanding Coverage Limits
Coverage limits are written as three numbers — for example 100/300/100. The first is the per-person bodily injury limit, the second is the per-accident bodily injury limit, and the third is the property damage limit — all in thousands of dollars. Higher limits cost more but protect your savings, home, and future income if you're sued after a serious accident.
Meets legal requirement only. Leaves significant exposure in a serious accident.
Solid protection for most drivers. Covers most accident scenarios without breaking the budget.
Best for homeowners, business owners, or anyone with significant assets to protect.
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