Being involved in a hit-and-run accident can be a distressing experience, and understanding your car insurance coverage in such situations is crucial. In Washington state, hit-and-run laws are stringent, and the consequences can be severe for the at-fault driver. Here’s what you need to know about handling car insurance after a hit-and-run in Washington.

Washington hit-and-run laws are clear: if you are involved in an accident that causes damage, injury, or death, you must stay at the scene unless you need to leave to get help. Leaving without exchanging information and providing assistance is considered a hit-and-run, which is illegal and carries significant penalties. Bankrate created this guide to help you understand these laws and review what to do if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident.

Per Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.52.020, if a driver injures a person or damages a vehicle, they are legally required to stop, exchange information, and provide any necessary assistance, including obtaining medical care for injured parties. If the accident results in a death, it is likely considered a class B felony. An injury typically results in a class C felony.

Violating Washington’s hit-and-run law can lead to a license suspension of up to one year. A class B felony may result in a jail term of up to 10 years or a fine of up to $20,000, while a class C felony is punishable by up to five years in jail and a fine of up to $10,000.

When you are able to drive again, you may face challenges related to your car insurance. After a hit-and-run in Washington state, obtaining insurance can be more difficult and significantly more expensive, particularly if you are classified as a high-risk driver.

A hit-and-run in Washington state is likely to impact your car insurance rates, whether you are the at-fault driver or the victim. If you leave the scene of an accident without exchanging information, your rates are likely to increase significantly if you are caught. Washington state hit-and-run laws impose several penalties, including license suspension. Additionally, you may need to file an SR-22 form with the state DMV, and some carriers will not extend coverage to drivers with hit-and-runs on their records.

Unfortunately, even if you are the victim of a hit-and-run in Washington, your insurance rates may also be affected, though the increase is typically less severe. If the perpetrator is not found and you have to file a claim with your own insurer, your rates may still go up.

The rate of increase depends on various factors, including your insurer, your driving record, and your car’s age, make, and model. While specific rates for hit-and-runs are not available, Bankrate’s research shows that drivers with a clean record in Washington pay an average of $493 for minimum coverage and $1,574 for full coverage, which includes collision and comprehensive insurance. After an at-fault accident, those average rates increase to $726 for minimum coverage and $2,270 for full coverage.

While it might be tempting to chase after a fleeing driver, stay put if you are involved in a hit-and-run accident. Instead, take the following actions:

  • Check for injuries: Ensure no one has sustained injuries. If it’s safe, move all vehicles and people involved out of traffic. Call 911 for emergency medical services and police if needed.
  • Note down details: While the incident is still fresh in your mind, jot down any details you remember, such as the fleeing driver’s license plate number, vehicle make and model, and other identifying features. If you have passengers or witnesses, record their recollections too. Taking pictures or videos of the scene and the damage to your vehicle can also be helpful.
  • Cooperate with the police: Have your insurance card ready and cooperate fully with the police officers at the scene. Avoid interfering while they conduct interviews or assist those involved in the accident.
  • Start your insurance claim: Initiate your insurance claim promptly by calling your provider or using their app or website. The sooner you start your claim, the quicker you can receive compensation for any covered losses.

Quadrant Information Services analyzed April 2024 rates for all ZIP codes and carriers across all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. Quoted rates are based on a single, 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit, and the following full coverage limits:

  • $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $50,000 property damage liability per accident
  • $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
  • $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
  • $500 collision deductible
  • $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week, and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.