Mandatory motorcycle insurance in Washington

[gkamer]

Came across this little tid-bit and thought I'd share......

https://www.insurance.wa.gov/washing...-insurance-law

[h0gr1der]

Not that unusual, many states require it for all motorized vehicles on the roads. I think some exceptions are made for scooters.

https://www.dmv.org/insurance/motorc...quirements.php

[JerryB]

Hi gkamer,

Re: Mandatory motorcycle insurance in Washington

This is interesting: 'requires anyone who drives a motor vehicle or a motorcycle (effective July 28, 2019) in our state to do one of the following'

It would seem as though anyone from out of state who does not have that level of coverage would have to obtain it prior to driving/riding in Washington state.

I live just south of Washington, in Oregon, and back in the early 60's, Washington had higher liability req'ments than Oregon did but we could still drive in Washington without having the higher liability limits.

Jerry Baumchen

[hobbykim]

I think all the spyder will have Insurance, I have insure all my motorcycle

[Bob Denman]

Hi gkamer,

Re: Mandatory motorcycle insurance in Washington

This is interesting: 'requires anyone who drives a motor vehicle or a motorcycle (effective July 28, 2019) in our state to do one of the following'

It would seem as though anyone from out of state who does not have that level of coverage would have to obtain it prior to driving/riding in Washington state.

I live just south of Washington, in Oregon, and back in the early 60's, Washington had higher liability req'ments than Oregon did but we could still drive in Washington without having the higher liability limits.

Jerry Baumchen

Yup! You have to comply with the laws in your home State.

Besides that: 25/50/10 coverage is crap anyway!
I believe that New Jersey allows for coverages (under certain circumstances). of 0/0/10.
That's the only level (other than none!); that I've seen, which is worse!

Carry 500.000 CSL, and you'll be adequately protected...

[canamjhb]

I was a Washington resident for over 60 years. It never occurred to me to NOT be insured. Too risky in today's litigious society..... Jim

[JerryB]

Hi Bob,

Re: Yup! You have to comply with the laws in your home State.

Note; I said: I live just south of Washington, in Oregon

Or, are you saying that some federal law would allow us non-Washington residents to not have to comply with this new Washington law?

Jerry Baumchen

[gkamer]

It would seem as though anyone from out of state who does not have that level of coverage would have to obtain it prior to driving/riding in Washington state.
Jerry Baumchen

Jerry,
I don't think that would be the case. I think it would only apply to drivers operating a vehicle registered in the state. I think it would work like licensing requirements. Some states allow people to operate motorcycles without a special endorsement, a regular drivers license is sufficient. Otherwise you could not legally drive in states that do require a motorcycle endorsement.

[dondje]

Yup! You have to comply with the laws in your home State.

True - However in Washington State, when an out of State vehicle is involved in an accident with a WS resident, the resident can demand that authorities impound the out of stater's vehicle until the owner can provide proof of equal or greater than WS min liability insurance or post a bond to meet requirements.

Haven't checked to see if this has changed in a while.

Regards,

Don

[Nobodyjj]

500,00 not going to take you far when your ass is sued off. 2 Mil in Ontario now is the norm and lots carry more.

[teninospyder]

I've ALWAYS had it. Never knew it wasn't required.

[Purple Guy]

Question.... Why wouldn't you have insurance????

[JerryB]

Hi Purple Guy,

Re: Question.... Why wouldn't you have insurance????

Have been following the thread? It is not about not having insurance, it is about the amount.

Jerry Baumchen

[Purple Guy]

Hi Purple Guy,

Re: Question.... Why wouldn't you have insurance????

Have been following the thread? It is not about not having insurance, it is about the amount.

Jerry Baumchen

Then I misunderstood...

[gkamer]

True - However in Washington State, when an out of State vehicle is involved in an accident with a WS resident, the resident can demand that authorities impound the out of stater's vehicle until the owner can provide proof of equal or greater than WS min liability insurance or post a bond to meet requirements.
Don

I served in law enforcement in Washington for 23 years and I was never aware the Revised Code of Washington allowed a private citizen to take this kind of action. In fact I've spent the last hour delving through the RCW to find the statute you're referring to. Can you point me in the right direction, I'd really like to read that chapter. I can say in Washington, driving without insurance is a traffic infraction, in the same vein as running a stop sign or failing to signal a turn.

If you're stopped and found to be driving without insurance, you'll be cited. If, when you appear in court, you prove you actually did have insurance at the time you were cited, the infraction will be dismissed, but you will probably be required to pay a court administration fee of $25.00. If a collision is involved but there was no criminal act, I'm guessing it will be a matter for the insurance company's or courts to settle, in other words it would be a civil matter.