Normally showing proof of insurance for a vehicle is enough if that insurance covers you for driving the car. For example if you borrow a friend's car and they have read through their policy and checked with their insurance agent to make sure that you are covered under this policy if you were to be in an accident then showing the insurance card for the vehicle would typically be enough for law enforcement if you are stopped.

The Washington State insurance regulator, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner, states that the law requires anyone driving a motor vehicle in the state of Washington to have an insurance liability policy, a certificate of deposit, or a liability bond to the required limits. They go on to say that if you are stopped by a law enforcement officer, you must present an insurance identification card showing that either the vehicle or you are insured.

For proof of insurance your insurance company must provide you with an identification card when they issue or renew your motor vehicle liability policy. At your request, the company will provide a card or temporary proof of insurance for each vehicle covered under your policy.

The insurance identification card must include the name of the insurance company, the policy number, and the policy’s effective and expiration dates. It must also include a description of the insured vehicle(s) and/or the name of the insured driver.

If you do not carry proof of insurance in your vehicle and you are stopped by law enforcement, the state considers it a traffic infraction. You will receive a $450 fine and it may go on your driving record. The courts could add other fees to your fines, such as a public safety and education assessment, which is 70 percent of all fines.

So when operating a vehicle in Washington you need to be covered by insurance and thus be able to show a law enforcement officer that you or the vehicle is insured. Make sure the insurance card you are showing to police covers you. If you were to cause an accident and show proof of insurance for the car but either you were excluded from the policy or otherwise not covered by it you may be charged with providing false evidence of financial responsibility.

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) section 46.30.040 states that any person who knowingly provides false evidence of financial responsibility to a law enforcement officer or to a court, including an expired or canceled insurance policy, bond, or certificate of deposit is guilty of a misdemeanor.

For more information about the laws surrounding providing proof of insurance in Washington contact the WA Department of Licensing (DOL), insurance regulator's office or read through the RCW sections yourself. In particular RCW section 46.30.020 speaks about the need for proof of financial responsibility when requested by law enforcement officers.

If you are in need of obtaining WA auto insurance, come to us for an affordable car insurance quote.