Expert: Richard L Carranza - 1/17/2005

Question
In order to have your Driver's License In Washington State, do you HAVE to have auto insurance? Or if you do get your driver's license and don't have insurance, and if you purchase it later will it be more expensive?

Answer
Not really familiar with Washington MV laws specifically but GENERALLY you do NOT have to have insurance in order to get a driver's license.... conversely in most state you do have to show PROOF OF INSURANCE when you go to REGISTER a vehicle in your name...

Remember that insurance generally follows a specific vehicle or vehicles owned by an Insured (that person who buys the policy).  Included in the coverage is coverage for a spouse and any resident relative(s) AND anyone else driving the insured vehicle with the permission of the owner.

You obviously need a license in order to drive ANY vehicle... as you do not own a vehicle you would most likely drive someone's else's vehicle and you would have coverage (assuming the car is insured) as long as you're driving with permission.

You do NOT have to purchase auto insurance as long as you do not own a vehicle... you can have a license for years before having to purchase insurance (ask any 16 year old).....

When you purchase your first insurance policy should not be affected by the time span bewteen getting your license and your first policy.. the only caveat has to do with your AGE when you get your first policy (under 25's historically pay more for fairly obvious reasons).

Hope and trust that the above answers your question(s).

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