If you're driving in Camas, you're navigating a unique insurance landscape. This Clark County city sits along the SR-14 corridor connecting to the Portland metro area, bringing its own set of risks and requirements. Here's what you need to know about protecting yourself and your wallet on these roads.
Washington operates as an at-fault state, which means if you cause an accident, your insurance foots the bill for the other party's damages. This isn't just a technicality—it's a fundamental shift in how you should think about coverage. The minimums might keep you legal, but they might not keep you financially secure if things go wrong.
Understanding Washington's Minimum Requirements
Let's break down what the law requires. In Camas, like everywhere else in Washington, you need what's called 25/50/10 coverage. That's $25,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 per accident when multiple people are hurt, and $10,000 for property damage. Sounds reasonable until you consider what these numbers actually cover.
A single night in the hospital can easily exceed $25,000. That new SUV you just sideswiped? Probably costs more than $10,000 to replace. If you're at fault in a serious accident and only carrying minimums, you could be personally liable for the difference—and we're talking potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars. Your house, your savings, your future earnings—all at risk.
The penalties for driving uninsured are serious too. Get caught without insurance and you're looking at fines up to $550. Cause an accident without coverage? Your license gets suspended. But honestly, the financial devastation of being personally liable for a serious accident makes those penalties look minor by comparison.
The SR-14 Reality: Why Location Matters
Camas sits on State Route 14, a scenic but sometimes treacherous corridor running along the Columbia River Gorge. If you've driven it, you know it mixes commuter traffic, recreational vehicles, and commercial trucks in a narrow space with limited shoulders. The statistics bear out what locals already know—this road has seen its share of serious accidents.
In May 2025, a wrong-way driver killed a Portland teen and seriously injured two others near the I-205 interchange. In August 2024, a manufactured home got wedged on the Camas Slough Bridge, triggering a six-car pileup that killed one person. These aren't anomalies—they're reminders that SR-14 demands defensive driving and adequate insurance protection.
Your location impacts your insurance rates, too. Camas sits in the Portland metro area, which means more traffic density than rural Washington but typically lower rates than downtown Portland or Vancouver. The average Washington driver pays around $2,310 annually or $193 per month for coverage, but your specific rate depends on your driving record, the car you drive, and exactly where in Camas you live.
Coverage You Actually Need
Here's where we get practical. Most insurance professionals recommend liability limits of at least 100/300/100—four times the state minimum. It costs more, sure, but the peace of mind is worth it. If you have significant assets to protect, consider an umbrella policy that kicks in after your auto liability is exhausted.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage isn't required in Washington, but here's a sobering fact: about 13% of Washington drivers operate without insurance. That's one in eight cars on SR-14. If one of them hits you, your uninsured motorist coverage becomes your lifeline. Washington insurers must offer this coverage, though you can reject it in writing—something most people shouldn't do.
Collision and comprehensive coverage protect your own vehicle. Collision covers damage from accidents regardless of fault. Comprehensive handles the other stuff—theft, vandalism, hitting a deer, hail damage. If you're financing or leasing your car, the lender requires both. If you own it outright, consider your car's value. A 15-year-old sedan with 200,000 miles? Maybe skip it. A three-year-old SUV worth $30,000? Definitely keep it.
Personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage pays for your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who's at fault. In Washington's at-fault system, this coverage provides immediate funds for medical treatment while fault is being determined. If you commute to Portland for work, this becomes especially valuable—medical bills don't wait for insurance companies to finish investigating.
What's Driving Rates Up
Washington drivers got hit hard recently. Rates jumped 17.2% in 2025, following a more than 20% increase in 2024. That ties Washington with New Jersey for the largest auto insurance increases in the nation. The culprit? Inflation has made car repairs significantly more expensive. Modern vehicles pack sophisticated technology—sensors, cameras, computers—that cost a fortune to fix after even minor accidents.
This makes shopping around more important than ever. Rates can vary dramatically between insurers for the exact same coverage. Get quotes from at least three different companies. Ask about discounts—bundling home and auto, maintaining a clean driving record, completing defensive driving courses, installing anti-theft devices. These can knock significant money off your premium.
Getting Started with the Right Coverage
Start by taking inventory of what you're protecting. Calculate your net worth—your assets minus debts. That's what you stand to lose if you're underinsured and cause a serious accident. Your liability coverage should at least match that number, preferably exceed it.
Review your policy annually, especially after major life changes. New car? Update your coverage. Paid off your loan? Reconsider whether you still need comprehensive and collision. Bought a house? Time to increase liability limits. Insurance isn't set-it-and-forget-it.
Work with an independent agent who can compare multiple insurers at once. They'll understand Washington's specific requirements and Camas's unique risk factors. Ask questions. Understand what you're buying. The cheapest policy often isn't the best value—you want coverage that actually protects you when you need it most.
