Washington, North Carolina—the original Washington, founded in 1776 before its more famous namesake—sits along the scenic Pamlico River in Beaufort County. With a population of nearly 10,000 residents, this Inner Banks community combines small-town charm with waterfront living. But that riverside location also means you need to think carefully about your insurance coverage. Whether you're looking for auto, home, or flood insurance, understanding what you need to protect yourself in Washington requires knowing the specific risks and requirements that come with living in this historic coastal county.
New Auto Insurance Requirements You Need to Know
If you drive in Washington, here's something important: North Carolina just increased its minimum auto insurance requirements. Starting July 1, 2025, all new or renewed policies must carry at least 50/100/50 coverage. That's $50,000 per person for bodily injury, $100,000 per accident, and $50,000 for property damage. The old minimums were 30/60/25, so this is a significant jump.
What does this mean for you? Your premiums will likely go up, but you're also getting better protection. The bigger change is that uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage is now mandatory at the same 50/100/50 levels. This matters in Washington because if someone without adequate insurance hits you on Highway 17 or Washington Park's backroads, your own policy will cover your medical bills and repairs.
Keep in mind that these are just minimums. A serious accident can easily exceed $50,000 in medical costs, and if you're found at fault, you'll be personally responsible for anything above your policy limits. Many Washington residents opt for 100/300/100 coverage or add an umbrella policy for extra protection—it's worth discussing with a local agent who understands your specific situation.
Why Flood Insurance Isn't Optional in Washington
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: flooding. Washington sits right on the Pamlico River, and the entire town is bordered by the Tar and Pamlico Rivers. Storm surge from the Atlantic can push into Pamlico Sound and then up the river system, and riverine flooding is a constant concern. Many parts of Washington are in designated flood zones, which makes flood insurance essential—not optional.
Here's what surprises most people: standard homeowners insurance doesn't cover flood damage. Not a drop. If the Pamlico River overflows and water enters your home, your regular policy won't pay for repairs. You need a separate flood insurance policy, either through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private insurer.
The good news? Washington participates in the Community Rating System Program, which means residents qualify for reduced flood insurance rates. This discount can save you hundreds of dollars annually compared to communities that don't participate in the program. Whether your mortgage requires flood insurance or not, experts recommend buying coverage if you live in Washington—the risk is simply too high to go without it.
Homeowners Insurance: Rates Are Rising
North Carolina homeowners are facing significant rate increases, and Washington residents aren't exempt. Base rates increased by 7.5% in June 2025, and another 7.5% increase is scheduled for June 2026. For the average homeowner, that adds up to about $500 more per year. Coastal areas like Beaufort County are seeing even steeper increases—around 16% in 2025 and another 15.9% in 2026—because of higher risks from wind and storm damage.
As of late 2025, North Carolina homeowners pay an average of $2,951 to $3,749 annually for home insurance, depending on coverage levels and location. That's 22% higher than the national average. Beaufort County, as one of 18 designated coastal counties, faces elevated premiums due to hurricane risk and proximity to water.
What's driving these increases? Escalating construction costs, more frequent severe weather events, and rising reinsurance rates all play a role. Insurance companies initially requested a 42% average increase, which was negotiated down by the state insurance commissioner, but costs are still climbing steadily. Shopping around with multiple carriers and bundling your home and auto policies can help offset some of these increases.
Working with Local Agents in Washington
Washington has four local insurance agencies that know this community inside and out. They understand which neighborhoods flood during heavy storms, which homes need extra wind coverage, and how to navigate the specific challenges of insuring property in a historic waterfront town. A local agent can help you understand your flood zone designation, explain your options for both NFIP and private flood insurance, and make sure you're not overpaying for coverage you don't need.
Because Beaufort County is designated as a coastal county by the North Carolina Insurance Underwriting Association, wind and hail coverage is a critical consideration for your homeowners policy. A local agent familiar with Washington can review your policy to ensure you have adequate windstorm protection—something that's easy to overlook until hurricane season arrives.
How to Get Started
Start by reviewing your current policies to make sure they meet North Carolina's new auto insurance minimums and that your homeowners coverage reflects current replacement costs. If you don't have flood insurance, get a quote—even if you're not in a high-risk zone. Flood insurance takes 30 days to go into effect, so don't wait until a storm is forecast.
Consider reaching out to one of Washington's local insurance agencies for a comprehensive review of your coverage. They can compare quotes from multiple carriers, identify gaps in your protection, and help you bundle policies for savings. Living in Washington means enjoying beautiful river views and a tight-knit community—but it also means taking the extra steps to protect yourself from the risks that come with waterfront living. The right insurance coverage gives you peace of mind so you can enjoy everything this historic town has to offer.
