FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 2448

C 17 L 14

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Transferring the insurance and financial responsibility program.

Sponsors: House Committee on Business & Financial Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Fey, Orcutt and Ryu; by request of State Treasurer).

House Committee on Business & Financial Services

Senate Committee on Financial Institutions, Housing & Insurance

Background:

Financial Responsibility Program.

Proof of financial responsibility means proof of the ability to respond to damages where a driver or owner is liable. Unless exempt, the driver or owner of a vehicle subject to registration involved in an accident within Washington that results in bodily injury, death, or property damage must provide a security deposit. The driver's license of an owner of a vehicle involved in an accident or of any driver involved in an accident may be suspended if a required security deposit is not provided within 60 days of receiving notice from the Department of Licensing (Department).

Proof of financial responsibility may be established by a certificate issued by the Office of the State Treasurer (Treasurer) indicating that the person named has deposited $60,000 in cash or securities with a market value of $60,000. The Treasurer may not issue a certificate and the Department may not accept any certificate unless it is also shown that there are no unsatisfied judgments against the depositor in the county where he or she lives.

Any requirement to provide security does not apply to:

• the driver or owner of a motor vehicle if the owner had an automobile liability policy or bond in effect, except where a driver at the time of the accident operated the vehicle without the owner's permission;

• the driver if there is a bona fide claim on the part of the driver that there was an insurance policy or bond covering the driver at the time of the accident;

• any person qualifying as a self-insurer or any person operating a vehicle for a self-insurer;

• any driver or owner of a vehicle, where the accident caused no injury or damage to a person or property except that of the driver or owner;

• the driver or owner of a vehicle, where the vehicle was legally parked at the time of the accident;

• the owner of the vehicle, where the vehicle was driven or parked illegally without the owner's express or implied consent;

• the owner of a vehicle that was leased by the United States, Washington, or any political subdivision or municipality of Washington or to a driver operating such vehicle with permission; or

• the owner or driver of a vehicle, where at the time of the accident the vehicle was being operated by or at the direction of a police officer who, in the performance of his or her duties, assumed custody of the vehicle.

Summary:

The Department, instead of the Treasurer, is the agency that issues the certificate demonstrating proof of financial responsibility regarding motor vehicle accidents. The certificate is issued upon a showing that a driver or owner has made the required security deposit.

Votes on Final Passage: