Can I Lose My House Due to an At-Fault Car Accident in Washington State?

Getting into a car accident is stressful enough. But if you were found at fault—and the damages exceeded your insurance limits—you may be wondering, “Could I actually lose my home over this?” That’s a valid concern, and one we hear often.

While losing your home because of an at-fault accident in Washington can happen in very rare circumstances, the legal and financial protections in place make it unlikely—especially if you act quickly and know your rights.

Let’s walk through how liability works in Washington, what assets are protected, and the steps you can take to safeguard your property after an at-fault crash.

Washington Is a Fault-Based State for Car Accidents

Washington follows a traditional tort-based or fault-based insurance system. This means:

• The driver who caused the accident (the “at-fault” party) is financially responsible for the damages.
• Injured parties can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance, or sue them directly if necessary.

So yes—if you’re found liable, you (and your insurance policy) are on the hook for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and even pain and suffering.

But what happens if the damages exceed your coverage?

Understanding Washington’s Minimum Insurance Requirements

In Washington, drivers are required to carry the following minimum auto liability insurance:

• $25,000 for injuries or death to another person
• $50,000 total for injuries or deaths per accident
• $10,000 for property damage per accident

These limits are often too low to cover serious injuries or multiple vehicles. If you’re at fault in a major accident and the total damages exceed your policy limits, the injured party can pursue your personal assets to cover the difference.

That’s where concerns about your house come in.

Can Your Home Be Taken in a Lawsuit Judgment?

Here’s the big question: If someone sues you and wins a judgment that’s more than your insurance will pay, can they force the sale of your house?

The Short Answer:

Technically, yes—but it’s highly unlikely if your home is protected under Washington’s homestead laws.

The Homestead Exemption in Washington

Washington law provides some protection for homeowners through something called the homestead exemption. This law shields a portion of your home’s equity from creditors—even in the event of a lawsuit judgment.

As of 2021, the homestead exemption amount in Washington is based on the county’s median home value, up to a maximum of $729,600.

Here’s how it works:

• If your home equity (the value of your home minus what you owe on it) falls under the exemption limit in your county, it’s protected from creditors.
• If your equity exceeds that amount, only the excess can be targeted in a judgment.

Example:
Let’s say you live in Yakima, where the median home value is around $330,000. If your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $100,000 on the mortgage, you have $300,000 in equity. Because your equity is less than the homestead exemption amount, your home can’t be forcibly sold to satisfy a judgment.

If, however, your equity is significantly over the exemption limit, a portion of it could be at risk—but even then, creditors typically don’t rush to force a sale. It’s a costly and lengthy process.

What Creditors Can and Can’t Do After a Judgment

If your at-fault car accident leads to a lawsuit and the court grants the injured party a judgment against you, here’s what can happen:

They can:

• Garnish your wages (up to limits set by law)
• Place a lien on your home (but not necessarily force a sale)
• Levy non-exempt bank accounts or personal property

They typically cannot:

• Force the sale of your home if your equity is within the homestead exemption
• Touch assets held in retirement accounts, like 401(k)s or IRAs (these are generally protected)

A judgment lien on your house doesn’t mean you have to move out or sell. But it will need to be paid off if you refinance or sell the home later. In many cases, that gives you time to work out a settlement or payment plan.

Umbrella Insurance Can Offer Extra Protection

One way to protect your home and other assets is to purchase umbrella insurance. This is a separate policy that kicks in after your auto liability insurance is exhausted. It covers legal fees, additional damages, and even slander or defamation claims—making it a smart choice for homeowners, especially those with significant assets.

Many umbrella policies offer $1 million to $5 million in extra liability coverage for relatively low annual premiums (around $150–$400 per year).

What If You Don’t Have Enough Insurance?

If your insurance coverage is inadequate and you don’t have an umbrella policy, here’s what to expect if you’re sued:

1. Insurance pays up to your policy limits.
2. Plaintiff may sue you personally for the remaining amount.
3. If they win, they can seek to collect through:
   • Wage garnishment
   • Bank levies
   • Placing a lien on your home or other property
4. You may negotiate a payment plan or settle the judgment out of court.

What If You’re Already Struggling Financially?

If you’re at risk of losing assets after an accident and already struggling with debt, bankruptcy may become an option. In Washington:

• Filing Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy may allow you to eliminate or restructure certain debts.
• Some court judgments from accidents can be discharged, especially if the crash wasn’t caused by drunk driving or intentional harm.

However, this route comes with serious long-term financial consequences and should only be considered after speaking with a bankruptcy attorney.

Proactive Steps to Protect Your Home and Assets

Here’s what you can do right now to reduce your risk:

1. Review your insurance coverage: Increase liability limits and consider adding umbrella coverage.
2. Check your home equity: Understand how much protection you have under the homestead exemption.
3. Separate assets: In some cases, keeping certain assets in a spouse’s name (especially if you’re not the at-fault driver) may shield them from liability.
4. Avoid gaps in coverage: Letting your auto insurance lapse—especially in Washington—can open the door to personal liability in ways you really don’t want.

Don’t Panic—Prepare

While the idea of losing your home due to an at-fault car accident is frightening, Washington law offers significant protections for homeowners. The homestead exemption, combined with smart insurance planning and legal safeguards, means most people will not face home seizure unless the damages are extreme and other protections are unavailable.

If you’ve recently been involved in a serious car accident and have concerns about your home or assets, the best course of action is to speak with a personal injury defense attorney and your insurance provider. They can help you navigate liability concerns, avoid missteps, and protect what matters most.

Hire Reliable Car Accident Attorneys in Yakima

Need Legal Help After an Accident in Yakima, Ellensburg, or the Tri-Cities?

At Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, we’ve helped Washington residents navigate the aftermath of serious accidents for over 40 years. If you’re worried about your assets after a crash—or simply need guidance on your next steps—call us today for a free consultation at 509-575-1588.

Your future deserves protection. Let’s make sure it’s secure.