Insurance requirements
Seattle Mun. Code § 6.311.270
in effect6.311.270 - Insurance requirements
A. At all times while operating as a taxicab or for-hire vehicle, there must be valid insurance as described in this Section 6.311.270. All insurance policies shall either comply with chapter 46.72 RCW and have underinsured motorist coverage of at least $100,000 per person and $300,000 per accident; or comply with the coverage amounts required by RCW 46.72B.180. All insurance policies that cover a vehicle while operating as a taxicab or for-hire vehicle and for which a medallion is required, shall be filed with the Director. The insurance policy shall:
1. Be issued by an admitted carrier in the state of Washington with an A.M. Best Rating of not less than B- and be not less than A.M. Best Financial Size Category VII or show evidence to the Director of surplus lines from an insurer with an A.M. Best Rating of not less than B and be not less than A.M. Best Financial Size Category VII;
2. Name The City of Seattle, its officers, officials, agents, and employees as an additional insured on the insurance policy;
3. Provide that the insurer will notify the Director, in writing, of cancellation for nonpayment of premium no less than ten days before the cancellation takes effect, or of cancellation for any other reason no less than 30 days before the cancellation or nonrenewal takes effect. If an insurance policy is cancelled or not renewed, proof of a new policy must be filed before the expiration of the policy. The taxicab or for-hire vehicle is automatically suspended and cannot operate until coverage is secured;
4. Not include aggregate limits, named driver requirements or exclusions, or radius restrictions. Other limitations or restrictions beyond standard insurance services office business auto policy form are subject to approval by the Director; and
5. Be in effect at any time the taxicab or for-hire vehicle is operating.
B. When a taxicab or for-hire vehicle is dispatched by a transportation network company, the taxicab's or for-hire vehicle's insurance covers that trip, unless the transportation network company maintains an insurance policy that includes trips provided by a taxicab or for-hire vehicle.
C. The Director may suspend or suspend and modify any requirements of this Section 6.311.270 when no other viable insurance options are available to the industry.
(Ord. 126977, § 1, 2023.)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT6BURE_SUBTITLE_IVNELICO_CH6.311FRETRAXFREVEDR_6.311.270INREFetched: 11/1/2026