Can I keep my car if I file bankruptcy in Washington?

Yes — nearly all Washington filers keep their vehicles. Under RCW 6.15.010 as updated effective July 1, 2025, Washington exempts up to $15,000 in aggregate motor vehicle equity.

The exemption covers equity, not sticker price: a $22,000 car with a $10,000 loan has only $12,000 of equity, which fits within the exemption. If you're financing the car, you keep it by staying current on payments or reaffirming the loan.

If you have more vehicle equity than the state exemption allows, the federal exemption set — with its $5,025 vehicle exemption plus up to a $17,475 wildcard — is sometimes the better choice. Washington lets you pick whichever scheme protects more.