UPDATED: FEBRUARY 09, 2023 | 2 MIN READ
Residents pay an average of $2,351 yearly for car insurance in Washington DC This is only the district’s average — many factors will determine your rate. It’s possible to pay even less by researching the best companies, discounts, and more.
Best Washington DC Car Insurance Companies
Car insurance in Washington DC is much higher than the national average, but it’s possible to save if you research. When comparing customer satisfaction rankings and rates, the best auto insurance companies in Washington DC are GEICO, Erie, and State Farm.
Cheapest Washington DC Car Insurance Company
Washington DC’s most affordable auto insurance companies are GEICO and Progressive.
Washington DC Car Insurance Company With the Best Customer Service
If you value good customer service as much as your coverage options, look to GEICO, Erie, and State Farm. GEICO scored 871 in JD Power’s 2021 Auto Insurance Study, while Erie holds 880, and State Farm tops it off at 881.
Washington DC Car Insurance Company With the Best Discounts
Many auto insurance companies in DC offer discounts, but savings can vary. For example, State Farm doesn’t offer the most discounts for DC drivers but offers the biggest possible discount at 16%.
GEICO and Progressive offer the most discounts to Washington DC drivers, with 13% and 15% possible savings on annual premiums.
Washington DC Insurance Demographics
Car insurance companies in DC consider many factors when determining rates. Familiarize yourself with the area with a quick run-down of Washington DC’s demographics:
- Crime Rates: Washington DC’s crime index is 5, making it safer than 5% of US cities. The district reported 7,127 violent crimes and 24,899 property crimes.
- Average Household Income: Washington DC’s per capita income is $58,659, higher than the national income of $35,384.
- Median Age Range: DC’s median age group is 5-17. The district’s largest age group is 35-54 years old.
- Education: Almost 92% of DC residents graduated high school. Almost 60% graduated from college, and almost 7% are currently enrolled.
Common Risk Factors In Washington DC.
Washington DC is a densely populated area known for some of the worst traffic in the country. Both factors play a role in the area’s high auto insurance rates.
Auto Insurance Laws In Washington DC.
Washington DC requires all drivers to carry minimum car insurance coverage, including liability insurance and uninsured motorist coverage.
What are the minimum car insurance requirements in Washington DC?
Washington DC drivers must carry minimum car insurance coverage, which includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and liability insurance. However, you may want to add higher coverage limits to cover all damage if an accident occurs. Below are the minimum car insurance requirements in Washington DC:
- Bodily Injury: $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Property Damage: $10,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist (Bodily Injury): $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident
- Uninsured Motorist (Property Damage): $5,000 per accident; $200 deductible
Am I required to carry uninsured motorist coverage in Washington DC?
Washington DC requires all drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage for bodily injury and property damage.
Washington DC SR-22 policies
If you’ve committed a violation, such as driving without insurance or a suspended license, a DUI conviction, or accumulating too many points on your license, you must have SR-22 insurance. It’s not a type of insurance policy but a form that ensures that you remain insured.
Is Washington DC a no-fault district?
Washington DC is a “no-fault” district. Your insurer will cover your medical bills following an accident, regardless of who is to blame.
What happens if my vehicle isn’t properly insured in Washington DC?
If you fail to maintain insurance on a DC-registered vehicle, you face the following penalties:
- Suspension of license and registration
- A $150 fine for the first 30 days and $7 for each additional uninsured day (up to $2,500)
- A $30 penalty if you can’t provide proof of insurance if pulled over
- A $98 license reinstatement fee
Does Washington DC accept digital insurance cards?
You may show digital proof of insurance on your phone in Washington, DC
How Much Does Car Insurance In Washington DC Cost?
On average, Washington DC residents pay $2,351 for full coverage car insurance. Other factors like your car insurance company, age, and driving record will determine your rate.
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Company
Like other states, car insurance in Washington DC will vary by company.
Allstate’s insurance is almost twice as high as many of the other top companies listed below. GEICO offers the cheapest rates at $1,420.
| Car Insurance Company | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Allstate | $3,735 |
| GEICO | $1,420 |
| Progressive | $1,605 |
| State Farm | $1,995 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Age
Consistent with nationwide trends, 18-year-olds pay the most for car insurance in Washington DC From there, the rates steadily decline, with sixty-year-old drivers paying the lowest average for car insurance.
| Age | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Age 16 | $2,495 |
| Age 18 | $5,745 |
| Age 20 | $3,855 |
| Age 25 | $2,250 |
| Age 30 | $1,985 |
| Age 40 | $1,855 |
| Age 50 | $1,820 |
| Age 60 | $1,775 |
| Age 70 | $1,960 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Gender
Gender doesn’t play a major role in determining car insurance rates in Washington DC Still, females currently pay slightly more than men for auto insurance.
| Gender | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Male | $1,465 |
| Female | $1,490 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Credit Score
On average, DC drivers with great credit save hundreds of dollars on auto insurance. Those with poor credit risk paying about $2,000 more each year.
| Credit Score | Average Premium (Annually) |
|---|---|
| Poor | $3,215 |
| Fair | $2,545 |
| Good | $1,935 |
| Very Good | $1,535 |
| Great | $1,345 |
Average Cost of Car Insurance By Driving Record
If you get a speeding ticket, get into an accident, or get charged with DUI/DWI in Washington DC, expect your rates to increase. A DUI remains the most expensive charge, while even a speeding ticket will cause a 15% premium increase.
| Driving Incident | Average Full-Coverage Premium (Annually) | % Increase In Average Full-Coverage Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding Ticket | $2,160 | 15% |
| Accident | $2,445 | 25% |
| DUI | $2,815 | 53% |
What Optional Insurance Coverages Should You Consider?
Washington DC drivers may want to consider additional physical damage coverage. This insurance includes collision and comprehensive coverage. Collision coverage pays to repair your car, and comprehensive coverage pays for damages that result from any other incident.
What Auto Insurance Discounts To Look For In Washington DC.
Car insurance in Washington DC is higher than the national average, but there are several ways to lower your rates.
Check different companies to see if they offer the following auto insurance discounts:
- Paid-in-full discounts when you pay your yearly premium in one payment
- Safety equipment savings, such as installing anti-lock brakes and/or an anti-theft system
- Safe driver discounts that record your driving habits
- New car discounts for vehicles less than one-year-old
FAQs
Is car insurance high in DC?
Washington DC car insurance is pricier than in most states.
How much is car insurance a month in Washington DC?
On average, DC drivers pay about $196 monthly for car insurance.
Is car insurance required in Washington DC?
Yes, drivers must carry minimum car insurance coverage, which includes uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage and liability insurance, in Washington DC. Driving without insurance in DC will result in mandatory penalties and possible jail time.
What is the minimum car insurance in DC?
The minimum car insurance in DC includes bodily injury ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident), property damage ($10,000 per accident), uninsured motorist bodily injury ($25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident), and uninsured motorist property damage ($5,000 per accident; $200 deductible).
Why is DC car insurance so expensive?
DC is a densely populated area, especially compared to less-congested cities nearby. This and the notorious traffic contribute to higher rates than the national average.
How To Purchase Washington DC Car Insurance
To purchase the best car insurance in Washington DC, shop around and compare rates. This ensures your price is competitive and suits your budget. Request quotes from at least three insurers using our online quote form.
