Car insurance rates vary greatly based on your ZIP code, the coverage you choose and other personal details, such as age and driving record. CarInsurance.com’s data shows that Geico offers the most affordable car insurance at $1,408 per year.
This comprehensive guide to buying car insurance for Washington, D.C., drivers is based on data research and expert advice from CarInsurance.com’s team of insurance analysts and editors. We spent countless hours doing the homework for you and analyzed rates for various driver demographics to show you what you can expect to pay.
Keep reading to get a clear idea of how car insurance in Washington, D.C., works and how much coverage you need.
- Geico provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C., at $1,408 per year.
- In Washington, D.C., car insurance costs can change based on the type of coverage, coverage limits, age, location, make and model of your car and your driving record.
- Minimum liability coverage in Washington, D.C., costs around $558 annually for limits of 25/50/10, while liability-only coverage costs $785 per year for limits of 50/100/50.
- In Washington, D.C., driving incidents can significantly increase premiums, with a speeding ticket raising rates by up to 25%, a DUI raising rates by 61%, and an at-fault accident by up to 47%.
How much is car insurance in Washington, D.C.?
In Washington, D.C., drivers pay an average of $180 monthly for full coverage car insurance, based on a rate analysis by CarInsurance.com.
Understanding the average insurance cost can help you plan your budget. Remember, car insurance rates vary widely, depending on the type of car you drive, your driving history and other personal factors.
Average cost of auto insurance in Washington, D.C., by coverage level
In Washington, D.C., the cost of car insurance can vary depending on how much coverage you purchase. Washington, D.C., drivers need at least the minimum insurance coverage limits of 25/50/10 to legally drive.
Liability-only insurance is the least expensive coverage and meets the minimum legal requirements in Washington, D.C., but it doesn’t offer adequate protection.
While liability insurance protects you from financial loss by covering legal defense and damages if you’re found responsible for causing injury or property damage to others, it doesn’t protect your vehicle or passengers.
Full coverage car insurance policies are the most expensive but provide much more protection. They cover your own vehicles from accidents, theft, natural disasters and animal strikes. With a full-coverage insurance policy, drivers can be confident that they’re protected in the event of an accident up to the limits of their policies.
Full coverage comprises liability, comprehensive, collision and any other coverage required by your state.
Below, you will find the rates for car insurance in Washington, D.C., for different coverage levels.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Cost | Avg. Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $46 | $558 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $65 | $785 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $180 | $2,157 |
State minimum car insurance in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., laws mandate that all drivers carry insurance with minimum liability limits of $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability.
The state minimum car insurance cost in Washington, D.C., is $558 a year. However, this basic coverage only offers limited protection. Washington, D.C., drivers can choose to add more coverage, such as comprehensive and collision insurance, raise their liability limits and include personal injury protection or other insurance coverage, for better protection.
Drivers in Washington, D.C., must be aware of the minimum insurance coverage requirements to stay compliant.
Liability-only car insurance in Washington, D.C.
According to CarInsurance.com data, liability-only car insurance costs $785 in Washington, D.C., for limits 50/100/50.
This policy covers the cost of damages caused to others but not damages to the policyholder’s vehicle or passengers. While it is less expensive than a full coverage plan, liability-only insurance does not protect against an accident or theft of the insured vehicle.
Full coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., you can expect to pay around $2,157 per year for full coverage car insurance for the limits of 100/300/100 – $100,000 in bodily injury coverage, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident and $100,000 in property damage coverage.
Car insurance experts advise drivers to get full coverage insurance with the highest liability limits they can afford. Full coverage includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage, with a deductible.
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Calculate the cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C.
Insurance rates can differ depending on your ZIP code because what’s affordable in one area might be expensive in another.
Insurance companies assess various factors, such as crime rates, traffic conditions, car theft incidents and population density, to evaluate the level of risk in different areas and determine car insurance premiums.
This means that residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., have to bear greater financial burdens than those in areas with lower risks.
Use our simple tool to see how much you’ll have to pay for car insurance. Just type in your ZIP code, and you’ll get quotes for different coverage options quickly.
Washington D.C. Car Insurance Rates by ZIP Code
Estimate car insurance in Washington, D.C., by car model
In Washington, D.C., car insurance costs depend on the type of car you drive. If you have a luxury or electric vehicle that’s more expensive to repair, you’ll pay higher insurance rates than someone with a car that’s cheaper to repair.
For example, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche and Audi tend to have higher insurance costs. On the other hand, more affordable brands like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda typically come with the cheapest insurance cost.
Find out how much you’ll pay for car insurance for your vehicle make and model in Washington, D.C.
Insurance Rates by Car Model
Guide: How to estimate car insurance using our car insurance estimator tool
Car insurance rates by age group in Washington, D.C.
Younger drivers and teenagers typically pay more for insurance than older, more experienced drivers. This is because teenagers are more likely to get into car accidents. In fact, teenagers are four times more likely to crash than drivers who are 20 or older, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Insurers know that teenage drivers are less experienced and pose a higher risk, resulting in higher insurance premiums. Washington, D.C., drivers between the ages of 30 to 60 typically enjoy the lowest average auto insurance rates, at about $2,108 annually.
Drivers aged 16-19 pay $3,691 more for car insurance than Washington, D.C., drivers aged 30-60 per year.
See the average rates by age group below:
- For teen drivers: Teens aged 16-19 can expect to pay $5,799 per year for a full coverage car insurance policy.
- For young adults: Drivers aged 20-25 can expect to pay $3,260 yearly for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged adult drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $2,108 annually in Washington, D.C.
- For senior drivers: Drivers aged 65 and older can expect to pay $2,222 per year.
Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age
Rates based on driver profile, history and habits in Washington, D.C.
Having a DUI, speeding ticket or being at fault in an accident can substantially increase your insurance rates. In Washington, D.C., a DUI conviction often results in higher premiums and you may see an increase of up to 61% as insurers perceive you as a high-risk driver.
If you receive a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., be prepared for your car insurance rates to rise by up to 25% when you renew your policy. This increase might last for about three years. However, the exact amount of the increase depends on the specific laws in your state, your insurance provider and your driving record.
Here is how much your car insurance rate increases in Washington, D.C., after driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 25% increase
- DUI conviction: 61% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 47% increase
But even with a traffic ticket, comparison shopping can save you money.
Car insurance cost in Washington, D.C., for high-risk drivers
High-risk drivers in Washington, D.C., pay more for car insurance than other drivers because they are considered riskier. Factors like accident history, traffic violations and poor credit scores influence how much the policyholder will pay for insurance coverage.
Luckily, there are ways for high-risk drivers to reduce their premium payments. Shopping around and comparing quotes is a great place to start, as each company will have its own rate structure tailored to individual needs.
Use this tool to determine which company has the best prices for drivers with speeding tickets, DUIs, or at-fault accidents on their driving records.
Select your state and risk factor below to see the insurance company and its
average annual full coverage rates.
| Company Name | Insurance Rates |
|---|---|
| USAA | $1,849 |
| Erie Insurance | $2,024 |
| Progressive | $2,543 |
| State Farm | $2,828 |
| Geico | $2,864 |
| Chubb | $3,945 |
| Allstate | $5,117 |
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Average car insurance cost in different states of U.S.
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In Washington, D.C., drivers can save on their premiums by comparing insurance quotes from different carriers. The cost of car insurance can vary based on several factors, including your driving history and the model of your car. Comparing multiple options allows you to find the right policy at an affordable price.
Begin your search for the top car insurance policy in Washington, D.C., by getting quotes from multiple insurance providers and comparing them.
In the table below, see an overview of various car insurance companies in Washington, D.C., along with their average annual premiums.
| Company | State Minimum | 50/100/50 | 100/300/100 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geico | $387 | $458 | $1,408 |
| Progressive | $622 | $729 | $1,488 |
| Erie Insurance | $488 | $628 | $1,581 |
| State Farm | $656 | $849 | $2,426 |
| Nationwide | $972 | $1,286 | $2,558 |
| Chubb Ltd | $359 | $490 | $2,799 |
| USAA | $423 | $506 | $1,230 |
How much does car insurance cost in Washington, D.C., per month?
Car insurance in Washington, D.C., costs an average of $180 a month for a full coverage policy with limits of 100/300/100.
Opting for monthly car insurance payments can be a budget-friendly strategy for some people. It allows for spreading the cost throughout the year, making it easier to manage than a hefty annual payment. This approach provides more flexibility and avoids the burden of a large upfront sum.
Alternatively, paying your car insurance in full upon renewal may earn you a discount. Ultimately, the ideal choice depends on your needs and situation.
| Coverage Level | Avg. Monthly Rates |
|---|---|
| State Minimum – Liability Only BI/PD | $46 |
| Liability Only – 50/100/50 BI/PD | $65 |
| Full Coverage – 100/300/100 Liability BI/PD with $500 Comp/Coll Deductible | $180 |
Final thoughts on choosing car insurance in Washington, D.C.
There’s no one best car insurance for everyone. Some drivers are willing to pay a bit more for outstanding customer service, some want the lowest rates, others prefer carriers who can handle claims and payments through mobile apps and some prefer agents.
It’s really important to figure out what you need and find the best insurance policy for your car without breaking the bank while driving in Washington, D.C.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2024.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2024.
Methodology
CarInsurance.com commissioned Quadrant Information Services to get car insurance rates in Washington, D.C. The average premiums are based on the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driving a Honda Accord LX with a good insurance score and a clean driving record.
The rates are for different coverage limits. It includes:
- Full coverage car insurance with a coverage limit of $100,000 in bodily injury per person, $300,000 in bodily injury coverage per accident, $100,000 in property damage coverage per accident and a $500 collision/comprehensive deductible.
- Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
- State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/10.
To evaluate the rates, we have compared 53,409,632 insurance quotes from 75 company groups across 34,588 ZIP codes. The average premiums are for comparison purposes only; your exact rates may vary.
Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.
Ask the Insurance Expert
Laura Longero
Executive Editor
Laura Longero is an insurance expert and Executive Editor at CarInsurance.com, where she specializes in helping consumers navigate the complexities of the financial and insurance industries. She has 15 years of experience educating people about finance and car insurance. Prior to joining CarInsurance.com, she worked as a reporter and editor at the USA Today Network. Her expertise provides readers with practical guidance, helping them make informed choices about their financial and insurance needs.
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John McCormick
Editorial Director
John is the editorial director for CarInsurance.com, Insurance.com and Insure.com. Before joining QuinStreet, John was a deputy editor at The Wall Street Journal and had been an editor and reporter at a number of other media outlets where he covered insurance, personal finance, and technology.
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Leslie Kasperowicz
Executive Editor
Leslie Kasperowicz is an insurance educator and content creation professional with nearly two decades of experience first directly in the insurance industry at Farmers Insurance and then as a writer, researcher, and educator for insurance shoppers writing for sites like ExpertInsuranceReviews.com and InsuranceHotline.com and managing content, now at CarInsurance.com.
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Nupur Gambhir
Managing Editor
Nupur Gambhir is a content editor and licensed life, health, and disability insurance expert. She has extensive experience bringing brands to life and has built award-nominated campaigns for travel and tech. Her insurance expertise has been featured in Bloomberg News, Forbes Advisor, CNET, Fortune, Slate, Real Simple, Lifehacker, The Financial Gym, and the end-of-life planning service.
Guide to car insurance (with rates) in cities of Washington, D.C.