The cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C., varies significantly depending on the type and amount of insurance coverage you buy, your location, age and driving history. Geico offers the cheapest rates at $1,408 a year for full coverage.
This guide makes buying car insurance in Washington, D.C., easy. We’ve done the hard work by researching and analyzing what different drivers might pay for insurance.
Keep reading to learn how auto insurance in Washington, D.C., works and how much insurance you need.
- The average cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C., is $2,157 a year or $180 per month, based on our data analysis.
- 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.
- Geico provides the most affordable annual rates for full coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C., costing $1,408 per year.
- 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.?
CarInsurance.com data found that drivers in Washington, D.C., pay $180 monthly for full coverage car insurance.
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.
See how rates change in Washington, D.C., based on driver profile:
- Teen drivers in Washington, D.C., pay the most — about $483 a month or $5,799 a year.
- Young drivers in their 20s pay an average of $283 monthly or $3,401 annually, for car insurance.
- Senior drivers pay around $185 monthly or $2,222 a year.
- A speeding ticket can increase your rates to $223 monthly or $2,670 annually.
- An at-fault accident increases car insurance rates to $257 a month or $3,085 a year.
- Poor credit drivers usually see their car insurance costs increase to $507 monthly or $6,081 annually.
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 policies are the cheapest, offering bare-bones protection that meets state’s financial responsibility laws – but they don’t offer much legal protection and coverage for your medical costs or property damage.
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 are the Washington, D.C., car insurance costs for three 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.
In Washington, D.C., you can get state minimum car insurance for $558 per year. However, this minimum coverage doesn’t offer enough protection. Drivers can add other types of insurance, such as comprehensive and collision, increase their liability limits and buy personal injury coverage for added 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.
Liability-only car insurance costs $785 in Washington, D.C., for coverage limits of 50/100/50, according to CarInsurance.com data.
Liability-only insurance helps cover the costs if you damage someone else’s car or injure someone in an accident. It’s more affordable than full coverage insurance, but remember, it doesn’t pay for repairs to your vehicle or cover injuries to your passengers.
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.
When it comes to car insurance, experts recommend opting for full coverage with the highest liability limits you can afford. It includes liability, comprehensive and collision coverage with a deductible. Full coverage car insurance protects you from unexpected events on the road. with a deductible.
Calculate the cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C.
A policy that is perfect for someone living in one ZIP code might be expensive for a driver living in another.
Different areas pose more or less risk based on crime rate, traffic, car thefts and population density. Insurance companies research each area’s risks and then use that information to determine what they can charge for premiums.
As a result, residents in higher-risk neighborhoods in Washington, D.C., pay more for premiums than those in lower-risk areas.
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.
Calculate car insurance rates by ZIP code in Washington D.C.
Rates vary by location. Our tool helps you understand how your ZIP code impacts your premium.
For 30 year old Male ( Liability - Minimum)
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Estimate car insurance in Washington, D.C., by car model
Washington, D.C., car insurance providers use the make and model of your vehicle to determine premiums. If you drive a luxury car, which can be expensive to repair, expect to pay more for insurance than cars that are easier and cheaper to fix.
For instance, luxury brands like Maserati, BMW, Porsche, and Audi usually have higher insurance costs. Cars like Subaru, Hyundai, Honda and Mazda are often cheaper to insure.
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.
As you age, the cost of your car insurance might change. As a young driver, you’ll pay more than an experienced, older driver. This is because younger drivers are more prone to accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the crash rate for teen drivers is four times higher than for drivers 20 years old or older.
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.
Washington, D.C., drivers aged 16-19 pay $3,691 more for insurance premiums than drivers aged 30-60.
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 a year for a full coverage policy.
- For average-aged drivers: Drivers aged 30 to 60 can expect to pay $2,108 per year in Washington, D.C.
- For senior drivers: Drivers age 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.
A history of DUI, speeding, or at-fault accidents often results in significant hikes in insurance premiums. In Washington, D.C., a DUI conviction lead to increased rates and you may see a rate hike of up to 61% as insurers categorize you as a high-risk driver.
If you get caught speeding in Washington, D.C., your car insurance rates will increase by 25% when you renew your policy. Typically, you’ll pay the increased premiums for three years. But how much your rates go up can vary depending on the laws in your state, the insurance company you’re with, and your driving history.
Find below how much your car insurance rate increases depending on driving incidents:
- Speeding ticket: Up to 25% increase
- DUI conviction: 61% increase
- At-fault accident (bodily injury and property damage): 47% increase
Even if you’ve received a traffic ticket, you can still save money by comparing insurance quotes.
Car insurance cost in Washington, D.C., for high-risk drivers
In Washington, D.C., if you’re a high-risk driver, you’ll pay more for car insurance. Factors such as past accidents, speeding tickets, and having a low credit score can increase your insurance costs.
High-risk drivers can lower their insurance premiums by comparing price quotes from different insurance companies. Each company offers different prices, so shopping around and finding the best deal that fits your needs is a good idea.
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.
Learn more: The 10 most important factors that affect car insurance rates
Explore car insurance costs in your neighboring states
Compare car insurance quotes in Washington, D.C.
Drivers in Washington, D.C., can save hundreds of dollars by shopping around and comparing quotes. While many factors influence the cost of your car insurance, from driving record to the type of car you drive, there are many options to get the coverage you need at a price that works for you.
Start your search for the best car insurance policy in Washington, D.C., by getting quotes from several insurers for comparison.
Below is a breakdown of car insurance companies in Washington, D.C., and 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?
In Washington, D.C., a full coverage car insurance policy with 100/300/100 limits typically costs about $180 per month.
For some people, it is better to pay car insurance monthly because it gives them more flexibility in their budget. They can spread the cost over a longer period of time and don’t have to worry about a large lump sum payment.
While paying your car insurance in full upfront at renewal can sometimes get you a discount, the best choice will depend on your 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.
Understanding your needs and finding the best insurance policy at a great price are important. So, take your time and check out different options to find the right policy for you.
Resources & Methodology
Sources
- Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. “Teenagers.” Accessed September 2025.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed September 2025.
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.
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