Washington DC Auto Insurance

Auto insurance in the District of Columbia is expensive and complicated. So it's all the more important that you really understand your coverage.

This guide:

  • Explains Washington DC auto insurance laws and requirements

  • Describes how DC car insurance rates are set

  • Shows you how to save money with multiple quotes

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Washington DC car insurance laws

Auto insurance in the District of Columbia combines elements of two different liability models. DC Residents are financially responsible for the damage they may cause in an auto accident, but they also have the option of purchasing some add-on no-fault benefits.

Every DC driver is required to carry liability coverage, but you only need to purchase personal injury protection (PIP) if you choose the no fault coverage.

DC's liability minimums are 25/50/10. (That's $25,000 per person for injuries you cause to the other party, up to $50,000 for all, and $10,000 for damage you cause to the other party's property.) Every DC driver must carry at last this much liability coverage.

Under the no fault system, you can purchase personal injury protection (PIP) coverage for you and your passengers. This policy is any combination of coverages for medical expenses, loss of income, and funeral expenses.

PIP covers and your passengers(up to the policy limits) regardless of who was at fault in the accident. But it also relieves the other driver of some liability.

DC auto insurance laws also require uninsured motorist coverage, which helps pay for your expenses should you be hit by a driver without liability insurance. The minimums on this policy are 25/50/5 ($25,000 per person injured, up to $50,000 total, and $5,000 in property damage).

DC auto insurance companies will also offer optional coverages such as medical payments, collision, and comprehensive.

How Washington DC auto insurance rates are set

For better or for worse, the price of DC auto insurance is decided by the behavior of the state's drivers as a whole. DC auto insurance companies take the cost of providing insurance for DC drivers (this includes settlements and legal fees) and divide it up among the drivers.

But these costs aren't spread around evenly. Instead, the percentage you pay is decided by things like your driving record, your age, where you live, and the kind of car you drive.

Of course, not all insurance companies compute their figures in the same manner. So they'll charge different rates on the same driver.

What this means for you as a driver, is that you need to shop the different rates (and they'll be very different!) for the best deal. It's the fastest easiest way to save on an DC auto insurance policy.

Where you can get DC auto insurance quotes.

The following web sites will help you find DC car insurance quotes: (these links will open in a new window)

  • ComparisonMarket is the easiest and most accurate quotes comparison service.

Click here for your quote.

  • Netquote is very helpful if you want a local agent to contact you, to help you sort out the details of your policy and possibly suggest additional ways that you can save money.

  • Geico - a great service, especially for those who can't get insured elsewhere. Be sure to complete the entire quote form!

  • Get quotes by ZIP Code. Enter your ZIP below to get a quote from a provider right in your neighborhood:

To speed things up, you may wish to have some of the information needed for an online quote ready before you begin.

More DC car insurance advice and help

If you want more help designing your DC auto insurance policy, read our guide to setting safe and reasonable car insurance coverage levels. It contains loads of money-saving tips, too.

To find out more about DC auto insurance laws and regulations, visit the official website of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance and Securities Regulation.

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Learn how to save the most money on your next policy with our free insurance course. Learn how to set the right coverage levels, what options to avoid, and the general philosophy of insurance, that will keep you saving for years to come. Sign up here: