Washington D.C. Minimum Coverage Car Insurance: Requirements and Costs (2024)

In District of Columbia, the minimum coverage liability limits are 25/50/10. On average, state minimum car insurance costs $778 annually, equating to about $65 per month for affordable coverage.

By Mark Fitzpatrick

Updated: December 10, 2024

Advertising & Editorial Disclosure

The minimum car insurance requirements in the District of Columbia include $25,000 per person for bodily injury liability, $50,000 per accident for bodily injury, and $10,000 per accident for property damage. Moreover, drivers must carry uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident, and $5,000 for property damage.

The District of Columbia follows an at-fault system, meaning the driver responsible for the accident pays for the damages. Car insurance is mandatory, and the monthly cost of minimum coverage is around $62. For those seeking cost-effective options, exploring the cheapest car insurance in District of Columbia can be beneficial.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

District of Columbia Minimum Coverage Requirements
Cost of Minimum Coverage in District of Columbia
Cheapest Companies in District of Columbia for Minimum Coverage
Add-On Coverages in District of Columbia
Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in District of Columbia
FAQ

Why Trust MoneyGeek? Multiple factors affect District of Columbia minimum coverage car insurance rates. MoneyGeek analyzed data from Quadrant Information Services and the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, utilizing sample driver profiles reflecting the standard criteria used by insurers to calculate premiums, to identify the most accurate costs for a diverse range of drivers throughout the state.

Washington D.C. Minimum Coverage Car Insurance Requirements

In the District of Columbia, drivers are required to have minimum coverage auto insurance to legally drive. This ensures financial responsibility in the event of an accident.

Minimum amounts include:

$25,000 for bodily injury liability per person.
$50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident.
$10,000 for property damage liability per accident.
$25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person.
$50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident.
$5,000 uninsured/Underinsured property damage coverage.

As the District of Columbia operates under a no-fault system, your insurance premiums are not solely based on fault determination. Instead, regardless of who is at fault in an accident, each person's insurance company covers their own policyholder's claims. This system influences the types of coverages drivers choose and can affect overall premium costs, with the potential for higher premiums due to the personal injury protection (PIP) insurance required under no-fault laws.

DOES WASHINGTON D.C. REQUIRE COLLISION AND COMPREHENSIVE COVERAGE?

In the District of Columbia, there is no state mandate that requires drivers to carry collision or comprehensive insurance. However, when financing or leasing a vehicle, lenders typically stipulate that you must have both collision and comprehensive coverage to safeguard their investment against damages, theft, or total loss. Ensuring financial protection against unforeseen events, these coverages offer peace of mind for vehicle owners. In D.C., those who should consider obtaining collision or comprehensive insurance are individuals financing their cars or seeking extra protection for their vehicles.

What Does Minimum Coverage Cover?

What Minimum Coverage Covers	What It Doesn't Cover
Injuries to others you've caused in an accident	Your own injuries
Property damage you've caused to another car or property	Damages to your own car
Coverage for costs incurred by accidents with drivers lacking adequate insurance, especially when it's an uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage add-on	Repairs for weather-related accidents or if you were hit by an animal
	Personal vehicle damage regardless of the at-fault party

The table reflects the District of Columbia's minimum coverage auto insurance requirements including bodily injury and property damage. Individual policy terms determine specific coverage details.

Average Cost of Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Washington D.C.

The cost of state minimum car insurance is influenced by various factors, with age being the most common. In the District of Columbia, drivers aged 22-29 face the highest premiums due to their higher risk profile and limited driving experience.

The table below shows the average minimum coverage cost in the District of Columbia per age group.


22-29	$906	$76
30-59	$778	$65
60 +	$801	$67

Cheapest Companies for Minimum Coverage Car Insurance in Washington D.C.

For the two cheapest companies providing minimum coverage insurance in the District of Columbia, consider Chubb and Erie.

Chubb: $372 per year and $31 per month.
Erie: $501 per year and $42 per month.

While it's important to find budget-friendly options to meet state minimum requirements, it's essential to evaluate the best car insurance in District of Columbia based on your personal situation.

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Age Group:22-29


Chubb	$532	$44
Erie	$607	$51
GEICO	$831	$69
Progressive	$857	$71
State Farm	$1,037	$86
Nationwide	$1,064	$89
Allstate	$1,416	$118

Optional Add-On Coverages in Washington D.C.

In the District of Columbia, optional add-on coverages for drivers include comprehensive, collision, uninsured/underinsured motorist, roadside assistance, and rental reimbursement. While not required by law, these add-ons provide extra protection for unforeseen events like theft, accidents with uninsured drivers, or vehicle breakdowns. Understanding how much car insurance you need can help safeguard against major financial losses.

Add-On Coverage	Coverage
Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage	This add-on helps pay for expenses related to injuries or damages if you're in an accident caused by a driver with insufficient insurance; however, it doesn't cover damage to your car if you're at fault.
Personal Injury Protection (PIP)	PIP helps with medical expenses, lost wages, and other related costs after an accident, no matter who's at fault, but it doesn't cover damages to your vehicle.
Roadside Assistance	Roadside Assistance offers services like towing, flat tire change, and jump-starts if you're stranded, but it doesn't cover the cost of parts or repairs needed after being towed.
Gap Insurance	Gap insurance covers the difference between what you owe on your car and its current value if it's totaled or stolen, but it doesn't pay for repairs to your car after an accident.
Rental Car Reimbursement	With Rental Reimbursement, you'll get a daily allowance for a rental car if your vehicle is in the shop due to a covered accident; it doesn't cover rentals for routine maintenance or non-accident-related issues.
Collision Coverage	Collision coverage pays for repairs to your car after an accident, regardless of fault, but it doesn't cover damage resulting from non-collision events like theft or weather.
Comprehensive Coverage	Comprehensive coverage helps with repairs for damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, or natural disasters, but it doesn't cover damage due to a collision.
Towing and Labor Coverage	This coverage helps pay for the repair or replacement of aftermarket parts like custom wheels or stereo systems; however, it doesn't cover any damage to factory-standard parts.
Custom Parts and Equipment Coverage	Similar to Roadside Assistance, this helps with towing costs and labor on the spot, like changing a tire, but doesn't include the cost of auto repairs at a shop.
Accidental Death Coverage	In the event of a fatal car accident, this coverage pays a death benefit to your beneficiaries, but it does not cover non-accidental death or other injuries.

Each of these optional coverages can provide financial protection in different scenarios, ensuring that you are covered beyond the state minimum required insurance. It's important to choose add-ons that match your individual needs and driving habits in the District of Columbia.

Penalties for Driving Without Insurance in Washington D.C.

The cost of a ticket for driving without insurance in the District of Columbia can vary based on whether it's the driver's first time caught without coverage or if they've done it before. For first-time offenders, the penalties are significant but increase further for repeat offenders. It's essential to understand the range of consequences one might face.

License suspension and reinstatement fee: Driving without minimum coverage can lead to a driver’s license being taken away, and a fee will be required to get it back.
Vehicle registration suspension: The vehicle's official registration can be put on hold, making it illegal to drive.
SR-22 requirement: Offenders may have to provide proof of future financial responsibility by filing an SR-22 form.

Remember, following the law and maintaining at least minimum coverage car insurance in the District of Columbia is crucial. Not only does it protect you on the roads, but it also keeps you clear of these stiff penalties. Driving responsibly includes making sure your insurance is always up to date to avoid unnecessary legal and financial headaches.

What to Do if Your Policy Is Canceled

After a car insurance policy is canceled in the District of Columbia, drivers should immediately seek new insurance coverage and refrain from driving until they do so, as driving without insurance is illegal. They can discuss options with their existing insurance agent or shop around with other insurers for a new policy. In the meantime, it's critical to avoid getting behind the wheel to ensure compliance with the law.

The District of Columbia's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be informed about the lapse in coverage, which could lead to penalties or the suspension of a driver's registration. Maintaining uninterrupted insurance coverage is a legal requirement for drivers in D.C.

If drivers struggle to obtain insurance through the regular market, they should explore all available options. The District of Columbia does not provide a specific state program like TexasSure, but agencies and organizations may help high-risk drivers find the necessary coverage. It is essential for drivers to secure at least the state minimum coverage to drive legally and avoid serious consequences.

WHY WAS MY POLICY CANCELED?

Your car insurance policy in District of Columbia may have been canceled for several reasons:

Non-payment of Premiums: If you miss paying your insurance premium, the company can cancel your policy.
Fraud or Misrepresentation: Providing false information or hiding facts can lead to cancellation.
License Suspension: If your driver's license gets suspended, your insurer may cancel your coverage.
Insurance Violations: Not adhering to state minimum coverage requirements can result in a canceled policy.
Too Many Claims: Filing too many claims in a short period may signal to insurers that you are a high risk.

Remember to address these issues promptly to maintain continuous coverage.

FAQ: Washington D.C. Minimum Coverage Car Insurance

Welcome to the FAQ section on the District of Columbia's state minimum car insurance requirements. Here you'll find essential information to ensure you meet the legal coverage standards for driving in the nation's capital.

What is the minimum car insurance coverage in Washington D.C.?

In District of Columbia, the minimum car insurance coverage required is $25,000 for bodily injury liability per person, $50,000 for bodily injury liability per accident, and $10,000 for property damage liability per accident. Additionally, drivers must carry uninsured motorist coverage of $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident, as well as $5,000 for uninsured motorist property damage. Personal Injury Protection (PIP) and Medical Payments are not required as part of the basic coverage in this jurisdiction.

Why does Washington D.C. require minimum automobile liability coverage for motorists?

District of Columbia mandates minimum automobile liability coverage to ensure that motorists can cover damages or injuries they may cause to other people or their property in car accidents. This financial safeguard helps protect both the responsible driver and potential victims by providing a baseline of compensation in the event of a mishap on the road.

When purchasing minimum coverage auto insurance in the District of Columbia, it's important to select a policy that complies with legal requirements. Make sure your policy has adequate coverage for bodily injury and property damage. Always carry proof of insurance, as driving without it can lead to fines and legal issues. Avoid letting your insurance lapse to maintain continuous protection and legal compliance.

Do you need comprehensive insurance in Washington D.C.?

In the District of Columbia, comprehensive insurance is not mandated by law. However, owners might consider it valuable protection for their vehicle against non-collision events such as theft, vandalism, or natural disasters. For more in-depth information about comprehensive insurance, exploring various coverage options can offer peace of mind and financial security. While the district requires minimum coverage auto insurance, expanding your coverage can safeguard against a broader range of potential losses.

What happens if you drive uninsured in Washington D.C.?

If you're caught driving uninsured in the District of Columbia, you will face significant penalties including fines up to $500 for a first offense. In addition, your vehicle may be impounded, and you could incur reinstatement fees. It's crucial to carry at least the state minimum coverage to comply with DC's insurance laws and avoid these steep consequences.

Driving without insurance in DC exposes you to major financial risk in the event of an accident. Beyond the legal penalties, you would be personally responsible for any damages or injuries you cause. It's wise to secure a policy that meets the minimum coverage requirements to safeguard against costly out-of-pocket expenses.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick is a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer and MoneyGeek's Head of Insurance. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research and creating personalized content for every kind of buyer. He has been quoted in several insurance-related publications, including CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick earned a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He is passionate about using his knowledge of economics and insurance to bring transparency around financial topics and help others feel confident in their money moves.

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