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 learn how auto insurance in Washington, D.C., works and how much insurance you need.
- 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., insurance costs differ depending on factors such as coverage limits, age and location, with key factors including the make/model of your vehicle and your driving history
- Minimum liability coverage in Washington, D.C., costs $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 budget effectively for your coverage. Remember that insurance premiums can differ significantly based on your vehicle’s make and model and your driving history.
Average cost of auto insurance in Washington, D.C., by coverage level
In Washington, D.C., car insurance rates can differ depending on how much coverage you choose. Drivers in Washington, D.C., are required by law to have minimum insurance coverage limits of 25/50/10 to drive legally.
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.
On the other hand, full coverage car insurance is more expensive, but it offers extensive protection. It helps cover your vehicle in case of accidents, theft, natural disasters, and animal collisions. Full coverage can make you feel more secure, knowing you’re well-protected if something happens.
Full coverage car insurance 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.
Liability-only car insurance costs $785 in Washington, D.C., for coverage limits of 50/100/50, according to CarInsurance.com data.
Liability only pays for damage you cause to other people’s property or for injuries to others in an accident, but it doesn’t cover your passengers’ medical expenses. It’s cheaper than full coverage insurance, but it won’t help if your own car is damaged or stolen.
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.
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.
When determining insurance premiums, companies study crime rates, traffic conditions, car thefts and population density in different areas. This research helps them assess the associated risk and set competitive prices for their policies.
As a result, people living in higher-risk neighborhoods of Washington, D.C., have to pay more than those living where the risks are lower.
Our tool lets you quickly obtain insurance quotes for different coverage limits specific to your ZIP code within minutes. Input your ZIP code to see how much you can save on premiums.
Washington D.C. car insurance rates by ZIP Code
For 30 year old Male ( Liability - Minimum)
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 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 car insurance costs for your car 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.
Auto insurance companies understand that teenage drivers typically have less experience and pose a higher risk to insure. In Washington, D.C., drivers aged 30 to 60 enjoy the lowest average auto insurance premiums, at $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.
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.
Similarly, if you get a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C., you’ll likely see an increase in your car insurance premium by up to 25% upon your policy renewal. Typically, you’ll pay more for three years. However, your rate increase also depends on state laws, your insurance company and your driving record.
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 the tool below to see which company offers cheaper rates for drivers with speeding tickets, DUI convictions and at-fault accidents.
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
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.
Compare the best car insurance options in Washington, D.C., by getting quotes from different insurance companies.
Below are the details of Washington, D.C., car insurance companies and their 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.
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.
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.
When it comes to car insurance, one size doesn’t fit all. Drivers prioritize different things. Some value top-notch customer service and are willing to pay extra for it. Others focus on finding the cheapest rates possible. Some look for insurance companies with user-friendly mobile apps for managing claims and payments.
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 March 2025.
- USAA. “How credit affects insurance premiums.” Accessed March 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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