Erie Insurance, Progressive, Geico and State Farm are Washington, D.C.’s best car insurance companies in 2024. This evaluation is based on a comprehensive analysis of the insurers’ annual car insurance rates, financial strength ratings and customer satisfaction scores.

Use our guide to determine which insurance company is best for your needs and budget. Learn how to navigate your insurance options in Washington, D.C., with confidence and ease.

Tip iconTip iconOur take

Erie Insurance is the best car insurance company in Washington, D.C. With an A+ financial rating from AM Best and competitive rates, it is an ideal choice for those seeking affordability and comprehensive coverage.

Erie Insurance’s car insurance costs an average of $1,581 annually. Its J.D. Power score is 863/1,000 and its overall rating is 3.83 out of 5.

Based on CarInsurance.com’s analysis, Geico provides the most affordable car insurance premiums at $1,408 annually.

Check out our experts recommendations for the best car insurance coverage

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Written by:
Shivani Gite
Contributing Writer
Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.
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Reviewed by:
Laura Longero
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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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What are the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.?

When it comes to finding the right car insurance, Washington, D.C., drivers have many top-rated companies to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the best overall experience, the most affordable rates or exceptional customer service, there’s an insurer that meets your needs.

Here’s a breakdown of the best auto insurance companies in Washington, D.C., by category.

CategoryCompany
Best overallErie Insurance
Most affordableGeico
Highest customer satisfactionErie Insurance
Best for teenErie Insurance
Best for young adultsErie Insurance
Best for adultsErie Insurance
Best for seniorsErie Insurance

Compare the best auto insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

Comparing car insurance companies is important in finding the best policy that suits your specific requirements. Insurance rates can vary significantly from one company to another based on how they assess risk.

By comparing quotes, you can find affordable rates and potentially save money on your premiums. To make it easier, we’ve analyzed the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C. The table below shows the best auto insurance providers for Washington, D.C., drivers.

CompanyAnnual costAM BestJ.D. Power NAICOverall score out of 5
Erie Insurance$1,581A+8630.613.83
Progressive$1,488A+8140.653.24
Geico$1,408A++8180.913.24
State Farm$2,426A++8430.703.12
Nationwide$2,558A+8200.642.84
Allstate$3,769A+8250.652.41

Best car insurance companies by age group in Washington, D.C.

As drivers age, their needs, driving habits and risk profiles change, influencing their car insurance rates and the types of coverage they need. Understanding which car insurance company caters best to your needs helps you make more informed decisions, potentially leading to better coverage and cost savings.

Best car insurance company for every age group

Select your age group and coverage level below to see the list of best car insurance companies and their annual average rates.

Showing results for full coverage car insurance for teens.
Company Annual rates Customer satisfaction rating
 
Coverage types:
  • Full coverage: 100/300/100 liability with $500 comprehensive/collision deductible
  • Liability only: 50/100/50 liability only
  • State minimum: State minimum coverage

Check out our detailed guide on average car insurance rates by age group

Best for teen drivers in Washington, D.C.

Teen drivers often face higher insurance premiums because of their increased risk and limited driving experience. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, teen drivers are more prone to misjudging or failing to notice risky situations compared to older drivers.

They are also more likely to make serious mistakes that can result in major accidents. In 2022, a report from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety revealed that 2,883 teenagers aged 13 to 19 lost their lives in car accidents.

Known for its lower-than-average rates for teen drivers, Erie Insurance is a great option for teenagers looking to save on premiums at $3,212 a year.

To find the best car insurance companies for teen drivers, we considered various parameters to ensure a detailed analysis. Each company’s score is based on a weighted analysis of four key factors:

  • The average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%)
  • J.D. Power score (30%)
  • AM Best rating (25%)
  • NAIC rating (20%)

Each factor is assigned a certain percentage weight based on the companies’ performance in each category.

According to our analysis, these are the top picks for teens aged 16-19 in Washington, D.C.:

CompanyAnnual costAM BestJ.D. Power NAICOverall score out of 5
Erie Insurance$3,212 A+8630.613.89
Geico$4,991 A++8180.912.95
State Farm$7,455 A++8430.72.82
Progressive$6,595 A+8140.652.72
Nationwide$6,865 A+8200.642.68
Allstate$8,674 A+8250.652.41

Best for young adults in Washington, D.C.

Young drivers must find the right insurance company, as they usually encounter higher premiums due to their perceived risk. According to an analysis by the National Safety Council, drivers aged 20 to 24 were involved in 7,300 fatal crashes in 2022, which accounts for 11.2% of the total number of drivers involved in these incidents.

Companies like Erie Insurance and Progressive offer competitive rates that are more affordable for younger drivers aged 20-24.

To compile our list of the best car insurance companies for young adults in 2024, we evaluated four factors: average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%) and NAIC rating (20%). Each factor has been assigned a specific percentage weight to calculate overall performance.

CompanyAnnual costAM BestJ.D. Power NAICOverall score out of 5
Erie Insurance$2,491 A+8630.613.87
Progressive$2,477 A+8140.653.25
Geico$2,428 A++8180.913.24
State Farm$4,173 A++8430.702.95
Nationwide$3,921 A+8200.642.79
Allstate$5,200 A+8250.652.41

Best for adult drivers in Washington, D.C.

For those aged 25 to 60, choosing car insurance means weighing factors such as coverage options, customer service and premium costs. These factors are important in finding the best insurer.

In Washington, D.C., Erie Insurance stands out as the best car insurance provider for adult drivers. It offers full coverage at an average annual cost of $1,599 and boasts the highest overall rating of 3.84 among the companies analyzed.

We have considered four different factors to curate a list of the best car insurance companies for adult drivers. These factors consist of average annual full coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%) and NAIC rating (20%).

Experienced drivers are usually seen as less risky than younger drivers because they have more experience on the road and as a result, they often pay lower insurance premiums.

Find below the list of the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C., and their average annual premiums for adult drivers aged 25-60.

CompanyAnnual costAM BestJ.D. Power NAICOverall score out of 5
Erie Insurance$1,599 A+8630.613.84
Progressive$1,482 A+8140.653.26
Geico$1,476 A++8180.913.24
State Farm$2,449 A++8430.703.12
Nationwide$2,515 A+8200.642.86
Allstate$3,740 A+8250.652.41

Best for senior drivers in Washington, D.C.

Erie Insurance provides the most affordable car insurance for senior drivers with premiums as low as $1,680 per year.

Finding the best car insurance companies for senior drivers requires a detailed analysis of various important factors. The overall score for each insurer is based on a weighted analysis of four different factors: the average annual full-coverage car insurance cost (25%), J.D. Power score (30%), AM Best rating (25%), and NAIC rating (20%). The percentage weight assigned to each factor corresponds to its importance in determining an insurance provider’s financial strength, affordability, customer experience and complaint ratio.

Below are the best auto insurance companies in Washington, D.C., for senior drivers aged 65-75.

CompanyMonthly costAM BestJ.D. Power NAICOverall score out of 5
Erie Insurance$140 A+8630.613.83
Progressive$131 A+8140.653.25
Geico$127 A++8180.913.24
State Farm$198 A++8430.703.19
Nationwide$214 A+8200.642.88
Allstate$325 A+8250.652.41

Learn more about how to shop for car insurance for seniors

Best overall car insurance company in state

How do I choose the best insurance company based on my driver profile in Washington, D.C.?

Selecting the right insurance company is heavily influenced by your driver profile. Here’s how to choose the best insurer to meet your specific needs:

For budget-conscious drivers in Washington, D.C.

Look for companies that offer various car insurance discounts, such as safe driver discounts, multi-policy discounts, or discounts for automatic payments. These can significantly reduce your premiums. Some insurers offer flexible payment plans that can ease the financial burden, such as monthly, quarterly or bi-annual payments.

Find below the list of the best insurance companies and their annual rates for different coverage levels.

Company State-minimumLiability-onlyFull coverage
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$359 $490 $2,799
USAA$423 $506 $1,230

Notes:

  • Full coverage car insurance limit is 100/300/100 with a $500 deductible.
  • Liability-only car insurance limit is 50/100/50.
  • State minimum car insurance is 25/50/10.

For high-risk drivers in Washington, D.C.

High-risk drivers, such as those with multiple traffic violations or DUIs, should seek insurers specializing in high-risk policies. Work on improving your driving record. Attend defensive driving courses or consider driving a safer, less risky vehicle. These changes can help lower your rates over time.

High-risk status isn’t forever. Work toward earning a clean driving record, improving your risk profile and comparing insurance quotes to find better rates.

Company6-month costAnnual cost
Erie Insurance$1,102 $2,204
Progressive$1,114 $2,227
Geico$1,497 $2,994
Chubb$1,990 $3,979
State Farm$2,066 $4,131
Allstate$2,467 $4,934
USAA$933 $1,865

By understanding specific driver profiles and doing proper research, high-risk drivers can find an insurance company that meets their needs and provides the best value.

In conversation with experts

CarInsurance.com editors interviewed James Brau, Joel C. Peterson, professor of finance at Brigham Young University. See his responses below.

How important is customer service when deciding the right car insurance company?

Customer service is critical – it should be one of the top factors consumers consider. All else equal, meaning similar premiums, coverage, riders, etc., customer service is often the deciding factor. If a customer gets to speak to a cheerful human without 10 minutes of robot phone trees, especially when stressed out after a wreck or theft, it makes life a lot better.

What are the key factors that consumers should consider when selecting a car insurance company in their state?

Customers should do research pertaining to coverage, premiums, reputation, how many stars on reviews, etc. Make sure to compare apples to apples – that you’re getting the same coverage amounts, for example. Shop around – competition helps the consumer.

How often should policyholders review and adjust their car insurance policies?

Every six months is a good rule of thumb because most people pay in semi-annual installments. If you keep your company on its toes, they are more likely to stay competitive and offer special pricing, deals, incentives, etc.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C.?

In Washington, D.C., the average yearly cost of car insurance is $2,157. The cost can differ based on factors like the driver’s age, driving history and coverage limits.

How much car insurance coverage do I need in Washington, D.C.?

When evaluating your car insurance requirements in Washington, D.C., it’s important to know the state’s minimum required coverage. Typically, it includes $25,000 for bodily injury per person, $50,000 for bodily injury per accident and $10,000 for property damage liability.

If you have valuable assets to protect, it’s advisable to exceed Washington, D.C.’s minimum car insurance requirements and choose higher liability limits. CarInsurance.com editors recommend opting for full coverage car insurance with limits of 100/300/100 and a $500 deductible for collision and comprehensive coverage.

Here’s what it means:

  • $100,000 in bodily injury liability per person. This coverage pays for injuries that you, as the policyholder, cause to one person in an accident.
  • $300,000 in bodily injury liability per accident: This is the total amount your insurance will cover for bodily injuries per accident, covering costs if multiple people are injured.
  • $100,000 in property damage liability per accident: This covers damage you cause to another person’s property in an accident.

These higher limits are recommended because they offer greater financial protection. Additionally, consider your driving habits, vehicle value and financial situation when choosing the coverage limit.

Which company has the best car insurance rates in Washington, D.C.?

According to CarInsurance.com’s analysis, Geico provides the most affordable car insurance for Washington, D.C., drivers at $117 per month or $1,408 annually.

Resources & Methodology

Sources

Methodology

CarInsurance.com collected insurance rate data from Quadrant Information Services for Washington, D.C., drivers. The rate data is for drivers of different age groups:

  • Teens: Age 16-19
  • Young adults: Age 20-24
  • Adults: 25- 60
  • Seniors: 60-75

The different coverage levels include:

  • Annual 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.
  • A six-month car insurance policy with limits of 100/300/100-500 coll/comp deductible.
  • Liability-only car insurance rates with a limit of 50/100/50.
  • State minimum coverage limit of 25/50/10.

Car insurance rates are calculated by evaluating the sample profile of a 40-year-old male and female driver with the following incidents applied:

  • 1 at-fault property damage accident over $2K
  • 1 at-fault property damage accident under $2K
  • At-fault bodily injury accident
  • Poor credit
  • DUI/DWI first offense
  • Speeding 30+ over limit
  • Speeding ticket 1-10 mph over limit
  • Speeding ticket 11-29 mph over limit

The editors created a rating system to determine the best insurance companies in each sector. For auto insurers, we took the following and gave each a weight.

  • Average annual cost: 25%
  • J.D. Power score: 30%
  • AM Best rating: 25%

Each insurer was awarded an overall rating of 0.5 to 5. No insurer in our overall rating received less than 1 rating and 5 was the most any insurer could receive.

To evaluate the rates, we have compared 51,088,003 insurance quotes from 167 national & regional insurance companies across 29,152 cities and 34,588 ZIP codes.

Note: USAA is only available to military community members and their families.

Laura Longero

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.

John McCormick

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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.

Leslie Kasperowicz

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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.

Nupur Gambhir

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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.

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Contributing Writer

Shivani Gite is a personal finance and insurance writer with a degree in journalism and mass communication. She is passionate about making insurance topics easy to understand for people and helping them make better financial decisions. When not writing, you can find her reading a book or watching anime.