If you are a resident of Washington, D.C., and you operate a vehicle, you are required to adhere to the area’s car insurance laws. Drivers who ignore these laws could be subject to fines or other penalties. While the Capital of America only has 535,000 licensed drivers — one of the lowest numbers in the country — residents are subject to minimum requirements for insurance and showing proof of coverage.
As you search for the best insurance, it is important to understand how Washington, D.C.’s car insurance laws affect your policy. You should not only know the minimum requirements, but also be aware of other options.
Washington, D.C. car insurance laws
Washington, D.C. car insurance laws include several aspects of policy management, including minimal insurance requirements, coverage not letting lapse, and consequences for a coverage lapse. These laws include:
Washington, D.C. drivers must have auto insurance, which includes liability coverage.
Drivers who allow their insurance coverage to lapse will be subject to fines and suspension of vehicle registration.
When you register your vehicle, you must provide proof of insurance.
Insurance companies must report cancellations and terminations of auto insurance policies. They also need to show proof of insurance. By having legal auto insurance, you can avoid any potential penalties and fines.
Washington, D.C. Liability insurance
Additional to the 25/50/10 liability requirements for Washington, D.C. drivers, uninsured or underinsured coverage are also required. All requirements are as follows:
- Bodily injury liability up to $25,000 per person
- Bodily Injury Liability of $50,000 Per Accident
- Ten thousand dollars per accident for property damage
- Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury $25,000 per Person and $50,000 per Accident
- Uninsured Motorist Property Damage up to $5,000, subject a $200 deductible
Although Washington, D.C. has minimum insurance requirements, you can still drive legally. However, lenders may have additional requirements for your vehicle. You should also consider collision and comprehensive insurance if you lease or finance a vehicle. These are often optional but if your vehicle is not yet owned, the lender may require you to purchase it. These are additional payments that can be used to repair or replace your vehicle in the event of an accident or other peril.
Washington, D.C. is a no-fault zone?
Washington, D.C. is considered a no-fault area. All drivers involved in an accident must file a claim with the respective insurance companies, regardless of who is at fault.
Washington, D.C. is technically not a true no-fault state. True no-fault states require drivers to purchase personal injury protection coverage (PIP). Washington, D.C. does not require PIP, as it is required by law.
Washington, D.C. Penalties for driving with no insurance
Driving without insurance in Washington, D.C., comes with stiff penalties, and you must be able to show proof of coverage if stopped by law enforcement. Drivers without insurance can be subject to a $150 penalty if caught. This applies for the first 30 days of coverage that has lapsed. The fine is $7 for each additional 30 days after the initial thirty days. If you are subject to fines, you may qualify for a payment plan through the DMV.
Washington, D.C. offers additional auto insurance options
Drivers have the option of optional coverages that go beyond liability, uninsured, and underinsured motorist coverage. These coverages offer greater financial protection in the event of an accident, as well as additional conveniences for everyday driving.
- Roadside assistance:This optional coverage provides assistance if your vehicle is inoperable due to running out of gas, needing a tow, battery charge, tire change or other similar emergency situations.
- Gap insurance: This coverage is optional, although some lenders require it if you lease or finance a vehicle. If your vehicle’s value is less than what you owe (or it is totaled in an accident), this coverage will pay the gap. This coverage prevents you from having to pay a large out of pocket payment to make up the difference.
- PIP: This optional coverage covers medical expenses, lost wages, and funeral costs for you and your family members if you are in an accident.
- Rental car reimbursement: This covers rental car costs if your vehicle is damaged or destroyed in an accident.
Questions frequently asked
Which is the best Washington, D.C. car insurance company?
There are numerous considerations to find the best car insurance in Washington, D.C. While customer service ratings, financial strength and stability and low, competitive rates are all important, other factors may be equally important to you.
What is the best car insurance in Washington, D.C.
Bankrate uses Quadrant Information Services to analyze rates across the area and found Erie, Geico, Progressive, State Farm and USAA offer some of the cheapest rates in Washington, D.C. The average rate may not be indicative of what you will actually pay. Comparing rates from different carriers is a great way to get the best coverage at the lowest possible rate.
What is the cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C.
Driving in Washington, D.C. is more expensive than driving elsewhere in the country. The average cost of insurance in Washington, D.C., is $704 per year for a minimum coverage policy. A full coverage policy averages $1,855 per year, which is well-above the national average of $1,674.
