Cheapest Auto Insurance in Washington, D.C. (2025)
CSAA is the cheapest insurer for D.C. drivers, with liability rates as low as $88 per month.
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Like many big cities, Washington, D.C., has higher auto insurance rates. For example, the average monthly cost of a full-coverage policy in D.C. is $313, compared to the average in nearby Arlington, Virginia, of $186 per month.
Liability-only policies in D.C. are high, too, with an average monthly premium of $225 compared to the national average of $103.
But since each insurance company has its own underwriting process, it’s a good idea to compare car insurance quotes from multiple companies before deciding on a policy.
Here’s how to find cheap coverage in Washington, D.C.
3 of the cheapest car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
Because each vehicle owner has a unique driver profile and desired coverage level, car insurance rates can vary widely across insurance companies. But some of the cheapest car insurance companies in D.C. offer cheap rates for many types of drivers.
The best way to find cheap coverage that matches your needs is to shop around for quotes from multiple insurers. You can start your search with a few of the best car insurance companies below.
GEICO
Travelers
Erie
How to get the cheapest car insurance in Washington, D.C.
Here are some things you can do to get lower car insurance rates in D.C.:
Stick with minimum coverage. You must carry a minimum amount of coverage to drive legally in D.C., but you’re not required to buy full coverage unless you have an auto loan or lease. If you have an old or inexpensive vehicle, you may only need liability coverage.
Bundle policies. If you have multiple insurance needs, bundling coverage under one insurance company can lead to savings. Many companies offer bundling opportunities for your homeowners and auto insurance, or for condo or renters policies combined with an auto policy.
Shop around. You should always compare multiple quotes when seeking out the most affordable car insurance costs, as rates can vary significantly between companies.
Cheapest liability-only car insurance quotes in Washington, D.C.: CSAA
After an incident, liability car insurance kicks in to help you pay for vehicle damage or injuries you caused the other driver in an accident. This insurance won’t help you repair your vehicle or cover your medical costs.1
Drivers in D.C. pay a monthly average of $225 for liability-only auto insurance. Here are some of the cheapest auto insurance companies for liability-only coverage in Washington, D.C.
Cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in Washington, D.C.: CSAA
Full-coverage car insurance includes comprehensive, collision, and liability coverages. After an accident, collision coverage will help you pay to repair or replace your vehicle. For non-collision incidents, like damage from a fallen tree or natural disaster, comprehensive insurance can provide coverage.
Though full-coverage insurance isn’t mandatory, your auto lender may require you to carry it if you finance or lease your vehicle. Drivers with a new or valuable vehicle may want to purchase this optional coverage for extra financial protection.2
D.C. drivers pay a monthly average of $313 for full-coverage auto insurance. You can find the cheapest full-coverage car insurance quotes in Washington, D.C., below.
Your age can affect your car insurance rates significantly. Teens and drivers younger than 25 have less experience and are more likely to get into an accident. Insurers charge more to compensate for the possibility of more claims.
Older drivers pay the lowest rates since they have the most experience and an extensive driver history. But around age 70, older drivers may see their rates increase due to an increased accident risk.
The table below shows how rates fluctuate based on age in D.C.
Car insurance requirements in Washington, D.C.
The Compulsory/No-Fault Motor Vehicle Insurance Act in the District of Columbia requires you to have a minimum amount of auto insurance when registering a vehicle. In addition to the required liability coverage and uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, D.C. auto insurers must offer all drivers personal injury protection (PIP) insurance, which can cover your medical expenses following an accident-related injury.
You can find the specific D.C. requirements below:
In some cases, you might decide to carry more than the minimum coverage for more vehicle protection. Here are a few common optional coverages you may want to consider:
Cheapest car insurance in Washington, D.C., by driving record
Your driving record is a major factor insurers use when setting rates. Insurers view drivers with incidents on their record, such as speeding tickets, driving under the influence charges, or at-fault accidents, as a higher risk to insure and more likely to file a claim.3
D.C. drivers with clean records pay an average of $269 per month for liability coverage. Meanwhile, drivers with a DUI pay an average of $433 per month. The table below shows how different incidents affect your rates.
Washington, D.C., car insurance FAQs
Before purchasing insurance, you should decide on the right amount of coverage for you. The information below should help you navigate the process of finding cheap insurance from a quality insurer in D.C.
On average, drivers in D.C. pay $269 per month for car insurance. Full-coverage insurance costs $313 per month, while liability-only coverage is $225 per month.
Your specific rate depends on your driver profile, including your driving record, credit history, ZIP code, age, vehicle type, and more.
CSAA has the lowest liability-only rates in Washington, D.C., according to Insurify data. Its rates start at $88 per month.
District drivers can also find lower rates with the city’s second- and third-cheapest insurers, Progressive and Erie. Their liability-only policies start at $186 and $198, respectively.
With an Insurify Quality (IQ) Score of 8.4, an AM Best financial strength rating of A+ (Superior), and above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction ranking, Erie is the best car insurance company in Washington, D.C.
Other top insurers include GEICO and Travelers.
Yes. Drivers must carry the following minimum amounts of car insurance:
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in bodily injury liability
$10,000 per accident in property damage liability
$25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury liability
$5,000 per accident in uninsured/underinsured motorist property damage liability
No. PIP coverage isn’t mandatory in D.C., but auto insurers must offer the coverage to every driver purchasing insurance. If you do purchase PIP coverage and have an accident, you have 60 days to decide whether you want to receive no-fault benefits or file a claim against the at-fault driver.
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