Drivers in Washington, D.C., pay an average of $269 per month for car insurance. When compared to the national average premium of $143, capital city drivers face significantly higher car insurance premiums.
Drivers in D.C. may face elevated insurance costs due to nationwide inflation, increases in car crash fatalities, and higher rates of vehicle theft in the area. Comparing quotes can help you find the cheapest rates for your unique situation.
Here’s what you need to know about the cost of auto insurance and finding car insurance in D.C.
How much is car insurance in Washington, D.C.?
Washington, D.C., drivers pay an average monthly rate of $269, or $3,230 annually, for car insurance.
A liability-only policy costs an average of $225 per month, or $2,698 per year. Minimum-coverage policies meet the state-required coverage needs for bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage.
Drivers who opt for more robust financial protection with a full-coverage policy — which includes liability, comprehensive, and collision coverage — pay an average monthly rate of $313, or an average annual premium of $3,761.
How Washington, D.C., car insurance rates have changed over the past two years
The average price for full-coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C., rose to $3,000 in 2024, up significantly over rates from just a few years ago. Full-coverage rates also rose nationally, though they remain cheaper than in D.C.
See how Washington, D.C., car insurance prices have changed over the past two years below.
Average Washington, D.C., car insurance rates by age and gender
Your age can affect your car insurance premiums.1 Teen drivers pay the highest average rates by age. Older drivers typically pay lower car insurance rates than their younger counterparts. As drivers gain more experience behind the wheel, they tend to earn cheaper car insurance rates on average. But senior drivers 70 and older may have increased premiums due to aging-related risk factors.
In addition to age, gender can affect your car insurance premiums. Women tend to get into fewer accidents than men, so insurers may perceive men as higher-risk drivers. Men typically pay a bit more for car insurance than women.
The table below highlights the average monthly rate by gender and age for car insurance in Washington, D.C.
Average cost to insure popular vehicles in Washington, D.C.
How much you pay for coverage will depend on your vehicle type, make, and model. The most popular vehicles in D.C. include the Toyota RAV4, Tesla Model Y, Honda CR-V, Tesla Model 3, and Toyota Camry, according to Edmunds.2
The table below highlights the average monthly rate for the most popular vehicle models in Washington, D.C.
How your driving record affects car insurance rates in Washington, D.C.
When determining your car insurance rates, insurers will typically consider your driving history. Drivers with a history of accidents, speeding tickets, or driving under the influence (DUI) tend to face higher insurance premiums than people with a clean driving record.
After an incident, your car insurance rates will typically increase. For example, drivers who received a speeding ticket will have higher insurance rates when their policy renews. People seeking the lowest possible rates should try to keep their driving record clean.
The table below shows average full-coverage rates for a sample driver with different incidents on their record.
Washington, D.C., like many U.S. states, allows auto insurance companies to consider your credit-based insurance score when determining premiums.3 Drivers with good or excellent credit history typically pay less for car insurance than drivers with poor credit.
Here are the average insurance quotes for D.C. drivers by credit tier.
How to lower your insurance costs in Washington, D.C.
Use the following strategies to find cheap car insurance for your coverage needs:
Washington, D.C., average car insurance cost FAQs
The following information can help answer your remaining questions about car insurance in D.C.
Washington, D.C., drivers pay an average annual rate of $3,230 for car insurance. For a minimum-coverage policy, the average annual premium is $2,698. The average annual premium for a full-coverage policy is $3,761.
CSAA offers the cheapest average car insurance rates for D.C. drivers, with an average monthly rate of $88 for minimum coverage. Other insurers with relatively cheap car insurance rates include Progressive and Erie.
Washington, D.C., drivers pay an average monthly rate of $269 for auto insurance. By coverage level, the average cost of coverage is $225 per month for minimum coverage and $313 for full coverage.
Erie Insurance and State Farm are some of the best car insurance companies for D.C. drivers. Erie earned top marks in the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study. But the best car insurance company varies based on your situation. For example, a high-risk driver might find the best options through a particular insurer, while someone with a clean driving record may find better rates through a different insurance company.
Washington, D.C., requires drivers to purchase an insurance policy with at least $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 motorist bodily injury, and $5,000 per accident with a $200 deductible in uninsured motorist property damage.
Although minimum coverage is a cheap car insurance option, you can choose to pay for a more robust insurance policy if you want collision or comprehensive coverage. You can also purchase higher levels of bodily injury liability and property damage liability coverage.