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Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
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7+ years experience in data analysis
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Updated
Washington, D.C., drivers pay higher-than-average auto insurance rates, with premiums averaging $240 per month, compared to the national average of $140 per month.
In D.C, full coverage costs an average of $299 per month, while liability-only coverage averages $181 per month, according to Insurify data.
We’ve collected car insurance quotes in Washington, D.C., from 120+ companies to help you find the most affordable car insurance. Below, you’ll find the cheapest car insurers and each company’s average monthly quote in Washington, D.C., by driver category.
Driver Category  | Cheapest Insurance Company in D.C. | Cheapest Monthly Quote in D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Overall | Erie | $165 |
| State-minimum coverage | Erie | $165 |
| Full coverage | Erie | $304 |
| Drivers with a clean record | Erie | $165 |
| After a speeding ticket | Erie | $211 |
| After an at-fault accident | Erie | $229 |
| After a DUI | Erie | $240 |
| Teen/new drivers | Erie | $287 |
| Seniors | Erie | $133 |
| Bad credit | Erie | $242 |
See quotes from top insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
To register a vehicle in the District of Columbia, you must carry 25/50/10 liability insurance plus uninsured motorist protection at 25/50/5.[1] With D.C. rates well above the national average, a liability-only policy can help you save significantly each month, especially if you own your vehicle outright.
With an average cost of $165 per month, Erie is the cheapest liability-only car insurance in D.C.
The table below shows the cheapest liability-only rates in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $165 |
| GEICO | $177 |
| State Farm | $177 |
| USAA | $181 |
| Progressive | $197 |
| Liberty Mutual | $256 |
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Anuj Desai
Anuj Desai | Digital Insurance Agent | Insurify, Insurify
Liability-only coverage can help lower your monthly car insurance bill, but that comes with trade-offs — especially in Washington, D.C., where rates are higher than average. With relatively high repair costs and dense traffic, even a single accident can quickly get costly. It’s important to weigh the up-front savings against the potential out-of-pocket costs.
Drivers in the District of Columbia pay an average of $299 per month for full coverage. Erie offers D.C. drivers the cheapest full coverage, at $304 per month.
Between heavy daily mileage, congested city streets, and more than 1,000 motor vehicle thefts reported in 2025, D.C. drivers face higher risks than most.[2] Full coverage typically includes comprehensive and collision coverage in addition to liability protection. It can help protect your car from theft, vandalism, and collision damage that liability insurance alone won’t cover.
The companies in the table below offer the cheapest full-coverage rates in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $304 |
| Progressive | $315 |
| GEICO | $318 |
| State Farm | $327 |
| USAA | $335 |
| Liberty Mutual | $412 |
D.C.’s congested streets and heavy commuter traffic help drive up insurance costs. But with more than 40 insurers offering policies in the District, according to National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) data, rates can vary widely.
Comparing quotes from the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C., is one of the best ways to find affordable coverage.
| User Reviews | 4.4 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 8.4 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $165/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $304/mo |
Erie Insurance's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.2 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.6 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 4.0 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and quick claim handling but are dissatisfied with the unexpected and unexplained rate increases. Some also found the policy details hard to understand.
Erie topped the J.D. Power U.S. Auto Claims Satisfaction Study, which is important considering D.C.’s congested streets and high rates of aggressive driving, which increases accident risk. Erie sells policies through local independent agents who can help you choose coverage and guide you through the claims process.
The company’s comprehensive coverage includes options to waive the deductible for glass repair or replacement. Diminishing deductible and roadside assistance are also available.
Some of the lowest premiums in D.C.
Rate Lock feature keeps your rate from increasing at renewal
Highly rated for claims satisfaction
Limited online self-service tools
Fewer discounts than some competitors
Must report claims by phone
| User Reviews | 4.0 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.3 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $177/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $327/mo |
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.1 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.3 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.8 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the insurer’s excellent customer service and personal attention but dislike the high prices and frequent rate increases. They also express frustration with the claims process.
State Farm’s Drive Safe & Save program rewards low-mileage drivers — especially remote workers or people who rely on public transit like D.C.’s Metro system or biking to get around. You can qualify for discounts for safe driving, bundling, and vehicle safety features. State Farm also has a large network of agents in the District if you prefer in-person support.
Drive Safe & Save program rewards low-mileage driving
Many local agents in D.C.
Multi-policy discount available for bundling auto with renters or home
No accident forgiveness
Gap insurance not available
Can’t buy a policy online
| User Reviews | 3.9 |
|---|---|
| IQ Score The Insurify Quality (IQ) Score uses more than 15 criteria to objectively rate insurance companies on a one-to-ten scale. The Insurify editorial team researches insurer data to determine the final scores. | 9.2 /10 |
| Liability Only Liability-only insurance, sometimes called minimum-coverage insurance, pays for bodily injury and property damage to others in an accident the policyholder causes. It does not pay for the insured’s own damages. | $177/mo |
| Full Coverage Full-coverage car insurance generally includes liability, collision, and comprehensive coverage, and may include other optional coverages such as uninsured motorist coverage. Collision covers a policyholder’s repair or replacement costs in case of an accident. Comprehensive covers damages caused by non-accident events. The average quote displayed here reflects policies with the following coverage limits: $50,000 bodily injury liability per person; $100,000 bodily injury liability per accident; $50,00 property damage liability per accident; $1,000 collision deductible; and a $1,000 comprehensive deductible. | $318/mo |
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.1 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.9 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.9 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
Customers appreciate the reliability and customer service but find the rates to be high and increase frequently, even without claims or accidents. The app has improved, but some find the claims process lacking.
GEICO offers rates for drivers with poor credit that are about 23% lower than those of other insurers in Washington, D.C., according to Insurify data. The company runs primarily online and through its app. GEICO also offers a federal employee discount for the more than 162,000 civilian federal employees in D.C. and a discount for military members at local installations.[3]
Customizable coverage options to personalize your policy
Discounts for federal employees and military
Numerous discount opportunities
One local agent office in D.C.
Below-average claims rating
Doesn’t offer gap insurance
Car insurance prices in Washington, D.C., jumped 18% from 2024 to 2025. Drivers in D.C. paid the highest average annual cost for full-coverage car insurance in 2025, at $4,017, according to Insurify data.
Looking ahead, Insurify projects a 1.8% increase in full-coverage premiums in 2026.
Insurify partners with 120+ top insurers for real-time quotes
To legally drive in D.C., every vehicle must have a minimum level of liability insurance before you register it with the District of Columbia Department of Motor Vehicles (D.C. DMV).
The following table outlines the minimum requirements in Washington, D.C.
Coverage Type | Minimum Amount |
|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 |
| Uninsured motorist bodily injury | $25,000 per person / $50,000 per accident |
| Uninsured motorist property damage | $5,000 |
Washington, D.C., uses a “choice” no-fault system. In addition to the coverage types above, insurers must also offer personal injury protection. PIP gives you 60 days after an accident to choose between no-fault benefits or filing a liability claim against the other driver.[4]
Washington, D.C., uses a point system that penalizes violations ranging from speeding to reckless driving. You could lose your D.C. license if you rack up 10 or more points.[5] A clean driving record often leads to the lowest quotes.
Erie offers the cheapest rates in the District, at $165 per month.
The data below shows the cheapest rates for drivers with good credit and a clean driving record in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $151 |
| State Farm | $167 |
| GEICO | $170 |
| USAA | $172 |
| Progressive | $196 |
| Liberty Mutual | $262 |
Nearly 6% of D.C. drivers have a speeding ticket on their record, according to Insurify data. The District’s point system adds three to five points depending on how far over the limit you were. After a ticket, D.C. drivers can find the cheapest coverage with Erie, at $211 per month.
The table below highlights the cheapest rates for drivers with a speeding ticket in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $211 |
| State Farm | $217 |
| GEICO | $224 |
| USAA | $226 |
| Progressive | $229 |
| Liberty Mutual | $314 |
Any moving violation that leads to a crash adds three points to your D.C. driving record. Traffic risks remain elevated in the District — fatalities are up 50% so far in 2026 compared to recent averages, according to the District Department of Transportation Vision Zero crash data.
If you cause a car accident, your insurer will likely increase your rate when it’s time to renew your policy. At $229 per month, Erie has the lowest quotes for the nearly 5% of Washington, D.C., drivers with an at-fault accident, according to Insurify data.
Here’s how rates break down across insurers for D.C. drivers with an at-fault accident.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $229 |
| GEICO | $242 |
| State Farm | $244 |
| USAA | $253 |
| Progressive | $282 |
| Liberty Mutual | $354 |
Fewer than 1% of D.C. drivers have a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction, according to Insurify data. A DUI carries steep penalties, meaning you’ll receive 12 points on your record, triggering an immediate loss of your license. To reinstate your license, you’ll need to complete an approved substance abuse treatment program and file an SR-22.
If you get a DUI, insurers will consider you a high-risk driver, so you can expect to pay higher rates. On average, D.C. drivers with a DUI pay $240 per month, with Erie offering the cheapest rates.
The table below shows the cheapest insurance quotes for drivers after a DUI in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $240 |
| GEICO | $255 |
| State Farm | $257 |
| USAA | $263 |
| Progressive | $289 |
| Liberty Mutual | $372 |
You’ll need to file an SR-22 to prove you have the required minimum auto insurance after the D.C. DMV reinstates your license. If you participate in the Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program to get your license back sooner, you’ll also need to file an SR-22.
Washington, D.C., drivers can find the most affordable SR-22 rates with Erie. Below are the cheapest SR-22 insurance rates in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $208 |
| GEICO | $223 |
| State Farm | $223 |
| USAA | $228 |
| Progressive | $249 |
| Liberty Mutual | $323 |
Check quotes from 120+ top insurance companies
Teens in Washington, D.C., can get a learner’s permit at age 16 and progress through the District’s Graduated Licensing (GRAD) Program before earning full driving privileges. The GRAD Program requires teens to gain supervised driving experience and limits higher-risk situations like nighttime driving.
Young drivers pay higher insurance rates than any other age group. Rates for teen drivers in the District start at $287 per month from Erie.
Below is a breakdown of the cheapest car insurers in Washington, D.C., for teen drivers.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $287 |
| GEICO | $301 |
| Progressive | $314 |
| USAA | $315 |
| State Farm | $324 |
| Liberty Mutual | $420 |
Drivers aged 65 and older typically pay lower car insurance premiums because they tend to get into fewer car accidents.[6] Drivers in their 60s can find car insurance rates as low as $133 per month in Washington, D.C.
As drivers age, the District requires additional steps to maintain a valid license. To renew your D.C. driver’s license, you submit a medical fitness certification from a doctor once you reach age 70. If you have a condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, you’ll also need to submit a medical and vision report.
The table below shows the cheapest auto insurance rates for senior drivers in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| Erie | $133 |
| State Farm | $147 |
| GEICO | $148 |
| USAA | $155 |
| Progressive | $187 |
| Liberty Mutual | $224 |
Insurance companies in Washington, D.C., can use your credit when setting your rates. While your credit can’t be the only factor in setting your rates, it can still significantly affect your premium. You also have the right to ask your insurer whether it used your credit and how it categorized your risk.[7]
Drivers with poor credit often pay higher rates than drivers with good credit. But D.C. drivers with poor credit can find more affordable coverage with some companies. Erie offer the cheapest rates on average, at $242 per month.
The table below shows the cheapest rates for drivers with bad credit in Washington, D.C.
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
Insurance Company | Average Monthly Quote |
|---|---|
| GEICO | $218 |
| USAA | $222 |
| Erie | $242 |
| Progressive | $246 |
| State Farm | $255 |
| Liberty Mutual | $307 |
Liability quotes start at $165 /mo.
Here are the questions D.C. drivers ask most about shopping for car insurance coverage.
Washington, D.C., requires liability coverage of 25/50/10, along with uninsured motorist coverage of 25/50 for bodily injury and $5,000 for property damage. Insurers must also offer personal injury protection (PIP).
Car insurance in D.C. costs an average of $181 per month for liability-only insurance and $299 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data. Rates vary depending on your driving history, credit, and coverage level.
Yes. Car insurance in D.C. is expensive, with drivers paying nearly double the national average, at $181 per month, according to Insurify data. Dense traffic and high vehicle theft — with 3,932 motor vehicle thefts reported in 2025 — contribute to the District’s higher-than-average premiums.[2]
Erie offers the cheapest car insurance in Washington, D.C., with liability rates starting at $165 per month, according to Insurify data. Rates vary by driver, though, so it’s worth comparing auto insurance quotes from several companies.
Yes. Most insurers in Washington, D.C., offer discounts for safe driving. You may also qualify for additional savings through bundling, paperless billing, or vehicle safety features. Available discounts vary by company, so ask your insurer directly.
Insurify data scientists analyzed more than 190 million quotes served to car insurance applicants in Insurify’s proprietary database to calculate the premium averages displayed on this page. These premiums are real quotes that come directly from Insurify’s 500+ partner insurance companies in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Quote averages represent the median price for a quote across the given coverage level, driver subset, and geographic area.
Unless otherwise specified, quoted rates reflect the average cost for drivers between 20 and 70 years old with a clean driving record and average or better credit (a credit score of 600 or higher).
Liability-only premium averages correspond to policies with the following coverage limits:
Quotes for Allstate, Farmers, GEICO, State Farm, and USAA are estimates based on Quadrant Information Services’ database of auto insurance rates.
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3+ years writing about auto, home, and life insurance
7+ years in personal finance and technology
Featured in
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
7+ years experience in data analysis
Ph.D. in Computational Biology
At Insurify, our goal is to help customers compare insurance products and find the best policy for them. We strive to provide open, honest, and unbiased information about the insurance products and services we review. Our hard-working team of data analysts, insurance experts, insurance agents, editors and writers, has put in thousands of hours of research to create the content found on our site.
We do receive compensation when a sale or referral occurs from many of the insurance providers and marketing partners on our site. That may impact which products we display and where they appear on our site. But it does not influence our meticulously researched editorial content, what we write about, or any reviews or recommendations we may make. We do not guarantee favorable reviews or any coverage at all in exchange for compensation.
