Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. (2026)
Erie Insurance, State Farm, and GEICO round out the top three insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
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Written byBen Luthi
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Ben LuthiInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
12+ years in personal finance and insurance writing
Former financial analyst
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Edited byAshley Cox
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Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
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Reviewed byMark Friedlander
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Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert
Updated
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Shopping for car insurance can be difficult, and each person has different priorities when it comes to car insurance coverage.
To help you find the right fit, Insurify analyzed 50 car insurance companies to determine the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
Here are our top five picks and why we chose them.
Best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.
The best car insurance company for you depends on several factors, such as your coverage needs, gender, credit history, budget, driving record, and age. As you shop around, it’s also a good idea to consider each insurer’s coverage options, discounts, and track record for customer satisfaction and claims handling.
Here’s a quick look at our top choices to help you and other Washington, D.C., drivers get started on your search.
Erie Insurance: Best overall
| JD Power J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale. | 700 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
How drivers feel about Erie Insurance
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.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 231 Erie Insurance reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Maryland on April 12, 2026
Great customer service and great agent.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Virginia on April 4, 2026
Good, but I feel the price is too high.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on April 1, 2026
The rates for a new vehicle on our policy are insane.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
700NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.68A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A+Why we picked this company
Whether you need liability only or full coverage, Erie Insurance offers some of the cheapest auto insurance rates in Washington, D.C. The insurer has also received the top ranking for customer satisfaction in the Mid-Atlantic region for the past three years, according to J.D. Power.[1] It was also ranked third nationally for claims satisfaction.
The company offers a wide range of insurance products and even boasts a discount of up to 25% if you bundle your auto insurance with your home coverage.
Pros
No. 1 J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
Ranks highly for claims satisfaction
Rate Lock feature ensures stable premiums
Cons
All policies must be purchased through an independent agent
Can’t file a claim online
Only offers coverage in 12 states and Washington, D.C.
State Farm: Best for claims satisfaction
| User Reviews | 3.8 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
3.8
A solid optionBased on 17,183 verified driver reviews and ratings
State Farm's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.8 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.9 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.6 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.7 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about State Farm
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.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing 3 reviews from District of Columbia driversSee all 7,403 State Farm reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in District of Columbia on March 30, 2026
The price changes every 6 months.
Verified Review
Reviewed in District of Columbia on February 8, 2026
Terrible. I have been with State Farm for over 30 years. They cover my car and home. I am desperately trying to get rid of them immediately. I am a senior with no DUIs or car accidents. I only use my car for church, doctor appointments, and errands. I just purchased a car in 2024 and have less than 2500 miles on it. Their monthly prices are unbelievable.
Verified Review
Reviewed in District of Columbia on January 3, 2026
$100.00 a month is too much for my full coverage. I can't handle it much longer; I'm about to park my ride and catch buses.
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
657NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.84A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
Other than Erie, State Farm is the only insurer on this list with an above-average rating for claims satisfaction, according to J.D. Power. The insurance company has more than two dozen local agents in Washington, D.C., and it offers affordable rates for both liability insurance and full coverage.
State Farm also offers a host of discounts to help you maximize your savings.
Pros
Expansive network of local, exclusive agents
High J.D. Power claims satisfaction rating
Many discounts available
Cons
Accident forgiveness not available
Payoff Protector (gap) coverage is restricted to customers who originate an auto loan through State Farm Bank
Below-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
GEICO: Best for cheap car insurance
| User Reviews | 3.7 |
|---|---|
| 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 |
3.7
A solid optionBased on 17,432 verified driver reviews and ratings
GEICO's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.7 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.8 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.4 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.6 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.4 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about GEICO
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.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 7,624 GEICO reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in New York on April 19, 2026
Good price is #1, and they cut my price in half.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Indiana on April 19, 2026
Not a bad experience, but I'm not sure why they are so expensive.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Pennsylvania on April 18, 2026
I'm not happy about being overcharged, and despite my efforts to get it lowered, they still upcharge me.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
637NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0.59A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
Among our top picks for best insurance companies in Washington, D.C., GEICO offers some of the lowest rates in the District, both for liability-only and full coverage. The insurer also provides more transparency about potential savings from discounts compared to other companies.
GEICO also offers a host of other insurance products, making it easy to keep all your coverages under one proverbial roof.
Pros
Low average rates
Many discounts available
Easy policy management
Cons
Rideshare coverage not available
Gap insurance not available
Below-average J.D. Power claims and customer satisfaction ratings
Travelers: Best for young drivers
| User Reviews | 3.8 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 8.5 /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. | $96/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. | $194/mo |
3.8
A solid optionBased on 1,394 verified driver reviews and ratings
Travelers's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 4.0 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 4.0 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.8 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.8 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.8 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about Travelers
Customers appreciate the insurer’s communicative customer service and efficient claims process. But they’re dissatisfied with the consistent and sometimes significant price increases, even for those with clean driving records.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 584 Travelers reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in New Jersey on April 18, 2026
I like them and they are good to deal with, but I am looking to get out of an agency to avoid extra costs.
Verified Review
Reviewed in New Jersey on April 15, 2026
They are good, but with a broker, it is costing a lot of money.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Massachusetts on April 13, 2026
They are very helpful and kind, and work fast at resolving problems. They have fair rates for pricing.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
616NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
0A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
Travelers doesn’t offer the cheapest rates, but its premiums are more competitive than many other insurers in Washington, D.C. What’s more, the insurance company’s good student, student away at school, and driver training discounts can make it an affordable option for young drivers.
Travelers also offers several other discount opportunities, and it has nearly three dozen independent agents in Washington, D.C.
Pros
Multiple discounts for younger drivers
Discount for hybrid and electric vehicles
Wide distribution network of independent agents in the District
Cons
Below-average J.D. Power claims satisfaction and customer satisfaction ratings
Must work with an independent agent to get a quote and purchase a policy
Rideshare coverage not available in Washington, D.C.
USAA: Best for military members and their families
| User Reviews | 3.6 |
|---|---|
| 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. | 9.1 /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. | $181/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. | $335/mo |
3.6
A solid optionBased on 3,438 verified driver reviews and ratings
USAA's score | Industry average | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage options | 3.4 | 3.2 |
| Customer service | 3.7 | 3.6 |
| Discounts | 3.5 | 2.9 |
| Policy transparency | 3.5 | 3.1 |
| Value | 3.4 | 2.9 |
How drivers feel about USAA
Customers appreciate the insurer’s reliable customer service and claim handling but express concerns about high rates and frequent price increases. Some also find the insurer’s security protocols and communication methods frustrating.
Based on analysis of verified reviews collected by Insurify
Best For
Showing recent national reviewsSee all 1,535 USAA reviews
Verified Review
Reviewed in Michigan on April 19, 2026
The insurance rates are getting too expensive.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Florida on April 18, 2026
Way too expensive. They say bundle to get a discount but there’s really no discount.
Verified Review
Reviewed in Michigan on April 18, 2026
Overpriced insurance.
…
JD Power
J.D. Power data measures overall customer satisfaction and claims satisfaction based on a 1,000-point scale.
739NAIC Index
Average amount of customer complaints relative to competitors on a 0-5 scale. A lower score represents fewer complaints.
1.31A.M. Best
A.M. Best analyzes an insurer’s financials, operating performance, business profile, and other factors to generate an opinion-based rating of a company’s financial and credit strength. Ratings range from A++ (exceptional) to D (poor).
A++Why we picked this company
USAA specializes in working with the military community, including U.S. active-duty military members, veterans, pre-commissioned officers, and their families. The company offers competitive rates for full coverage for many D.C. residents.
As a member, you can also take advantage of several other financial products and services, including home and renters insurance, banking, loans, and investing. USAA also offers a variety of member perks and discounts, making it a good option for the more than 20,000 veterans living in Washington, D.C.[2]
Pros
Offers banking and other financial products and services
Above-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
Discount for vehicles garaged on base
Cons
Available only to members of the military community
No brick-and-mortar office locations in the District
Does not offer 24/7 customer support
Our editorial team analyzed regional and national auto insurance companies that sell policies in Washington, D.C., to assess which offer the best rates, coverage options, customer service, and savings to drivers. We prioritized competitive rates, 24/7 customer service, low-mileage discounts or programs, safe driving discounts, homeownership discounts or bundling options, and specialty or supplemental coverages.
How to get the best car insurance in Washington, D.C.
While our top picks can help you get started with your hunt for the best car insurance, it’s important to do your own research to ensure you get the best of the best.
Here are some tips you can use.
Consider how much coverage you need
Insurers may differ in the types of coverage they offer, so you’ll want to consider your coverage needs, including the types and limits you choose.
Read reviews from policyholders
Take some time to read reviews from current and previous policyholders on websites, like Trustpilot. These reviews can give you an idea of what your experience might look like and help you avoid potential red flags.
It’s a good idea to read both positive and negative reviews to get a full picture.
Look at discounts and perks
While many auto insurers offer a variety of discounts, some may provide savings that are more tailored to you. For example, if you have young drivers at home, a company with more discounts aimed at them can help you mitigate some of the costs of insuring them.
You can also consider other benefits, such as accident forgiveness and vanishing deductible, that can help you save money in the event of a claim.
Shop around and compare quotes
Every insurer is different in how it sets rates, so it’s crucial that you take the time to shop around and get quotes from multiple companies. As you go about the process, make sure you use the same coverage information with each insurer so you’re comparing apples to apples.
Find the Best Coverage at the Right Price
Liability policies start as low as $165 per month in D.C.
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4.7 out of 5 based on 13,691 reviews
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Average cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C.
The average cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C., is $181 per month for liability-only coverage and $299 per month for full coverage, according to Insurify data. That’s quite a bit higher than the national monthly averages of $97 and $183, respectively.
Over the past two years, car insurance rates in the District have spiked, with average full-coverage rates jumping 24% since 2023, according to Insurify’s latest study. That’s substantially higher than the 15% average increase nationwide.
Best car insurance in Washington, D.C., FAQs
As you consider your options for car insurance, here are some answers to common questions to help you make a decision.
How much is car insurance in Washington, D.C.?
The average D.C. driver pays around $240 per month for car insurance. Breaking things down a bit further, drivers pay around $181 for basic liability coverage or $299 for a more robust full-coverage policy.
What are the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.?
Insurify’s top choices for the best car insurance companies in D.C. include Erie Insurance, State Farm, GEICO, Travelers, and USAA.
What is the required auto insurance coverage amount in Washington, D.C.?
The minimum coverage requirements for drivers in Washington, D.C., include:[3]
Property damage liability: $10,000
Bodily injury liability: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $25,000 per person, $50,000 per accident
Uninsured motorist property damage: $5,000 (subject to a $200 deductible)
Sources
- J.D. Power. "2024 U.S. Auto Insurance Study."
- United States Census Bureau. "QuickFacts - District of Columbia."
- DC DMV. "Vehicle Insurance."
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Ben LuthiInsurance and Personal Finance Writer
12+ years in personal finance and insurance writing
Former financial analyst
Ashley CoxSenior Managing Editor
7+ years in content creation and management
5+ years in insurance and personal finance content
Featured in
Mark FriedlanderSenior Director, Media Relations, Insurance Information Institute
Media relations director for Insurance Information Institute
20+ years in insurance and communications
Impartial, independent expert