The Complete Guide to Washington DC Car Insurance
Lemonade is on the way to the nation’s capital and we’ll let you know as soon as we arrive! In the meantime, we’ll help you navigate all things DC car insurance like rates, requirements, and throw in smart shopping tips.
How much does car insurance cost in Washington DC?
Car insurance in DC averages $244/month for full coverage, but your actual rate depends on where you live, what you drive, and your driving record. Here’s what drivers pay in the DC metro area:
| City | Average cost of car insurance |
|---|---|
| Arlington, VA | $181 |
| Reston, VA | $183 |
| Falls Church, VA | $189 |
| Great Falls, VA | $191 |
| Bethesda, MD | $192 |
Source: ValuePenguin
Why is car insurance so high in Washington DC?
DC drivers face unique risks that drive insurance costs
Uninsured drivers
19.1% of drivers in DC are uninsured vs. 13% nationally, raising costs for everyone else.
Car theft
FBI data shows there were 5,582 reported motor vehicle thefts in 2024 in DC, down 25% from the previous year.
Natural disasters
The DC metro area has a relatively low FEMA disaster rating of 54 in VA, lowering comprehensive coverage costs, though inland flooding and hurricanes are still threats
What car insurance do I need in DC?
All DC drivers must carry minimum insurance coverage to legally drive. Here’s what the state requires:
| Required minimum coverages for South Carolina drivers | Minimum amount required | What’s covered | What’s not covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Medical bills, lost wages, and other costs when you hurt someone else in an accident | Your own injuries, damage to your car, amounts above your policy limits |
| Property damage liability | $10,000 | Damage you cause to other people’s cars, fences, buildings, and property | Damage to your own car, your own property, amounts above your policy limits |
| Uninsured Motorist Property Damage | $5,000 | Damage to your car when an uninsured driver is at fault | Your injuries, may have deductibles, hit-and-run rules vary by state |
| Underinsured Motorist Bodily Injury | $25,000 (per person) $50,000 (per accident) | Your injuries when hit by a driver with no insurance or in hit-and-run cases | Car damage, amounts above your limits, cases where other driver has some insurance |
What additional car insurance coverages are offered in DC?
Beyond state minimums, these optional coverages provide extra protection for DC drivers
Collision coverage
Pays to repair or replace your car if it's damaged in an accident with another vehicle or object like a fence or guardrail.
Read moreComprehensive coverage
Covers damage to your car from non-collision events like theft, vandalism, hail storms, flooding, or hitting an animal.
Read moreRental car reimbursement
Pays to cover alternative transportation while your car's being repaird. Specific coverage varies by insurer
Read moreWhat does (and doesn’t) car insurance cover in DC?
Car insurance protects you financially in many situations, but it does not cover everything.
- Vandalism
- Fire damage
- Weather damage
- Theft
- Injuries to other people
- Damage to property
- Damage from a collision
- Fender benders
- Rental car reimbursement
- Towing
- Roadside assistance
- Windshield damage
Your insurance won’t cover oil changes, engine problems, stolen personal items like your purse, or damage from street racing on the George Washington Parkway
How much car insurance do I need in DC?
You need enough coverage to protect yourself financially when accidents happen. If your car needed major repairs, could you afford these local DC labor rates? Keep in mind, parts and materials cost extra.
| City | Body repair | Frame repair | Mechanical repair | Paint repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast DC | $71 | $104 | $168 | $71 |
| Northwest DC | $107 | $135 | $240 | $71 |
| Penn Quarter | $71 | $104 | $160 | $71 |
Source: Caliber
What happens if I drive without insurance in DC?
Washington DC takes uninsured driving seriously, and the penalties add up fast.
Fines
$500 for your first offense. Repeat offenses? The fine increases 50% each time.
Suspension
30-day license suspension for first offense (instead of or in addition to fines), 60 days for repeat violations.
Jail time
DC keeps it simple. No jail time for driving without insurance. Just fines and suspensions.
What do you need to get a car insurance quote in DC?
You’ll need some basic information like your driver’s license number and your car’s VIN, but with the right details handy, getting quotes is quicker than your morning coffee run. Here’s your checklist:
Your Details
- Driver's license number
- Social Security number (for credit check)
Your Car
- VIN number (found on your dashboard or door frame)
- Current registration or title
Your History
- Any accidents or tickets from the past 5 years
- Current insurance company and policy number (if you have coverage)
Your Preferences
- How much coverage you want
- Deductible amount you're comfortable with
- Monthly budget range
How does car insurance work in DC?
Think of car insurance as a financial safety net for when things go wrong on the road.
Pick your protection
Shop around and choose coverage that fits your budget.
Make payments
Keep up with monthly payments and you’re covered.
When S%!t happens
File a claim, pay your deductible, and your insurer covers the rest up to your limits.
DC car insurance FAQs
Is DC a no-fault state?
No, Washington, D.C. is not a no-fault state. It uses a fault-based system, so the driver who caused the accident is responsible for paying damages.
Do I need insurance to register a car in Washington DC?
Yes, you need insurance to register a car in DC. Proof of minimum liability insurance is required before registration can be completed.
What are the top risks for driving in D.C.?
DC drivers deal with intense traffic congestion, aggressive drivers rushing between meetings, and constant construction that changes lane patterns overnight. Distracted driving from tourists looking for monuments creates unpredictable situations. The high rate of uninsured drivers (19.1%) means you’re more likely to encounter someone who can’t pay for damage they cause.
How long do I have to report an accident in DC?
Washington DC requires you to report accidents involving injury, death, or property damage immediately to law enforcement by calling 911. For minor accidents with only property damage and no injuries, you can file a report online or at a police station within five days. Prompt reporting helps avoid fines or license issues.
What are the top safety tips for driving in Washington DC?
In DC, expect the unexpected. Tourists stopping suddenly to look at the Capitol, diplomats with unfamiliar driving patterns, and locals who know every shortcut. Watch for cyclists and scooters everywhere, especially around duplex-lined streets.
Never block the box at intersections (it’s heavily enforced), and give yourself extra time during rush hour when a 10-minute drive can easily turn into 45 minutes. Stay alert for pedestrians who assume they always have right-of-way.
All coverage is subject to individual policy limits, terms, and conditions. Any hypothetical examples used in Lemonade editorial content are purely expositional.
*Uninusured driver rate sourced from ValuePenguin: https://www.valuepenguin.com/auto-insurance/uninsured-motorist-statistics sourced February, 2026
**Theft rate sourced from the FBI’s crime data explorer: https://cde.ucr.cjis.gov/LATEST/webapp/#/pages/explorer/crime/query sourced February, 2026
***Disaster risk rating sourced from FEMA’s Disaster Resilience Hub: https://resilience-fema.hub.arcgis.com/datasets/national-risk-index-states-expected-annual-loss/explore sourced February, 2026
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