Average cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C. for 2024

How much does car insurance cost in Washington, D.C.? 

The average car insurance cost in Washington, D.C. is $796 per year for minimum coverage and $2,488 per year for full coverage. This is on par with the average annual cost of car insurance in the U.S., which is $644 for minimum coverage and $2,314 for full coverage.

However, your individual auto insurance rate is dependent on many factors, including your age, ZIP code, gender, driving history and vehicle. Other considerations, such as your credit history and marital status, are also factored in. To help you find affordable D.C. car insurance that doesn’t sacrifice quality, Bankrate's insurance editorial team reviewed major insurers by market share that are writing policies here.

Key takeaways

• The average monthly car insurance rates in D.C. are $66 for minimum coverage and $207 for full coverage.
• Younger drivers pay more for insurance than older drivers since data show they are more likely to be involved in an incident that results in a car insurance claim.
• Drivers with clean driving records tend to pay significantly less for auto insurance than drivers who have an accident, speeding ticket or DUI on their records.

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Average car insurance costs by age and gender in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. car insurance rates are influenced by both the age and gender of each driver. Younger drivers tend to pay higher rates, due to their inexperience, with young males paying among the highest premiums since they are statistically the most likely group to be involved in an accident. As you gain more experience on the road, you’ll generally see your premium go down — assuming you keep a clean driving record. However, the average Washington, D.C. car insurance cost does tend to increase again once a driver hits age 70. Note that rates in the tables below for 16-year-olds show the cost of drivers on their parents' policies. All other rates are for individuals with their own insurance coverage.

Cost considerations for young drivers in Washington, D.C.

For most young drivers, it makes financial sense to stay on your parents’ or guardians’ policy until you move out and establish your own household. Generally, rates are higher for young drivers on their own. Keep in mind too that 16- and 17-year-old drivers are not legal adults and generally must be listed on an adult’s policy.

How does driving record impact the cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C.?

Driving record, including speeding tickets, at-fault accidents and DUI convictions, significantly impacts average car insurance rates in Washington, D.C. In general, you will earn the lowest rates if you have a clean driving record. Incidents on your record may indicate risky driving behaviors, and insurers are likely to charge more to account for the increased risk. Behavior like driving without insurance may also lead you to being considered a high-risk driver. In addition to the possibility of higher rates, you may be required to file an SR-22 certificate and may face other penalties if you are convicted of one or more infractions.

The average rates shown here reflect just one instance of each infraction. If you have several infractions, you can expect your premiums to be even higher.

Car insurance rates in Washington, D.C. by credit score

In Washington, D.C., your credit also impacts your car insurance rates. Insurance companies use credit-based insurance scores to help calculate premiums in states where the practice is allowed. Generally, drivers with worse credit tend to file more claims, which results in a higher risk to the insurer and thus a higher average rate.

Here are the average rates for D.C. drivers based on their credit.

Washington, D.C. car insurance rates by vehicle type

The vehicle make and model that you drive has one of the largest impacts on your car insurance rates. Some vehicles may be less likely to get into crashes or have lower repair costs, which result in lower premiums. The opposite is also true; vehicles with a higher likelihood of crashes or higher repair costs generally cost more to insure.

Here are sample rates for popular types of vehicles in Washington, D.C.

Estimate your car insurance cost in Washington, D.C.

Bankrate created this handy calculator to help you determine your Washington, D.C. car insurance cost. By inputting a few key pieces of information, you can get an estimate of what you will pay for your policy. Keep in mind that this is a general estimate rather than a specific quote. It can still, however, give you a benchmark figure to help you decide on the best policy for your needs.

How to save on car insurance in Washington, D.C.

If you’re looking for the best car insurance rates in Washington, D.C., you might want to keep these tips in mind when you begin your search for the cheapest auto insurance companies in the District:

• Bundle your policies: If you purchase another insurance policy — such as homeowners insurance or renters insurance — through the same carrier, you might qualify for a bundling discount.
• Shop around: Contact multiple insurance providers and request quotes for the same coverage types and policy limits to compare. Rates change annually, so comparison shopping may allow you to find savings when your existing policy is up for renewal — or anytime you feel like you’re overpaying.
• Look for discounts: Most carriers offer discounts, many of which provide simple ways to save. Allowing the carrier to track your driving habits using a telematics program, having safety equipment or taking a defensive driving course are a handful of ways you can save on your policy.
• Raise your deductibles: If you have full coverage, the higher your deductibles, the lower your premiums are likely to be because you agree to take on more financial risk. Your deductible is the out-of-pocket costs you pay with a comprehensive or collision claim, and the more you take on means potentially lower monthly premiums.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology 

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze the latest rates in April 2024 for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates include the most recent approved rate changes filed by insurance companies that affect our profile. These revised rates are then weighted based on the population density in each geographic region so that policyholders can see the impact rates have in their areas. Quoted rates are based on a 40-year-old male and female driver with a clean driving record, good credit and the following full coverage limits:

• $100,000 bodily injury liability per person
• $300,000 bodily injury liability per accident
• $50,000 property damage liability per accident
• $100,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
• $300,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
• $500 collision deductible
• $500 comprehensive deductible

To determine minimum coverage limits, Bankrate used minimum coverage that meets each state’s requirements. Our base profile drivers own a 2022 Toyota Camry, commute five days a week and drive 12,000 miles annually.

These are sample rates and should only be used for comparative purposes.

Credit-based insurance scores: Rates were calculated based on the following insurance credit tiers assigned to our drivers: “poor, average, good (base) and excellent.” Insurance credit tiers factor in your official credit scores but are not dependent on that variable alone. Four states prohibit or limit the use of credit as a rating factor in determining auto insurance rates: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts and Michigan.

Incidents: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the following incidents applied: clean record (base), at-fault accident, single speeding ticket and single DUI conviction.

Model: To determine cost by vehicle type, we evaluated our base profile with the following vehicles applied: BMW 330i, Ford F-150, Honda Odyssey, Toyota Prius and Toyota Camry (base).

Age: Rates were calculated by evaluating our base profile with the ages 16-70 (base: 40 years) applied. Depending on age, drivers may be a renter or homeowner. Age is not a contributing rating factor in Hawaii and Massachusetts due to state regulations.

Gender: The following states do not use gender as a determining factor in calculating premiums: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania.

Teens: Rates were determined by adding a 16- or 17-year-old teen to their 40-year-old married parents' policy. The rates displayed reflect the total cost of a driver this age added to their parents’ policy unless otherwise noted.