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Cheapest car insurance in Washington, D.C. for 2023

Bankrate found that the cheapest carriers in Washington, D.C. include Geico, Progressive and Erie.

Updated Jun 08, 2023
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The cheapest car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

Avoiding long commutes may be a near-impossible task for Washington, D.C. drivers, but finding affordable coverage does not have to be. Many of the nation’s top providers offer low average annual rates with good coverage options, plentiful discounts and strong claims handling ratings. Based on each company’s average annual rates gathered using Quadrant Information Services and additional research into each of these focus points, we found that Geico, Progressive and Erie may offer the cheapest auto insurance in Washington, D.C., for many drivers.

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Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

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Insurance Disclosure

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

Cheapest company for minimum coverage

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
Geico $30 $363

Cheapest company for full coverage

Company Average monthly full coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
Progressive $103 $1,236

Cheapest company for adding a teen driver

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
Geico $35 $419

Cheapest company for getting a speeding ticket

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
Geico $35 $419

Cheapest company for being in an at-fault accident

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
Erie $40 $480

Cheapest company after a high-risk incident

Company Average monthly minimum coverage premium Average annual minimum coverage premium
Progressive $53 $633

The cheapest car insurance companies in Washington, D.C. by coverage level 

One factor that plays a big role in your car insurance premium is how much coverage and related limits you choose. Minimum coverage refers to the minimum amount of car insurance you must purchase to drive legally in Washington, D.C., but it does not offer any coverage for your own vehicle. Adding comprehensive and collision coverage, also known as full coverage, adds financial protection for your own vehicle if you were to be involved in an accident or experience another type of covered damage, like vandalism. Below you can compare average rates for full and minimum coverage from the cheapest carriers we identified.

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$30
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$363
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $244
Erie
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$35
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$423
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $184
USAA
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$38
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$456
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $151
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$42
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$506
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $101
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Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

*Based on policies with minimum coverage for 2023

Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$103
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,236
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $836
Erie
Rating: 3.8 stars out of 5
3.8
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$105
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,261
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $811
USAA
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$110
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,318
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $754
Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
Average monthly full coverage premium
$111
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,331
Annual savings vs. State average*
- $741
Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
Advertising Disclosure
This advertisement is powered by Coverage.com, LLC, a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249) and a corporate affiliate of Bankrate. The offers and links that appear on this advertisement are from companies that compensate Coverage.com in different ways. The compensation received and other factors, such as your location, may impact what offers and links appear, and how, where and in what order they appear. While we seek to provide a wide range of offers, we do not include every product or service that may be available. Our goal is to keep information accurate and timely, but some information may not be current. Your actual offer from an advertiser may be different from the offer on this advertisement. All offers are subject to additional terms and conditions.

Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in states where it is licensed. Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way.

*Based on policies with full coverage for 2023

Factors that impact cheap rates in Washington, D.C.

Multiple factors impact your car insurance rates. Some of them may be under your control, while others are not. You cannot, for example, help it if you are a younger driver or have a teen driver on your policy, which both typically increase rates. However, factors like your driving record also impact your rates, and maintaining safe driving habits may help you keep your premium down. Below you can see how some common rate-impacting scenarios may affect your cost of car insurance with different carriers. 

Insuring a teen driver

Even the best teen drivers may see comparatively high rates because young drivers are more likely to be involved in accidents. However, some carriers may charge more to insure a teen driver than others. Additionally, teen drivers may be able to help bring their rates down by taking advantage of discounts. Some insurers, for example, offer savings for teen drivers who maintain a strong GPA or those who leave their vehicle at home while attending college. Here are some of the insurers writing cheap auto insurance in Washington, D.C., for teens:

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
Erie $836 $2,572
Geico $913 $3,135
USAA $1,206 $3,515
Nationwide $1,394 $3,061

Getting a speeding ticket

Speeding may be seen as an indicator of unsafe driving practices by car insurance companies. This is why carriers typically charge higher rates for drivers with a speeding ticket conviction. Multiple speeding tickets may further impact your premium and could cause you to be seen as a high-risk driver. If you have a speeding ticket on your record, it will likely only impact your premiums for three to five years, depending on the carrier, but it may be worth it to compare rates from.

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
Geico $419 $1,523
Erie $442 $1,325
USAA $531 $1,541
Progressive $725 $1,760

Getting into an at-fault accident

Unless you have an endorsement for accident forgiveness on your policy, you may find your rate increasing after a single accident, especially if you were deemed at fault. Your insurer is in the business of risk, and drivers who have been in accidents are often seen as more likely to engage in risky behavior behind the wheel. You may be able to minimize this increase by taking a defensive driving course to prove that you're working on your driving skills and earn a small discount. Based on average rates following a single at-fault accident, here are some of the insurers providing cheap car insurance in Washington, D.C., for drivers who have been involved in an at-fault accident:

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
Erie $480 $1,426
Geico $502 $1,822
USAA $668 $1,935
State Farm $1,042 $2,727

Being deemed a high-risk driver

High-risk drivers may find it difficult to find coverage, especially with traditional carriers. You may be seen as a high-risk driver if you've had multiple tickets or accidents, but perhaps the most serious infraction is a DUI. A single DUI conviction on your record will likely make it more difficult to find insurance and could seriously impact your rates. However, if you do have a high-risk incident on your record, we found that the following carriers may offer you the cheapest rates:

Car insurance company Average annual minimum coverage premium Average annual full coverage premium
Progressive $633 $1,546
Erie $658 $1,915
Geico $715 $2,601
USAA $844 $2,553

Minimum coverage requirements for Washington, D.C. drivers

Like in most states, Washington, D.C., drivers must carry at least a minimum amount of car insurance to legally operate a vehicle. The average annual cost for this in Washington, D.C., is $607. Because D.C. is a no-fault area, personal injury protection (PIP) must also be offered by insurers, though drivers have the option to waive the coverage. The remaining 25/50/10 limits account for:

  • $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
  • $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
  • $10,000 property damage liability per accident

Additionally, drivers must carry at least the same amounts of uninsured motorist coverage as bodily injury liability. For property damage, uninsured motorist coverage of at least $5,000 must be included, with a $200 deductible.

Drivers who purchase minimum coverage insurance typically pay some of the lowest premiums. However, most drivers benefit from getting more coverage than what is required. While there is no guarantee that full coverage will cover the full cost of an at-fault accident, the higher coverage limits provide additional financial backing and coverage for damage to your own vehicle. Comparatively, minimum coverage is often not enough to fully satisfy the cost of an at-fault accident. If a driver causes an accident and their financial responsibility is higher than their policy’s limit, they must pay the difference out of pocket. Drivers of leased or financed vehicles may be required to purchase full coverage by their lender.

How to get cheap car insurance in Washington, D.C.

Are you wondering how to save on car insurance in Washington, D.C? No matter what your situation is, a little effort may help you to find cheap car insurance in the District. The following strategies may help you find and keep cheap rates:

Shop around 

You may find it worthwhile to spend some time researching and comparing quotes from different companies based on your personal criteria. You may be surprised to find a range of prices for the same coverage selections. Additionally, each carrier has its own set of discounts and endorsements, so researching companies could help you get the coverage types you want and find relevant discounts to maximize savings. 

Work on your credit score 

If your credit score is less than ideal, you may not be able to qualify for the most affordable car insurance in Washington, D.C. Like in most states, insurers in Washington, D.C., can use your credit-based insurance score to determine your rates and may raise your premium substantially based on a low score. Improving your credit score by paying bills on time and limiting hard credit checks may help bring down your rates. 

Maintain a clean driving record

Few factors play as important a role in determining your premium as your driving record. If you are a careful driver who rarely files a claim against their policy, you will likely be rewarded with favorable rates. Claims cost your insurer money, and so the less you rely on your policy to pay for accidents and other auto mishaps, the more likely your insurer will be to offer you cheap Washington, D.C., car insurance.

Car insurance discounts in Washington, D.C.

Most insurance companies offer at least a few discounts that may lower your premium. Although every insurer has its own set of discounts, the following are ones that are commonly found. You may want to ask your insurance agent about potential discounts when your policy renews, especially if you've recently experienced a big life change, like adding a teen driver to your policy or buying a new home.

  • Young driver discounts: Young drivers in high school or college can often save on their premium by maintaining a "B" or higher grade point average. They may also save if they leave their car at home while attending college. Some insurers offer discounts for young drivers who take a defensive driving class.
  • Safe driver discounts: Insurers are increasingly using telematics programs to monitor safe driving skills in real time, and the savings involved could be substantial. Some carriers also extend discounts for remaining claims-free and having continuous coverage on your vehicle. 
  • Other discounts: There are a wide variety of potential discounts with different carriers, so shopping around may help you see which company offers the most relevant ones for you. You might earn a discount if your car has safety features such as anti-lock brakes or anti-theft devices, if you pay your premium up front and if you bundle your car insurance with a homeowners or renters policy.

Frequently asked questions

Methodology

Bankrate utilizes Quadrant Information Services to analyze 2023 rates for ZIP codes and carriers in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. Rates are weighted based on the population density in each geographic region. 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 2021 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. 

Bankrate Scores 

Our 2023 Bankrate Score considers variables our insurance editorial team determined impacts policyholders’ experiences with an insurance company. These rating factors include a robust assessment of each company’s product availability, financial strength ratings, online capabilities and customer and claims support accessibility. Each factor was added to a category, and these categories were weighted in a tiered approach to analyze how companies perform in key customer-impacting categories. 

Like our previous Bankrate Scores, each category was assigned a metric to determine performance, and the weighted sum adds up to a company’s total Bankrate Score — out of 5 points. This year, our 2023 scoring model provides a more comprehensive view, indicating when companies excel across several key areas and better highlighting where they fall short.

  • Tier 1 (Cost & ratings): To determine how well auto and home insurance companies satisfy these priorities, 2023 quoted premiums from Quadrant Information Services (if available), as well as any of the latest third-party agency ratings from J.D. Power, AM Best and the NAIC, were analyzed.
  • Tier 2 (Coverage & savings): We assessed companies’ coverage options and availability to help policyholders find a provider that balances cost with coverage. Additionally, we evaluated each company’s discount options listed on its website.
  • Tier 3 (Support): To encompass the many ways an auto insurance company can support policyholders, we analyzed avenues of customer accessibility along with community support. This analysis incorporated additional financial strength ratings from S&P and Moody’s and factored a company’s corporate sustainability efforts.
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Written by
Mary Van Keuren
Contributor, Insurance

Mary Van Keuren has written for insurance domains such as Bankrate, Coverage.com, and The Simple Dollar for the past five years, specializing in home and auto insurance. She has also written extensively for consumer websites including Reviews.com and Slumber Yard. Prior to that, she worked as a writer in academia for several decades.

Edited by Editor, Insurance
Reviewed by Director of corporate communications, Insurance Information Institute