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

Updated May 02, 2023
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Best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

According to rate data provided by Quadrant Information Services, the average cost for a full coverage auto policy in Washington, D.C., is $2,072 per year. A minimum coverage policy averages $607 per year. Many of the best carriers on our list offer average rates below the city average, making them some of the cheapest car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

We understand that price isn't the only factor for many drivers choosing an insurance company, so we assessed a wide variety of factors when choosing the top car insurance carriers in Washington, D.C. These included customer service rankings from J.D. Power and financial strength ratings from AM Best, as well as coverage options, discounts and digital tools. All these factors were analyzed to assign each company a Bankrate Score on a 5-point scale. The companies that came out on top included Geico, USAA, Progressive, State Farm and Erie.

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
834
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$111
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,331
USAA
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
881
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$110
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,318
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
827
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$103
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,236
State Farm
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
851
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$175
Average annual full coverage premium
$2,102
Erie
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
867
/1,000
Average monthly full coverage premium
$105
Average annual full coverage premium
$1,261
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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.

Geico
Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
834
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$30
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$363
USAA
Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
881
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$38
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$456
Progressive
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
827
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$42
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$506
State Farm
Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
851
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$67
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$798
Erie
Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1
Bankrate Score
Info
J.D. Power score (Mid-Atlantic region)
867
/1,000
Average monthly minimum coverage premium
$35
Average annual minimum coverage premium
$423
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.

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.

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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.
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Powered by Coverage.com (NPN: 19966249)
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.

Best for low minimum coverage rates

Rating: 4.4 stars out of 5
4.4 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 834/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 1,331 for full coverage
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Why Geico made our list: A common household name, Geico offers low average rates in Washington, D.C. and a long list of discounts for potential additional savings. Policyholders may save on their premium with discounts for professional affiliation, military service, bundling and safe driving. Although Geico policies are relatively basic, with only a few coverage options, such as roadside assistance and rental reimbursement, the company has robust digital tools for virtual policy management.

Who Geico may be good for: Drivers who are on a tight budget and don't mind handling their insurance needs online or over the phone may want to ask for a quote from Geico. 

Read full Geico Insurance review

Best for military-focused coverage

Rating: 4.3 stars out of 5
4.3 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 881/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 1,318 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why USAA made our list: With Army, Navy and Marine Corps bases in the greater Washington, D.C., area, USAA may be a suitable carrier for many D.C. drivers. The company only provides insurance to eligible active-duty military members, veterans and their immediate family members and tailors many of its policy offerings specifically to the military community. While not officially ranked by J.D. Power due to eligibility restrictions, the company holds the highest 2022 J.D. Power score on our list in the Mid-Atlantic region, indicating that policyholders review it favorably for customer satisfaction.

Who USAA may be good for: If you are stationed at one of the many military facilities in and around Washington, D.C., USAA may be an affordable carrier for you. 

Read full USAA Insurance review

Best for customizable coverage

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 827/1,000 AM Best: A+

Average annual premium

$ 1,236 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why Progressive made our list: Like many of the other carriers on our list, Progressive has well-developed digital tools that allow for virtual policy management. Drivers looking for policy customization options may appreciate Progressive's many endorsements, including custom equipment coverage, gap insurance, rental car reimbursement and ridesharing coverage. The carrier also has a long list of discounts, which may help bring down its already low average rates in Washington, D.C.

Who Progressive may be good for: If you are looking to build a more robust car insurance policy, Progressive's extensive list of optional coverage types may allow you to craft a policy that is unique to your specific needs. 

Read full Progressive Insurance review

Best for high-risk drivers

Rating: 4.2 stars out of 5
4.2 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 851/1,000 AM Best: A++

Average annual premium

$ 2,102 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why State Farm made our list: Although its average annual full coverage premium hovers near the average for Washington, D.C., drivers, State Farm policyholders may save with two telematics programs, student savings and vehicle safety discounts. You may also be able to bundle your auto policy with home or life insurance for a multi-policy discount. State Farm is our 2023 Bankrate Award winner for Best Auto Insurance Company for High-Risk Drivers, so it may offer coverage if you have a few blemishes on your record. Additionally, State Farm has numerous agents in the Washington, D.C., area, so if you prefer to work with an in-person agent, there's likely one near you. 

Who State Farm may be good for: If you have a less-than-perfect driving record, State Farm may still be able to offer you coverage at an affordable rate. 

Read full State Farm Insurance review

Best for customer service

Rating: 4.1 stars out of 5
4.1 Bankrate Score
JD Power: 867/1,000 AM Best: A+

Average annual premium

$ 1,261 for full coverage
Get a quote

Answer a few questions to see personalized rates from top carriers.

Why Erie made our list: In 2022, Erie ranked as the top car insurance company in the Mid-Atlantic region in J.D. Power’s Auto Insurance Study. Additionally, AM Best gives the company an A+ (Superior) rating for financial strength. Erie is a regional carrier that writes policies in 12 states and Washington, D.C. Drivers that value robust coverage may be interested in Erie as the carrier's standard full coverage policies include locksmith services, pet coverage and personal item coverage. The carrier also has a long list of potential discounts, but it does not offer a telematics program, and its digital tools are fairly basic compared to many larger competitors. 

Who Erie may be good for: If you're looking for great customer service and robust auto policies, but you don't care much for digital tool capability, Erie may be the best carrier for you.

Read full Erie Insurance review

How Bankrate chose the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C.

To find the best car insurance companies in Washington, D.C., Bankrate first looked to proprietary rate data provided by Quadrant Information Services. We then studied other metrics such as customer satisfaction scores from J.D. Power, AM Best financial strength ratings, mobile accessibility, discounts offered and NAIC complaint indexes. Using this information, we issued each company a Bankrate Score ranging from 0.0 to 5.0. We hope you can use the information in this guide and our Bankrate Scores to evaluate carriers efficiently and find the best option for your auto insurance needs.

How much is car insurance in Washington, D.C.?

The average annual cost of full coverage car insurance in the U.S. is $2,014, while Washington, D.C., drivers pay an average of $2,072 annually for the same coverage. Minimum coverage is slightly cheaper, on average, in Washington, D.C., at $607 per year compared to the national average of $622 per year. This higher average full coverage rate in Washington, D.C., may be attributed, in part, to the region's high population density, which may lead to higher rates of accidents, theft and vandalism. 

Full coverage car insurance rates in Washington, D.C., are also higher than those in some surrounding areas. For instance, the average annual full coverage rate in Maryland is $1,971. In Virginia, the price difference is much more dramatic with a yearly full coverage premium of $1,439. Washington, D.C., is unique in that it is essentially one large metropolitan area, so the entire region sees the higher average rates we typically associate with big cities in other states.

Average annual premium for full coverage in Washington, D.C. Average annual premium for minimum coverage in Washington, D.C.
$2,072 $607

How to find the best car insurance in D.C.

The best auto insurance company in Washington, D.C., is likely different for everyone. However, some simple approaches may be used to help judge which insurer offers the best coverage for you and your unique situation.

Consider minimum insurance requirements in Washington, D.C.

When reviewing options for Washington, D.C., car insurance, the first step is often to become familiar with the required minimum liability limits and decide if they are enough to provide adequate coverage for you. Although some drivers may choose minimum coverage as a cost-saving measure, many insurance experts recommend purchasing higher coverage limits if your budget allows for it to ensure a broader level of financial protection for you and your vehicle. 

The Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) found that the average U.S. bodily injury claim totaled $22,734 in 2021. Since car accidents may result in tens of thousands of dollars (or more) in damage, carrying minimum limits could increase your risk of a hefty out-of-pocket expense if you’re at fault and the damages exceed the liability limits you have on your policy.

Consider lender requirements

If you are financing or leasing your vehicle, your lienholder will almost certainly require you to carry comprehensive and collision, otherwise known as full coverage. You will often also have a cap on your deductible amount for comprehensive and collision.

In addition to comprehensive and collision, those leasing their vehicles will generally have to carry liability insurance, possibly at a rate that is higher than the city's minimum requirements. 

Your lender is considered an additional interest when you are financing or leasing, meaning they have a financial interest in the well-being of your car. In other words, your lender technically owns your vehicle until you have paid off your loan (or throughout the duration of your lease, if applicable). As such, your lender likely wants to ensure that their investment is financially protected, and they typically do this by requiring certain types and levels of coverage.

Consider your individual needs

If you want the best car insurance in Washington, D.C., you may want to consider what optional coverage types (if any) you’d like to include on your auto policy. Although availability and eligibility may vary among companies, some popular coverage options include:

  • Gap insurance: If your insurance company deems your vehicle a total loss as the result of a covered incident, gap insurance is intended to pay off the balance of your loan if you owe more than what the vehicle is worth. This may occur as a result of an accident or non-recoverable theft.
  • Roadside assistance: If you break down and need a tow, lock yourself out of your car or need assistance changing a flat tire, emergency roadside assistance coverage may be able to help.
  • Rental reimbursement: Rental reimbursement coverage may pay or reimburse you for your rental car while your vehicle is repaired due to a covered claim.
  • New vehicle replacement: This endorsement may be useful if you have a car that is fairly new. Normally your insurer will pay you the depreciated value of your car if it's totaled in an accident, but with this add-on, you would receive enough to purchase a new car of the same make and model. 

Frequently asked questions

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