Washington, D.C. auto insurance: what you need to know
If you're looking for the best cheap car insurance in D.C., read on for useful data and information from The Zebra's insurance experts.
Find affordable insurance that works for you in Washington, D.C. Compare quotes from over 100 top companies.
If you're looking for the best cheap car insurance in D.C., read on for useful data and information from The Zebra's insurance experts.
Rank | Company Name | Avg. Annual Premium |
---|---|---|
1 | USAA | $997 |
2 | GEICO | $1,747 |
3 | State Farm | $2,093 |
4 | Progressive | $2,352 |
5 | Allstate | $4,159 |
We compiled in-depth data from Washington D.C., and organized it below to help you find affordable auto insurance in the nation's capital. Shopping for car insurance should be easy — that way you can spend more time on the things you enjoy.
We'll cover a few primary rating factors and topics below, including:
The District of Columbia has premiums that are relatively consistent with the national average, as they are within $37 of one another. Let's compare car insurance costs in Washington versus premiums across the nation.
D.C. Average | National Average |
$1,463 | $1,427 |
People with Very Poor credit (300-579) pay an average of 2.4x more every year for car insurance than those with Exceptional credit (800-850). The most notable benefit of better credit comes from improving from Very Poor (300-579) to Fair (580-669), by which drivers can save an average of $611 per year.
Credit Quality | Average Car Insurance Rate |
Very Poor | $3,213 |
Fair | $2,545 |
Good | $1,934 |
Very Good | $1,535 |
Exceptional | $1,344 |
Looking across all age groups, drivers in their 50s have the lowest premiums. Their rates usually average $1,352 per year. Teenage drivers have the highest rates amongst all the age groups. They have car insurance payments that average $5,750. The greatest dip in premiums for Washington drivers happens when they hit their 20s. Once out of the teenage age bracket, individuals save, on average, $3,787 annually. Turning 60 causes an increase in rates, but until that age, drivers can expect premium reductions when they progress from one age group to the next.
Age | Average Rate |
Teenagers | $5,750 |
20s | $1,963 |
30s | $1,439 |
40s | $1,426 |
50s | $1,352 |
60s | $1,420 |
70s | $1,815 |
In Washington, several driver attributes, including marital status and gender, can play a part in car insurance premiums. Being single can cost you 5% more per year compared to being married. Rates for those who are widowed are moderately cheaper than rates for those who are single. Premiums are more costly for women. Women usually pay 2% more than men each year for insurance.
Marital Status/Gender | Average Rate |
Female | $1,487 |
Male | $1,463 |
Single | $1,463 |
Married | $1,395 |
Divorced | $1,463 |
Widowed | $1,414 |
If you receive a ticket, your auto insurance rates may rise. By how much depends on the type of violation, your car insurance company's pricing standards, and differing local insurance risks and regulations. That's why tickets may have a different impact on insurance in your state compared to the national average.
Below is a look at car insurance costs in Washington, D.C. after some common violations. Learn more about auto insurance regulations in Washington, D.C.
Violation | Avg. Annual Auto Insurance Rate | % Insurance Rate Increase | $ Insurance Rate Increase |
Hit and Run | $2,526 | 69% | $1,031 |
Refused Breathalyzer/Chemical Test | $2,450 | 64% | $955 |
DUI | $2,450 | 64% | $955 |
Racing | $2,001 | 34% | $506 |
Reckless Driving | $2,221 | 49% | $726 |
Driving with a Suspended License | $2,361 | 58% | $866 |
At-Fault Accident | $2,092 | 40% | $596 |
Driving with an Open Container | $1,737 | 16% | $242 |
Operating a Vehicle Without Permission | $1,808 | 21% | $313 |
Passing a School Bus | $1,868 | 25% | $373 |
Improper Passing | $1,778 | 19% | $283 |
Following Too Closely | $1,778 | 19% | $283 |
Speeding | $1,782 | 19% | $286 |
Failure to Stop at a Red Light | $1,778 | 19% | $283 |
Illegal Turn | $1,778 | 19% | $283 |
Driving Wrong Way/Wrong Lane | $1,778 | 19% | $283 |
Failure to Yield | $1,778 | 19% | $283 |
Speeding in a School Zone | $1,766 | 18% | $271 |
Driving Too Slowly | $1,766 | 18% | $271 |
Distracted Driving | $1,758 | 18% | $263 |
Driving with Expired Registration | $1,676 | 12% | $181 |
Failure to Show Documents | $1,676 | 12% | $181 |
Not-at-Fault Accident | $1,540 | 3% | $44 |
Failure to Use Child Safety Restraint | $1,496 | 0% | $0 |
Failure to Wear a Seat Belt | $1,496 | 0% | $0 |
Driving Without Lights | $1,496 | 0% | $0 |