Drivers in Washington, D.C. pay around $2,885 a year for full coverage — about 7% over the national average. The District is an at-fault jurisdiction that mandates uninsured-motorist coverage on top of a 25/50/10 liability minimum. Here's the coverage you must carry, what residents pay, and how to find a cheaper rate.
Washington, D.C. is an at-fault (tort) jurisdiction that mandates uninsured-motorist coverage — both bodily injury and property damage — alongside its 25/50/10 liability minimum. Full coverage averages roughly $2,885 a year, about 7% over the national figure, driven by dense urban traffic, high vehicle density, and elevated theft and vandalism claims. Credit history is a permitted rating factor.
The coverages below are the minimum a driver must legally carry in Washington, D.C.. Source: Bankrate minimum-coverage requirements and state insurance department filings.
| Coverage | Minimum limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bodily injury liability | $25k / $50k | Per injured person / per crash |
| Property damage liability | $10k | Mandatory |
| Uninsured motorist (BI) | $25k / $50k | Compulsory in D.C. |
| Uninsured motorist (PD) | $5k | Mandatory (with deductible) |
Independent market estimates based on Bankrate's 2026 rate data and NAIC filings, shown against the U.S. average. Actual rates vary by ZIP, carrier, and individual profile.
| Coverage level | Est. annual premium | vs. U.S. avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage | $2,885/yr | 7% above U.S. | Comprehensive and collision included |
| Minimum coverage | Not published | — | Bankrate publishes no separate D.C. minimum average |
Estimates apply national rate-increase multipliers to Washington, D.C.'s full-coverage average. Approximate (“~”) figures multiply the state average by a national factor and will vary by carrier.
| Driver profile | Est. annual premium | vs. state avg. | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean record, 30–45 | ~$2,885/yr | Baseline | District full-coverage average |
| One at-fault accident | ~$4,126/yr | +43% | 2,885 × 1.43 per Bankrate |
| Speeding ticket | ~$3,577/yr | +24% | 2,885 × 1.24 per Bankrate |
| DUI on record | ~$5,424/yr | +88% | 2,885 × 1.88 per Bankrate |
| Young driver (18–24) | ~$5,770/yr | ≈2× | About double per Bankrate |
| Poor credit score | ~$4,905/yr | +70% | 2,885 × 1.70 per Bankrate |
ⓘ Source: Bankrate 2026 rate data and NAIC filings. Figures are independent estimates, not quotes. Verify pricing with a licensed agent or carrier.
The District's required UM coverage makes its minimum more protective than bare-liability jurisdictions, but the low $10,000 property-damage floor is easily exceeded in a city full of newer, higher-value vehicles. Urban theft and collision frequency keep full-coverage costs above average. With many carriers competing in a small footprint, the spread between quotes is wide — comparison shopping is the most effective way to find value.
Washington, D.C. lands modestly over the national average, with mandatory UM coverage built into the minimum. Weighing several carriers, tapping low-mileage discounts, and keeping your credit healthy are the best ways to hold a D.C. rate down.
Disclaimer: RateWire is an independent lead generation and comparison service. Rate figures for Washington, D.C. are independent market estimates compiled from publicly available Bankrate, NAIC, and state regulatory data — not quotes. Coverage requirements summarized here are for general information only and may change; always confirm current minimums with the Washington, D.C. insurance department. By submitting your ZIP code, you may be connected with licensed insurance agents or carriers who will provide actual quotes based on your individual profile. Always verify coverage terms and pricing directly with a licensed agent before purchasing.