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 $825 per year for minimum coverage and $2,719 per year for full coverage. This is on par with the average annual cost of car insurance in the U.S., which is $678 for minimum coverage and $2,458 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 $69 for minimum coverage and $227 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:

• Consider bundling: Bundling is when you purchase more than one policy from the same company. This is usually home plus auto, but may include other types of insurance as well, such as renters or life insurance. Most major insurers offer a discount on both policies when you bundle.
• Gather multiple quotes: When looking for the cheapest car insurance in Washington, D.C., it can be helpful to ask for quotes for the same types and levels of coverage from more than one potential insurer. The quotes are likely to vary, since every insurer determines rates differently, and can then choose the most reasonable one for your coverage.
• Take advantage of discounts: Almost all major insurers offer a handful of discounts to their policyowners, and many of them are easy to qualify for. Just by agreeing to receive your policy documents digitally rather than via postal mail may earn you one, for example. An increasingly popular discount can be earned if you sign up for your insurer's telematics program, which rewards safe drivers with a sometimes significant discount.
• Increase your deductible: If you have full coverage, which includes optional collision and comprehensive insurance, you have a deductible. Increasing this is likely to result in a lower premium cost. Just be careful not to increase to a level that you'd have difficulty paying if you were to file a claim.

Frequently asked questions