Washington, D.C. drivers are required to carry a car insurance policy, but finding the best car insurance for your needs can feel daunting. Reviews.com is here to help. Our insurance editorial team analyzed the Washington, D.C. car insurance market to help you find the right company for your situation.
The 4 Best Car Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
To begin our search for the best car insurance companies in the nation’s capital, we started by obtaining 2021 average rates from Bankrate.com. In addition to reviewing each company’s prices, we also looked at coverages, discounts, and third-party scores. We found these four companies to be among the best in D.C.:
- Erie: Best for Low Rates
- Geico: Best for Discounts
- State Farm: Best for Local Agents
- USAA: Best for Military-Centric Options
Compare the Best Car Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
While we chose these companies as the best based on our research, it’s important to know that the best company for you may not be on this list. You may be looking for a certain feature or have particular needs to consider, so it’s always best to shop around and compare companies.
| AVERAGE ANNUAL MINIMUM COVERAGE PREMIUM* | AVERAGE ANNUAL FULL COVERAGE PREMIUM* | AM BEST AM Best rates insurance providers creditworthiness. Ratings are based on the provider’s ability to follow through with a payout when a consumer files a claim. | J.D. POWER** J.D. Power scores are based on surveys for customer satisfaction and product quality. | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pin Erie | $438 | $1,212 | A+ | 867 | |
| Pin Geico | $466 | $1,420 | A++ | 834 | |
| Pin State Farm | $906 | $1,994 | A++ | 851 | |
| Pin USAA | $383 | $876 | A++ | 881** |
Information accurate as of July 2022
*Premium data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power 2022 Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially rated due to eligibility restrictions.
Best for Low Rates
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Highest official J.D. Power rating in the Mid-Atlantic region
- Low average full coverage premium
- Numerous add-on coverages and several discounts
Cons
- Not available nationwide
- Fewer digital tools than some competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Home
- Mobile home
- Life
- Business
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Safe driving
- Car safety equipment
- Reduced usage
- Young drivers
Best for Discounts
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Average premiums are lower than the district’s average
- Superior AM Best financial strength
- Numerous discounts
Cons
- Few coverage options
- Few local offices
- Lower-than-average J.D. Power score
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Home
- Renters
- Motorcycle/ATV
- Boat
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Membership and employee
- Military
- Emergency deployment
- New vehicle
Best for Local Agents
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Local agents available
- Superior AM Best financial strength
- Numerous discounts available
Cons
- Fewer add-on coverages than many competitors
- Higher-than-average premiums
- Higher-than-average overall NAIC complaint index
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- Condo
- Personal articles
- Business
- Life
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Drive Safe & Save program
- Steer Clear program
- Student away at school
- Driver training
Best for Military-Centric Options
WHY WE CHOSE IT
Why we chose it
Pros
- Low average rates
- Superior AM Best financial strength
- Higher-than-average J.D. Power customer satisfaction score
Cons
- Strict eligibility requirements
- Very few branch locations
- Fewer advertised discounts when compared to some competitors
OTHER POLICIES OFFERED
- RV and motorhome
- Classic and collector car
- Home
- Landlord
STANDOUT DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
- Clean driving record
- Good student
- Military installation
- Newer vehicle
*Premium data provided by Bankrate.com
**J.D. Power 2022 Auto Insurance Satisfaction Study for the Mid-Atlantic region. Based on a 1,000-point scale. USAA is not officially rated due to eligibility restrictions.
The Average Cost of Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.
The average cost of car insurance in Washington, D.C., is $1,855 per year for a full coverage policy and $704 for a minimum coverage policy, according to 2021 data from Bankrate.com. For comparison, the national average car insurance premium is $1,674 for a full coverage policy and $565 for a minimum coverage policy. In general, D.C. drivers pay more for car insurance than they would in some other areas of the country, but there are still ways to save, like considering the car insurance company you choose.
Top 3 Cheapest Car Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| USAA | $876 |
| Erie | $1,212 |
| Geico | $1,420 |
* Data from Bankrate.com
Top 3 Most Expensive Car Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
| Company | Average Annual Full Coverage Premium* |
| Allstate | $3,732 |
| State Farm | $1,994 |
| Nationwide | $1,985 |
* Data from Bankrate.com
Key Things to Know About Car Insurance in Washington, D.C.
Before you purchase car insurance in Washington, D.C., it’s important to understand the unique insurance laws and risks in your area. This can help you decide what type of coverage and how much coverage you might need.
Washington, D.C. Car Insurance Requirements
Almost every state requires car insurance, but the exact requirements are different. In Washington D.C., drivers are required to carry a policy with at least these coverage types and limits:
- $25,000 bodily injury liability per person
- $50,000 bodily injury liability per accident
- $10,000 property damage liability per accident
- $25,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per person
- $50,000 uninsured motorist bodily injury per accident
- $5,000 uninsured motorist property damage per person ($200 deductible)
Licensed insurance agents may suggest that you buy higher limits for greater financial protection, though, so if you are unsure of what coverage amount to choose it’s best to contact an insurance company or agent to review your coverage needs.
Car Insurance Coverage Options
In addition to liability and uninsured motorist coverage, you may want to consider these optional coverage types:
- Collision insurance: Collision insurance pays for repairs to your vehicle after situations where you collide with something, like another vehicle or an object. This coverage is considered part of full coverage and is usually required if your vehicle is financed or leased.
- Comprehensive insurance: Comprehensive insurance pays to repair your car’s damages after a non-collision incident, like a fire, flood, falling object damage, theft, or vandalism. This is also part of full coverage and is usually required by lenders.
- Roadside assistance: Roadside assistance can help you pay for the cost of roadside services like towing, tire changes, and battery jumps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
Reviews.com reviews products, services, and companies based on five criteria to help readers understand how companies compare based on similar metrics. For the best car insurance companies, our editorial team compared affordability, customer support, coverage options, customer satisfaction scores, and online resources from each company to determine the top providers.
As for average pricing, we used Bankrate.com’s 2021 data of car insurance in Washington, D.C., based on the profiles of a 40-year male and female. For full coverage, the details used were the following:
- $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 2019 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.
About the Authors
Cate Deventer is a writer and licensed insurance agent. She has a Bachelor’s degree in theatre and is currently pursuing a degree in English with a concentration in professional and technical writing from Indiana University East. Her work has been featured on Reviews.com and Bankrate.com, and she’s passionate about helping people take charge of their finances. In her free time, she likes to read thrillers and sci-fi novels, garden, and toss tennis balls for her dog.
