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Washington D.C., Car Insurance

The unique mix of historic neighborhoods, bustling urban streets and heavy commuter traffic in the nation's capital means that accidents can happen at any time, regardless of your destination. Washington, D.C., drivers should ensure they have adequate car insurance coverage that meets their specific needs and provides financial protection in the event of unexpected accidents.

Amica offers customized Washington, D.C., car insurance quotes that allow you to tailor your coverage with comprehensive protection backed by personalized service. Don't settle for a one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to protecting yourself and your family on the road. Instead, take the time to get a customized quote that meets your unique coverage needs.

Auto insurance requirements in Washington, D.C.

In Washington, D.C., drivers are required to carry the following minimum liability coverage limits for auto insurance:

  • Bodily Injury Liability Coverage:
    • $25,000 per person
    • $50,000 per accident
  • Property Damage Liability Coverage:
    • $10,000 per accident

Bodily injury liability coverage: Provides financial protection for causing bodily harm to others in an auto accident. It includes medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and rehabilitation costs. If you're sued, your policy may also pay legal defense costs. Coverage is subject to policy limits and exclusions.

Property damage liability coverage: Coverage for damage you cause to someone else's property in an auto accident where you’re at fault. This includes the costs of repairing or replacing the other party's vehicle, as well as any other damaged property, such as fences or other structures. Additionally, your policy may help with legal fees if you’re sued for the property damage you caused. Coverage is subject to certain limitations and exclusions.

In addition to the minimum liability coverage requirements, Washington, D.C., mandates coverages for uninsured motorist bodily injury and uninsured motorist property damage, with the following minimum limits:

  • Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage:
    • $25,000 per person
    • $50,000 per accident
  • Uninsured Motorist Property Damage:
    • $5,000 per accident with a $200 deductible

Uninsured/underinsured motorist bodily injury coverage: Provides protection if you're injured in an accident caused by a driver who’s uninsured or doesn't have enough coverage to pay for your medical bills and other expenses.

Uninsured motorist property damage coverage: Helps protect your vehicle if it’s damaged in an accident caused by an uninsured driver or by a hit-and-run driver who cannot be identified.

It's important to understand that these are just the minimum requirements, and Washington, D.C., drivers may choose higher coverage limits for added protection. 

Additional Washington, D.C. car insurance coverage

Opting for additional auto insurance coverage beyond Washington, D.C.-mandated minimums can provide invaluable protection in various scenarios. It's not only a wise choice for safeguarding your finances and assets, but may be required coverage if you lease or finance your car. Here are some additional coverages you might consider:

  • Comprehensive (other than collision): Provides coverage for damage to your vehicle caused by things other than a collision. Includes damage from falling trees or rocks kicked up by other cars.
  • Collision coverage: Coverage for repairs to your vehicle if it's damaged in a collision with another vehicle or object, regardless of fault.
  • Personal injury protection (PIP): Coverage pays for medical expenses and lost wages if you or your passengers are injured in an accident, regardless of fault. Includes funeral expenses and loss of services.
  • Rental reimbursement: If your vehicle is damaged in an accident and needs repairs, rental reimbursement coverage pays for transportation costs. Coverage includes rental cars, ridesharing or public transportation like trains, taxis and buses.
  • Auto/loan lease coverage: Coverage for the difference between what you owe on your loan or lease and the current value of your vehicle if it's totaled in a covered accident.
  • Towing and labor coverage: Provides roadside assistance 24/7 for issues you may face on the road like changing flat tires, jumping dead batteries, towing your car, unlocking car doors, and getting your car unstuck from mud or snow.
  • Repairing or replacing auto glass: Provides coverage for repair or replacement of your windshield, windows and other auto glass, without a deductible.

Understanding rate factors for Washington, D.C., auto insurance

There are several factors that impact auto insurance in Washington, D.C., including individual circumstances, weather patterns, location and more. Consider these points:

  • Driving history: Your individual driving record significantly impacts insurance premiums. Drivers in Washington, D.C., with a history of accidents or traffic violations typically face higher rates, while those with clean records may have lower rates.
  • Coverage options and limits: The types and amounts of coverage you choose affect premiums. Opting for the minimum coverage requirements in Washington, D.C., tends to be more affordable, whereas adding optional coverages with higher limits increases premiums.
  • Vehicle type: The make and model of your vehicle can influence Washington, D.C., car insurance rates. Factors such as safety ratings, repair costs and the likelihood of theft contribute to premium calculations.
  • Claims in Washington, D.C.: Insurance rates may be influenced by the frequency and severity of claims filed in Washington, D.C. Higher rates of accidents, theft or other incidents may lead to higher premiums for all drivers in the area.

It's important to know that auto rates change over time for a number of reasons. Some of those reasons, like your driving record and claim history, are within your control, while others, like industry repair rates and claim frequency in your area, are not. If your auto rates increase, you may be able to mitigate the increase by adjusting your coverage or deductible, or qualifying for policy discounts.

Save more with Washington, D.C., car insurance discounts

Amica offers various auto insurance discounts to Washington, D.C., policyholders save money on their premiums. Here are some ways you can save:

  • Discounts for family
    • Young driver training: We have discounts for drivers under 21 who complete an accredited driver training program.
    • Good student: Policies with full-time high school or college students, ages 15-25, with a “B” average or higher are eligible for our Good Student Discount.
  • Discounts for how you drive
    • Accident-free: Get an auto insurance discount when you’ve been claim-free for the past three years.
    • Defensive driver training: Taking an approved driver safety course can earn you a discount.
  • Discounts for your car’s systems
    • Anti-theft: We’ll reward you for keeping your car safe and secure with anti-theft devices, like car alarms and GPS tracking systems.
    • Passive restraints: If your car is equipped with passive restraints, like airbags, you may be eligible for a discount.
  • Discounts for how you pay
    • AutoPay: Simplify your payment experience with AutoPay to earn even more savings.
    • Paperless: Get a discount when you sign up to receive policy documents and bills electronically.
    • Paid in full: Save money when you pay the entire balance of your Washington, D.C., policy premium up front.

If you're a Washington, D.C., driver in need of both auto and home insurance coverage, it's worth exploring options for bundling policies to maximize your savings. When you bundle auto and home insurance with Amica, you can save up to 20% with a multiline discount.

Facts and figures about Washington, D.C.

Fun facts about Washington, D.C.:

  • Washington, D.C., has more than 70 museums.2
  • Washington, D.C., isn't part of any state – it’s a federal district created to serve as the nation’s capital.3
  • John Adams, not George Washington, was the first president to live in Washington, D.C.2

Facts about driving in Washington D.C.:

  • If you’re familiar with Washington, D.C., you’ll know that the streets are lettered in alphabetical order. You may not know that J Street is missing.4
  • Washington, D.C., was built on a grid system consisting of one-ways roads, which contributes to the city’s infamous rush hour traffic.4
  • Washington, D.C., is divided into quadrants, Northeast, Northwest, Southeast and Southwest, which are included in the address.4

How to get car insurance in Washington, D.C.

We’re here to guide you through the process of personalizing your car insurance in Washington, D.C. Here’s how to secure your policy in three easy steps:

  1. Assess your coverage needs: 

    An Amica representative can provide personalized guidance and help you navigate your options to find the right coverage for your needs. 

  2. Discover potential discounts:

    A representative can also assist you in exploring potential discounts or cost-saving measures available to Washington, D.C., drivers based on your unique circumstances.

  3. Get a quote:

    Amica offers convenient options for getting a quote. You can either get a car insurance quote online or call 800-242-6422 today to speak with a representative.

With Amica, Washington, D.C., drivers can hit the road with confidence, knowing they’re prepared for any situation that may arise.

Get an auto insurance quote

or call 833-513-3881

1 Discounts not available in all states and may vary.
2 10 Fun Facts About Washington DC: How Well Do You Know Your City?
3 21 Facts You Never Knew About Washington, D.C.
4 Driving in DC: A Crash Course on the Grid System

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