District Of Columbia Auto Insurance Quotes

If you're shopping for District of Columbia auto insurance, you need accurate information and price quotes to help you get the best policy. You're in the right place. Here, you'll find updated information on the insurance requirements for the District of Columbia and you have access to price quotes from several insurance carriers authorized to do business in Washington, D.C. Keep this information in mind as you search for an auto insurance carrier so that you can find the best policy for your vehicle.

District of Columbia Auto Insurance Minimums

District of Columbia requires that all drivers maintain liability coverage on any registered vehicle.  The liability minimums are $25,000 for bodily injuries for one person in an accident; $50,000 for all bodily injuries in one accident; and $10,000 for property damage liability.  District of Columbia also requires that motorists purchase uninsured motorist coverage that will cover your expenses if you get into an accident with a driver who is uninsured.  The policy minimums for uninsured motorist coverage are $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident for bodily injuries and $5,000 for property damage caused by a driver with no insurance or inadequate insurance.  The property damage coverage is subject to a $200 deductible.

District of Columbia Tort System

The District of Columbia uses the tort system when determining who is responsible for paying expenses after an accident.  Twelve states, along with Puerto Rico, follow the no-fault system, which makes insurance companies responsible for paying the expenses of a insured driver even if that driver was not at fault for their accident.  The tort system makes the driver who caused the accident responsible for paying the other driver's expenses.  The driver who is at fault for an accident may also be sued civilly for things like pain and suffering and lost wages. 

District of Columbia Proof of Insurance and Insurance Penalties

All drivers in the District of Columbia are required to carry proof of insurance and must present this proof to law enforcement officers if they are pulled over.  Proof of insurance is defined as any document issued by an insurance company that lists information such as the name of the insurance company, name of the insured, policy number, and period of coverage for the policy.  If a motorist cannot provide proof of insurance, they will be cited and fined $30.  This fine applies to any driver who does not provide proof of insurance, regardless of where their vehicle is registered.

If the required insurance is not maintained continuously for a vehicle, the registration tags and reciprocity sticker will be suspended.  The fine for a lapse in insurance coverage is $150 for a lapse of 1 to 30 days and $7 per day for each additional uninsured day.  It is important to maintain the required insurance coverage so that your vehicle registration remains in good standing and you do not have to pay costly penalties.