Home / Car insurance / Washington, D.C.
Car insurance · rank #41 of 51 · July 2026

Average car insurance cost in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. sits in the pricier half of the country at #41 of 51, with average premiums about 17% above the national average — roughly $432 a year more than the typical American driver pays.

Full coverage, monthly$244 +17% vs US avg
Full coverage, annual$2,928
Minimum liability, monthly$101
Minimum liability, annual$1,212
U.S. average (full coverage)$208/mo
Washington, D.C. vs U.S. average+$432/yr
Fault systemAt-fault
Cost rank (1 = cheapest)#41 / 51
Paying more than the Washington, D.C. average?

The single most reliable way to cut your premium is comparing quotes — the gap between the cheapest and priciest carrier for the same coverage regularly exceeds $1,000 a year.

Compare car insurance quotes

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.

How Washington, D.C. compares with its neighbors

Crossing a state line changes your premium more than almost any other single factor. Here's full coverage in Washington, D.C. next to nearby states:

StateFull coverage /moDifference vs DC
Washington, D.C.$244
Maryland$211$33/mo
Virginia$169$75/mo

Washington, D.C. car insurance FAQ

How much is car insurance in Washington, D.C.?

Full-coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C. averages $244 per month ($2,928 per year). A state-minimum liability policy averages $101 per month ($1,212 per year). Your own rate depends on your age, record, vehicle, credit and ZIP code.

Is car insurance in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?

Yes. Washington, D.C.'s full-coverage average of $244/month is about 17% above the U.S. average of $208/month, ranking #41 of 51 (1 = cheapest).

Is Washington, D.C. a no-fault state?

No. Washington, D.C. is an at-fault (tort) state — the driver who causes an accident is responsible for the other party's injuries and property damage through their liability coverage.

How much cheaper is minimum coverage in Washington, D.C.?

Minimum liability in Washington, D.C. averages $101/month versus $244/month for full coverage — a gap of $143/month, or $1,716/year. Minimum coverage only pays for damage you cause to others; it will not repair or replace your own car.

Paying more than the Washington, D.C. average?

The single most reliable way to cut your premium is comparing quotes — the gap between the cheapest and priciest carrier for the same coverage regularly exceeds $1,000 a year.

Compare car insurance quotes

We may earn a commission if you request quotes through this link. It costs you nothing and never affects the data we publish.