District Of Columbia Auto Insurance - (DC)

Depending on your state, your auto insurance regulations might be different from your neighbor’s. Changes in liability coverage, required documentation and penalties vary from state to state. But did you know that non-Washington D.C. residents have insurance obligations to the District, too? If you’re planning on driving in our nation’s capital, be sure you know the laws. No matter your state of residence, it’s important to know the laws where you drive.

Auto Insurance Regulations in Washington D.C.

• All registered vehicles must be insured: If you have a vehicle and that will be operated in the District of Columbia, you must have valid auto insurance.
• Get your insurance first: You must present proof of insurance before you can register or renew a car’s registration. And when your coverage is canceled, you must surrender your tags to the District or be subject to fines and penalties.
• The law applies to all drivers: Even if you’re officially a resident of another jurisdiction, you must abide the District of Coumbia’s insurance laws. The Metropolitan Police Department will issue you a citation if you don’t have proof of insurance, regardless of where you live. The MPD will enforce the proof of insurance law and fine you $30.
• Keep your policy current: You will be fined $150 if you have an insurance coverage lapse from 1 to 30 days. If it’s more than a month, the District of Columbia will fine an additional $7 per day (up to $2,500 per tag).
• Minimum liability insurance is required: For the District of Columbia, you must carry at least $10,000 in property damage liability, $25,000 in third-party liability ($50,000 per accident), $25,000 in uninsured motorist bodily injury ($50,000 per accident), and $5,000 uninsured motorist property damage liability.

Consumer Tips

No matter if you’re driving in Washington state or Washington D.C., insurance regulations mandate minimum coverage. Most experts agree that state minimums are only the beginning. The $10,000 required coverage for property damage in Washington D.C. should probably be much higher — some say up to $1 million — to receive comprehensive coverage.

Remember that your liability coverage is the absolute maximum your insurance company will pay in the event of an accident. If you are deemed responsible for $75,000, but only have $25,000 covered by your policy, you are responsible to pay for the remaining $50,000.

Consider purchasing auto and homeowner policies under the same insurer to save money on your premiums.

Consumers who make educated decisions about big purchases such as insurance can save money in the long run. Always get competitive quotes and do research before settling on a policy.

Department Of District Of Columbia (DC) State Government That Regulates Auto Insurance:
Web Site: disb.dc.gov/disr/site

How To Contact Directly:
Dept. of Insurance, Securities and Banking
John A. Wilson Building
1350 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20004
Phone: 1-202-727-8000

District Of Columbia (DC) Mandatory Auto Insurance Minimums

• Liability: 25/50/10 = Bodily Injury Individual/Bodily Injury Total Per Accident/Property Damage
• Other Mandatory Insurance: Uninsured Motorist
• Regulations Regarding Proof of Insurance: Proof Required - When Obtaining Registration
• Penalties For Not Carrying Mandatory Insurance: Fine up to $500 and jail term up to 30 days

How To File A Complaint About An Insurer: