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In Washington, D.C., CSAA, Erie, and State Farm stand out as affordable car insurance providers.
Full-coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C., averages $307 per month. The national average sits at $186. Your actual premium depends on multiple factors including your age, driving history, and where you live in the District. Getting quotes from several insurance companies remains the most reliable way to determine your specific rate.
We've analyzed the most affordable car insurance options in Washington, D.C., across different coverage types, driver profiles, and insurance carriers.
Affordable full-coverage car insurance in Washington, D.C.
In Washington, D.C., full-coverage insurance averages $307 monthly. This compares to the national average of $186. Among the cheapest car insurance providers in the District are CSAA, Erie, and State Farm.
| Average monthly full coverage cost | |
| Washington, D.C., average | $307 |
| National average | $186 |
| CSAA | $157 |
| Erie | $288 |
| State Farm | $310 |
| USAA | $318 |
Affordable liability-only car insurance in Washington, D.C.
For most affordable liability car insurance providers in Washington, D.C., CSAA, Erie, and Progressive lead the pack.
Liability-only coverage in Washington, D.C., costs an average of $217 monthly, compared to the national average of $104.
| Average monthly liability-only cost | |
| Washington, D.C., average | $217 |
| National average | $104 |
| CSAA | $89 |
| Erie | $197 |
| Progressive | $185 |
| State Farm | $212 |
Cheap car insurance in Washington, D.C., by age
Age plays a major role in insurance premium variations. Car insurance for teens typically commands the highest rates, with policies for Washington, D.C., teens averaging $440 monthly for full coverage due to limited driving experience.
Premiums decline as drivers enter their 20s, averaging $353 per month for full coverage. The trend continues into the 30s and 40s, with monthly full coverage costs averaging $317 and $311, respectively.
Rates can increase again for drivers reaching their 60s and beyond, though not always. In Washington, D.C., seniors typically pay $288 monthly for full coverage in their 60s and $284 per month in their 70s.
These age-related differences reflect the varying risk profiles for each demographic, with inexperienced younger drivers and older drivers facing higher rates due to perceived risk factors.
| Age group | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
| Teens | $440 | $311 |
| 20s | $353 | $250 |
| 30s | $317 | $224 |
| 40s | $311 | $220 |
| 50s | $288 | $204 |
| 60s | $288 | $204 |
| 70s | $284 | $200 |
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Cheap car insurance in Washington, D.C., for high-risk drivers
Having a bad driving record typically results in higher car insurance premiums. Here are Washington, D.C.'s, average costs for drivers with an accident, speeding ticket, or DUI on their record.
| Violation | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
| Accident | $439 | $310 |
| Speeding ticket | $411 | $291 |
| DUI | $494 | $349 |
Compare low-cost car insurance after an accident
For Washington, D.C., drivers with an accident on their record, CSAA, Erie, and State Farm provide affordable car insurance options. The average monthly full-coverage premium for these drivers is $439.
| Company | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
| CSAA | $230 | $130 |
| Erie | $389 | $266 |
| State Farm | $420 | $288 |
Average rate:
Compare low-cost car insurance after a speeding ticket
Washington, D.C., drivers with a speeding ticket can find affordable car insurance through CSAA, Erie, and State Farm. Full coverage for drivers with a speeding ticket averages $411 monthly.
| Company | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
| CSAA | $205 | $116 |
| Erie | $390 | $267 |
| State Farm | $402 | $275 |
Compare low-cost car insurance after DUI conviction
Washington, D.C., drivers with a DUI can secure affordable full-coverage car insurance from CSAA, Erie, and State Farm. Full coverage for drivers with a DUI averages $494 monthly.
| Company | Average monthly full coverage cost | Average monthly liability-only cost |
| CSAA | $241 | $137 |
| Erie | $438 | $300 |
| State Farm | $476 | $325 |
Cheap car insurance in Washington, D.C., by credit score
Washington, D.C., drivers with excellent credit pay an average of $257 monthly for full coverage. Drivers with poor credit face significantly higher premiums, starting at $346 per month.
This rate variation demonstrates how credit scores influence insurance pricing, with poor credit leading to elevated premiums due to insurers' assessment of payment risk.
| Credit score | Average monthly cost of full coverage | Average monthly cost of liability-only |
| Excellent | $257 | $182 |
| Good | $295 | $208 |
| Average | $327 | $231 |
| Poor | $346 | $244 |
FAQs
Why is car insurance so expensive in Washington, D.C.?
High insurance costs in the nation's capital stem from multiple District-specific risk factors that insurers weigh heavily when calculating premiums. The metropolitan area's severe traffic congestion creates frequent accident conditions, while its compact geography means higher vehicle density and limited parking, which can increase theft and vandalism rates.
The District also experiences a high cost of living that extends to vehicle repairs and medical expenses, plus the concentration of expensive vehicles on D.C.'s roads means property damage claims are likely to be significantly higher than other areas.
Can I get cheaper car insurance in Washington, D.C., after a DUI?
No, a DUI conviction in Washington, D.C. — as with anywhere else — typically increases insurance premiums. District drivers with DUIs may also need to file an SR-22 certificate of financial responsibility (or equivalent document), which most insurers charge a fee to process on your behalf.
How can I lower my car insurance costs in Washington, D.C.?
District drivers have several strategies available to them to reduce premiums despite the challenging urban insurance market, starting with bundling home or renters insurance with your auto policy to receive discounts.
Shopping around and comparing quotes from multiple insurers proves especially valuable in the District because pricing varies dramatically between companies for identical coverage due to different risk assessment models. Take advantage of available discounts like good student, defensive driving course completion, or multi-vehicle policy discounts that can generate meaningful savings over time.
Bottom line
Although these companies rank among Washington, D.C.'s, most affordable options, they may not necessarily offer you the lowest rate. Obtaining quotes from several of the best car insurance companies and comparing them based on both cost and service quality remains your best strategy for finding the right coverage.
Data throughout provided by Insurify.
Average rate:
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