Auto Insurance in Washington DC

Auto Insurance in Washington DC

Like almost every state in America, the District of Columbia requires its drivers to obtain or maintain liability auto insurance that meets a minimum coverage standard. Drivers also are required to understand what constitutes valid proof of insurance and to carry it in their vehicle at all times. If you are pulled over by law enforcement or are involved in an accident, it is a certainty that you will be asked to show an insurance card that was issued by your insurance provider. This card must contain the following information:

- The name of the insured driver
- Effective dates of coverage
- Policy number

You can be cited by law enforcement for simply forgetting to carry proof of insurance. Mandatory liability insurance and proof of insurance apply to all drivers in Washington DC, even if the driver and vehicle are from another state.

Minimum Liability Auto Insurance in Washington DC

In order to meet the minimum standard for liability auto insurance in Washington DC, your policy must be able to cover at least:

- $25,000 bodily injury per person
- $50,000 total bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 total property damage per accident

You might think this level of coverage would be sufficient for any kind of accident, but most experts would agree that is not the case. In order to achieve full financial protection against all likely types of accidents, you should consider looking for coverage that goes beyond the amounts required by your state. If you want to find a great deal in your area, just enter your zip code on this page.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Auto Insurance in Washington DC

UM/UIM insurance is required in the District of Columbia. Just like liability insurance, there are some minimum standards that apply:

- $25,000 per person uninsured motorist bodily injury
- $50,000 per accident uninsured motorist coverage
- $5,000 in uninsured motorist property damage coverage (subject to a $200 deductible)

No-Fault Auto Insurance in Washington DC

District of Columbia drivers are not required to carry any form of no-fault auto insurance.

Personal Injury Protection (PIP)

Personal injury protection is a common form of no-fault car insurance. It is not required by law.

SR-22 Requirements

If you have been convicted of driving without insurance, without proof of insurance, or for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, it is likely that the District of Columbia will require you to file an SR-22 with the DMV. This document shows you have obtained minimum auto insurance in Washington DC.

DWI Penalties

Drivers in the District of Columbia face some penalties upon conviction on a DUI charge. The first offense will earn:

- 90 days maximum jail time
- Fine of between $300 to $1,000
- 6 month drivers license suspension

Additional Information about Auto Insurance in Washington DC

The District of Columbia Department of Insurance and Securities Regulation website at www.disb.dc.gov will have any further information you may require. You also can call them at (202) 727-8000.

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