Last updated: January 5, 2026Best Car Insurance in Washington, D.C. in 2026
Erie, GEICO, Progressive, Chubb, and Allstate are our top car insurance picks for drivers in the nation’s capital.
Cheapest
Editor's Rating:
5/5
5/5Full Coverage Averages in D.C.
- Annual Premium: $1,769
- Monthly Premium: $147
Best for Federal Workers
Editor's Rating:4.2/5
4.2/5Full Coverage Averages in D.C.
- Annual Premium: $1,815
- Monthly Premium: $151
Best for High-Risk
Editor's Rating:4.7/5
4.7/5Full Coverage Averages in D.C.
- Annual Premium: $2,218
- Monthly Premium: $185
On top of nationwide car insurance increases due to inflation and higher claim rates, car insurance is becoming more expensive in Washington, D.C., due to unprecedented auto theft surges. Between 2022 and 2024, motor vehicle theft grew by 39 percent in the nation’s capital, increasing from 3,684 to 5,139.1 Higher theft rates are linked to an increase in the number of claims insurers have to fulfill, turning fairly popular vehicles — like Honda Civics, Kias, and Hyundais — into high-risk vehicles.2 And if you live in a zip code with high theft rates, your car insurance rates will be higher.
Even with the recent insurance cost hikes, you can employ several strategies to find insurance in D.C. at a reasonable cost. Below we’ll help you find the best coverage options and cheapest rates based on your needs and driving profile.
Average Annual Premium in Washington, D.C.
Auto Insurance in the capital city is $2,456 annually on average. That’s nearly the same as the national average ($2,399), and you can expect that number to steadily increase in 2025, as it will for the rest of the country.3
Average Rate in D.C. Compared to Surrounding Cities
Washington, D.C., is one of the most densely populated areas in the U.S., making it more likely for accidents and auto theft to occur compared to the surrounding areas. Arlington offers the cheapest rates in the area ($1,791 annually), while College Park is the most expensive on average ($2,446 annually).
| City | Monthly average premium | Annual average premium |
|---|---|---|
| Arlington, VA | $149 | $1,791 |
| Alexandria, VA | $160 | $1,918 |
| Fairfax, VA | $170 | $2,035 |
| Potomac, MD | $170 | $2,045 |
| Baltimore, MD | $184 | $2,210 |
| College Park, MD | $204 | $2,456 |
| Washington, D.C. | $205 | $2,456 |
Best Auto Insurance Companies in Washington
- Erie – Best Cheap
Regional provider Erie is the eighth-largest provider in D.C. With an average annual rate of $1,769 for full coverage, it’s the cheapest provider among our top picks, on average. - GEICO – Best for Federal Workers
GEICO is one of the only car insurers that advertises a discount for federal workers. If you’re one of the thousands of government employees in D.C., you can take advantage of GEICO’s unique federal discount. - Progressive – Best for High-Risk Drivers
If you have a DUI, low credit score, history of insurance lapses, or another high-risk designation, Progressive will offer the best rates on average. On top of affordable insurance for high-risk drivers, Progressive has robust coverage options and over 80 years in business.
Comparison of the Best Auto Insurance Companies in Washington, D.C.
| Feature | Erie | GEICO | Progressive | Chubb | Allstate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full coverage annual average in D.C. | $1,769 | $1,815 | $2,218 | $2,090 | $4,141 |
| Minimum coverage annual average in D.C. | $748 | $918 | $1,221 | $431 | $1,999 |
| Mid-Atlantic Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking out of 1,000 (J.D. Power)4 | 706 | 643 | 625 | N/A | 632 |
| Best for | Drivers on a budget | Government employees | High-risk drivers | People who want minimum liability | People who drive for a rideshare service |
| Agents in Washington, D.C. | 8 | 1 | 7 | N/A | 7 |
| Review | Erie review | GEICO review | Progressive review | N/A | Allstate review |
Summary of the Best Auto Insurance in Washington, D.C.
- Best Cheap Car Insurance: Erie
- Best for Federal Workers: GEICO
- Best for High-Risk Drivers: Progressive
- Best for Minimum Liability: Chubb
- Best for Rideshare Drivers: Allstate
Detailed List of the Best Auto Insurance in Washington, D.C.
1. Best Cheap Car Insurance - Erie
What We Like Most:
- Cheapest provider in D.C.
- Highest J.D. Power score on our list
- Rate lock feature maintains current rates after a claim
Erie has been around for nearly a century, offering affordable rates to drivers in select states and Washington, D.C. It boasts impressive customer service scores, cheap average rates, and excellent add-ons to keep your prices low.
Who It's Best For- People on a budget
- People who want full coverage
- Drivers who travel with their pet
- People who don’t want to manage their insurance from their phone
Who It's Not Best For
People who want a well-designed mobile app- People with bad credit
Cheapest Car Insurance in D.C.
With a monthly rate of $147 ($1,769 annually), Erie is the cheapest provider in D.C. Allstate offers the most expensive average rate of $345 monthly ($4,141 annually).
| Company | Monthly average full coverage in D.C. | Annual average full coverage in D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Erie | $147 | $1,769 |
| GEICO | $151 | $1,815 |
| Progressive | $185 | $2,218 |
| Nationwide | $213 | $2,561 |
| State Farm | $262 | $3,138 |
| Allstate | $345 | $4,141 |
Rate Lock Feature Keeps Premiums Low
Erie’s rate lock feature ensures you can keep your prices low, even after an accident. With the rate lock feature, your rates won’t change unless you add a new vehicle or driver to your policy.
Integrate Pet Coverage for All Plans
Commute with your pet? Erie has you covered. Erie automatically integrates pet insurance with all of its policies, which comes in the form of $500 per pet (capped at $1,000 total for two pets) to help cover veterinary costs if your pet is injured in an accident.
2. Best for Federal Workers - GEICO
What We Like Most:
- Discounts for D.C.’s many government workers
- Largest car insurance company in D.C.
- Easy online quotes
GEICO insures 37 percent of all Washington, D.C., drivers, making by far the largest company in the capital.5 Those hundreds of thousands of drivers enjoy GEICO’s wide selection of coverage options and discounts.
Who It's Best For- Federal employees
- Military members
- Digital-savvy customers
- College students
Who It's Not Best For- People who want to work with a local agent
- People with a bad driving record
Discounts Geared to Federal Workers and Military Members
Twenty-three percent of all federal agencies are located in D.C. and the surrounding area.6 If you work in a federal agency or are part of the military, you can benefit from the following discounts:
| Discount | Maximum savings |
|---|---|
| Emergency deployment (military) | 25% |
| Federal employee | 12% |
| Military member | 15% |
| Employee affiliation for select organizations/companies | Varies |
DID YOU KNOW?
More than 141,000 federal workers are located in D.C., making it the most densely populated city for federal workers.
Discounts for Safety Features
Car insurance companies incentivize vehicle safety equipment because this equipment will, in theory, lead to fewer claims and accidents. Installing an anti-theft system will help keep your car safer in D.C. — where auto thefts are especially high — and earn you a significant discount with GEICO.
| Discount | Maximum savings |
|---|---|
| Airbag | 23% |
| Anti-lock brakes | 5% |
| Anti-theft system | 23% |
| Daytime running lights | 3% |
| New vehicle | 15% |
3. Best for High-Risk Drivers - Progressive
What We Like Most:
- 80+ years in business
- Cheapest rates for high-risk drivers
- Extensive coverage options
Progressive is the second-largest car insurance company in the country. It offers some of the best rates for drivers after a DUI or accident, and for those with bad credit. Progressive also has a robust list of coverages, making it our top pick for high-risk drivers.
Who It's Best For- Someone with a DUI on their record
- Someone with poor credit
- Someone with an accident on their record
- Someone who wants gap insurance
Who It's Not Best For- Government employees and military members
Best After a DUI
Driving under the influence is extremely dangerous and can be costly to your insurance bill. A DUI can increase your premium by anywhere from about $900 to $2,000 annually in D.C.
If you have a DUI on your record, you can find the best average rates with Progressive.
| Company | Monthly average with DUI in D.C. | Annual average with DUI in D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $171 | $2,053 |
| Erie | $221 | $$2,650 |
| GEICO | $355 | $4,265 |
| State Farm | $388 | $4,653 |
| Nationwide | $416 | $4,996 |
| Allstate | $433 | $5,196 |
DID YOU KNOW?
DUI arrests have dropped to 1 arrest for every 100 drunk drivers in D.C. However, alcohol-related fatalities have risen by 33 percent in recent years, leading to a greater demand for DUI enforcement from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and other traffic safety organizations in D.C.7
Best for Low Credit Scores
Washington, D.C. is among the many places where providers use credit scores to determine your premium. If you’re a driver in D.C. with poor credit, expect your rates to increase by 47 percent. However, you can reduce your premiums by choosing the insurer with the lowest costs. Progressive offers the best average rate ($2,053 annually) if you have less-than-stellar credit.
| Company | Monthly average with poor credit in D.C. | Annual average with poor credit in D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $171 | $2,053 |
| Erie | $221 | $2,650 |
| GEICO | $355 | $4,265 |
| State Farm | $388 | $4,653 |
| Nationwide | $416 | $4,996 |
| Allstate | $474 | $5,692 |
Cheap Rates After an Accident
With over 6,000 injuries and dozens of fatalities, 2023 saw the highest rate of traffic-related deaths in 16 years in Washington, D.C.8 While that number decreased in 2024, the district still saw similar rates of major injuries on the most dangerous roads.9 Because of how costly car accidents can be — both to property and bodily well-being — you can expect your insurance rates to increase after an accident.
At $2,909 per year for car insurance, Progressive has one of the most affordable car insurance rates after an accident.
| Company | Monthly average with accident in D.C. | Annual average with accident in D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive | $242 | $2,909 |
| Erie | $187 | $2,239 |
| State Farm | $261 | $3,136 |
| GEICO | $271 | $3,246 |
| Nationwide | $313 | $3,759 |
| Allstate | $464 | $5,564 |
4. Best for Minimum Liability - Chubb
What We Like Most:
- Cheapest minimum liability insurance
- Specialized classic car insurance
- Strong claims service
With operations in more than 50 countries, Chubb is one the largest and oldest publicly traded property and casualty insurance companies in the world. In D.C., it offers the best rates for minimum liability car insurance and several specialized coverage options for classic cars, high-end vehicles, and luxury items.
Who It's Best For- People who want minimum liability only
- Classic car owners
- High net-worth families
- Homeowners
Who It's Not Best For- High-risk drivers
Cheapest Minimum Liability Insurance
| Company | Monthly average for minimum coverage in D.C. | Annual average for minimum coverage in D.C. |
|---|---|---|
| Chubb | $36 | $431 |
| Erie | $62 | $748 |
| GEICO | $77 | $918 |
| Progressive | $102 | $1,221 |
| State Farm | $117 | $1,408 |
| Allstate | $167 | $1,999 |
Specialized Coverage for Classic Cars
If your vehicle is at least 30 years old, part of a larger vehicle collection, or a limited production model, you might qualify for Chubb’s specialized classic car coverage. Classic cars must be garaged and used for events like car shows, exhibitions, and car club activities.
With Chubb, here’s what you get with your classic car policy:
- A network of Chubb-certified repair shops
- OEM parts replacement guaranteed
- No mileage limit when using your car for approved uses (parades, exhibits, etc.)
- Optional roadside assistance
- Automatic coverage for the first 90 days of a new classic car purchase
Robust Coverage Options
With Chubb, you can get the following coverage:
- Auto insurance
- Home insurance
- Classic car insurance
- Umbrella insurance
- Travel insurance
- Jewelry insurance
- Natural disaster insurance
- Boat and yacht insurance
5. Best for Rideshare Drivers - Allstate
What We Like Most:
- One of the few rideshare providers in D.C.
- Fifth-largest provider in D.C.
- Largest home-bundle discount on our list
With nearly 100 years in business, Allstate is one of the most recognizable car insurance companies in the country and one of the largest in D.C. Washington, D.C., is one of the highest-paying cities for rideshare drivers, and Allstate is one of the few car insurance companies that offer rideshare insurance in the city.
Who It's Best For- Rideshare drivers
- Homeowners
- Safe drivers
- Good students
Who It's Not Best For- Military members
- People looking for the cheapest option
Great Rideshare Coverage
If you’re a rideshare driver in D.C., you’ll need additional rideshare coverage to stay protected throughout the entirety of your drive. While your personal insurance and TNC policy (provided by the rideshare company) cover most of your trip, the time you spend waiting to connect with your next passenger is not protected by personal/TNC coverage; rideshare insurance will fill that insurance gap.
Allstate’s Ride for Hire program is a rideshare coverage option you can add, often for just $5 to $10 monthly. Allstate will extend your existing coverage limits to your rideshare gaps, giving you the protection you need for the entirety of your drive. It will also reimburse gaps between your personal policy’s deductible and the TNC (rideshare company) deductible.
Did You Know?
At about $23 per hour for Uber drivers, Washington, D.C., offers one of the highest hourly pay rates for rideshare workers in the country. The city recorded over 50,000 Uber drivers as early as 2019, and that number is about to increase as Uber partners with local taxi drivers in D.C.
Sizable Homeowner Discount
If you’re a homeowner in D.C., you can benefit from one of the largest bundling discounts in the industry. Allstate offers up to 25 percent on your auto insurance when you bundle your home and auto insurance policies.
Cover a Range of Vehicles
With Allstate, you can add coverage for a variety of vehicles, which can help simplify your insurance needs by consolidating all of your coverage plans to one provider.
Here’s everything you can insure with Allstate:
- Boats
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
- Off-road vehicles
- RVs
- Snowmobiles
- ATVs
- Motorhomes
Frequently Asked Questions
At $2,456 per year, average car insurance rates in D.C. are actually comparable to the national average ($2,399). However, as of the most recently available data (2022) D.C. has the highest rate of uninsured drivers in the country at over 25 percent.10 In other words, 1 in 4 D.C. drivers does not have car insurance. Higher levels of uninsured drivers increase insurance rates, because companies raise premiums to offset the increased financial risk of accidents involving drivers without coverage.
Additionally, in past years, premiums across the country have risen due to inflation, increased vehicle thefts, and higher rates of natural disasters. D.C. also has higher rates of auto theft than other states, so you may see a larger premium depending on your neighborhood.
Yes, Washington, D.C. is a no-fault district, which means each party in a car accident will be responsible for paying for their own injuries — regardless of who is at fault.
Unlike most no-fault states, D.C. does not require drivers to obtain personal injury protection (PIP). However, it does require car insurance companies to offer PIP.
According to D.C.’s District Department of Transportation, you need to meet the following minimum insurance requirements to drive legally:
- $25,000 in bodily injury per person
- $50,000 in bodily injury per accident
- $10,000 in property damage liability
- $25,000 per person/$50,000 per accident in uninsured motorist bodily injury
- $5,000 in uninsured motorist property damage
With average annual premiums starting at around $3,100, USAA offers the cheapest coverage to households with teens in D.C.
Methodology
At AutoInsurance.com, we assess car insurance companies based on four main criteria:
- Pricing (40%): We evaluate average rates for full and minimum coverage for good drivers with excellent credit, along with different driver profiles, including ones with traffic violations, accidents, or poor credit. We also look at offered discounts. Full coverage averages feature the following limits:
- Bodily injury liability: $100,000 per person/$300,000 per accident
- Property damage liability: $50,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist bodily injury: $50,000 per person/$100,000 per accident
- Uninsured motorist property damage: $5,000
- Comprehensive and collision: $500 deductible
- Claims Process (25%): An exemplary claims process from a car insurance company is timely, transparent, and efficient. It also provides prompt communication, fair damage assessments, and punctual payment or resolution. We evaluate claims handling through sources like J.D. Power’s U.S. Claims Satisfaction Study.
- Customer Experience (25%): We prioritize ease in the customer journey at every step. This includes getting a quote, buying a policy, and making policy changes. We look at the accessibility and quality of all interactions, along with the user experience of the company’s website and mobile app. Our sources include J.D. Power studies.
- Coverage Options (10%): We assess each insurer’s coverage offerings and prefer providers with options beyond the state-required minimums, including accident forgiveness, gap coverage, rideshare coverage, and more.
Take a closer look at our ratings and methodology.
Citations
2024 Year-to-Date Crime Comparison. Metropolitan Police Washington D.C. (2024, Mar 7).
https://mpdc.dc.gov/page/district-crime-data-glanceThese vehicles are Washington thieves’ biggest targets. KOIN 6. (2025, Mar 19).
https://www.koin.com/news/washington/these-vehicles-are-washington-thieves-biggest-targets/2025 State of Auto Insurance: Rate Increases Are Slowing Down in 2025. PR Newswire. (2025, Jan 07).
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2025-state-of-auto-insurance-rate-increases-are-slowing-down-in-2025-302344613.htmlIt’s Now a Buyer’s Market for Auto Insurance, J.D. Power Finds. J.D. Power. (2025, Jun 10).
https://www.jdpower.com/business/press-releases/2025-us-auto-insurance-study2022 Market Share Reports For Property/Casualty Groups and Companies by State and Countrywide. National Association of Insurance Commissioners. (2023, Sep).
https://content.naic.org/sites/default/files/publication-msr-pb-property-casualty.pdfFederal Civilian Employment. U.S. Office of Personnel Management. (20217, Sep).
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/data-analysis-documentation/federal-employment-reports/reports-publications/federal-civilian-employment/‘Not enough (officers) to catch the ones we don’t get’: DUI arrests down as deaths rise. NBC Washington. (2023, Aug 31).
https://www.nbcwashington.com/investigations/not-enough-officers-to-catch-the-ones-we-dont-get-dui-arrests-down-as-deaths-rise/3414906/D.C.’s deadly streets take a growing toll on residents, victims. The Washington Post. (2023, Dec 21).
https://www.washingtonpost.com/transportation/2023/12/19/dc-traffic-deaths-safety/Traffic Fatalities Have Doubled Since D.C.’s Promise of Zero. Washington Post. (2024, Aug 23).
https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2024/08/23/vision-zero-dc-traffic-deaths/Facts + Statistics: Uninsured motorists. Insurance Information Institute. (2025).
https://www.iii.org/fact-statistic/facts-statistics-uninsured-motorists
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