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Understanding DC Car Insurance Requirements: What You Need to Know

Learn about DC car insurance requirements, including minimum coverage limits, legal obligations, and tips for finding the right policy.

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Is car insurance required in Washington, DC? Yes, drivers with vehicles registered in Washington, DC, or those that have reciprocity parking permits, must meet minimum car insurance requirements. Washington, DC car insurance requirements include liability coverage and uninsured motorist coverage.

Keep reading below to learn about the required types of coverage, minimum limit amounts, and additional coverages that might be useful in Washington, DC.

Minimum Coverage Mandates

Washington, DC car insurance requirements dictate that anybody who applies for a DC car registration or reciprocity parking permit must have valid DC car insurance. The minimum requirements include specific amounts of bodily injury liability, property damage liability, and uninsured motorist coverage.

Learn more about these types of coverage and the minimum coverage limits below.

Bodily Injury Liability

Bodily injury liability coverage pays for expenses related to a person’s injuries if you are found to be at fault in an accident. It might cover their medical bills, lost wages, legal fees, and other expenses related to their injury. However, it does not cover your own medical expenses if you are injured.

In Washington, DC, you must have at least $25,000 of bodily injury liability per person with up to $50,000 per accident.

Property Damage Liability

Property damage liability pays for expenses related to damage to anyone else’s property if you are found to be at fault in an accident. It could cover damages to another vehicle or another piece of property, but it will not cover damages to your own vehicle.

The minimum liability coverage limit for property damage in DC is $10,000.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Uninsured motorist coverage helps to cover expenses if you are in an accident with an uninsured driver or someone without sufficient insurance. Similar to liability insurance, it includes separate coverage limits for bodily injury and property damage. Instead of covering others’ expenses, it will cover your own injuries or property after an accident.

The minimum insurance requirements for uninsured motorist coverage are similar to the liability coverage requirements. You must have at least $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person with up to $50,000 per accident. However, you only need a minimum of $5,000 in property damage coverage.

Factors Influencing Premium Costs

Many different factors can affect your auto insurance rates. Location plays a big role in determining how much you pay. The state’s insurance requirements, as well as the characteristics of your ZIP code, are all important. The higher your coverage limits, the more you’ll pay. And if you live in areas with higher crime rates or more accidents, you’ll also pay more.

In addition, your demographics are a big determinant of your premiums. This includes your age, gender, marital status, profession, and credit score. Your driving history is also taken into account. Insurance companies will look at how much driving experience you have, as well as whether you have a history of accidents, tickets, and insurance claims.

Finally, one last major factor is your vehicle. Your car’s year, safety features, repair costs, and ownership history can all be used to calculate your insurance rates.

Additional Coverage Options

Besides the required liability and uninsured motorist coverage, DC residents have the option to purchase other types of coverage that can be useful in the district. Washington, DC follows a modified no-fault car insurance procedure. This leaves drivers the option to have their car insurance company cover their own expenses after an accident. Or they can choose to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver to have the other company pay.

Therefore, DC car insurance companies must offer no-fault personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. PIP coverage will cover your medical expenses after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. It may cover expenses such as rehabilitation costs, lost wages due to your injuries, or funeral expenses. Drivers should contact their insurance company after an accident, and they will have 60 days to decide whether they want to receive PIP benefits or file a lawsuit against the other driver.

Other types of coverage that you might choose to purchase (but are not required by DC law) include:

  • Collision coverage – Covers damage to your vehicle after an accident
  • Comprehensive coverage – Covers damage to your vehicle after non-accident related events, such as theft, animals, fire, etc.

Legal Implications of Driving Without Coverage

DC drivers must be able to show proof of insurance when they are getting ready to register a vehicle or apply for a reciprocity permit. You must also be able to provide this proof of insurance if you are pulled over, either with a physical card or on your phone. However, the DC DMV utilizes a Car Insurance Verification System (CIVS) that keeps updated information on all DC driver insurance policies.

Your car insurance company is required to report changes to your policy, such as cancellations or renewals, for the CIVS. If the DMV gets notice that your coverage has lapsed, you must then provide proof of insurance in order to keep driving. You can do this by contacting your insurance agent or company. If you cannot provide proof of coverage, you must hand in your license plates and surrender your registration.

If you don’t have proper coverage while driving, your registration or license may be suspended, and you may have to pay fines.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Monetary fines for non-compliance with DC car insurance requirements can be up to $500, depending on the severity of your violation and whether it’s your first offense. In addition, you might have your license suspended or your car impounded. Your license suspension can vary in duration. In order to get your car out of impound, you must provide proof of insurance and pay to have your car released.

Importance of Adequate Insurance Coverage in DC

Having proper car insurance in DC guarantees you are covered legally and financially. To avoid the penalties associated with non-compliance, you must meet the minimum insurance requirements. In addition, your insurance will protect you and your assets after an accident.

Insurance rates can vary a lot, depending on your ZIP code. Compare custom options for DC car insurance policies and get free insurance quotes from multiple companies in one place.